The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) today approved a utility infrastructure enhancement rider for Elizabethtown Gas, and other New Jersey distribution utilities, allowing it to accelerate infrastructure projects in order to help stimulate the local economy and improve the company's natural gas distribution system.

"These projects were carefully reviewed against strict criteria," explained NJBPU President Fox. "By expediting spending on identified infrastructure needs, these projects can provide important support for our economy now, as requested by Governor Corzine, while ensuring a reliable and secure energy supply for future economic growth. In addition, by putting many of these projects out to bid in a slow economy, this work can be completed at a lower cost to ratepayers."

Don Carter, vice president, Elizabethtown Gas said, "Today's approval by the NJBPU will accelerate improvements to infrastructure projects to meet the needs of our customers. It lends support to both the state and federal economic stimulus plan and emphasizes our commitment to the communities we serve."

Elizabethtown Gas has identified $60 million of needed pipeline replacement and reinforcement projects over the next two years that will improve the natural gas system. These pipeline upgrade projects are anticipated to create approximately 65 engineering, design and construction jobs in the state and include:

  --  Replacement of 29 miles of elevated pressure 10" and 12" cast iron
      main
  --  Replacement of 40 miles of low pressure 4" cast iron main
  --  Construction of six miles of eight-inch main between Franklin Township
      and Sparta

  --  Construction of 20 miles of 12-inch main between Washington Township
      and Newton

"Through the years Elizabethtown Gas has grown within the communities in which it operates. And while some companies can sell their products anywhere, we live where we work. We're not just investing in a business, we are investing in the communities and people of New Jersey," said Carter.

Since its purchase by AGL Resources in 2004, Elizabethtown Gas has also invested more than $124 million in capital projects.

About Elizabethtown Gas

Elizabethtown Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of AGL Resources , provides natural gas delivery service to approximately 273,000 residential, business and industrial natural gas customers in New Jersey. In operation since 1855, the company serves parts of Union, Middlesex, Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon, Morris and Mercer counties. For more information, visit www.elizabethtowngas.com

About AGL Resources

AGL Resources , an Atlanta-based energy services company, serves approximately 2.3 million customers in six states. The company also owns Houston-based Sequent Energy Management, an asset manager serving natural gas wholesale customers throughout North America. As a 70 percent owner in the SouthStar partnership, AGL Resources markets natural gas to consumers in Georgia under the Georgia Natural Gas brand. The company also owns and operates Jefferson Island Storage & Hub, a high-deliverability natural gas storage facility near the Henry Hub in Louisiana. For more information, visit www.aglresources.com.

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SOURCE: Elizabethtown Gas