News Center

WALL, N.J. – New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG), the principal subsidiary of New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR), today announced the completion of a solar energy demonstration project at Island Beach State Park. A photovoltaic (PV) system on the roof of a bathhouse pavilion will generate electricity used to heat water for showers and sinks through a partnership with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU), New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), GeoGenix and other solar companies.

“It surprises people to hear about a natural gas company actively promoting the use of solar energy and encouraging energy efficiency, but New Jersey Natural Gas has always believed that in managing our natural resources, we must also do our part to ensure a clean and healthy world for future generations,” said Laurence M. Downes, NJNG chairman and CEO.

The PV system installed on the roof of the pavilion converts sunlight directly into electricity without emitting pollution, generating approximately 11,055 kilowatt-hours each year and cutting the bathhouse’s energy consumption by 28 percent. It will continue to produce electricity for the region when not needed for the bathhouse.

“Solar electricity is helping meet the energy needs in New Jersey while reducing costs, enhancing reliability and helping to protect the environment,” said BPU President Jeanne M. Fox. “Every solar system installed in New Jersey, with assistance from New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program, benefits our shoreline by avoiding the harmful gases that cause global climate change.

“The BPU is thankful to NJNG for their support of the state’s renewable energy policies and programs – we encourage municipalities, commercial facilities, schools and residents to work together to save energy and protect the environment.”

By using the sun to generate electricity, the system will eliminate about 16,800 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually that would have been produced if the electricity were purchased from the local utility. The system will also save Island Beach State Park more than $1,680 in yearly electricity expenses.

“This system is a great benefit for the park, the park users and the environment,” said John S. Watson, Jr., assistant Commissioner for the DEP. “We are very fortunate to be a part of this innovative energy partnership, and we are hopeful to replicate this successful model in other public facilities in the future.”

NJNG led the project as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to energy efficiency and the use of environmentally friendly energy sources. A grant from New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program through the BPU Office of Clean Energy provided 70 percent of the cost of the PV system and its installation, and NJNG funded the balance. GeoGenix contributed engineering, labor costs and a data acquisition system that tracks the amount of electricity generated by the PV system on a display located inside the bathhouse. Other labor costs to install the system were donated by Absolutely Energized, Bald Eagle Solar Technology, LBI Solar and Sea Bright Solar.

“I am inspired to see the embracing of renewable energy, which will go a long way in helping us protect our earth’s precious resources,” said Ratepayer Advocate Seema M. Singh. “The installation of solar panels at one of our state’s most beautiful beaches provides a wonderful example to New Jersey ratepayers that they can enjoy one of their state’s most precious natural resources – its beautiful coastline – while knowing that Island Beach State Park is operating using environmentally friendly and energy-efficient power.”

Mr. Downes said, “With a million visitors enjoying the sun every year, there’s no better place than Island Beach State Park to support the state’s renewable energy initiatives, raise awareness and educate the public about solar and other renewable energies.”

Students from Toms River High School South, Toms River High School East and Lakewood Middle School – who are learning about renewable energy sources like solar power – joined the public and private partners for a dedication ceremony and hands-on demonstrations of the technology.

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.