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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES | 6 Months Ended
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Mar. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES | COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES Cash Commitments NJNG has entered into long-term contracts, expiring at various dates through August 2030, for the supply, storage and delivery of natural gas. These contracts include current annual fixed charges of approximately $96 million at current contract rates and volumes, which are recoverable through BGSS. For the purpose of securing storage and pipeline capacity, NJRES enters into storage and pipeline capacity contracts, which require the payment of certain demand charges by NJRES to maintain the ability to access such natural gas storage or pipeline capacity, during a fixed time period, which generally ranges from one to five years. Demand charges are based on established rates as regulated by the FERC. These demand charges represent commitments to pay storage providers or pipeline companies for the right to store and transport natural gas utilizing their respective assets. Commitments as of March 31, 2013, for natural gas purchases and future demand fees for the next five fiscal year periods are as follows:
(Thousands) | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | Thereafter
NJRES: |  |  |  |  |  |
Natural gas purchases | $ | 431,244 |  | $ | 99,374 |  | $ | 31,484 |  | $ | 16,420 |  | $ | — |  | $ | — |
Storage demand fees | 16,655 |  | 23,326 |  | 12,016 |  | 7,114 |  | 5,035 |  | 7,318 |
Pipeline demand fees | 29,824 |  | 25,644 |  | 10,426 |  | 8,801 |  | 7,452 |  | 9,371 |
Sub-total NJRES | $ | 477,723 |  | $ | 148,344 |  | $ | 53,926 |  | $ | 32,335 |  | $ | 12,487 |  | $ | 16,689 |
NJNG: |  |  |  |  |  |
Natural gas purchases | $ | 72,604 |  | $ | 110,195 |  | $ | 109,158 |  | $ | 9,041 |  | $ | 113 |  | $ | — |
Storage demand fees | 14,134 |  | 25,398 |  | 17,310 |  | 11,956 |  | 9,990 |  | 23,247 |
Pipeline demand fees | 31,090 |  | 74,586 |  | 39,239 |  | 34,558 |  | 32,753 |  | 221,838 |
Sub-total NJNG | $ | 117,828 |  | $ | 210,179 |  | $ | 165,707 |  | $ | 55,555 |  | $ | 42,856 |  | $ | 245,085 |
Total (1) | $ | 595,551 |  | $ | 358,523 |  | $ | 219,633 |  | $ | 87,890 |  | $ | 55,343 |  | $ | 261,774 |
(1) | Does not include amounts related to intercompany asset management agreements between NJRES and NJNG.
NJNG's capital expenditures are estimated at $145.8 million and $119.9 million in fiscal 2013 and 2014, respectively, including estimates of $27.7 million and $43.4 million, respectively, related to SAFE construction costs. Expenditures consist primarily of NJNG's construction program to support customer growth, maintenance of its distribution system, replacement needed under pipeline safety regulations and costs associated with the restoration of damages to NJNG's infrastructure as a result of Superstorm Sandy. Approximately $64.9 million has been committed or spent on capital expenditures, including accruals, during the six months ended March 31, 2013. NJNG has committed or spent $9 million related to the SAFE program, $10.2 million related to AIP II program and $24.1 million related to restoration from storm damages during the six months ended March 31, 2013. As of March 31, 2013, total capital expenditures associated with the restoration of the portions of distribution main affected by Superstorm Sandy are estimated to be between $30 million to $40 million. NJNG expects to spend between $26 million to $30 million during fiscal 2013, with the remainder being spent over the following three fiscal years. NJRCEV's expenditures include discretionary spending on capital projects that support NJR's goal to promote clean energy. Accordingly, NJRCEV enters into agreements to install solar equipment involving both residential and commercial projects. Total solar-related capital expenditures during the six months ended March 31, 2013, were $24.9 million. The Company currently estimates solar-related capital expenditures between $60 million and $90 million during fiscal 2013, of which $48.9 million has been committed or spent. Solar-related capital expenditures in fiscal 2014 are estimated to be between $70 million and $90 million. These investments are subject to a variety of factors, such as the identification of appropriate projects, the timing of construction schedules, the permitting and regulatory process and delays related to electric grid interconnection, which may affect our ability to commence operations at these projects on a timely basis, if at all, ability to access capital or allocation of capital to other investments or business opportunities. Legal Proceedings Manufactured Gas Plant Remediation NJNG is responsible for the remedial cleanup of five MGP sites, dating back to gas operations in the late 1800s and early 1900s that contain contaminated residues from former gas manufacturing operations. NJNG is currently involved in administrative proceedings with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), as well as participating in various studies and investigations by outside consultants to determine the nature and extent of any such contaminated residues and to develop appropriate programs of remedial action, where warranted, under Administrative Consent Orders or Memoranda of Agreement with the NJDEP. NJNG may, subject to BPU approval, recover its remediation expenditures, including carrying costs, over rolling seven-year periods pursuant to a Remediation Adjustment (RA). On March 20, 2013, the BPU approved the recovery of the remediation expenditures incurred through June 30, 2011, which maintained the expected annual recovery at approximately $20 million. As of March 31, 2013, $48.8 million of previously incurred remediation costs, net of recoveries from customers and insurance proceeds, are included in regulatory assets on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. In September 2012, NJNG updated an environmental review of the MGP sites, including a review of potential liability for investigation and remedial action. NJNG estimated at the time of the review that total future expenditures to remediate and monitor the five MGP sites for which it is responsible, including potential liabilities for Natural Resource Damages that might be brought by the NJDEP for alleged injury to groundwater or other natural resources concerning these sites, will range from approximately $159.6 million to $266.4 million. NJNG's estimate of these liabilities is based upon known facts, existing technology and enacted laws and regulations in place when the review was completed. However, NJNG expects actual costs to differ from these estimates. Where it is probable that costs will be incurred, and the information is sufficient to establish a range of possible liability, NJNG accrues the best estimated amount in the range. Accordingly, NJNG has recorded an MGP remediation liability and a corresponding regulatory asset of $182 million on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, based on the best estimate. The actual costs to be incurred by NJNG are dependent upon several factors, including final determination of remedial action, changing technologies and governmental regulations, the ultimate ability of other responsible parties to pay and any insurance recoveries. NJNG will continue to seek recovery of MGP-related costs through the RA. If any future regulatory position indicates that the recovery of such costs is not probable, the related non-recoverable costs would be charged to income in the period of such determination. However, because recovery of such costs is subject to BPU approval, there can be no assurance as to the ultimate recovery through the RA or the impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or cash flows, which could be material. General The Company is party to various other claims, legal actions and complaints arising in the ordinary course of business. In the Company's opinion, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

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