Union, April 18, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Elizabethtown Gas Files Rate Case with the
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
Responsible investments in natural gas infrastructure
ensure safe, reliable, affordable service for customers
UNION, N.J., April 18, 2019 – Elizabethtown Gas, a subsidiary of South Jersey Industries, Inc. (NYSE: SJI), today filed a petition with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) requesting a revenue increase of approximately $65 million to recognize the infrastructure investments made to maintain the safety and reliability of its natural gas delivery system. The request represents approximately $346 million in system improvements that are not currently reflected in base rates.
“Responsible and prudent investments in our infrastructure are a key part of our commitment to customers,” said Christie McMullen, President and Chief Operations Officer, Elizabethtown Gas. “Delivering safe, reliable, affordable natural gas service requires investments to replace aging mains, support compliance with State and Federal system integrity and safety regulations, and implement measures that improve the overall Elizabethtown Gas customer experience.”
While the utility’s request would allow it to recover these system enhancing investments through a proposed base rate increase, it is important to note that, with the recent acquisition of Elizabethtown Gas by New Jersey-based SJI, customers received bill credits totaling $15 million in 2018. Currently, average annual natural gas bills for Elizabethtown Gas customers are among the lowest in the state and, for four years in a row, Elizabethtown Gas ranked highest in customer satisfaction for residential gas service among east midsize utilities by J.D. Power and Associates.
The amount customers may pay as a result of this request will depend on the quantity of natural gas they use and the level of increase ultimately approved by the NJBPU.
Customers who have difficulty paying their bills should contact Elizabethtown Gas Customer Service at 1.800.242.5830 to learn more about the Budget Plan and assistance programs for which they may qualify, including PAGE Energy Assistance, NJ Shares, LIHEAP, USF and Lifeline.
Customers can also access valuable information regarding energy saving incentives on the Elizabethtown Gas website, including the benefits of high-efficiency appliances and energy efficiency tips. These options can help reduce energy use and costs while still maintaining comfort. Visit elizabethtowngas.com to learn more.
About Elizabethtown Gas
Elizabethtown Gas, subsidiary of SJI (NYSE: SJI), delivers safe, reliable, and affordable natural gas and promotes energy efficiency to approximately 292,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in parts of Union, Middlesex, Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon, Morris, and Mercer counties. For four years in a row, Elizabethtown Gas has ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction With Residential Natural Gas Service in the East among Midsize Utilities” by J.D. Power. For more information, visit elizabethtowngas.com.