Chesapeake Utilities and Sharp Energy open new AutoGas fuelling station

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation and Sharp Energy, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary, have opened the new Sharp Energy headquarters building and AutoGas fuelling station in Georgetown, Delaware. The ribbon cutting ceremony was held on 30 June 2016 at 22945 East Piney Grove Road, Georgetown, Delaware. The event was hosted by Chesapeake and Sharp Energy and attended by state, local and Company officials.

The new 18 000 ft² building provides a central location for both customers and employees and consolidates Sharp Energy's operations. With the construction of this new modern facility, Sharp Energy is able to house its retail and supply functions in one location, increase its storage capacity and offer a public dispensing centre for AutoGas. In addition, 20 positions have moved to the new facility almost doubling the previous number of employees based in Georgetown.

"I am extremely pleased to see the completion of the new Sharp Energy headquarters building in Georgetown," said Michael P. McMasters, President and Chief Executive Officer of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation. "This new facility will allow us to more effectively meet the needs of our Delmarva energy customers in Sussex County. We're looking forward to playing an even bigger role in supporting this community."

Sharp Energy's new headquarters site is the location of the seventh public AutoGas fuelling station in the Mid-Atlantic region. "We're very proud to add this propane fuelling station to Sussex County," said Elaine B. Bittner, Senior Vice President of Strategic Development and Chief Operating Officer of Sharp Energy, Inc. "The stations are supporting the company's environmental initiatives in supplying propane, a clean burning alternative fuel, to the rapidly growing number of fleet vehicles in the area."

AutoGas-powered vehicles produce up to 20% lower emissions than gasoline vehicles and offer substantial cost savings on fuel and maintenance.

"The site of our new headquarters building provides an ideal working environment for our employees and a convenient location for our customers," said S. Robert Zola, President of Sharp Energy. "We look forward to continuing to serve our customers and the community for many years to come."

Sharp Energy's new facility incorporates green technology best management practices (GTBMPs) that consist of grassed channels, bio-swales and filter strips. These GTBMPs clean the runoff through filtration and reduce the amount of rainfall leaving the site.

The headquarters building is located on 12 acres of land. Construction was completed on time in May and created 80 construction jobs.

Adapted from press release by Rosalie Starling

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/08072016/chesapeake-utilities-and-sharp-energy-open-new-fuelling-station-3670/