What is E3?

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has approved Eastern Shore Natural Gas Company's (ESNG) request to initiate the Commission's Pre-filing Process for the proposed EasternShore Energylink Expansion (E3) Project.

The E3 Project, which will provide access to an alternative source of clean-burning, environmentally-friendly natural gas for the Delmarva Peninsula, will consist almost entirely of underground pipeline facilities (both on and off-shore). E3 will provide additional natural gas supply and enhanced delivery capability to customers on the Delmarva Peninsula.

Why Does the E3 Project Make Sense?

• 1. Creates increased supply reliability for natural gas to customers
• 2. Provides a secondary source of gas supply that minimizes future upgrades of existing facilities
• 3. Diversifies risk by creating a secondary supply source in case of loss of the existing interconnections, as well as a source that would not be affected by a natural disaster (e.g. hurricanes) occurring in the southern gas-producing states
• 4. Enhances energy security by reducing dependence on the north-to-south means of delivering natural gas down the Peninsula
• 5. May dampen natural gas price spikes during periods of peak consumption by increasing gas supply
• 6. The need is here - the E3 Project is in response to increased demand and regional growth, as well as anticipated increases in future demand. ESNG has already received binding commitments for the firm capacity created by this project
• 7. Provides a clean fuel source for existing and proposed power generation facilities
• 8. Provides a positive economic impact for Delmarva - more job generation, potential for lower energy costs in the long-term
• 9. Could reduce electric transmission congestion on the Delmarva Peninsula by increasing the availability of natural gas to businesses and residents who might otherwise use electricity
• 10. Natural gas is a clean fuel alternative.  Coal or fuel oil is not nearly as environmentally-friendly