DOVER, Del. — Chesapeake Utilities Corp. announced that it has acquired the operating assets of Austin Cox Home Services Inc. Based in Salisbury, Md., Austin Cox provides HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services to residential and commercial customers throughout the lower Delmarva Peninsula. The company will retain its name and office location in Salisbury and Austin “Skip” Cox Jr. will be president of Chesapeake’s newest subsidiary.

Chesapeake currently provides natural gas distribution and propane distribution service to approximately 103,800 customers on the Delmarva Peninsula. The company said the acquisition of Austin Cox will enable it to provide a broader range of services to customers. In addition to HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services, Austin Cox can perform in-home conversions for those customers who choose to convert from other fuels to natural gas.

On May 31, 2013, Chesapeake’s subsidiary, Sandpiper Energy, acquired the operating assets of Eastern Shore Gas Co. (ESG), enabling the company to significantly expand its footprint in Worcester County. Over the next few months, Sandpiper Energy will evaluate the potential conversion of the ESG facilities from propane to natural gas and will proceed with conversions where economically feasible.

Chesapeake Utilities said it is experiencing tremendous interest from customers throughout its service territories for conversion to gas and will be partnering with area contractors to assist in the customer conversion process and meet the expected demand for natural gas service.

“Converting customers to natural gas will require teamwork and assistance from contractors in our service areas. Austin Cox has a longstanding history and strong reputation in the greater Salisbury area and we are excited to work with them to assist in this key strategic initiative,” said Michael P. McMasters, president and chief executive officer of Chesapeake Utilities.

For more information on Austin Cox Home Services, visit www.austincoxhomeservices.com. For more information on Chesapeake Utilities, visit www.chpk.com.

Publication date: 6/24/2013

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