Chesapeake Utilities Receives Approval for New Infrastructure to Support Three Renewable Natural Gas Projects in Florida

Rhea-AI Summary

Chesapeake Utilities (NYSE: CPK) announced that its subsidiary, Peninsula Pipeline Company (PPC), received approval for three renewable natural gas infrastructure projects in Florida. The projects, located in Brevard, Indian River, and Miami-Dade counties, will bring renewable natural gas from local landfills into Florida City Gas's distribution system. With a combined capital investment of $46 million, these projects aim to increase gas supply, strengthen system reliability, and enhance flexibility.

The projects will add a total of 13,100 Dth/day of additional supply capacity and involve constructing approximately 27 miles of new transmission infrastructure. Completion is estimated for the first half of 2025. Additionally, the Florida Public Service Commission approved the transfer of the Pioneer Supply Pipeline asset from FCG to PPC, optimizing Chesapeake Utilities' asset alignment.

Positive

• Approval received for three renewable natural gas infrastructure projects in Florida
• Combined capital investment of $46 million for the projects
• Projects will add 13,100 Dth/day of additional supply capacity
• Strengthens system reliability and flexibility
• Supports expected growth in demand
• Aligns with company's commitment to growth and sustainability

Negative

• None.

Insights

Energy Market Analyst

Chesapeake Utilities' expansion in renewable natural gas (RNG) infrastructure marks an important step in aligning the company's operations with growing trends in sustainability and alternative energy sources. The approval from the Florida Public Service Commission not only facilitates growth but also strengthens the company's commitment to environmentally friendly practices. The use of methane from landfills, a potent greenhouse gas and converting it into RNG directly supports carbon reduction goals, which is a significant impact on environmental metrics.

For investors, this venture into RNG represents a long-term growth opportunity as the demand for clean energy continues to rise. The $46 million investment, while substantial, should be viewed as a strategic entry into a market poised for expansion. The infrastructure projects will likely enhance system reliability and flexibility, setting Chesapeake Utilities up to meet future demand growth efficiently. Investors should note that capturing and using RNG can also lead to potential regulatory credits or benefits, adding another layer of financial advantage.

 Using Renewable Energy to Support Growing Markets

DOVER, Del., July 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE: CPK) today announced that its subsidiary, Peninsula Pipeline Company (PPC), received approval from the Florida Public Service Commission for three projects that expand natural gas infrastructure to benefit customers of Florida City Gas (FCG), also a subsidiary of Chesapeake Utilities.

The projects, located in Florida's Brevard, Indian River and Miami-Dade counties, will bring renewable natural gas produced from local landfills into FCG's natural gas distribution system. Benefits of these PPC projects include increased gas supply to serve expected FCG growth, strengthened system reliability and additional system flexibility. The projects represent a combined capital investment of $46 million and are estimated to be completed in the first half of 2025.

"These renewable natural gas infrastructure projects further demonstrate Chesapeake Utilities' commitment to both growth and sustainability. These projects use methane that would otherwise escape into the environment and allow this renewable, locally sourced gas to be transported into our system for the beneficial use of our customers," said Kevin Webber, senior vice president and chief development officer. "They highlight our ability to meet customer demand by leveraging our transmission and distribution systems to safely and reliably deliver renewable natural gas into growing markets." 

In Brevard County, once completed, the project will reinforce FCG's system with a new alternative gas source, bringing additional supply of 3,200 Dth/day into the FCG distribution system. Additionally, it will create flow design enhancements that position FCG's system to meet expected new demand growth in the county. The Brevard County project will consist of approximately five miles of new transmission infrastructure with a total capital spend of approximately $6 million.

The Indian River County project will see equivalent results with the project resulting in the interconnection of three existing transmission systems once completed. The new facilities will result in 3,200 Dth/day of additional supply into the FCG distribution system, providing resiliency to customers and consist of approximately 14 miles of new transmission infrastructure, a district regulator station, a tie-in with FCG's distribution system and an interconnect with existing PPC facilities. The total capital spend of the Indian River County project will be approximately $18 million.

The third project, in Miami-Dade County, will bring an additional 6,700 Dth/day of capacity to the area via approximately eight miles of new transmission infrastructure and a new district regulator station that is tied in with FCG's distribution system. The project will support the need for additional supply in this area of South Florida, while also reinforcing FCG's system with locally-sourced renewable natural gas. The total capital spend of the project will be approximately $22 million.

In addition, the Florida Public Service Commission approved the transfer of the Pioneer Supply Pipeline asset from FCG to PPC, which allows Chesapeake Utilities to better align its assets and services within its relevant subsidiaries. Pioneer Supply will continue to provide service to FCG and FPU through two existing contracts and will now add two new delivery offtakes to serve additional gas supply needs for FPU.

About Chesapeake Utilities Corporation
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is a diversified energy delivery company, listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Chesapeake Utilities Corporation offers sustainable energy solutions through its natural gas transmission and distribution, electricity generation and distribution, propane gas distribution, mobile compressed natural gas utility services and solutions, and other businesses.

Please note that Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is not affiliated with Chesapeake Energy, an oil and natural gas exploration company headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Media Contact:

Susan Cellura
Manager, External Communications
904.654.5087
SCellura@chpk.com

Investor Relations Contact:

Lucia M. Dempsey
Head of Investor Relations
347.804.9067
LDempsey@chpk.com

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SOURCE Chesapeake Utilities Corporation

FAQ

What is the total capital investment for Chesapeake Utilities' new renewable natural gas projects in Florida?

Chesapeake Utilities (NYSE: CPK) is investing a total of $46 million in three renewable natural gas infrastructure projects in Florida.

How much additional supply capacity will the new CPK projects add to Florida City Gas's distribution system?

The three projects will add a total of 13,100 Dth/day of additional supply capacity to Florida City Gas's distribution system.

When are Chesapeake Utilities' (CPK) new renewable natural gas projects in Florida expected to be completed?

The three renewable natural gas infrastructure projects in Florida are estimated to be completed in the first half of 2025.

In which Florida counties are Chesapeake Utilities' (CPK) new renewable natural gas projects located?

The new renewable natural gas projects are located in Brevard, Indian River, and Miami-Dade counties in Florida.