Delmarva filed to increase its “gas cost rate” (“GCR”) by approximately 43% while Chesapeake filed to increase its annual “gas sales service rate” (“GSR”) by approximately 30% for most rate classes. “This is a dramatic increase that will make utility bills more expensive for both Delmarva and Chesapeake customers,” said Jameson Tweedie, Delaware Public Advocate. Through the GCR and GSR, Delmarva and Chesapeake recover their costs for natural gas purchases, transportation, demand, storage, capacity charges, and hedging costs. Delmarva serves approximately 140,000 natural gas customers in New Castle County. Chesapeake serves approximately 77,000 natural gas customers in Delaware.