RATES AND REGULATORY ACTIONS:

BASE RATES - SJG is subject to the rules and regulations of the BPU. In September 2010, the BPU granted SJG a base rate increase of $42.1 million, which was predicated, in part, upon an 8.21% rate of return on rate base that included a 10.3% return on common equity. The $42.1 million includes $16.6 million of revenue previously recovered through the Conservation Incentive Program (CIP) and $6.8 million of revenues previously recovered through the Capital Investment Recovery Tracker (CIRT), resulting in incremental revenue of $18.7 million. SJG was permitted to recover regulatory assets contained in its petition and defer certain federally mandated pipeline integrity management program costs for recovery in its next base rate case. In addition, annual depreciation expense was reduced by $1.2 million as a result of the amortization of excess cost of removal recoveries. The BPU also authorized a Phase II of the base rate proceeding to review the costs of CIRT projects not rolled into rate base in the September 2010 settlement. A proceeding took place in 2013 to roll into base rates the remaining $22.5 million of CIRT I project costs that were not included in the 2010 rate increase, as well as CIRT II and III investments totaling $95.0 million that were made subsequent to the 2010 base rate case. These costs were rolled into rate base and reflected in base rates effective October 2013.

In September 2014, the BPU granted SJG a base rate increase of $20.0 million, which was predicated, in part, upon a 7.10% rate of return on rate base that included a 9.75% return on common equity. The $20.0 million includes approximately $7.5 million of revenue associated with previously approved Accelerated Infrastructure Replacement Program (AIRP) investments that were rolled into base rates. SJG was also permitted to recover certain regulatory assets and to reduce its composite depreciate rate from 2.4% to 2.1%. These changes became effective on October 1, 2014.

RATE MECHANISMS - SJG's tariff, a schedule detailing the terms, conditions and rate information applicable to its various types of natural gas service, as approved by the BPU, has several primary rate mechanisms as discussed in detail below:

Basic Gas Supply Service (BGSS) Clause - The BGSS price structure allows SJG to recover all prudently incurred gas costs. BGSS charges to customers can be either monthly or periodic (annual). Monthly BGSS charges are applicable to large use customers and are referred to as monthly because the rate changes on a monthly basis pursuant to a BPU-approved formula based on commodity market prices. Periodic BGSS charges are applicable to lower usage customers, which include all of SJG's residential customers, and are evaluated at least annually by the BPU. However, to some extent, more frequent rate changes to the periodic BGSS are allowed. SJG collects gas costs from customers on a forecasted basis and defers periodic over/under recoveries to the following BGSS year, which runs from October 1 through September 30. If SJG is in a net cumulative undercollected position, gas costs deferrals are reflected on the balance sheet as a regulatory asset. If SJG is in a net cumulative overcollected position, amounts due back to customers are reflected on the balance sheet as a regulatory liability. SJG pays interest on net overcollected BGSS balances at the rate of return on rate base utilized by the BPU to set rates in the last base rate proceeding.

Regulatory actions regarding the BGSS were as follows:


•	January 2013 - SJG credited the accounts of its periodic BGSS customers with refunds totaling $9.4 million due to gas costs that were lower than projections.


•	May 2013 - SJG filed its annual BGSS filing with the BPU requesting a $0.6 million reduction in gas cost recoveries.


•	September 2013 - The BPU issued an Order approving, on a provisional basis, SJG’s request for a $0.6 million reduction in gas cost recoveries.


•	January 2014 - SJG credited the accounts of its periodic BGSS customer with refunds totaling $11.2 million due to gas costs that were lower than projected.


•	May 2014 - SJG filed its annual BGSS filing with the BPU requesting a $27.0 million, or a 9.3% increase in gas cost recoveries.


•	September 2014 - The BPU issued an Order approving, on a provisional basis, SJG’s request for a $27.0 million increase in gas cost recoveries.


•	June 2015 - SJG filed its annual BGSS filing with the BPU, requesting a $28.4 million decrease in gas cost recoveries.


•	September 2015 - The BPU issued an Order approving, on a provisional basis, SJG’s request for a $28.4 million decrease in gas cost recoveries.

Conservation Incentive Program (CIP) - The primary purpose of the CIP is to promote conservation efforts, without negatively impacting financial stability, and to base SJG's profit margin on the number of customers rather than the amount of natural gas distributed to customers. In October 2006, the BPU approved SJG's CIP as a three-year pilot program. In January 2010, the BPU approved an extension of this program through September 2013, with an automatic one year extension through September 2014 if a request for an extension was filed by March 2013. A petition was filed in March 2013 to extend the CIP program and in May 2014 the BPU approved the continuation of the CIP. Each CIP year begins October 1 and ends September 30 of the subsequent year. On a monthly basis during the CIP year, SJG records adjustments to earnings based on weather and customer usage factors, as incurred. Subsequent to each year, SJG makes filings with the BPU to review and approve amounts recorded under the CIP. BPU approved cash inflows or outflows generally will not begin until the next CIP year.

Regulatory actions regarding the CIP were as follows:


•	March 2013 - SJG filed a joint petition with another utility requesting modification to, and the continuation of, the CIP program effective October 1, 2013.


•	May 2013 - SJG made its annual CIP filing with the BPU requesting a reduction in revenue of $17.8 million, which includes a $2.3 million reduction in non-weather related recovery and a $15.5 million reduction in weather related recovery.


•	September 2013 - The BPU issued an Order approving, on a provisional basis, the 2013-2014 CIP rates filed in May 2013, effective October 1, 2013.


•	May 2014 - SJG made its annual CIP filing with the BPU requesting a revenue reduction of $21.8 million, which includes a $4.2 million increase in non-weather related revenues and a $26.0 million reduction in weather related revenues.


•	September 2014 - The BPU issued an Order approving, on a provisional basis, the 2014-2015 CIP rates filed in May 2014, effective October 1 2014.


•	June 2015 - SJG filed its annual CIP filing with the BPU, requesting a decrease in revenues of $11.3 million, which includes a $8.8 million decrease in non-weather related revenues and a $2.5 million decrease in weather related revenues.


•	September 2015 - The BPU issued an Order approving, on a provisional basis, the 2015-2016 CIP rates filed in June 2015, effective October 1, 2015.

Capital Investment Recovery Tracker (CIRT) - The purpose of the CIRT was to accelerate capital expenditures in an effort to stimulate the economy. The petition requested that SJG be allowed to earn a return of, and a return on, its investment. On a monthly basis during the CIRT year, SJG recorded adjustments to earnings based on actual CIRT program expenditures, as incurred. In September 2013, the BPU approved the base rate roll in of the CIRT I, II and III program investments effective October 1, 2013, resulting in a $15.5 million increase in annual revenue. This approval also concluded Phase II of the 2010 base rate case. All CIRT program investments have been rolled into rate base and the CIRT program is now concluded.

Accelerated Infrastructure Replacement Program (AIRP) - In July 2012, SJG filed a petition to implement a five-year, $250.0 million AIRP. In February 2013, the BPU issued an Order approving a $141.2 million program to replace cast iron and unprotected bare steel mains and services over a four-year period, with annual investments of approximately $35.3 million. Pursuant to the Order, AIRP investments are to be reviewed and included in rate base in future base rate proceedings.

Regulatory actions regarding AIRP were as follows:


•	September 2014 - The BPU approved SJG’s base rate case, which included a $7.5 million increase in revenues associated with the roll in of $69.9 million of AIRP investments into base rates.

Storm Hardening and Reliability Program (SHARP) - In September 2013, SJG filed with the BPU an asset hardening program pursuant to which SJG will invest approximately $280.0 million over seven years to replace low pressure distribution mains and services with high pressure mains and services in coastal areas that are susceptible to flooding during major storm events.

Regulatory actions regarding SHARP were as follows:


•	August 2014 - The BPU approved the SHARP, authorizing SJG to invest $103.5 million over three years for system hardening on barrier islands. SJG will earn on a return on these investments as they are made and will reflect the investments in base rates through annual rate adjustments.


•	April 2015 - SJG filed a petition seeking a base rate adjustment to increase annual revenues by approximately $4.0 million to reflect approximately $36.6 million of SHARP investments made from July 2014 through June 2015.


•	September 2015 - The BPU approved SJG’s request to increase annual revenues from base rates by $4.0 million, effective October 1, 2015.

Energy Efficiency Tracker (EET) - In January 2009, SJG filed a petition with the BPU requesting approval of an Energy Efficiency Program (EEP I) for residential, commercial and industrial customers. The BPU approved this petition in July 2009. Under this program, SJG was permitted to invest $17.0 million over two years in energy efficiency measures to be installed in customer homes and businesses. SJG also recovered incremental operating and maintenance expenses and earn a return of, and return on, program investments.

Regulatory actions regarding the EET/EEP were as follows:

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May 2012 - SJG filed a petition requesting the approval of a new Energy Efficiency Program (“EEP II”) and to continue the existing EET to recover all costs associated with the EEP II through a $3.1 million increase in annual revenues. These programs provide customers with increased incentives to reduce their natural gas consumption. In June 2013, the BPU approved the EEP II program in the form of an extension of the existing EEP program, permitting SJG to invest $24.0 million in energy efficiency programs through June 2015. The BPU also approved in June 2013 an extension of the EET with a $2.1 million revenue increase effective July 2013.

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June 2012 - SJG filed a petition requesting a continuation of the original EEP Ito bridge the gap between the expiration of the EEP I program on April 30, 2012, and the implementation of the proposed new EEP II program. This petition was approved by the BPU in August 2012. Also in June 2012, SJG filed its 2012 - 2013 annual EET rate adjustment petition requesting a $5.8 million increase in annual revenues to recover the costs associated with its EEP I program. The BPU approved this petition in September 2014.


•	May 2013 - SJG filed its annual petition requesting an increase of $2.2 million for current EET programs. The BPU approved this petition in September 2014.


•	May 2014 - SJG filed its annual EET rate adjustment petition requesting an $1.4 million increase in revenues to recover the costs of, and the allowed return on, prior investments associated with energy efficiency programs. The petition is currently pending.


•	September 2014 - The BPU approved a revenue increase of $2.2 million associated with the 2012-2013 annual EET rate adjustment filing, with rates effective October 1, 2014.


•	January 2015 - SJG filed a petition with the BPU seeking to continue offering energy efficiency programs through June 2018 with a proposed budget of $56.0 million and with the same rate recovery mechanism that exists for its current energy efficiency programs (EEPs).


•	June 2015, SJG filed its annual EET rate adjustment petition, requesting a $7.6 million decrease in revenues to continue recovering the costs of, and the allowed return on, prior investments associated with EEPs. This petition is currently pending.


•	August 2015, the BPU approved a two year extension of the Company’s EEPs through August 31, 2017, with a program budget of $36.3 million. The BPU’s approval permitted SJG to adjust its EET rate, effective September 1, 2015, to increase annual revenues by $2.6 million, to recover projected costs and the allowed return on the first year of its investments in the EEP extension.

Societal Benefits Clause (SBC) - The SBC allows SJG to recover costs related to several BPU-mandated programs. Within the SBC are a Remediation Adjustment Clause (RAC), a New Jersey Clean Energy Program (NJCEP) and a Universal Service Fund (USF) program.

Regulatory actions regarding the SBC, with the exception of USF which requires separate regulatory filings, were as follows:


•	July 2013 - SJG made its annual 2013-2014 SBC filing requesting a $6.4 million decrease in SBC revenues. The BPU approved this filing in September 2014.


•	July 2014 - SJG made its annual 2014-2015 SBC filing requesting a $25.7 million decrease in SBC revenues. The BPU approved this filing in May 2015.


•	July 2015 - SJG made its annual 2015-2016 SBC filing, requesting a $5.0 million decrease in SBC revenues. This petition is currently pending.

Remediation Adjustment Clause (RAC) - The RAC recovers environmental remediation costs of 12 former gas manufacturing plants (See Note 15). The BPU allows SJG to recover such costs over seven-year amortization periods. The net between the amounts actually spent and amounts recovered from customers is recorded as a regulatory asset, Environmental Remediation Cost Expended - Net. RAC activity affects revenue and cash flows but does not directly affect earnings because of the cost recovery over seven-year amortization periods. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, SJG reflected the unamortized remediation costs of $42.0 million and $29.5 million, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheets under Regulatory Assets (See Note 11). Since implementing the RAC in 1992, SJG has recovered $110.5 million through rates.

Clean Energy Program Clause CLEP) - A component of the SBC, the CLEP recovers costs associated with state mandated New Jersey Clean Energy Programs (NJCEP) and, as it relates to SJG,'s energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. In June 2013, the BPU approved a NJCEP funding level of $345.0 million through June 2014, of which SJG was responsible for $14.5 million. In June 2014, the BPU approved a NJCEP funding level of $345.0 million through June 2015, of which SJG was responsible for $14.5 million. In June 2015, the BPU approved a NJCEP funding level of $345.0 million through June 2016, of which SJG was responsible for $14.6 million.

NJCEP adjustments affect revenue and cash flows but do not directly affect earnings as related costs are deferred and recovered through rates on an on-going basis.

Universal Service Fund (USF) - The USF is a statewide program through which funds for the USF and Lifeline Credit and Tenants Assistance Programs are collected from customers of all New Jersey electric and gas utilities. USF adjustments affect cash flows but do not directly affect revenue or earnings as related costs are deferred and recovered through rates on an on-going basis.

Separate regulatory actions regarding the USF were as follows:


•	June 2013 - SJG made its annual USF filing, along with the State’s other electric and gas utilities, proposing to decrease the statewide gas revenues by $29.4 million. This proposal was designed to decrease SJG's annual USF revenue by $3.7 million.


•	September 2013 - The BPU approved the statewide USF budget of $54.4 million for all the State’s gas utilities. SJG's portion of the total is approximately $5.8 million, which decreased rates effective October 1, 2013, resulting in a $3.4 million decrease to SJG's USF recoveries.


•	June 2014 - SJG made its annual USF filing, along with the State’s other electric and gas utilities, proposing to increase the statewide gas revenues by $19.9 million. This proposal was designed to increase SJG’s annual USF revenue by $2.6 million.


•	September 2014 - The BPU approved the statewide budget of $71.8 million for all the State’s gas utilities. SJG's portion of the total is approximately $7.9 million, which increased rates effective October 1, 2014, resulting in a $2.6 million increase to its USF recoveries.


•	June 2015 - SJG made its annual USF filing, along with the State’s other electric and gas utilities, proposing to decrease the statewide gas revenues by $46.4 million. This proposal was designed to decrease SJG’s annual USF revenue by $3.4 million.


•	September 2015 - The BPU approved the statewide budget of $46.4 million for all the State’s gas utilities. SJG's portion of the total is approximately $5.2 million, which decreased rates effective October 1, 2015, resulting in a $3.4 million decrease to its USF recoveries.

Other Regulatory Matters -

Unbundling - In 2000, the BPU approved full unbundling of SJG's system. This allows all natural gas consumers to select their natural gas commodity supplier. As of December 31, 2015, 35,400 of SJG's customers were purchasing their gas commodity from someone other than SJG. Customers choosing to purchase natural gas from providers other than the utility are charged for the cost of gas by the marketer. The resulting decrease in utility revenues is offset by a corresponding decrease in gas costs. While customer choice can reduce utility revenues, it does not negatively affect SJG's net income or financial condition. The BPU continues to allow for full recovery of prudently incurred natural gas costs through the BGSS. Unbundling did not change the fact that SJG still recovers cost of service, including certain deferred costs, through base rates.

Pipeline Integrity Costs - SJG is permitted to defer and recover incremental costs incurred as a result of Pipeline Integrity Management regulations that became effective January 14, 2004, which are aimed at enhancing public safety and reliability. The regulations require that utilities use a comprehensive analysis to assess, evaluate, repair and validate the integrity of certain transmission lines in the event of a leak or failure. As part of SJG's 2014 base rate case, it was permitted to recover previously deferred pipeline integrity costs incurred from October 2010 through June 2014. In addition, SJG is authorized to defer future program costs, including related carrying costs, for recovery in the next base rate proceeding, subject to review by the BPU. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, deferred pipeline integrity costs totaled $2.7 million and $3.4 million, respectively, and are included in other regulatory assets (See Note 11).

Superstorm Sandy - In June 2013, SJG filed a petition requesting deferral of $0.7 million of incremental operating and maintenance expenses incurred due to Superstorm Sandy. The BPU approved the recovery of these expenses through base rates in SJG’s 2014 base rate case.

Filings and petitions described above are still pending unless otherwise indicated.