April 11, 2012–The clean, safe fuel will be available for the first time in Nassau County, Fernandina Beach and Tampa, Fla. Florida Public Utilities Co. (FPU), and Tampa-based TECO Peoples Gas have joined forces to bring natural gas service to Nassau County and Amelia Island for the first time.

The companies will install a 33-mile-long natural gas pipeline that connects the Peoples Gas Jacksonville system with RockTenn’s containerboard-manufacturing mill in Fernandina Beach. FPU also will install the gas-distribution system to serve the rest of the community.

“Natural gas is a clean, efficient, domestic fuel,” said Jeff Householder, president at FPU. “This project will have economic development benefits – and environmental benefits – for all of Nassau County. Natural gas will enable businesses to operate more efficiently and will ensure the county has clean and reliable energy for years to come.”

The Florida Public Service Commission approved the project Tuesday.

“We are proud to work with Florida Public Utilities to bring natural gas to this community for the first time,” said Bruce Narzissenfeld, vice president of Business Development for Peoples Gas. “By using environmentally friendly natural gas, residents and businesses can save energy and money – and significantly reduce their carbon footprint.”

Construction in some areas has already begun. The line is expected to be in service in November.

“The new pipeline will allow RockTenn to reduce our emissions and save money, while providing the surrounding businesses and communities similar opportunities,” said Greg King, RockTenn’s senior vice president of Procurement, Safety and Health. “We’re honored to be part of this project to bring the benefits of natural gas not only to RockTenn but to the entire community.”

Additional information can be found at www.fpuc.com/Nassau.

Florida Public Utilities Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation. Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE: CPK) is a diversified utility company engaged in natural gas distribution, transmission and marketing, electric distribution, propane gas distribution and wholesale marketing, advanced information services and other related services. Information about Chesapeake’s businesses is available at www.chpk.com.