New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Approves Rate Change for South Jersey Gas

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FOLSOM, N.J., October 20, 2017 – The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) today approved changes to South Jersey Gas’ base rates to recognize the utility’s prudent and significant infrastructure investments made to maintain the safety and reliability of its natural gas delivery system for customers. This base rate change is the company’s first since 2014 and takes effect November 1.
 
A typical residential heating customer using 100 therms of natural gas during a winter month will see an increase of $14.73 on their monthly bill. Even with this increase, total annual customer bills will be lower than they were 10 years ago due to lower wholesale gas prices and South Jersey Gas’ effective management of its supply portfolio, allowing savings to be passed directly to customers. Wholesale natural gas prices have steadily declined and remain low due to the availability and proximity of Marcellus Shale gas to southern New Jersey providing significant cost savings to natural gas customers. Since January 2014, South Jersey Gas has provided approximately $52 million in bill credits to customers due to lower natural gas prices.
 
Infrastructure investments made by the company include the replacement of aging mains, the installation of new mains to meet growing demand, and expenditures to ensure compliance with state and federal system integrity and safety regulations. Since its last base rate case in 2014, South Jersey Gas has invested approximately $412 million in system improvements that had not yet been reflected in base rates.   
 
“Delivering a safe, reliable and affordable supply of natural gas is vital for customers to heat their homes and operate their businesses,” said Dave Robbins, president of South Jersey Gas. “The investments we’ve made will help us to continue to meet increasing customer needs while supporting southern New Jersey’s economy.”
 
“Cost-saving measures are in place to help minimize increases, and we manage our natural gas supply portfolio to take advantage of declining wholesale natural gas prices for customers,” added Robbins.   
 
Customers who have difficulty paying their bills should contact the South Jersey Gas Customer Contact Center at 1-888-766-9900 to learn more about the Budget Billing/Equal Payment Plan and assistance programs for which they may qualify. Assistance programs include the PAGE (Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric) program, NJ SHARES, Home Energy Assistance Program, New Jersey Comfort Partners Program, Universal Service Fund, and Lifeline. 
 
Customers can also access valuable savings information on the South Jersey Gas website, including energy audits and energy efficiency tips. These options can help reduce energy use and costs while still retaining comfort. Visit www.southjerseygas.com to learn more.