GlobeNewswire Inc | Sep 23, 2020 04:07PM EDT

September 23, 2020

Atlantic City, Sept. 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Media Contact: 609-561-9000 x4496 Media@sjindustries.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Approves Rate Changes for South Jersey Gas; Overall Bill Decrease for Customers

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. September 23, 2020 South Jersey Gas, subsidiary of SJI (NYSE: SJI), today announced that the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) approved changes to its base rates, as well as other rates including those related to the Companys accelerated infrastructure programs. These rate changes, combined with those related to the Companys Basic Gas Supply Service and Conservation Incentive Program rates approved earlier this month are effective October 1 and result in a $0.14 monthly net bill decrease for the average customer.

The base rate change recognizes the investments made since the prior rate case in 2017 to improve the customer experience and enhance the safety, reliability and resiliency of the companys natural gas distribution system. These improvements include the replacement of aging mains, installation of new mains to meet growing demand and expenditures to ensure compliance with state and federal system and safety regulations.

With this settlement, South Jersey Gas annual revenues from base rates will increase by $39.5 million and include a return on equity of 9.6%, with a 54% common equity component. Customers will experience a net decrease on their bills, as a result of the prudent management of gas commodity costs and changes to other company rates.

Our customers depend on us to deliver safe, reliable, affordable natural gas to heat their homes and run their businesses, said Melissa Orsen, President and Chief Operations Officer, South Jersey Gas. The investments weve made help us to continue to safely meet customer needs, while upholding our commitment to superior service at reasonable rates.

As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 Pandemic, this is more important than ever we are proud to deliver the quality service our customers expect and deserve, without sacrificing affordability, added Orsen.

Customers experiencing difficulty paying their bills, including customers financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, are encouraged to contact South Jersey Gas to determine their eligibility for energy assistance programs and deferred payment arrangements. For additional details on these programs, including eligibility requirements, visit southjerseygas.com/energyassistance.

About South Jersey GasSouth Jersey Gas, subsidiary of SJI (NYSE:SJI), delivers safe, reliable, affordable natural gas and promotes energy efficiency to more than 400,000 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, visitsouthjerseygas.com.

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