New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Approves New Rates for New Jersey Natural Gas
November 21 2024 - 12:43PM
Business Wire
New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) today received approval from the
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities on the settlement of its base
rate case resulting in a $157 million increase to its base rates.
NJNG requested the increase to recover costs associated with the
company’s infrastructure investments, system enhancements and the
overall operation of its business.
“This is a reasonable, fair settlement that recognizes the value
of the approximately $850 million of investments New Jersey Natural
Gas has made in its operations and system since 2021,” said Steve
Westhoven, President and CEO of New Jersey Natural Gas. “These
investments have significantly enhanced the reliability of our
delivery system and supported the critical operation of our
lifeline utility service. We thank the Board of Public Utilities
and the Division of Rate Counsel for their work in reaching an
outcome that balances the interests of our customers and our
company.”
After a thorough review by regulators, the settlement reflects a
rate base of $3.25 billion, an increase in revenue requirement of
$157 million, an overall rate of return of 7.08% (including a
return on equity of 9.6% with a 54% equity ratio) and a composite
depreciation rate of 3.21%.
The approved rates help ensure the continued operation of NJNG’s
business and recovers costs associated with investments made to
support critical resiliency efforts, such as looping and
reinforcement projects and the replacement of 140 miles of vintage
distribution mains and associated services, as well as the
modernization of NJNG’s Customer Service and Dispatch operations
and cybersecurity enhancements consistent with industry standards.
It also resolves any outstanding arrearages incurred due to the
COVID-19 pandemic.
NJNG’s 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 to deliver the next generation
of lower and zero carbon fuels, like clean hydrogen and renewable
natural gas, which will play a key role in achieving a cleaner
energy future for New Jersey.
Energy assistance is available for customers struggling to pay
their natural gas bill. Email energyassist@njng.com or call
800-221-0051 to learn more about eligibility and available
programs. Through SAVEGREEN®, NJNG also offers energy-efficiency
rebates and financing options for high-efficiency equipment to help
customers save energy and money. For more information, visit
savegreen.com.
About New Jersey
Resources:
New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR) is a Fortune 1000
company that, through its subsidiaries, provides safe and reliable
natural gas and clean energy services, including transportation,
distribution, asset management and home services. NJR is composed
of five primary businesses:
- New Jersey Natural Gas, NJR’s principal subsidiary,
operates and maintains natural gas transportation and distribution
infrastructure to serve customers in New Jersey’s Monmouth, Ocean,
Morris, Middlesex, Sussex and Burlington counties.
- Clean Energy Ventures invests in, owns and operates
solar projects, providing residential and commercial customers with
low-carbon solutions.
- Energy Services manages a diversified portfolio of
natural gas transportation and storage assets and provides physical
natural gas services and customized energy solutions to its
customers across North America.
- Storage and Transportation serves customers from local
distributors and producers to electric generators and wholesale
marketers through its ownership of Leaf River and the Adelphia
Gateway Pipeline, as well as our 50% equity ownership in the
Steckman Ridge natural gas storage facility.
- Home Services provides service contracts as well as
heating, central air conditioning, water heaters, standby
generators, solar and other indoor and outdoor comfort products to
residential homes throughout New Jersey.
NJR and its over 1,300 employees are committed to helping
customers save energy and money by promoting conservation and
encouraging efficiency through Conserve to Preserve® and
initiatives such as The SAVEGREEN Project® and The Sunlight
Advantage®.
For more information about NJR, visit www.njresources.com.
Follow us on X.com (Twitter) @NJNaturalGas. “Like” us on
facebook.com/NewJerseyNaturalGas.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241121244098/en/
Media: Mike Kinney 732-938-1031 mkinney@njresources.com
Investor: Adam Prior 732-938-1145 aprior@njresources.com
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