Folsom,
NJ – Winter is nipping at the
region’s
heels and many homeowners are already feeling pinched by
the cost of heating their homes, especially propane and oil
customers affected by the volatility of the fuel market.
According to South Jersey Gas (SJG), many residents are considering
the alternatives, including converting from oil or propane
to natural gas
Due to increased demand and short supply, oil prices are
expected to remain high and volatile through 2008 as reported
by the U.S. Department of Energy’s forecast. Propane
prices, which have risen sharply in recent months are also
expected to remain volatile as well.
As a regulated utility company, SJG received approval from
the State’s Board of Public Utilities in October to
decrease its cost of gas rates by 4.6 percent or $7.49 a
month for residential customers using 100 therms a month
to heat their homes with natural gas.
“The rising costs of propane and oil have generated
inquiries from residents interested in converting to natural
gas,” said Jeff DuBois, senior vice president of South
Jersey Gas. “Our sales staff is on-hand to answer questions
and determine whether a customer is a good candidate for
conversion.”
Current costs associated with heating a 2,072 square-foot
home in a moderately cold region such as New Jersey are as
follows:
• $1.42 per therm for natural gas
• $3.17 per gallon for propane
• $3.23 per gallon for oil
Using energy more efficiently is one answer to high prices.
SJG was one of the first utilities in the country to implement
a Conservation Incentive Program that offers customers opportunities
to make long-term investments in energy efficiency.
In addition to its lower cost, natural gas is a safe, efficient
and reliable home heating source. Residents are encouraged
to visit www.southjerseygas.com to complete an online home
heating cost analysis to determine how much savings could
result in converting to natural gas. For a paper version
of the audit call 1-866-NJSMART.
As part of New Jersey’s
Clean Energy program, residents may also qualify for up to
$400 in rebates and up to $300 in federal tax credits to
help offset the cost of converting to natural gas. For more
information, visit njcleanenergy.com
SJG also offers zero percent financing and no money down
for those qualified residents seeking to convert to natural
gas. For more information, please call 1-800-822-WARM or
visit www.southjerseygas.com.
South Jersey Gas is the principal subsidiary of South Jersey
Industries (NYSE:SJI) and provides natural gas service to
over 332,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers
in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Salem, and significant
portions of Gloucester, Burlington and Camden counties in
New Jersey. Visit www.southjerseygas.com to learn more about
South Jersey Gas and its programs.
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