New Jersey Natural Gas: A Steady Investment in Energy Transition
Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 12:50 pm ET
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities recently approved new rates for New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG), marking a significant step in the company's ongoing commitment to infrastructure investments and system enhancements. As an investor, I'm always on the lookout for steady, predictable growth, and NJNG's latest developments have caught my attention. Let's dive into the details and explore what this means for the company and its customers.
First, let's address the elephant in the room: the $157 million rate increase. While this may seem substantial, it's important to understand that this increase is a result of NJNG's significant investments in its operations and system since 2021, totaling approximately $850 million. These investments have enhanced system reliability, supported critical resiliency efforts, and positioned NJNG to deliver lower and zero carbon fuels like clean hydrogen and renewable natural gas. In other words, this rate increase is an investment in the future of energy.
Now, let's talk about the numbers. The approved rate base of $3.25 billion reflects NJNG's infrastructure investments, with an overall rate of return of 7.08% and a composite depreciation rate of 3.21%. These rates, along with the increased revenue requirement, contribute to the approved rate base, ensuring the continued operation of NJNG's business and supporting its infrastructure investments. As an investor, I appreciate the predictability and stability these numbers offer.

One of the key aspects of NJNG's rate increase is the resolution of outstanding arrearages incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This demonstrates the company's commitment to addressing the financial challenges faced by its customers during these unprecedented times. Additionally, NJNG offers energy assistance programs and energy-efficiency rebates through SAVEGREEN® to help customers save energy and money. These initiatives further showcase the company's dedication to supporting its customer base, particularly low-income households.
As an investor who values stability and consistent growth, I'm encouraged by NJNG's approach to energy transition. The company's infrastructure investments and system enhancements position it well to deliver lower and zero carbon fuels, contributing to a cleaner energy future for New Jersey. Moreover, NJNG's commitment to supporting its customers through energy assistance programs and energy-efficiency initiatives demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to addressing the challenges of our changing energy landscape.
In conclusion, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities' approval of new rates for New Jersey Natural Gas represents a significant step in the company's ongoing commitment to infrastructure investments and system enhancements. As an investor, I'm drawn to the stability, predictability, and consistent growth that NJNG offers, as well as its dedication to supporting its customers and contributing to a cleaner energy future. While the rate increase may seem substantial, it's important to remember that it's an investment in the future of energy, and I'm confident that NJNG will continue to deliver steady performance without surprises.
First, let's address the elephant in the room: the $157 million rate increase. While this may seem substantial, it's important to understand that this increase is a result of NJNG's significant investments in its operations and system since 2021, totaling approximately $850 million. These investments have enhanced system reliability, supported critical resiliency efforts, and positioned NJNG to deliver lower and zero carbon fuels like clean hydrogen and renewable natural gas. In other words, this rate increase is an investment in the future of energy.
Now, let's talk about the numbers. The approved rate base of $3.25 billion reflects NJNG's infrastructure investments, with an overall rate of return of 7.08% and a composite depreciation rate of 3.21%. These rates, along with the increased revenue requirement, contribute to the approved rate base, ensuring the continued operation of NJNG's business and supporting its infrastructure investments. As an investor, I appreciate the predictability and stability these numbers offer.

One of the key aspects of NJNG's rate increase is the resolution of outstanding arrearages incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This demonstrates the company's commitment to addressing the financial challenges faced by its customers during these unprecedented times. Additionally, NJNG offers energy assistance programs and energy-efficiency rebates through SAVEGREEN® to help customers save energy and money. These initiatives further showcase the company's dedication to supporting its customer base, particularly low-income households.
As an investor who values stability and consistent growth, I'm encouraged by NJNG's approach to energy transition. The company's infrastructure investments and system enhancements position it well to deliver lower and zero carbon fuels, contributing to a cleaner energy future for New Jersey. Moreover, NJNG's commitment to supporting its customers through energy assistance programs and energy-efficiency initiatives demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to addressing the challenges of our changing energy landscape.
In conclusion, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities' approval of new rates for New Jersey Natural Gas represents a significant step in the company's ongoing commitment to infrastructure investments and system enhancements. As an investor, I'm drawn to the stability, predictability, and consistent growth that NJNG offers, as well as its dedication to supporting its customers and contributing to a cleaner energy future. While the rate increase may seem substantial, it's important to remember that it's an investment in the future of energy, and I'm confident that NJNG will continue to deliver steady performance without surprises.
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