The electric department in Milford, Delaware, was formed in 1908 when the city decided to manage its own electricity rather than rely on private companies. This was both a practical and community-minded choice, as Milford was rapidly developing around the turn of the 20th century due to commerce brought from its shipping port.
| Population | 14,079 |
| Electric customers | 8,740 |
| Utility formed | 1908 |
| Utility employees | 17 |
Milford has evolved significantly since, with the economic boom that arrived with the opening of its shipyard laying the foundation for a town that has remained a hub of commerce and culture. While the historic shipyard no longer serves as a major transit hub, Milford remains a thriving town that is once again experiencing a wave of development supported by its public power utility.
Lauren Swain, the city of Milford’s economic development and community engagement administrator, said commitment to both civic and environmental stewardship has long been integral to the town’s culture.
“We’re known throughout the state as ‘Rivertown, Art Town, Hometown.’ The city celebrates the beauty of its natural resources, its people, and its commitment to quality of life,” Swain said.
She said the electric utility’s integration with the city has been vital for sustaining a community that continues to grow and thrive into the 21st century.
“The best part is knowing that everything we do directly benefits our customers and our city. Decisions aren’t driven by shareholders but instead by what’s best for our city. We can direct our resources where they’re most needed and focus on providing the best value for our customers,” Swain said.
Milford Electric’s close relationship with the community has fostered a greater sense of closeness, especially since its staff are a vital part of community life.
“Our employees are part of the community and regularly interact with our customers as part of our normal operations,” Swain said. “You’ll see us at local events, supporting schools, and volunteering for community projects. When storms hit or outages occur, we’re out there working hard to restore power because we know the people we’re helping personally.”
The town has experienced significant growth, with its population more than doubling over the past 20 years along with a wave of economic development, including the Milford Corporate Center, a business park slated to complete its first phase at the beginning of the summer. Swain, who was born and raised in Milford, noted how residents are grateful that the town is building infrastructure that will provide quality employment for the next generation.
“We’re excited that we’re building a corporate center so our kids and their kids can be employed here,” Swain said. Some of the current largest employers (and electric customers) in the city are health systems and Perdue Farms.
Like other towns supported by a public power utility, Milford’s affordable electric rates and quality of service have proven appealing to companies looking to settle in the area. The electric department’s commitment to affordability and reliability has served as a standout example for how public power provides the foundation for a sustained quality of life over generations.
Swain said the department’s priorities include maintaining exceptional reliability while continuing to invest in grid modernization.
“We have a major battery energy storage system underway that will help with reducing our system peak load while also allowing us to increase the amount of solar we can interconnect on our system. We expect it to provide other benefits as well, such as improved grid reliability and resilience. We’re also focused on energy efficiency programs to help customers manage cost and reduce environmental impact. Ultimately, our goal is to keep Milford’s electric system strong, sustainable, and ready for the future,” Swain said.
She emphasized that the success of Milford’s electric department comes from the commitment of its staff and their closeness to the community.
“Our utility employees go above and beyond every single day. We’re lucky to have our entire team living here as we plan for the future, especially since we love our hometown and everything about Milford,” Swain said.
