RETAINED EARNINGS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Equity [Abstract]

RETAINED EARNINGS

RETAINED EARNINGS:

Various loan agreements contain potential restrictions regarding the amount of cash dividends or other distributions that we may pay on our common stock. As of December 31, 2016, these loan restrictions did not affect the amount that may be distributed from our retained earnings.

No cash dividends were declared or paid to SJI in 2016. SJG declared and paid cash dividends of $40.7 million in 2015 to SJI. SJG received a $65.0 million and $25.0 million equity infusion from SJI in 2016 and 2014, respectively. Future equity contributions will occur on an as needed basis.