South Jersey Industries, Inc.

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1 South Jersey Plaza, Folsom, New Jersey 08037
Tel. (609) 561-9000 Fax (609) 561-8225 TDD ONLY 1-800-547-9085

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Telephone: (609) 561-9000
Media Relations Contact: Joanne Brigandi
Telephone Number: (609) 561-9000 x4240
September 8, 2004

Bryant Heating and Cooling Names South Jersey Energy Service Plus a Factory Authorized Dealer

National HVAC Manufacturer Pledges 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed for
South Jersey Energy Service Plus Customers

        FOLSOM, N.J. - - Representatives from Bryant Heating and Cooling announced today that South Jersey Energy Service Plus has qualified as a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer. South Jersey Energy Service Plus, with 42 technicians, is the largest South Jersey area appliance service business to receive the Factory Authorized Dealer distinction. While this is an important accomplishment for South Jersey Energy Service Plus, the real news is what it means to South Jersey area homeowners.

        “Our Factory Authorized Dealers represent the highest level of customer service and satisfaction available,” said Halsey Cook, president of Bryant’s residential products group. “We believe in these qualified dealers so much that we are providing their customers with a 100 percent satisfaction and service guarantee.”

        The 100 percent satisfaction guarantee is a new cornerstone for the Bryant Factory Authorized Dealers program. The guarantee applies to all new product installations made by Bryant Factory Authorized Dealers, like South Jersey Energy Service Plus, and applies to the product itself, as well as the service from the dealer. If any customer is dissatisfied with the product or service, Bryant will do “whatever it takes” to provide a satisfactory solution for the customer.

        Less than five percent of heating and cooling contractors in the country receive the Factory Authorized Dealer distinction. To qualify, dealers must meet Bryant’s rigid criteria, not only for technical expertise, but also for their business practices and customer service quality. Those who receive the endorsement are backed by Bryant’s 100 percent satisfaction guarantee

        “Everything about your new Bryant heating or cooling system should make you happy, from the unit itself to the person who installs it. That’s what being a Factory Authorized Dealer is all about,” added Cook.

        Robert Fatzinger, vice president of South Jersey Energy Service Plus agrees. According to Fatzinger, applying to become a Factory Authorized Dealer was a lot of work, but it was an important and worthwhile process. “How homeowners feel about Bryant products has a lot to do with their experience with dealers like us, who represent them,” said Fatzinger. “Once a level of quality is established, the most important criteria is how well we meet our customers’ needs for installing and servicing that equipment. At South Jersey Energy Service Plus, we do whatever it takes to ensure the best results for our customers.”

        Bryant requires its Factory Authorized Dealers to send sales representatives through a structured training program to understand how to better identify and recommend the appropriate home comfort solutions. Installers and technicians are also trained and tested on their technical competency. Further, Bryant Factory Authorized Dealers’ business practices are assessed. For example, the Factory Authorized Dealers must be EPA certified for refrigerant handling, handle warranty claims in a timely manner, maintain all required local licenses and have appropriate insurance and liability coverage.

        “Ultimately, the entire Factory Authorized Dealer process and program is designed with our customers in mind. When homeowners are considering a heating and cooling purchase, they can rest assured that they’ll be satisfied with their experience if they go to a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer. Our 100 percent satisfaction guarantee demonstrates the commitment to this level of service by dealers like South Jersey Energy Service Plus,” said Cook.

        South Jersey Industries (NYSE:SJI) is an energy services holding company for South Jersey Gas, South Jersey Energy, South Jersey Resources Group, Marina Energy and South Jersey Energy Service Plus. Visit http://www.sjindustries.com for more information about SJI and its subsidiaries.

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