UNION, N.J., May 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) today approved the continuation of Elizabethtown Gas' utility infrastructure program through 2012.  The program accelerates capital expenditures for projects that will enhance the safety, reliability and integrity of the natural gas distribution system, while creating jobs in New Jersey.

Originally approved in 2009, the Elizabethtown Gas program has replaced nearly 47 miles of cast iron pipe and constructed two major interconnect projects totaling about 24 miles of new pipe in Sussex, Warren and Hunterdon counties at an approximate cost of $68 million.

The extended program will allow the company to continue replacing aging infrastructure and provide reinforcements to the distribution system. It also supports the original goal of the state to stimulate the local economy by creating jobs. More than 100 new jobs have been created since the program began.

"The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities is to be commended for allowing us to continue replacing infrastructure and improving system reliability for our customers," said Don Carter, vice president, Elizabethtown Gas. "Today's approval allows us to focus on replacing older pipelines to meet the current and future needs of our customers."

Elizabethtown will spend approximately $40 million to complete the infrastructure projects between now and the end of 2012.  

About Elizabethtown Gas

Elizabethtown Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of AGL Resources (NYSE: AGL), provides natural gas delivery service to approximately 276,000 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 (NYSE: AGL), 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 an 85-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 two high-deliverability natural gas storage facilities: Jefferson Island Storage & Hub near the Henry Hub in Louisiana and Golden Triangle Storage in Texas. For more information, visit www.aglresources.com.

SOURCE Elizabethtown Gas