en.Wedoany.com Reported - Chesapeake Utilities and its subsidiary Peninsula Pipeline have announced the $1.2 billion Florida Energy Pathway plan, an intrastate natural gas infrastructure project in South Florida, USA. The pipeline is expected to originate in Palm Beach County and terminate in Miami-Dade County.

The Florida Energy Pathway is designed as a 24-inch pipeline and is expected to enter service in 2030 after successful commissioning. The project aims to provide additional natural gas transportation capacity, address supply challenges in the region, improve system reliability, and increase natural gas usage for residential and commercial customers. According to Chesapeake Utilities, firm commitments from multiple investment-grade shippers have reached nearly 250,000 dekatherms per day.

Jeff Householder, Chairman, President, and CEO of Chesapeake Utilities, stated that Florida continues to lead the nation in population and economic growth, driving energy demand growth. In the South Florida region, this has led to significant energy supply constraints. The natural gas infrastructure expansion, including the Florida Energy Pathway project, plays a vital role in facilitating regional growth, increasing natural gas capacity, and supporting long-term energy independence. Upstream natural gas capacity will be provided by Florida Gas Transmission in conjunction with its Phase IX expansion. Peninsula Pipeline is also accepting further binding commitments from potential shippers interested in firm transportation services.

Householder stated that the Florida Energy Pathway represents a long-term, regulated, organic growth opportunity and strategically aligns with the company's natural gas transportation expertise, above-average growth expectations, and expansion in South Florida following the acquisition of Florida City Gas. Chesapeake Utilities is evaluating financing options and plans to establish partnerships with third-party investors, who may hold up to a 49% stake in the natural gas pipeline project.

In February 2026, Chesapeake Utilities received approval from the Accomack County Board of Supervisors to begin engineering design for a new natural gas system on Virginia's Eastern Shore. The company will build, own, and operate the system to enhance energy reliability in the region.