Chesapeake Utilities Wins Accomack County Natural Gas Expansion Bid
Chesapeake Utilities announced the Accomack County Board of Supervisors has awarded the company its natural gas expansion bid, authorizing Chesapeake Utilities to begin engineering a new natural gas system it will construct, own and operate to enhance energy reliability on Virginia's Eastern Shore. Accomack County will contribute $6.5M through a state grant to initiate a project that would extend natural gas pipeline infrastructure from outside Princess Anne, Maryland, to Temperanceville, Virginia. The pipeline is intended to serve homes and major employers including the NASA Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island operations and regional poultry facilities. A 2022 state-commissioned study identified natural gas access as a key driver of future economic development for the region as Accomack County currently has no access to piped natural gas. Funding will be used to begin the first phase of the project including engineering, permitting, land acquisition and developing a capital investment estimate.
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- Project Approval: Chesapeake Utilities Corporation has been awarded the natural gas expansion bid by the Accomack County Board of Supervisors, indicating the company's plan to construct a new natural gas system that will significantly enhance energy reliability on Virginia's Eastern Shore.
- Funding Support: Accomack County will contribute $6.5 million through a state grant to initiate the pipeline infrastructure project extending from outside Princess Anne, Maryland, to Temperanceville, Virginia, which is expected to provide lower-cost energy options for local residents and major employers.
- Economic Growth Catalyst: The project aims to serve major employers, including the NASA Wallops Flight Facility, with natural gas services, and Chesapeake Utilities' CEO emphasized that access to natural gas is a key driver for economic growth, intending to attract new industries and lower energy costs for the community.
- Commitment to Sustainability: A 2022 state-commissioned study identified natural gas access as a crucial factor for future economic development in the region, and this project will ensure the long-term availability of reliable and sustainable natural gas services, supporting economic development and expanding access to affordable energy.
- Customer Satisfaction Recognition: Chesapeake Utilities' subsidiaries, Florida City Gas and Florida Public Utilities, have been named 2025 Utility Customer Champions, showcasing their exceptional performance in customer satisfaction and reflecting the commitment of their teams to deliver reliable service.
- Industry Distinction: These two utilities stand out among just 36 nationwide honorees, underscoring their strong customer experience and enhancing the company's reputation within the energy and utility sector.
- Trust Building: Both Florida City Gas and Florida Public Utilities scored 769 on Escalent's Engaged Customer Relationship Index, placing them in the top decile, which highlights their success in building customer trust and providing customer-centric support.
- Historical Achievements: This marks the fourth recognition for Florida City Gas and the first for Florida Public Utilities, demonstrating the company's ongoing efforts and accomplishments in the customer service domain.
- Customer Satisfaction Recognition: Chesapeake Utilities' subsidiaries, Florida City Gas and Florida Public Utilities, have been named 2025 Utility Customer Champions, reflecting their exceptional service with a score of 769, placing them in the top decile of the industry.
- Commitment to Customers: Executives emphasize that this honor showcases the strength of their teams and their commitment to delivering safe, reliable, customer-focused service, aiming to build long-term trust with the communities they serve.
- Historic Achievement: This marks the first time Florida Public Utilities has received the Customer Champion designation, while Florida City Gas has been recognized for the fourth time, previously earning accolades such as the 2024 Customer Champion and 2023 Easiest to Do Business With Brand.
- Diverse Business Operations: Chesapeake Utilities Corporation offers sustainable energy solutions across natural gas transmission and distribution, electricity generation, and propane distribution, serving over 275,500 customers across multiple Florida counties, highlighting its diversified presence in the energy sector.
- Share Increase: Tufton Capital disclosed a purchase of 23,304 shares of Chesapeake Utilities in a January 28 SEC filing, with an estimated transaction value of $3.07 million, indicating confidence in the company.
- Asset Value Growth: The value of Tufton's stake in Chesapeake Utilities increased by $2.20 million due to trading activity and market price changes, suggesting a favorable return on investment.
- Portfolio Allocation: Chesapeake Utilities now represents 2.06% of Tufton's 13F assets under management, highlighting its significance in a diversified investment strategy.
- Financial Performance: Chesapeake Utilities reported a third-quarter net income of $19.4 million, or $0.82 per share, reflecting strong performance driven by infrastructure expansion and organic growth in gas distribution.
- Share Increase: Tufton Capital Management disclosed an increase of 23,304 shares in Chesapeake Utilities in a January 28 SEC filing, with an estimated transaction value of $3.07 million, indicating confidence in the company.
- Value Appreciation: The quarter-end value of Chesapeake Utilities' stake rose by $2.20 million, reflecting both new shares and market price changes, showcasing the company's robust performance during its capital-intensive growth phase.
- Earnings Growth: Chesapeake Utilities reported a third-quarter net income of $19.4 million, or $0.82 per share, demonstrating strong growth from organic gas distribution and infrastructure investments, with management reaffirming 2025 adjusted EPS guidance of $6.15 to $6.35.
- Market Performance Analysis: Despite a 5.15% increase in Chesapeake Utilities' stock price over the past year, it lags the S&P 500 by about 11 percentage points, reflecting a slower market response to its stable cash flows and infrastructure-driven growth model.
- Price Surge: U.S. natural gas futures surged nearly 20% on Monday to $3.70 per MMBtu, rebounding from a low of $3.10, marking the largest one-day gain since October 2024, reflecting strong market reactions to cold weather forecasts.
- Cold Wave Impact: An intensifying Arctic outbreak is expected to affect the central and eastern U.S., with the National Weather Service predicting lake-effect snow accumulations of 8-12 inches and temperatures 20 to 30 degrees below average, significantly boosting heating demand.
- Demand Spike: More than 200 million Americans are forecasted to experience below-freezing temperatures, with wind chills plunging to 20 to 30 degrees below zero in parts of Minnesota, which will greatly increase heating and electricity generation needs, potentially driving gas prices higher.
- Market Reaction: With Wall Street closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, natural gas-linked stocks such as EQT, Chesapeake, and Antero Resources may react positively when markets reopen, prompting investors to monitor these companies' stock price movements.











