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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

GENERAL - South Jersey Industries, Inc. (SJI or the Company) currently provides a variety of energy related products and services primarily through the following subsidiaries:


▪	South Jersey Gas Company (SJG) is a regulated natural gas utility. SJG distributes natural gas in the seven southernmost counties of New Jersey.


▪	South Jersey Resources Group, LLC (SJRG) markets wholesale natural gas storage, commodity and transportation in the mid-Atlantic, Appalachian and southern states.


▪	Marina Energy, LLC (Marina) develops and operates on-site energy-related projects.


▪	South Jersey Energy Company (SJE) acquires and markets natural gas and electricity to retail end users and provides total energy management services to commercial and industrial customers.


▪	South Jersey Energy Service Plus, LLC (SJESP) installs residential and small commercial HVAC systems, provides plumbing services and services appliances under warranty via a subcontractor arrangement.


▪	South Jersey Exploration, LLC (SJEX) owns oil, gas and mineral rights in the Marcellus Shale region of Pennsylvania. SJEX was a wholly owned subsidiary of SJRG until November 2011, when it became a wholly owned subsidiary of South Jersey Energy Solutions, LLC (SJES).

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

BASIS OF PRESENTATION - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SJI, its wholly owned subsidiaries and subsidiaries in which we have a controlling interest. We eliminate all significant intercompany accounts and transactions. In management's opinion, the consolidated financial statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments needed to fairly present SJI's financial position and operating results at the dates and for the periods presented. Marina and a joint venture partner formed AC Landfill Energy, LLC (ACLE) and WC Landfill Energy, LLC (WCLE) to develop and install methane-to-electric power generation systems at certain county-owned landfills. Prior to January 1, 2010, the Company accounted for these entities as consolidated subsidiaries. In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new accounting guidance on the consolidation of variable interest entities (VIEs) which was effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. The new accounting guidance for VIEs considers if a company has a controlling financial interest in a VIE. A controlling financial interest will have both (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Entities are required to consolidate a VIE when it is determined that they have a controlling financial interest in a VIE and therefore, are the primary beneficiary of that VIE.

Marina and the joint venture partner of ACLE and WCLE share the executive board seats and their voting rights equally and equally approve the annual budgets of both entities. Based on the shared control of operations, management concluded as of January 1, 2010 that the Company is no longer the primary beneficiary of ACLE and WCLE as defined by the new accounting guidance. As a result, ACLE and WCLE are no longer accounted for as consolidated subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, ACLE and WCLE are included with other equity investments in Investment in Affiliates on the consolidated balance sheet. The results of operations of ACLE and WCLE for the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 are included in Equity in Loss of Affiliated Companies on the consolidated statements of income. The adoption of this guidance modified our financial statement presentation, but did not have an impact on our financial statement results.

EQUITY INVESTMENTS

EQUITY INVESTMENTS - Marketable equity securities that are purchased as long-term investments are classified as Available-for-Sale Securities and carried at their fair value on our consolidated balance sheets. Any unrealized gains or losses are included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss. SJI, through wholly owned subsidiaries, holds significant variable interests in several companies but is not the primary beneficiary. Consequently, these investments are accounted for under the equity method. In the event that losses and/or distributions from these equity method investments exceed the carrying value, and the Company is obligated to provide additional financial support, the excess will be recorded as either a current or non-current liability on the consolidated balance sheets. We include the operations of these affiliated companies on a pre-tax basis in the statements of consolidated income under Equity in Loss of Affiliated Companies (See Note 3). An impairment loss is recorded when there is clear evidence that a decline in value is other than temporary. No impairment losses were recorded on Investments during 2011, 2010 or 2009.

ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS

ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS - We prepare our consolidated financial statements to conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Therefore, actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include amounts related to regulatory accounting, energy derivatives, environmental remediation costs, pension and other postretirement benefit costs, and revenue recognition.

REGULATION

REGULATION - SJG is subject to the rules and regulations of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU). See Note 10 for a detailed discussion of SJG's rate structure and regulatory actions. SJG maintains its accounts according to the BPU's prescribed Uniform System of Accounts. SJG follows the accounting for regulated enterprises prescribed by FASB ASC Topic 980 -”Regulated Operations.” In general, Topic 980 allows for the deferral of certain costs (regulatory assets) and creation of certain obligations (regulatory liabilities) when it is probable that such items will be recovered from or refunded to customers in future periods. See Note 11 for a detailed discussion of regulatory assets and liabilities.

OPERATING REVENUES

OPERATING REVENUES - Gas and electric revenues are recognized in the period the commodity is delivered to customers. For SJG and SJE retail customers that are not billed at the end of the month, we record an estimate to recognize unbilled revenues for gas and electricity delivered from the date of the last meter reading to the end of the month. SJRG's gas revenues are recognized in the period the commodity is delivered. Unrealized gains and losses on energy related derivative instruments are also recognized in operating revenues for SJRG. See further discussion under Derivative Instruments. We recognize revenues related to SJESP appliance service contracts seasonally over the full term of the contracts. Revenue related to services provided on a time and materials basis is recognized on a monthly basis as the services are provided. Marina recognizes revenue on a monthly basis as services are provided, as lease income is earned, and for on-site energy production that is delivered to its customers.

REVENUE BASED TAXES

REVENUE BASED TAXES — SJI collects certain revenue-based energy taxes from customers. Such taxes include New Jersey State Sales Tax, Transitional Energy Facility Assessment (TEFA) and Public Utilities Assessment (PUA). State sales tax is recorded as a liability when billed to customers and is not included in revenue or operating expenses. TEFA and PUA are included in both utility revenue and cost of sales and totaled $8.0 million, $8.6 million, and $8.8 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND PROVISION FOR UNCOLLETIBLE ACCOUNTS

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND PROVISION FOR UNCOLLECTIBLE ACCOUNTS - Accounts receivable are carried at the amount owed by customers. A provision for uncollectible accounts is established based on our collection experience and an assessment of the collectibility of specific accounts.

PROPERTY PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT - For regulatory purposes, utility plant is stated at original cost, which may be different than SJG's cost if the assets were acquired from another regulated entity. Nonutility plant is stated at cost. The cost of adding, replacing and renewing property is charged to the appropriate plant account.

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS - The amounts included under Asset Retirement Obligations (ARO) are primarily related to the legal obligations the Company has to cut and cap gas distribution pipelines when taking those pipelines out of service in future years. These liabilities are generally recognized upon the acquisition or construction of the asset. The related asset retirement cost is capitalized concurrently by increasing the carrying amount of the related asset by the same amount as the liability. Changes in the liability are recorded for the passage of time (accretion) or for revisions to cash flows originally estimated to settle the ARO.

DEPRECIATION

DEPRECIATION - We depreciate utility plant on a straight-line basis over the estimated remaining lives of the various property classes. These estimates are periodically reviewed and adjusted as required after BPU approval. The composite annual rate for all depreciable utility property was approximately 2.3% in 2011, 2.4% in 2010, and 2.3% in 2009. The actual composite rate may differ from the approved rate as the asset mix changes over time. Except for retirements outside of the normal course of business, accumulated depreciation is charged with the cost of depreciable utility property retired, less salvage. Nonutility property depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the property, ranging up to 50 years. Gain or loss on the disposition of nonutility property is recognized in operating income.

CAPITALIZED INTEREST

CAPITALIZED INTEREST - SJG capitalizes interest on construction at the rate of return on the rate base utilized by the BPU to set rates in its last base rate proceeding (See Note 10). Marina capitalizes interest on construction projects in progress based on the actual cost of borrowed funds. SJG's amounts are included in Utility Plant and Marina's amounts are included in Nonutility Property and Equipment on the consolidated balance sheets. Interest Charges are presented net of capitalized interest on the consolidated statements of income. The amount of interest capitalized by SJI for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $1.2 million. The amount of interest capitalized by SJI for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 was not significant.

IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS

IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS - We review the carrying amount of long-lived assets for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such amounts may not be recoverable. For the years ended 2011, 2010 and 2009, no significant impairments were identified.

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - SJI accounts for derivative instruments in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815 - “Derivatives and Hedging.” We record all derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value unless the derivative contracts qualify for the normal purchase and sale exemption. In general, if the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, we recognize the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk in earnings. We currently have no fair value hedges. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, we record the effective portion of the hedge in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and recognize it in the income statement when the hedged item affects earnings. We recognize ineffective portions of the cash flow hedges immediately in earnings. Currently, we do not designate energy-related derivative instruments as cash flow hedges. We formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk management objectives, strategies for undertaking various hedge transactions and our methods for assessing and testing correlation and hedge ineffectiveness. All hedging instruments are linked to the hedged asset, liability, firm commitment or forecasted transaction. Due to the application of regulatory accounting principles under FASB ASC Topic 980, gains and losses on derivatives related to SJG's gas purchases are recorded through the Basic Gas Supply Service (BGSS) clause.

Initially and on an ongoing basis, we assess whether derivatives designated as hedges are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows or fair values of the hedged items. We discontinue hedge accounting prospectively if we decide to discontinue the hedging relationship; determine that the anticipated transaction is no longer likely to occur; or determine that a derivative is no longer highly effective as a hedge. In the event that hedge accounting is discontinued, we will continue to carry the derivative on the balance sheet at its current fair value and recognize subsequent changes in fair value in current period earnings. Unrealized gains and losses on the discontinued hedges that were previously included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss will be reclassified into earnings when the forecasted transaction occurs, or when it is probable that it will not occur.

GAS EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT

GAS EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT - The Company capitalizes all costs associated with gas property acquisition, exploration and development activities under the full cost method of accounting. Capitalized costs include costs related to unproved properties, which are not amortized until proved reserves are found or it is determined that the unproved properties are impaired. All costs related to unproved properties are reviewed quarterly to determine if impairment has occurred. As of December 30, 2011 and 2010, $9.6 million and $3.3 million, respectively, related to interests in proved and unproved properties in Pennsylvania, net of amortization, are included with Nonutility Property and Equipment and Other Noncurrent Assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

TREASURY STOCK

TREASURY STOCK – SJI uses the par value method of accounting for treasury stock. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, SJI held 154,718 and 143,546 shares of treasury stock, respectively. These shares are related to deferred compensation arrangements where the amounts earned are held in the stock of SJI.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES - Deferred income taxes are provided for all significant temporary differences between the book and taxable bases of assets and liabilities in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740 - “Income Taxes” (See Note 4). A valuation allowance is established when it is determined that it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Investment tax credits related to renewable energy facilities of the non-regulated entities are recognized on the flow through method.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - For purposes of reporting cash flows, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less are considered cash equivalents.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS - Other than as described below, no new accounting pronouncement issued or effective during 2011, 2010 or 2009 had, or is expected to have, a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the consolidation of VIEs. Accordingly, companies needed to carefully reconsider previous conclusions, including (1) whether an entity is a VIE, (2) whether the company is the VIE's primary beneficiary, and (3) what type of financial statement disclosures are required. The new guidance was effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. As a result of adopting this guidance, we have deconsolidated ACLE and WCLE as of January 1, 2010 due to the shared control between the Company and the joint venture partner as discussed under “Basis of Presentation” above. Beginning January 1, 2010, ACLE and WCLE are reported using the equity method of accounting. The adoption of this guidance modified our financial statement presentation, but did not have an impact on our financial statement results.

In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS. This ASU amends ASC Topic 820 to include a consistent definition of the term “fair value” and set forth common requirements for measuring fair value and disclosing information about fair value measurements in financial statements. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have an impact on our financial statement results.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. This ASU allows an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In both choices, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. In January 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for the Presentation of Reclassification Adjustments Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which defers the provisions related to the presentation of reclassification adjustments. The other portions of the ASU remain unchanged and will become effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance will modify our financial statement presentation, but will not have an impact on our financial statement results.

In January 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, Enhanced Disclosure Requirements Concerning Offsetting of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. This ASU amends ASC 210-20 to add disclosure requirements in respect of the offsetting of financial assets and financial liabilities. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013. Management is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

FAIR VALUE

(A) Available-for-Sale Securities include securities that are traded in active markets and securities that are not traded publicly. The securities traded in active markets are valued using the quoted principal market close prices that are provided by the trustees and are categorized in Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The remaining securities consist of funds that are not publicly traded. These funds, which consist of stocks and bonds that are traded individually in active markets, are valued using quoted prices for similar assets and are categorized in Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

(B) Derivatives – Energy Related Assets and Liabilities are traded in both exchange-based and non-exchange-based markets. Exchange-based contracts are valued using unadjusted quoted market sources in active markets and are categorized in Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. Certain non-exchange-based contracts are valued using indicative price quotations available through brokers or over-the-counter, on-line exchanges and are categorized in Level 2. These price quotations reflect the average of the bid-ask mid-point prices and are obtained from sources that management believes provide the most liquid market. For non-exchange-based derivatives that trade in less liquid markets with limited pricing information, model inputs generally would include both observable and unobservable inputs. In instances where observable data is unavailable, management considers the assumptions that market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability. This includes assumptions about market risks such as liquidity, volatility and contract duration. Such instruments are categorized in Level 3 as the model inputs generally are not observable. Management reviews and corroborates the price quotations to ensure the prices are observable which includes consideration of actual transaction volumes, market delivery points, bid-ask spreads and contract duration.

(C) Derivatives – Other include interest rate swaps that are valued using quoted prices on commonly quoted intervals, which are interpolated for periods different than the quoted intervals, as inputs to a market valuation model. Market inputs can generally be verified and model selection does not involve significant management judgment.