As winter temperatures settle across the region, South Jersey Gas and Elizabethtown Gas have announced a combined $500,000 donation to NJ SHARES, a leading nonprofit dedicated to helping New Jersey residents maintain essential utility services.
The contribution from the two SJI subsidiaries comes at a critical time for households navigating the high energy demands of the heating season. The funds are earmarked specifically for customers who face temporary financial crises and may not qualify for traditional state or federal assistance programs.
NJ SHARES (Statewide Heating Assistance and Referral for Energy Services) serves as a vital safety net for individuals who are often overlooked by other aid programs. While programs like LIHEAP focus on low-income residents, NJ SHARES helps moderate-income families who hit a “speed bump”—such as a sudden job loss, medical emergency, or family crisis—that leaves them unable to pay for gas, water, or electric service.
“At SJI, our mission is to deliver safe, reliable, affordable energy to our more than 735,000 customers,” Steven Cocchi, senior vice president and chief operating officer at SJI, said. “We are pleased to partner with SHARES, as they are a strong community resource providing utility assistance to customers who need it the most.”
