South Jersey Gas Showcases Cost-Saving Energy Efficiency Upgrades at First Baptist Church of Wildwood

FOLSOM, NJ, November 14, 2025 – Yesterday, South Jersey Gas, a subsidiary of SJI, hosted an event highlighting the successful implementation of an energy-efficiency program that is intended to help community business owners and organizations upgrade to high-efficiency solutions, reduce energy usage, and save money.

The tour, which took place at the First Baptist Church of Wildwood, showcased the facility’s energy efficiency upgrades, which were part of South Jersey Gas’ Direct Install Energy Efficiency Program.

“We are pleased that the First Baptist Church of Wildwood utilized the South Jersey Gas Direct Install Program to modernize their church with essential energy-efficient upgrades,” said Maureen Minkel, Senior Director, Marketing & Energy Efficiency, SJI. “These improvements are intended to help drive savings, enhance operational efficiency and create a more comfortable environment. We encourage other businesses to take advantage of these opportunities to take control of their energy use, lower utility costs and improve overall performance.”

“The anticipated cost savings spurred by this upgrade are expected to help ensure the First Baptist Church of Wildwood can continue playing an integral role as a staple in their community for years to come,” said NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy. “We’ve worked hard to create a robust portfolio of cost saving energy efficiency programs, and I’m thrilled to see a community staple like the First Baptist Church of Wildwood take advantage of these programs.”

The comprehensive project incorporated lighting, gas, and electric measures with the following equipment: interior LED flush mount fixtures and exterior LED flood lights, condensing hot water boilers, electric fuel use economizers and smart thermostats for AC split systems, aerators, and pipe wrap insulation.

The energy efficiency savings from the First Baptist Church of Wildwood project are forecasted to result in an annual fuel savings of 6,096 therms and yearly electric savings of 5,280 kWh. The total project cost was $179,940, and the total project incentive was $143,699. The First Baptist Church of Wildwood was able to offset upfront costs of $36,241 using South Jersey Gas’ zero-interest, five-year, on-bill repayment program. Disclaimer: Actual savings may vary based on usage and other factors.

The First Baptist Church of Wildwood has been a cornerstone of the Wildwood community for over a century. More than just a place of worship for their own parishioners, the Church also supports the surrounding community, such as the Lazarus House, Habitat for Humanity and Family Promise.

“Participating in the Direct Install Energy Efficiency Program has been a real blessing for our church, and we are grateful to South Jersey Gas for this opportunity,” said Bob McLaughlin, Trustee, First Baptist Church of Wildwood. “The program has allowed us to create a more comfortable and sustainable environment for our congregation while saving energy and money at the same time.”

For more information about South Jersey Gas’ Commercial and Business Programs, visit SJG: SJG CI Savings - Home.

About South Jersey Gas

South Jersey Gas, a subsidiary of SJI, aims to deliver safe, reliable, affordable natural gas and to promote energy efficiency to more than 420,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Salem, and portions of Gloucester, Burlington and Camden counties in New Jersey. For more information, visit southjerseygas.com.

About SJI

South Jersey Industries (SJI), an energy infrastructure holding company based in Folsom, NJ, delivers energy services to customers through two primary subsidiaries SJI Utilities (SJIU) and SJI Energy Enterprises Group. SJIU houses the company’s regulated natural gas utility operations, and is focused on delivering safe, reliable and affordable natural gas to more than 735,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers across New Jersey via its South Jersey Gas and Elizabethtown Gas subsidiaries. SJI Energy Enterprises Group, a non-utility subsidiary of SJI, specializes in the ownership, development, construction, and operation of diverse renewable energy projects. These projects include the development of solar, fuel cell, and Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) solutions, with the RNG sourced from a variety of feedstocks including dairy manure, landfill gas, and organic food waste. With a robust portfolio and pipeline of future projects, SJI Energy Enterprises Group strives to be a national leader in advancing sustainable energy solutions.