NJNG BEGINS TO REINTRODUCE NATURAL GAS IN PORTIONS OF SEA BRIGHT AND LONG BEACH ISLAND

New Jersey Natural Gas today began to reintroduce natural gas in portions of Sea Bright and Long Beach Island, and provided the following operational updates:

Monmouth County

We have successfully reintroduced natural gas into the first portion of our main in Sea Bright, and expect to complete the final portion today.  In Manasquan, we have completed 67 percent of our service assessments and have been replacing portions of our damaged facilities.

Bay Head to Seaside

We are finalizing our re-pressurization plan for this portion of our system, which includes segmentation.  Mobilization has begun for the replacement of main that was damaged near the Mantoloking Bridge. We have completed all of our initial service assessments, with extensive follow-up required.

Ocean County Mainland

We have completed 24,000 service assessments. 1,300 meters are ready for natural gas restoration, and 451 meters have been turned back on.

Long Beach Island

Today, we began to reintroduce natural gas into the first section of our main on Long Beach Island, in parts of Ship Bottom and Surf City.  We expect to move onto the second section tomorrow, which includes the remainder of Ship Bottom and parts of Brant Beach.  Scheduling, details and updates on our LBI restoration work are available at www.njng.com.

Once natural gas has been restored to your area, your home’s natural gas service may be turned on only after electricity has been restored, you have safely returned to your home, and a qualified technician has determined that your natural gas equipment is safe to operate.

Federal, New Jersey and local safety codes prohibit tampering with natural gas meters and service lines. Even if natural gas service has not yet been restored to your area, this could significantly hamper efforts to restore service.

If you smell an odor of natural gas, leave the building immediately. Do not light matches, touch electrical switches or appliances, or use your telephone. From a safe location, customers should notify us of all gas leaks immediately at 800-GAS-LEAK.