"NJNG's Light for Less program is a 'new twist on energy efficiency' for a natural gas provider by promoting savings on electricity," said Laurence M. Downes, chairman and CEO of NJNG. "Through our commitment to the environment and the community, we are proud to support our state's efforts to encourage the use of compact fluorescent bulbs to preserve our natural resources and reduce electricity costs."

The New Jersey Clean Energy program, a statewide initiative by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, promotes the use of compact fluorescent bulbs, which use over two-thirds less energy than a standard incandescent bulb and last significantly longer. A 75-watt incandescent bulb can be replaced with a 20-watt fluorescent bulb that provides the same amount of light and lasts 6,000 hours - about eight times longer than standard bulbs. The bulbs, which have a twisting, spiral-shaped tube, are cool-burning, unlike incandescent light bulbs that lose about 90 percent of the energy expended as heat.

Beginning April 8, 2004, and continuing while supplies last, NJNG will provide a compact fluorescent bulb with each package of food provided by the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, Interfaith Neighbors in Asbury Park and Interfaith Food Pantry in Morris County. With each light bulb, NJNG will include a copy of the Consumer Conservation Handbook by the New Jersey Division of the Ratepayer Advocate (RPA), which provides a comprehensive list of tips to help New Jerseyans conserve resources and lower their energy bills.

"As a provider of a lifeline service, NJNG is a reliable resource for help with managing energy costs. Our goal for the Light for Less program is to bring members of our community the benefits of immediate savings from increased energy efficiency, every day," Mr. Downes said.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that if every household in the United States replaced one light bulb with an ENERGY STAR-qualified compact fluorescent light bulb, the amount of pollution prevented would be equivalent to removing one million cars from the road.

The RPA's Consumer Conservation Handbook is an easy-to-use, room-by-room guide of tips for saving energy including many that are easy and inexpensive to implement. A copy of the free handbook can be ordered or downloaded online from the RPA Web site at www.rpa.state.nj.us.

NJNG is committed to protecting the environment and preserving natural resources. For more information about NJNG's stewardship of the environment, visit njliving.com, and click on "New Jersey Resources," and "Environmental Policy."

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 nearly 450,000 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 has been recognized by the American Gas Association for Best Practices in Routine Leak Repair. 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. More information about NJNG can be found on our Web site at njliving.com.