New Jersey Natural Gas Upgrades Technology at Long Branch Free Public Library

Business Wire, May 19, 2005

WALL, N.J. -- New Jersey Natural Gas (NYSE: NJR)

--Increases Public Computer Access by 47 Percent Through Libraries On-Line Program

--Improves Library Capabilities to Allow New Online Renewal and Reservation System

New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG), the principal subsidiary of New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR), today unveiled new computers and learning tools for the Long Branch Free Public Library following NJNG's most recent technology upgrade through the Libraries On-Line program. The program assists libraries in urban areas within the NJNG service territory that are not members of their county system.

"We're proud to invest in lifetime learning opportunities for the communities we serve," said Laurence M. Downes, chairman and CEO of NJNG, at an open house to showcase the new computers. "Public libraries can rely on us to support their efforts to ensure our neighbors have access to the information they need to be educated citizens and consumers - or just for the joy of learning itself."

NJNG's technology upgrade builds on the recently completed $1.7 million renovation of the Long Branch Free Public Library. This technology upgrade is the second for the library from NJNG's Libraries On-Line program. In 2000, NJNG provided funding and support for high-speed Internet access and new computers.

"New Jersey Natural Gas' partnership with the Long Branch Free Public Library is a model approach for expanding community resources," said Ratepayer Advocate Seema M. Singh, who also officiated at today's event. "Their efforts can make a difference in helping people to reap the benefits of accessibility to the latest educational tools."

Including the most recent enhancements, NJNG has increased public computer access at the Long Branch Free Public Library by more than 47 percent. In addition, NJNG provided computers for an automated system that will offer a variety of new services for library users such as the ability to make online requests to reserve books and materials from any other library in the country and online renewals. At a cost of approximately $20,000 for the latest upgrade, NJNG's investment in improvements to the library through the Libraries On-Line program total more than $60,000.

"NJNG's involvement and support has allowed us do even more in the services we offer the Long Branch community," said Long Branch Library Director Ingrid Bruck. "We're grateful for NJNG's role in our progress as we continually evolve to meet the needs of those who rely on our resources."

NJNG's Libraries On-Line program began in 1999 with the Asbury Park Public Library. Since then, public libraries in Red Bank and Keyport in Monmouth County and Dover in Morris County have also received technology upgrades. With new equipment and high-speed Internet connections, participating libraries can offer residents improved online access for news, information and job resources, and to communicate with family and friends around the world. Through the program, libraries also receive workstations, printers and network maintenance services.

Libraries On-Line is part of NJNG's Energy for Education program, which promotes lifelong learning to help students succeed in school and beyond. NJNG offers several educational initiatives for students in Long Branch, including sponsoring the Get on the Bus Tour offered by the Long Branch Housing Authority. Resident students visit colleges in other states on a 5-day tour of college campuses in the spring.

Through the Energy for Education program, NJNG also sponsors KidBiz3000 at the Long Branch middle schools. KidBiz3000 is a computer program that tailors students' schoolwork to match their individual abilities and helps parents and teachers track their progress. Fifth graders using KidBiz3000 in the classroom demonstrated the learning tool at today's event. Other participants included students from the NAACP Youth Diversity Leadership program who greeted guests.

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.