New Jersey Natural Gas Dedicates Homes for Two Local Families in Neptune; New Homeowners to Save on Electric Costs with Energy-Efficient Homes

Business Wire, August 4, 2005

NEPTUNE, N.J. -- New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG), the principal subsidiary of New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR), and Interfaith Neighbors, Inc. dedicated two more homes today as part of their combined support of a home ownership program. The homes were dedicated to the Provence and Bivens families who, until today, never thought they could afford a home. The families will also save money on their electricity bills because both homes are energy-efficient.

"Through our partnership with Interfaith Neighbors, two more hardworking families have the chance to experience the joys of home ownership," said Kathleen T. Ellis, senior vice president of corporate affairs at NJNG. "We are happy to continue to support this program, which is strengthening neighborhoods like Neptune by providing affordable housing and affordable energy to deserving families."

Living in close quarters with three children, Mrylande and Elie Provence never dreamed they could afford a home of their own when they sought advice from the pastor at their church on how to better provide for their family. Their pastor, Germain Mesidort, received help from Interfaith Neighbors this past January when the organization and NJNG dedicated a home to his family. Since then, the Mesidorts have been living in their own home in Asbury Park. Photovoltaic (PV) technology installed in their home also helps them save money on electric bills. This system turns sunlight into electricity, which powers their cooling system, lights and appliances.

"Without the home ownership program, I would not have been able to buy a house," said Pastor Mesidort. He referred the Provence family to Interfaith Neighbors and, today, the family's dreams of owning a home have become a reality.

Similarly, Michelle Bivens, a single mother of four, never imagined she could afford to own a house in her hometown of Neptune. She has worked for the Township for 14 years to help support her family. The family has struggled, living in harsh conditions, and after recovering from serious medical problems, Bivens was determined to provide a better life for her children. In their home on Stratford Avenue, all the children will finally have their own rooms.

"One of the true pleasures of my job is to witness the joy that overcomes each family when they receive the keys to their new home," said Joseph J. Marmora, executive director of Interfaith Neighbors, Inc. "The joint selfless effort of so many people makes this occasion possible. From the gift of land from the Township of Neptune, Bevin Irvin, our builder, and our dedicated staff to the generosity of New Jersey Natural Gas."

The Provence family will benefit from the use of PV technology, which will provide the family with more affordable energy. The solar panel system will produce approximately 2,400 kilowatts (kW) of electricity from the sun over the course of a year. This converts to a savings of up to 25 percent on the family's electricity bills. In addition, any surplus power generated can be sent back to their utility for credit on future electric bills.

Through a grant from New Jersey's Clean Energy Program, 70 percent of the cost of the PV system was covered. Authorized and overseen by the Board of Public Utilities, the Clean Energy Program helps customers lower energy costs and generate electricity using high-efficiency and renewable energy technologies. NJNG covered the remaining costs for the system and installation as a part of the company's long-standing commitment to the preservation of natural resources.

"The fruits of NJNG, Interfaith Neighbors, and New Jersey's Clean Energy Program's efforts are significant," said Commissioner Connie Hughes of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. "Today's dedication increases public knowledge and recognition of renewable energy, trust in solar energy devices which also translates to the importance of economic development, protection of our environment and strengthening our country's energy security. I congratulate the Provence and Bivens families on your devotion to your community and your new home."

The Bivens' home in Neptune is not equipped with PV technology because a large tree blocks sunlight that is needed to produce energy. This tree, however, provides enough shade to keep the home cooler and reduce energy consumption. The home's air conditioning unit will operate up to 10 percent more efficiently because of the shade.

The home ownership program began nine years ago when NJNG donated $25,000 in seed money toward the renovation of a home in Asbury Park. NJNG has provided subsequent contributions, and Interfaith Neighbors has procured additional funds as the program's administrator. The program aims to provide home ownership opportunities for working families who would otherwise be unable to afford a house. Including today's dedication, 14 affordable housing units have been offered to qualifying families in local communities.

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 459,000 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.