Additional Energy Assistance Now Available for New Jersey Natural Gas Customers; Company Joins Statewide Heating Assistance Program.

Business Editors

WALL, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 9, 2001

New Jersey Natural Gas Company (NJNG), the principal subsidiary of New Jersey Resources Corporation (NYSE: NJR), announced today that the Company has recently joined the New Jersey Statewide Heating Assistance and Referral for Energy Services (NJ SHARES).

As a result, substantially more funds are now available for customers who need assistance paying their energy bills.

In addition to the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Lifeline and NJNG's own Gift of Warmth fund, customers now have access to another source of energy assistance. "We are pleased to join NJ SHARES so that we can offer more assistance to customers facing financial hardship," said Laurence M. Downes, chairman and CEO of NJNG. "We want customers to know that help may be just a phone call away."

Customers who have already received energy assistance funds this year and customers with incomes that exceed the guidelines of other programs may be eligible for additional funds from NJ SHARES and are encouraged to apply. Eligibility for NJ SHARES is based on financial need and administered by local community organizations. Customers can call NJ SHARES at 1-866-657-4273 to find the agencies administering the program in their area.

NJ SHARES is a statewide fund that provides financial assistance to individuals and families who need help paying their energy bills. The fund is supported by donations from New Jersey's electric and natural gas customers, along with contributions from participating utilities. The state of New Jersey also earmarks a portion of unclaimed utility deposits and utility taxes for NJ SHARES.

In addition to energy assistance funds, NJNG offers other forms of assistance to help customers manage their winter heating costs, including a budget payment plan and energy savings tips. More information is available on the Company's Web site at www.njliving.com or by contacting NJNG at 1-800-221-0051.

New Jersey Natural Gas Company (NJNG), one of the fastest-growing local distribution companies in the United States, is the principal subsidiary of New Jersey Resources Corporation (NYSE: NJR). Since 1952, natural gas customers in central and northern New Jersey have relied on NJNG to keep them warm and ensure they have the energy they need to run their homes and businesses. NJNG provides energy services to more than 411,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in New Jersey's Monmouth and Ocean counties and parts of Morris and Middlesex counties, maintains a nearly 6,000-mile underground pipeline system and has added nearly 12,000 new customers annually for the past six years. NJNG is also a leader in the off-system sales and capacity release markets. More information about NJNG can be accessed through its Web site at www.njliving.com.