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WALL, N.J. – New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG), the principal subsidiary of New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR), today announced the NJNG Tsunami Relief Fund raised more than $134,000 to support the efforts of the American Red Cross in responding to the tsunami disaster in Southern Asia. NJNG solicited donations from employees, customers, shareowners, vendors and others, and matched donations received to the fund on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

“Over the past six months, the world responded to the tsunami disaster with an unprecedented outpouring of compassion and support. The remarkable results of the NJNG Tsunami Relief Fund mirror this generosity and desire to help,” said Laurence M. Downes, chairman and CEO of NJNG. “The response from our customers, employees, retirees, shareowners, vendors and even students, has been truly inspiring. It was an honor to see firsthand the genuine concern for others and desire to make a difference demonstrated by the students from Land O’Pines Elementary School and Ocean Township High School who raised funds to make a contribution.”

The American Red Cross’ international relief workers are currently focused on improving daily living conditions in the areas where the tsunami struck hardest. Their efforts include working with partner organizations to provide tsunami survivors with food and fresh water, supplies such as tents and hygiene items, basic healthcare and support in rebuilding their lives.

“We’re expanding our relief efforts from day-to-day survival to meeting the longer term needs of the tsunami survivors,” said Bill Murray, CEO of the Jersey Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross. “Through NJNG’s generosity, contributions from our communities are going even further to help the victims of this disaster.”

NJNG solicited donations through March 31, 2005, using various channels, including the customer newsletter sent with bills, letters and the company’s Web site at njliving.com. Private donations amounted to more than $50,000. NJNG contributed $75,000, including matching funds and an initial donation to establish the fund. 

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.