Exhibit 5.1

Troutman Sanders LLP
Troutman Sanders Building, 1001 Haxall Point
Richmond, VA 23219
 
troutman.com
 

September 28, 2018

New Jersey Resources Corporation
1415 Wyckoff Road
Wall, New Jersey 07719

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel to New Jersey Resources Corporation, a New Jersey corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-3ASR (the “Registration Statement”) filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) relating to up to 6,000,000 shares (the “Shares”) of common stock of the Company, par value $2.50 per share (the “Common Stock”), to be issued pursuant to the Company’s Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Plan”).

This opinion is being furnished in accordance with the requirements of Item 16 of the Commission’s Form S-3 and Item 601(b)(5)(i) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Act.

In connection with the foregoing, we have examined the Registration Statement and the exhibits filed with the Commission on the date hereof. We have also examined originals, or duplicates or certified or conformed copies, of such corporate records, agreements, documents and other instruments and have made such other investigations as we have deemed relevant and necessary in connection with the opinions hereinafter set forth.

For purposes of the opinions expressed below, we have assumed without verification (i) the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, (ii) the conformity to the originals of all documents submitted as certified, photostatic or electronic copies and the authenticity of the originals thereof, (iii) the legal capacity of natural persons, (iv) the genuineness of signatures not witnessed by us, (v) the due authorization, execution and delivery of all documents by all parties, other than the Company, and the validity, binding effect and enforceability thereof and (vi) the truth, accuracy and completeness of the information, representations and warranties contained in the records, documents, instruments and certificates we have reviewed.

As to any facts material to the opinions expressed herein which were not independently established or verified, we have relied upon oral or written statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the Company and others and of public officials.

We do not express any opinion herein concerning any law other than the laws of the New Jersey Business Corporation Act of the State of New Jersey and the federal law of the United States. We are not opining on “blue sky” or other state securities laws. This opinion is limited to the matters stated herein, and no opinion is implied or may be inferred beyond the matters expressly stated herein.

September 28, 2018
 
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Based on the foregoing and in reliance thereon, and subject to the limitations, qualifications, assumptions, exceptions and other matters set forth herein, we are of the opinion that the Shares have been duly authorized and, when such Shares have been issued in accordance with the terms of the Plan, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

Our opinion is as of the date hereof and we have no responsibility to update this opinion for events and circumstances occurring after the date hereof or as to facts relating to prior events that are subsequently brought to our attention and we disavow any undertaking to advise you of any changes in law.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and with respect to our name wherever it appears in the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not hereby admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act, or the Rules and Regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder. This opinion is being rendered solely for the benefit of the Company in connection with the matters addressed herein. This opinion may not be relied upon by you for any other purpose, or furnished or quoted to or relied upon by any other persons, firm or entity for any purpose, without our prior written consent.

Very truly yours,

/s/ Troutman Sanders LLP