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DEBT - FIRST MORTGAGE BONDS (Details)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Jan. 17, 2017
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2016
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2015
USD ($)
Jun. 21, 2016
Aug. 31, 2011
USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
NJBPU dividend restriction, equity to capitalization ratio   0.3        
Debt to equity ratio   0.556        
Payment of long-term debt   $ 97,854 $ 13,289 $ 37,039    
Variable Rate Debt            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Long-term debt           $ 97,000
First mortgage bonds:            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Maximum amount that can be issued   960,000        
First mortgage bonds: | Natural Gas Distribution            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Payment of long-term debt $ 35,800          
First mortgage bonds: | Series UU | Natural Gas Distribution            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Long-term debt   $ 125,000 125,000      
Stated interest rate   3.63%     3.63%  
First mortgage bonds: | Series II | Natural Gas Distribution            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Long-term debt   $ 0 $ 10,300      
Stated interest rate   4.50%        
Variable Demand Rate Notes | Natural Gas Distribution            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Interest rate on EDA Bonds   1.42%        
Minimum | First mortgage bonds: | Series II | Natural Gas Distribution            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Stated interest rate 4.50%          
Maximum | First mortgage bonds: | Series II | Natural Gas Distribution            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Stated interest rate 4.90%