New Jersey Natural Gas files base rate increase to support $850 million infrastructure investment

(UI) – Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG), the principal subsidiary of New Jersey Resources, filed a petition with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities requesting an increase of $222.6 million to its base rates. The filing includes the recognition of approximately $850 million of investment by NJNG to enhance the safety, reliability, security and environmental benefits of its delivery system and operations. These investments benefit customers but are not reflected in current rates.

NJNG maintains infrastructure and operations throughout New Jersey that serve approximately 576,000 customers who depend on natural gas for heating and other essential needs. As a lifeline service provider, the company continually improves its operations and enhancing the safety and reliability of its distribution network, including the repair, replacement and modernization of its system. This includes:

• Upgrades to critical infrastructure, including looping and reinforcement projects, and the replacement of 140 miles of vintage distribution mains and associated service lines to ensure the safety, reliability and integrity of its delivery systems and support mandates set forth in state and federal regulation.
• Investment in cybersecurity consistent with industry standards to safeguard customer information, as well as support the safe and reliable operations of NJNG’s systems.

NJNG’s consistent infrastructure investments have made its system one of the most environmentally sound in the state as measured by the fewest leaks per mile of any natural gas utility in New Jersey. These investments also position NJNG’s critical assets to deliver the next generation of lower and zero carbon fuels, like clean hydrogen and renewable natural gas, and play a key role in achieving a cleaner energy future for New Jersey.

The proposed rate adjustment is necessary to ensure the responsible operation of NJNG’s business and recover costs associated with these critical infrastructure investments. Historically, the BPU’s review could take between nine and 12 months. If approved as filed, the change for the typical NJNG residential heating customer using 81 therms a month will be an increase of $29.01.

“Our top priority is to safely and reliably deliver the energy our customers count on to heat their homes and run their businesses,” said Steve Westhoven, President and CEO of New Jersey Natural Gas. “The investments we make in our infrastructure reflect this commitment and the critical role our system plays in reaching New Jersey’s carbon reduction goals. We look forward to working with our regulators to achieve a successful resolution of this filing that is reasonable and fair for our customers and our company.”

 

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