Chesapeake Utilities to Provide Natural Gas Service for New Sussex Technical High School Campus

Rhea-AI Summary

Chesapeake Utilities (NYSE: CPK) will provide natural gas service to the new Sussex Technical High School campus, Delaware's largest school construction project, supporting a new 400,000+ square‑foot facility with expanded capacity.

The project supports a nearly four‑mile natural gas main extension, with the campus construction estimated at approximately $249 million and a planned opening in September 2027.

Positive

• Nearly 4‑mile natural gas main extension to serve new campus
• New campus: 400,000+ sq ft three‑story academic facility
• $249 million estimated construction cost for Sussex Tech campus
• Student capacity increases to 1,800 high school and 3,500+ adult education

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction – CPK

+0.88%

1 alert

+0.88% News Effect

On the day this news was published, CPK gained 0.88%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Project cost: $249 million Facility size: 400,000+ square feet Current student capacity: 1,375 students +5 more

8 metrics

Project cost $249 million Estimated cost of new Sussex Technical High School campus

Facility size 400,000+ square feet New three-story academic facility under construction

Current student capacity 1,375 students Existing high school student capacity

Planned student capacity 1,800 students Future high school student capacity at new campus

Adult education capacity 3,500+ students Planned Adult Education capacity at new campus

Gas main extension length Nearly four miles New natural gas main extension to serve campus

Groundbreaking date October 2024 Construction start for new Sussex Technical High School

Planned opening September 2027 Target opening date for new campus

Market Reality Check

Price: $134.39 Vol: Volume 95,061 vs 20-day a...

normal vol

$134.39 Last Close

Volume Volume 95,061 vs 20-day average 128,353 (relative volume 0.74x). normal

Technical Price $134.22, trading above 200-day MA at $126.83 and within 52-week range of $115.24–$140.59.

Peers on Argus

CPK gained 3.11% while peers MDU (0.92%), BKH (0.12%), NJR (1.34%), OGS (1.38%) ...

CPK gained 3.11% while peers MDU (0.92%), BKH (0.12%), NJR (1.34%), OGS (1.38%) and SR (1.75%) also rose modestly, but no peers appeared in the momentum scanner.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Feb 05 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Feb 05	Pipeline expansion news	Positive	-1.6%	Selected to design and build new natural gas system in Virginia.
Jan 30	Customer awards	Positive	+1.1%	Florida subsidiaries named 2025 Utility Customer Champions by Escalent.
Nov 12	Employer award	Positive	-0.6%	Named Employer Champion of the Year for workplace accessibility initiatives.
Nov 06	Q3 2025 earnings	Positive	+2.0%	Reported higher Q3 net income and reaffirmed EPS and capex guidance.
Nov 06	Dividend declaration	Positive	+2.2%	Announced quarterly dividend and highlighted 65 years of uninterrupted payments.

Pattern Detected

Shares have reacted positively to earnings and dividend news, while operational and reputational updates have shown mixed or muted price responses.

Recent Company History

Over the past several months, Chesapeake Utilities highlighted expansion and recognition milestones. On Nov 6, 2025, Q3 2025 earnings showed higher net income and reaffirmed EPS and capex guidance, with a positive price move. A same-day dividend announcement extended a 65-year payment streak and annual increases since 2004, also met with gains. Later news on employer awards, customer champion recognition, and a Virginia pipeline exploration brought mixed price reactions. Today’s Sussex Tech campus energy project fits the ongoing theme of regulated and community-focused infrastructure growth.

Regulatory & Risk Context

Active S-3 Shelf

Shelf Active

Active S-3 Shelf Registration 2025-08-25

An effective S-3ASR filed on 2025-08-25 covers Chesapeake Utilities’ dividend reinvestment plan and related corporate documents, with filing fees of $127,847.58 disclosed. The shelf is effective with 0 recorded usage events in the provided context.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement details Chesapeake Utilities’ role in supplying natural gas to Delaware’s largest ...

Analysis

This announcement details Chesapeake Utilities’ role in supplying natural gas to Delaware’s largest school construction project, a $249 million new Sussex Technical High School campus with a 400,000+ sq ft facility and expanded student capacity. The nearly four‑mile gas main extension adds another community-focused infrastructure asset to recent growth initiatives. In context with prior pipeline expansion news and strong Q3 2025 results, investors may watch future updates on project execution, capital deployment, and regulatory treatment of similar long‑term investments.

Key Terms

natural gas main

1 terms

natural gas main technical

"Chesapeake Utilities is constructing a nearly four‑mile natural gas main extension"

A natural gas main is the large underground pipeline that carries gas from supply points to local neighborhoods and smaller service lines, like a highway that feeds local streets. Investors care because these mains are critical infrastructure: their condition and capacity affect service reliability, safety, regulatory costs, and future capital spending for repairs or upgrades, which in turn influence utility revenues and expenses.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Energy infrastructure to support Delaware's largest school construction project.

DOVER, Del., Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE: CPK) and The Sussex County Vocational Technical School District (SCVTSD) announced plans to provide natural gas service to the new Sussex Technical High School campus currently under construction in Sussex County, Delaware.

New Sussex Tech High School under construction, Delaware's largest, with natural gas service from Chesapeake Utilities.

The new campus represents the largest school construction initiative in Delaware history, with an estimated cost of approximately $249 million. Construction is underway on a new 400,000+‑square‑foot, three‑story academic facility adjacent to the existing campus. The new building will increase student capacity from approximately 1,375 to 1,800 high school students and 3500+ Adult Education students, with room for future expansion. Since breaking ground in October 2024, the project has progressed toward a planned opening in September 2027.

To support the expanded campus, Chesapeake Utilities is constructing a nearly four‑mile natural gas main extension to deliver energy service to the school. The infrastructure will supply natural gas for key building systems, supporting the operational needs of the new facility and providing long‑term reliability.

The Sussex County Vocational Technical School District Board of Education voted to transition the campus to natural gas as part of its redevelopment effort, reflecting a focus on performance, modernization and reliability while reducing reliance on fuel oil and propane.

"Our new campus is designed to support students, educators and the broader community well into the future," said Kevin E. Carson, Ed.D., superintendent of the Sussex County Vocational Technical School District. "Reliable energy service is a critical part of delivering on our mission and vision."

"Large educational campuses require energy solutions that are proven and resilient," said Jeff Sylvester, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation. "We're proud to assist Sussex Tech with a project supporting education and long‑term community growth by expanding safe and reliable natural gas service in Delaware."

Together, Chesapeake Utilities and Sussex Technical High School view this project as an investment in the region's future through modern infrastructure and dependable energy solutions.

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. For more information, visit www.chpk.com.

About Sussex County Vocational Technical School District

Located in Sussex County, Delaware, Sussex County Vocational Technical School District provides high‑quality career and technical education to approximately 1,375 high school students and more than 3,500 adult learners through rigorous academics, hands‑on instruction, apprenticeships and strong industry and community partnerships. Learn more at www.sussexvt.org.

Media
Alexander Nye
Director, Strategic Communications
727.754.0136
ANye@chpk.com

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

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chesapeake-utilities-to-provide-natural-gas-service-for-new-sussex-technical-high-school-campus-302687700.html

SOURCE Chesapeake Utilities Corporation

FAQ

What did Chesapeake Utilities (CPK) announce about Sussex Technical High School on Feb 13, 2026?

Chesapeake Utilities will provide natural gas service and construct a nearly four‑mile main extension. According to Chesapeake Utilities, the work supports the new campus opening planned for September 2027 and long‑term reliable energy for the facility.

How large is the new Sussex Technical High School campus and when will it open (CPK)?

The new campus is a 400,000+ square‑foot, three‑story academic facility. According to Chesapeake Utilities, construction began after October 2024 and the campus targets a September 2027 opening.

What is the estimated cost of the Sussex Tech campus redevelopment and how does CPK participate?

The redevelopment is estimated at approximately $249 million, the largest school construction in Delaware. According to Chesapeake Utilities, CPK will build a nearly four‑mile natural gas main to serve the campus.

How will student capacity change at Sussex Technical High School with the CPK project?

Student capacity will increase from about 1,375 to 1,800 high school students and 3,500+ adult education students. According to Chesapeake Utilities, the new building also allows room for future expansion.

What infrastructure will Chesapeake Utilities construct for the Sussex Tech project (CPK)?

Chesapeake Utilities will construct a nearly four‑mile natural gas main extension to deliver service to the campus. According to Chesapeake Utilities, the infrastructure will supply gas for key building systems and long‑term reliability.

What are the stated benefits of switching Sussex Tech campus to natural gas according to CPK?

The switch aims to improve performance, modernization, and reliability while reducing reliance on fuel oil and propane. According to Chesapeake Utilities, natural gas will support operational needs and community growth.