News Center

WALL, N.J. – New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG), the principal subsidiary of New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR), advises that the March 31 deadline to apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) has been extended to April 29, 2005. NJNG encourages customers who need help paying past-due heating bills to apply for HEAP before the          new deadline.

HEAP is a federally funded program that assists income-eligible households with their home-heating needs. Customers eligible for HEAP may also qualify for the Universal Service Fund (USF), a statewide program in New Jersey that provides financial assistance based on household income and utility energy costs.
 
“Programs like HEAP and USF reflect the strong commitment that exists on both the federal and state level to offer assistance with energy costs,” said Laurence M. Downes, chairman and CEO of NJNG. “As reliable provider of a lifeline service, NJNG works in partnership with state and local agencies to inform customers facing financial hardship about available resources. We’re also proud to offer the added benefit of our Gift of Warmth fund, supported by the generosity of our customers, employees and shareowners.”

For nearly 20 years, NJNG’s Gift of Warmth fund has assisted the company’s customers with natural gas heating costs. The fund helps approximately 1,000 families and individuals in Monmouth, Ocean, Morris and Middlesex counties each year.

“Customers struggling to pay their energy bills should know they’re not alone,” said Ratepayer Advocate Seema M. Singh. “There are resources to turn to for help. Through their Gift of Warmth fund, NJNG is meeting a very important need by offering customers an additional source of support.”

In addition to HEAP, other energy assistance programs are available, including Lifeline and NJ SHARES. NJNG’s participation in NJ SHARES, involving an annual fund solicitation and contribution, also adds to the benefits NJNG customers may receive.

Customers may be eligible for assistance for more than one program. Applications for energy assistance are available at local Community Action Program agencies and online at www.energyassistance.nj.gov.

Customers should contact the agency in their county for more information.

HEAP/USF:  Eligibility is based on income guidelines. Applications for HEAP are automatically reviewed for eligibility for USF.
Monmouth   732-502-8855 or 732-775-4442
Middlesex   732-828-4541
Morris    973-366-1131
Ocean    732-244-9041

Gift of Warmth: NJNG’s fund to help customers facing financial hardship. Eligibility is based on need.
Monmouth and Middlesex 732-502-8855  - or -  732-775-4442
Morris    973-366-1131
Ocean    732-244-9041

NJ SHARES: Statewide fund that provides assistance based on need. To reach the appropriate local agency, call 1-866-657-4273.

Lifeline Credit Program: Special benefits program for seniors and persons with disabilities.
1-800-792-9745.

NJNG also encourages customers to take advantage of free services that can make homes more comfortable and energy-efficient throughout the year. The New Jersey Comfort Partners Program provides a free home energy evaluation and installation of energy-efficiency measures to qualified senior citizens and income-eligible natural gas heating customers. Customers eligible for HEAP, USF and Lifeline may automatically qualify for this program, which is part of the statewide New Jersey Clean Energy Program. Call NJNG for enrollment requirements and to apply, or visit www.njcleanenergy.com for more information.

To help customers with managing energy bills, NJNG also offers a budget payment plan, a free online home energy analysis and energy saving tips. More information is available at NJNG’s Web site at njliving.com or by calling 1-800-221-0051.

New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) is the principal subsidiary of New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR), a Fortune 1000 company and a member of the Forbes Platinum 400. NJNG is one of the fastest-growing local distribution companies in the United States, serving more than 450,000 customers in New Jersey’s Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex and Morris counties. This service area’s demographics and quality of life contribute greatly to NJNG’s growth. NJNG’s progress is a tribute to the dedicated employees who have shared their expertise and focus on quality through more than 50 years of serving customers and the community to make the company a leader in the competitive energy marketplace. For more information, visit NJNG’s Web site at njliving.com.