Our History

The Chesapeake Emergency Energy Recipient Program (CHEERP), better known as SHARING, is an approved 501(c) non-profit organization that was incorporated in 1983.

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation created the SHARING Program with donations provided by customers, employees, the community and Chesapeake Utilities Corporation to ensure that the elderly, ill and those facing financial hardship are not forgotten during the cold winter months when energy bills are at their peak. In the past 10 years, more than 2,000 grants totaling almost $500,000 have been distributed by our Sharing Program.

The SHARING Program is led by a Board of Trustees who volunteer their time to ensure this mission is met. They participate in community functions to raise funds while also making those in the community aware of the program and its benefits. The grant levels from the SHARING Program have been level or increased since they were incorporated and now some needy customers can receive grants of almost $1,000 if needed.

1976

Federal Weatherization Assistance Program(WAP) established.

1981

Federal Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) established

1983

Chesapeake Emergency Energy Recipient Program Incorporated

1984

First Carnival to raise funds is held

1985

Disbursements from the SHARING Fund surpass $10,000

1996

Disbursements from the SHARING Fund surpass $20,000

2005

Hurricane Katrina causes heating fuel prices to rise dramatically

2006

LIHEAP receives additional emergency funding of $1 billion

2007

SHARING joins with other utilities to create Energy Fairs to make community aware of fundings

2008

ChesapeakeSharing.com web site launched

2009

Disbursements from the SHARING Fund surpass $100,000

2013

Over 2,000 grants totaling almost $500,000 distributed by SHARING since 2003

2015

ChesapeakeSharing.com web site revamped to accept online donations