News Center

LONG BRANCH, N.J. – New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) and Interfaith Neighbors, Inc. continued their long-standing partnership today by dedicating a new, affordable home to a local family. The home is being purchased by the Pothier family who will be able to build equity in their home and start saving money. The family will also benefit from lower electricity bills due to energy-saving technology installed on their home.
 
“Working with Interfaith Neighbors, municipal leaders in Long Branch and the many others who donate their time and resources to this home ownership program provides us with a unique opportunity to support our local communities,” said Laurence M. Downes, chairman and CEO of NJNG. “We extend our congratulations to the Pothier family and hope their new home is a place where they can share many memories for years to come.”

For Baptiste and Marlene Pothier, realizing the dream of home ownership means the ability to provide a better home for their family. After many years of living in a crowded two-bedroom apartment, the Pothiers and their five children will have plenty of room to grow individually, and as a family. After arriving from Haiti 15 years ago, Baptiste began working at Interfaith Neighbors in Asbury Park and today is the head chef for the nonprofit’s nutrition program. Marlene is a nursing assistant at John Montgomery Nursing Home in Freehold. Their children, ranging in age from 2 to 20, attend schools in the Long Branch school district.

“What makes this occasion so special is that it is our first new home in Long Branch. Our experience with the mayor, council and the planning board right through all the necessary steps to completion were both welcoming and encouraging,” said Joseph J. Marmora, executive director of Interfaith Neighbors, Inc. “The joy and disbelief expressed by our buyers and their children is all the reward that we at Interfaith Neighbors need. It is something we will always remember and to our perennial partners, New Jersey Natural Gas and Bevin Irvin, our builder, we express our never ending thanks.”

The Pothier family will benefit from the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, which will produce approximately 2,400 kilowatts (kW) of electricity over the course of a year. This converts to a savings of up to 25 percent on the family’s electricity bills, or about $365 annually. 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, approximately 60 percent of the cost of the PV system was covered. Authorized and overseen by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, the Clean Energy Program helps customers lower their 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 energy conservation and efficiency.

“This project represents what the private sector and government can accomplish when they decide to partner to provide a solution to the urgent need for more affordable housing and the pressing need to protect our environment,” said Joseph Fiordaliso, Commissioner, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. “It is important to invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency – not just for the big corporations, but for homeowners of every income level throughout New Jersey.”

The home ownership program began twelve 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-poor families who would otherwise be unable to afford a house. Including today’s dedication, 17 affordable housing units have been offered to qualifying families in local communities. Additionally, NJNG recently pledged financial support for Interfaith Neighbors’ Westside Revitalization Plan in Asbury Park.
 
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 478,000 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.