Chesapeake Utilities to Engineer Eastern Shore Natural Gas Extension After Accomack County Win

Eastern Shore natural gas network moves to engineering stage

Chesapeake Utilities wins Accomack County bid and begins engineering a new natural gas system to serve Virginia’s Eastern Shore after the Accomack County Board of Supervisors awards the project to the company. The Board authorizes Chesapeake Utilities to construct, own and operate the pipeline extension, which is designed to improve energy reliability for residents and major employers along the corridor from outside Princess Anne, Maryland, to Temperanceville, Virginia.

The pipeline is intended to supply homes and businesses that currently lack piped natural gas, including the NASA Wallops Flight Facility and regional poultry operations, offering a lower‑cost, reliable alternative to electricity and heating oil. Accomack County plans to contribute $6.5 million, provided through a state grant, to launch the first phase of work. Local officials and the company cite a 2022 state‑commissioned study that identifies natural gas access as a key driver of future development on the Eastern Shore.

Chesapeake Utilities says the $6.5 million funds initial engineering, permitting, land acquisition and the development of a capital investment estimate as the company prepares detailed project plans and regulatory filings. Jeff Householder, president, CEO and chair of Chesapeake Utilities, states access to natural gas is an essential catalyst for economic growth, arguing the project will expand affordable energy access, attract new industry, create construction and operations jobs, and reduce regional dependence on heating oil.

Local economic and operational implications

County and company officials frame the project as a tool for economic development around Wallops Island operations and poultry processing facilities that rely heavily on costsensitive energy. By introducing piped natural gas, the initiative seeks to support both existing employers and prospective industrial investment that may consider the Eastern Shore more competitive with access to lowerfuel costs and greater energy reliability.

Company capabilities and immediate next steps

Chesapeake Utilities positions the work within its broader portfolio of energy delivery services, including natural gas transmission and distribution, electricity generation and distribution, propane distribution and mobile compressed natural gas solutions. The company is proceeding with engineering and permitting milestones while preparing to advance land acquisition and capital planning; more details are available from Chesapeake Utilities’ public materials.