Sharp Energy cuts ribbon in Georgetown
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation and Sharp Energy Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary, have opened the new Sharp Energy headquarters building and AutoGas fueling station in Georgetown. The ribbon cutting ceremony was held June 30 at 22945 East Piney Grove Road. The event was hosted by Chesapeake and Sharp Energy and attended by state, local and company officials.
The new 18,000-square-foot building provides a convenient, 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 center for AutoGas. In addition, 20 positions have moved to the new facility almost doubling the previous number of employees based in Georgetown.
Sharp Energy’s new headquarters site is the location of the seventh public AutoGas fueling stations in the Mid-Atlantic region. The stations are supporting the company’s environmental initiatives in supplying propane to fuel the rapidly growing number of fleet vehicles in the area that now run on this clean-burning alternative fuel. AutoGas-powered vehicles produce lower emissions than gasoline vehicles and offer substantial cost savings on fuel and maintenance. AutoGas burns cleaner than gasoline, allowing AutoGas-powered vehicles to experience less maintenance, increased engine life and lowered associated vehicle downtime in addition to the cost savings.
“Also, almost all propane is produced in the United States helping to reduce our country’s dependence on foreign oil. I am extremely pleased to see the completion of the new Sharp Energy headquarters building in Georgetown,” said Michael P. McMasters, president and CEO of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation.
“This new facility will allow us to more effectively meet the needs of our customers. The site of our new headquarters building, which includes Georgetown’s first public propane AutoGas fueling station, 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 was designed to meet the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s new sediment and storm water regulations, which were effective January 1, 2014. Delaware’s new sediment and storm water regulations changed from peak-based to volume-based management in consideration of the potential impacts to the specific watershed. To comply with the new regulations, the site’s design incorporates green technology best management practices 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 $6 million headquarters building is located on 12 acres of land and can house 40 employees. Construction was completed on time in May.
Now based in Georgetown, Sharp Energy distributes propane to approximately 37,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and Pennsylvania. With four rail facilities and over 2,000,000 gallons of propane storage, Sharp Energy has established a solid supply portfolio. SharpCGS specializes in the design and operation of innovative propane distribution systems for the home and for communities. Sharp has been providing reliable, dependable gas service on the Delmarva Peninsula and beyond for more than 25 years and has built regulated gas distribution systems for more than 20 years.
Sharp Energy is a proud partner of Alliance AutoGas, a national network of companies that have joined together to deliver a comprehensive alternative fueling solution including EPA-certified propane AutoGas vehicle conversions, on-site fueling infrastructure, fuel supply, safety and operational training and ongoing technical support. To learn more about Sharp Energy and the Sharp family of businesses, go to www.sharpenergy.com.
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is a diversified energy company engaged in natural gas distribution, transmission, gathering and processing, and marketing; electricity distribution; propane gas distribution and wholesale marketing; and other businesses. In total, the company currently serves approximately 226,000 customers with natural gas, propane or electricity. Information about Chesapeake Utilities Corporation and the Chesapeake family of businesses is available at www.chpk.com.
