Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE: CPK) announced today that it is in the final pre-construction stage associated with a $6.3 million capital project that would expand infrastructure to serve new customers from Sussex County, Delaware, to northern Ocean City, Maryland, while also increasing the reliability of the existing distribution system in those areas.
As part of the planned project, Chesapeake Utilities will construct a new pipeline to extend existing infrastructure through Fenwick Island, Delaware, to northern Ocean City to serve residences and businesses.
In 2017, Sandpiper Energy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, completed conversion of the Ocean City gas system from propane to natural gas. Since that conversion, there continues to be increased demand for natural gas.
Pending receipt of the remaining permits, construction will begin in the second quarter, with estimated completion in the fourth quarter.
“Customer demand continues to support long-term growth for our Company, with customer growth in our Delmarva natural gas distribution service territories continuing at levels two to three times above the national average customer growth rate,” said Jeff Householder, president and CEO.