Natural Gas.

Good for the economy

Good for the environment

Good for the residents and businesses of Lewes, Delaware

Smart Energy. Smart Choice.

At Chesapeake Utilities Corporation, one of the

questions we hear most is “when will you bring

natural gas into our area?” It’s easy to understand

why. Natural gas saves customers money on

energy, contributes to a healthy local economy,

and helps reduce harmful emissions such as

mercury, sulfur dioxide and CO2.

Over time, we have been able to extend the

natural gas distribution infrastructure to new

areas in Sussex County including Milford, Milton,

Georgetown, Harbeson and Millsboro. And now,

thanks to a commitment by two major commercial

entities, our Delaware natural gas division is

is serving our first two customers in Lewes.

Though the economic and environmental

benefits of natural gas are well known, we know

that the residents and businesses of Lewes may

have questions. We look forward to providing the

answers in upcoming public forums. We are

confident that when you understand all the good

things that come with natural gas, you’ll understand

why this is a positive step for Lewes, its employers,

and its homeowners.

While rich in history, Lewes is also focused on the future, with a mandate to be a “green city.” The availability of natural gas will help Lewes achieve this important goal by helping to reduce emissions.

Where natural gas goes, good things follow

Operating as Chesapeake Utilities, the Company’s natural gas distribution operations serve approximately 54,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Delaware and Maryland. The Delaware Division serves southern New Castle County and is the only natural gas distribution system serving Delaware’s Kent and Sussex Counties. The Maryland Division operates the only natural gas distribution system, with the exception of one municipal system, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

It is estimated that the anticipated switch to natural gas energy by two commercial operations in Lewes will reduce both facilities’ carbon emissions by over 15%. In the past three years, customers who switched to natural gas in Sussex County reduced carbon emissions by approximately 24,000 tons per year, which is equal to taking about 4,100 cars off the road.

In addition to providing natural gas to two commercial facilities, we have begun to survey a number of developments and commercial properties to gauge interest in converting to natural gas. Subject to economics, additional customer conversions to natural gas will help further reduce the town’s carbon footprint and reduce energy costs.

Providing natural gas service in Lewes and the surrounding communities has required Chesapeake Utilities to extend our natural gas distribution infrastructure approximately 12 miles from Harbeson, DE. This mainline extension will provide the foundation to serve new customers for many years. The map below shows the general location of the new pipeline in Lewes.

Map © Delaware DataMIL

Cleaner air for Lewes. Savings for Lewes residents and businesses.

A plan for the future.

Natural gas is clean. By far the cleanest burning of fossil fuels, natural gas emits about 45% less CO2 than coal, and 27% less CO2 than oil, helping to curtail global warming.

Natural gas is efficient. 92% of the natural gas delivered to customers is usable energy, compared to only 32% for coal burned to make electricity.

Natural gas is abundant. Our current domestic natural gas base is large enough to meet current U.S. production for another 100 years.

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Natural gas is domestic.About 98% of the natural gas used in North America comes from North America, helping to make us more energy independent and less vulnerable to volatile oil pricing.

Natural gas is safe.According to the National Transportation Safety Board, natural gas pipelines are the safest form of energy transportation – safer than by truck or rail. And natural gas companies spend approximately $7 billion a year on safety programs.

Natural gas is preferred.Across the U.S., natural gas is used in roughly 65 million homes, 5 million commercial and public buildings including schools and hospitals, and 195,000 factories.

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Source: American Gas Association

Smart Energy. Smart Choice.

1. What is the first step in determining if gas will be available in a neighborhood?

With enough residents and businesses in the area committed to the extension of our gas main, we will gladly provide gas service to your home.

2. Will I save money on my fuel bills by switching to natural gas for my home?

Typically, you can lower your energy bill significantly by switching from oil, propane, or electric.

3. How much will it cost to have natural gas installed to my home or business?

The distance from our main to your home or business will be the determining factor as well as the natural gas appliances you select.

4. If my home or business is not near a natural gas main, can I still get natural gas service?

We may be able to provide you with service, but you may need to pay a portion of the cost for extending the gas main to your home or business.

5. Will Chesapeake recommend a contractor to provide the conversion?

We can provide you with a list of preferred contractors or you may chose to use any licensed contractor.

6. How much will it cost to switch to natural gas? Your contractor can help you decide what solution is best for

you. Typically, the cost to switch to natural gas depends upon the equipment you select and the fuel type.

7. Do you offer rebates or incentives? While Chesapeake does not offer rebates or incentives at

this point, some manufacturers offer programs. Check with your contractor for details.

8. What is the next step once I decide to switch to natural gas?

Contact your Chesapeake Utilities sales representative. Our representative will gather the needed information.

9. If I am converting from propane, will I be able to keep my current appliances? In many cases, conversion kits are available. Your contractor will be able to confirm conversion about specific appliances.

10. Do you offer financing? While Chesapeake Utilities does not offer financing, many

manufacturers and third parties offer financing. Check with your contractor for details.

FAQs Smart Energy. Smart Choice.

For additional information or questions, please call 1-800-427-0015 and ask for Sales.