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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_32071ABA822231BFE2396747B5D96D18_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_32071ABA822231BFE2396747B5D96D18" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Demand fees expense recognized pertaining to related party agreement</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_32071ABA822231BFE2396747B5D96D18_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_32071ABA822231BFE2396747B5D96D18" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_36904AE8133E93325EAB6747B5D9D3C8_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_36904AE8133E93325EAB6747B5D9D3C8" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Demand fees payable</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_36904AE8133E93325EAB6747B5D9D3C8_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_36904AE8133E93325EAB6747B5D9D3C8" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Due to Related Parties</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_36904AE8133E93325EAB6747B5D9D3C8" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_njr_NumberofAssetManagementAgreement_22009EB955B0760614646747B5D947AA_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_NumberofAssetManagementAgreement_22009EB955B0760614646747B5D947AA" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number of asset management agreements</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_njr_NumberofAssetManagementAgreement_22009EB955B0760614646747B5D947AA_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_NumberofAssetManagementAgreement_22009EB955B0760614646747B5D947AA" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number of Asset Management Agreement</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_njr_NaturalGasTransportationCapacityUnderPrecedentAgreementPeriod_87FDF0E63148D463318C6747B5D97065_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_NaturalGasTransportationCapacityUnderPrecedentAgreementPeriod_87FDF0E63148D463318C6747B5D97065" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Transportation precedent agreement, period</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:href="njr-20170331.xsd#njr_NaturalGasTransportationCapacityUnderPrecedentAgreementPeriod" xlink:label="loc_njr_NaturalGasTransportationCapacityUnderPrecedentAgreementPeriod_87FDF0E63148D463318C6747B5D97065" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_njr_NaturalGasTransportationCapacityUnderPrecedentAgreement_930011B85D051207609B6747B5D98939_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_NaturalGasTransportationCapacityUnderPrecedentAgreement_930011B85D051207609B6747B5D98939" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Transportation capacity under precedent agreement from NJNG with PennEast (in bcf per day)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_njr_NaturalGasTransportationCapacityUnderPrecedentAgreement_930011B85D051207609B6747B5D98939_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_NaturalGasTransportationCapacityUnderPrecedentAgreement_930011B85D051207609B6747B5D98939" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Natural Gas Transportation Capacity Under Precedent Agreement</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_njr_NaturalGasTransportationCapacityUnderPrecedentAgreement_930011B85D051207609B6747B5D98939_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_NaturalGasTransportationCapacityUnderPrecedentAgreement_930011B85D051207609B6747B5D98939" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Natural Gas Transportation Capacity Under Precedent Agreement</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="njr-20170331.xsd#njr_NaturalGasTransportationCapacityUnderPrecedentAgreement" xlink:label="loc_njr_NaturalGasTransportationCapacityUnderPrecedentAgreement_930011B85D051207609B6747B5D98939" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_B00E1E756694ABF8E961C77C6DC1C43D_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_B00E1E756694ABF8E961C77C6DC1C43D" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table]</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_389E76FB21A74414ADB48401C27E0234" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_njr_ConservationIncentiveProgramMember_B4D55701F7DA4624AF348401C27E97C5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_ConservationIncentiveProgramMember_B4D55701F7DA4624AF348401C27E97C5" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Conservation Incentive Program</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_njr_ConservationIncentiveProgramMember_B4D55701F7DA4624AF348401C27E97C5_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_ConservationIncentiveProgramMember_B4D55701F7DA4624AF348401C27E97C5" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Conservation Incentive Program [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_njr_ConservationIncentiveProgramMember_B4D55701F7DA4624AF348401C27E97C5_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_ConservationIncentiveProgramMember_B4D55701F7DA4624AF348401C27E97C5" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Conservation Incentive Program (CIP) is a regulator approved mechanism that permits the Utility to normalize utility gross margin recoveries for fluctuations in weather and usage. (Member)</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_njr_NewJerseyCleanEnergyProgramMember_BFFB0DFE99E39ACDE33C8401C27F0BC2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_NewJerseyCleanEnergyProgramMember_BFFB0DFE99E39ACDE33C8401C27F0BC2" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">New Jersey Clean Energy Program</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_njr_NewJerseyCleanEnergyProgramMember_BFFB0DFE99E39ACDE33C8401C27F0BC2_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_NewJerseyCleanEnergyProgramMember_BFFB0DFE99E39ACDE33C8401C27F0BC2" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">New Jersey Clean Energy Program [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_njr_NewJerseyCleanEnergyProgramMember_BFFB0DFE99E39ACDE33C8401C27F0BC2_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_NewJerseyCleanEnergyProgramMember_BFFB0DFE99E39ACDE33C8401C27F0BC2" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Represents a funding obligation associated with a statewide program designed to promote energy efficiency through financial incentives, programs and services. NJNG's share of the funding obligation is recoverable from customers.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="njr-20170331.xsd#njr_NewJerseyCleanEnergyProgramMember" xlink:label="loc_njr_NewJerseyCleanEnergyProgramMember_BFFB0DFE99E39ACDE33C8401C27F0BC2" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetRecoverableGasCostsMember_0DF682099AD0E08FF4188401C27FB287_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetRecoverableGasCostsMember_0DF682099AD0E08FF4188401C27FB287" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Underrecovered gas costs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetRecoverableGasCostsMember_0DF682099AD0E08FF4188401C27FB287_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetRecoverableGasCostsMember_0DF682099AD0E08FF4188401C27FB287" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Asset Recoverable Gas Costs [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRecoverableGasCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRecoverableGasCostsMember_0DF682099AD0E08FF4188401C27FB287" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredDerivativeGainLossMember_13A219D8C7743CC7F0ED8401C27FE2E4_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredDerivativeGainLossMember_13A219D8C7743CC7F0ED8401C27FE2E4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivatives at fair value, net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredDerivativeGainLossMember_13A219D8C7743CC7F0ED8401C27FE2E4_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredDerivativeGainLossMember_13A219D8C7743CC7F0ED8401C27FE2E4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Derivative Gain (Loss) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredDerivativeGainLossMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredDerivativeGainLossMember_13A219D8C7743CC7F0ED8401C27FE2E4" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_njr_EnviromentalRemediationCostsExpendedNetOfRecoveriesMember_9EE26DD3BCD0EF8BE8C28401C27F1DDA_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_EnviromentalRemediationCostsExpendedNetOfRecoveriesMember_9EE26DD3BCD0EF8BE8C28401C27F1DDA" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Expended, net of recoveries</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_njr_EnviromentalRemediationCostsExpendedNetOfRecoveriesMember_9EE26DD3BCD0EF8BE8C28401C27F1DDA_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_EnviromentalRemediationCostsExpendedNetOfRecoveriesMember_9EE26DD3BCD0EF8BE8C28401C27F1DDA" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Enviromental Remediation Costs Expended, Net of Recoveries [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_njr_EnviromentalRemediationCostsExpendedNetOfRecoveriesMember_9EE26DD3BCD0EF8BE8C28401C27F1DDA_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_EnviromentalRemediationCostsExpendedNetOfRecoveriesMember_9EE26DD3BCD0EF8BE8C28401C27F1DDA" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of environmental remediation costs expended, net of recoveries recognized in noncurrent regulatory assets</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRestorationCostsMember_822C19BFC53782E019B88401C27F1EC4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRestorationCostsMember_822C19BFC53782E019B88401C27F1EC4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Liability for future expenditures</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRestorationCostsMember_822C19BFC53782E019B88401C27F1EC4_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRestorationCostsMember_822C19BFC53782E019B88401C27F1EC4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Environmental Restoration Costs [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnvironmentalRestorationCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRestorationCostsMember_822C19BFC53782E019B88401C27F1EC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRestorationCostsMember_822C19BFC53782E019B88401C27F1EC4" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRestorationCostsMember_822C19BFC53782E019B88401C27F1EC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember_E3117990F020F7A924528401C27FF42F_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember_E3117990F020F7A924528401C27FF42F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred income taxes</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember_E3117990F020F7A924528401C27FF42F_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember_E3117990F020F7A924528401C27FF42F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Income Tax Charge [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember_E3117990F020F7A924528401C27FF42F" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RenewableEnergyProgramMember_C02BC88C042C05FE8A188401C27FD244_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RenewableEnergyProgramMember_C02BC88C042C05FE8A188401C27FD244" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">SAVEGREEN</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RenewableEnergyProgramMember_C02BC88C042C05FE8A188401C27FD244_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RenewableEnergyProgramMember_C02BC88C042C05FE8A188401C27FD244" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Renewable Energy Program [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RenewableEnergyProgramMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RenewableEnergyProgramMember_C02BC88C042C05FE8A188401C27FD244" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RenewableEnergyProgramMember_C02BC88C042C05FE8A188401C27FD244" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RenewableEnergyProgramMember_C02BC88C042C05FE8A188401C27FD244" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansCostsMember_14BB30F7EDF605B5EBFA8401C27F9B54_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansCostsMember_14BB30F7EDF605B5EBFA8401C27F9B54" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Postemployment and other benefit costs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansCostsMember_14BB30F7EDF605B5EBFA8401C27F9B54_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansCostsMember_14BB30F7EDF605B5EBFA8401C27F9B54" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Costs [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansCostsMember_14BB30F7EDF605B5EBFA8401C27F9B54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansCostsMember_14BB30F7EDF605B5EBFA8401C27F9B54" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansCostsMember_14BB30F7EDF605B5EBFA8401C27F9B54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StormCostsMember_CDA313FD7135D45671278401C2814FEA_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StormCostsMember_CDA313FD7135D45671278401C2814FEA" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Superstorm Sandy costs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StormCostsMember_CDA313FD7135D45671278401C2814FEA_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StormCostsMember_CDA313FD7135D45671278401C2814FEA" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Storm Costs [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StormCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StormCostsMember_CDA313FD7135D45671278401C2814FEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StormCostsMember_CDA313FD7135D45671278401C2814FEA" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StormCostsMember_CDA313FD7135D45671278401C2814FEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherRegulatoryAssetsLiabilitiesMember_C2D1BFE1D4FD152FA0918401C281E6CC_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherRegulatoryAssetsLiabilitiesMember_C2D1BFE1D4FD152FA0918401C281E6CC" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other noncurrent regulatory assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherRegulatoryAssetsLiabilitiesMember_C2D1BFE1D4FD152FA0918401C281E6CC_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherRegulatoryAssetsLiabilitiesMember_C2D1BFE1D4FD152FA0918401C281E6CC" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Regulatory Assets (Liabilities) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRegulatoryAssetsLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherRegulatoryAssetsLiabilitiesMember_C2D1BFE1D4FD152FA0918401C281E6CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherRegulatoryAssetsLiabilitiesMember_C2D1BFE1D4FD152FA0918401C281E6CC" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_OtherRegulatoryAssetsLiabilitiesMember_C2D1BFE1D4FD152FA0918401C281E6CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAxis_3836C015F12A2EB627C78401C281C61A_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAxis_3836C015F12A2EB627C78401C281C61A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Regulatory Liability [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAxis_3836C015F12A2EB627C78401C281C61A" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain_7C49741CA8F16CA9EF9F8401C28197F1_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain_7C49741CA8F16CA9EF9F8401C28197F1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Regulatory Liability [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain_7C49741CA8F16CA9EF9F8401C28197F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain_7C49741CA8F16CA9EF9F8401C28197F1" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain_7C49741CA8F16CA9EF9F8401C28197F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_njr_LiabilityOverrecoveredGasCostsMember_D230A8E49D856F3A82558401C281412D_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_LiabilityOverrecoveredGasCostsMember_D230A8E49D856F3A82558401C281412D" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Overrecovered gas costs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_njr_LiabilityOverrecoveredGasCostsMember_D230A8E49D856F3A82558401C281412D_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_LiabilityOverrecoveredGasCostsMember_D230A8E49D856F3A82558401C281412D" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Liability Overrecovered Gas Costs [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_njr_LiabilityOverrecoveredGasCostsMember_D230A8E49D856F3A82558401C281412D_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_LiabilityOverrecoveredGasCostsMember_D230A8E49D856F3A82558401C281412D" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Liability Overecovered Gas Costs [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityNoncurrent_1768130471CAF09BA1E18401C282FDBA_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityNoncurrent_1768130471CAF09BA1E18401C282FDBA" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Regulatory Liability, Noncurrent</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityNoncurrent_1768130471CAF09BA1E18401C282FDBA" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherProductiveAssets_FEB367B324D95B5EB9EBD9C1574ABB80_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherProductiveAssets_FEB367B324D95B5EB9EBD9C1574ABB80" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Solar and wind equipment</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForRemovalCosts_1646A54A3A1E6F5AB6FAD9C1574AC4A9_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForRemovalCosts_1646A54A3A1E6F5AB6FAD9C1574AC4A9" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Cost of removal</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_AAE52A6E3461A995B14AD9C1574BE894_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_AAE52A6E3461A995B14AD9C1574BE894" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Cash flows (used in) investing activities</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt_C30455679269F7C5A9EED9C1574BF3F7_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt_C30455679269F7C5A9EED9C1574BF3F7" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net proceeds from short-term debt</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingInvestmentGradeMember_300DA93B52118F48FC146747B68D25B9" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingInvestmentGradeMember_300DA93B52118F48FC146747B68D25B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingNonInvestmentGradeMember_FE6D43CB2BA55F924B1B6747B68D395F_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingNonInvestmentGradeMember_FE6D43CB2BA55F924B1B6747B68D395F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Noninvestment grade</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingNonInvestmentGradeMember_FE6D43CB2BA55F924B1B6747B68D395F_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingNonInvestmentGradeMember_FE6D43CB2BA55F924B1B6747B68D395F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingNonInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingNonInvestmentGradeMember_FE6D43CB2BA55F924B1B6747B68D395F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingNonInvestmentGradeMember_FE6D43CB2BA55F924B1B6747B68D395F" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingNonInvestmentGradeMember_FE6D43CB2BA55F924B1B6747B68D395F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_njr_InternallyRatedInvestmentGradeMember_F5D59504F434FC5830386747B68D69E1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_InternallyRatedInvestmentGradeMember_F5D59504F434FC5830386747B68D69E1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Internally rated investment grade</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_njr_InternallyRatedInvestmentGradeMember_F5D59504F434FC5830386747B68D69E1_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_InternallyRatedInvestmentGradeMember_F5D59504F434FC5830386747B68D69E1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Internally Rated Investment Grade [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_njr_InternallyRatedInvestmentGradeMember_F5D59504F434FC5830386747B68D69E1_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_InternallyRatedInvestmentGradeMember_F5D59504F434FC5830386747B68D69E1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Internally-rated exposure applies to counterparties that are not rated by outside firms. In which case the company's or guarantor's financial statements are reviewed, and  financial ratios are applied to arrive at a substitute rating</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="njr-20170331.xsd#njr_InternallyRatedInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:label="loc_njr_InternallyRatedInvestmentGradeMember_F5D59504F434FC5830386747B68D69E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_njr_InternallyRatedInvestmentGradeMember_F5D59504F434FC5830386747B68D69E1" xlink:to="lab_njr_InternallyRatedInvestmentGradeMember_F5D59504F434FC5830386747B68D69E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_njr_InternallyRatedNoninvestmentGradeMember_65C7D702E23D754977D36747B68DD913_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_InternallyRatedNoninvestmentGradeMember_65C7D702E23D754977D36747B68DD913" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Internally rated noninvestment grade</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_njr_InternallyRatedNoninvestmentGradeMember_65C7D702E23D754977D36747B68DD913_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_InternallyRatedNoninvestmentGradeMember_65C7D702E23D754977D36747B68DD913" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Internally Rated Noninvestment Grade [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_njr_InternallyRatedNoninvestmentGradeMember_65C7D702E23D754977D36747B68DD913_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_InternallyRatedNoninvestmentGradeMember_65C7D702E23D754977D36747B68DD913" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Internally-rated exposure applies to counterparties that are not rated by outside firms. In which case the company or guarantor's financial statements are reviewed, and financial ratios are applied tp arrive at a substitute rating.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="njr-20170331.xsd#njr_InternallyRatedNoninvestmentGradeMember" xlink:label="loc_njr_InternallyRatedNoninvestmentGradeMember_65C7D702E23D754977D36747B68DD913" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_njr_InternallyRatedNoninvestmentGradeMember_65C7D702E23D754977D36747B68DD913" xlink:to="lab_njr_InternallyRatedNoninvestmentGradeMember_65C7D702E23D754977D36747B68DD913" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesLineItems_4688CF8ECF13D8AD39936747B68D5483_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesLineItems_4688CF8ECF13D8AD39936747B68D5483" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Credit Risk Exposure [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesLineItems_4688CF8ECF13D8AD39936747B68D5483_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesLineItems_4688CF8ECF13D8AD39936747B68D5483" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Credit Derivatives [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditDerivativesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesLineItems_4688CF8ECF13D8AD39936747B68D5483" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesLineItems_4688CF8ECF13D8AD39936747B68D5483" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesLineItems_4688CF8ECF13D8AD39936747B68D5483" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRiskFinancialInstrumentMaximumExposure_03633A1DA15930B402236747B68D4CE4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRiskFinancialInstrumentMaximumExposure_03633A1DA15930B402236747B68D4CE4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Gross Credit Exposure</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRiskFinancialInstrumentMaximumExposure_03633A1DA15930B402236747B68D4CE4_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRiskFinancialInstrumentMaximumExposure_03633A1DA15930B402236747B68D4CE4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Financial Instrument, Maximum Exposure</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRiskFinancialInstrumentMaximumExposure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRiskFinancialInstrumentMaximumExposure_03633A1DA15930B402236747B68D4CE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRiskFinancialInstrumentMaximumExposure_03633A1DA15930B402236747B68D4CE4" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRiskFinancialInstrumentMaximumExposure_03633A1DA15930B402236747B68D4CE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeNetLiabilityPositionAggregateFairValue_A2D255C3A49CD0D979D26747B68D0F34_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeNetLiabilityPositionAggregateFairValue_A2D255C3A49CD0D979D26747B68D0F34" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative, net liability position, aggregate fair value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeNetLiabilityPositionAggregateFairValue_A2D255C3A49CD0D979D26747B68D0F34_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeNetLiabilityPositionAggregateFairValue_A2D255C3A49CD0D979D26747B68D0F34" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNetLiabilityPositionAggregateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNetLiabilityPositionAggregateFairValue_A2D255C3A49CD0D979D26747B68D0F34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNetLiabilityPositionAggregateFairValue_A2D255C3A49CD0D979D26747B68D0F34" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DerivativeNetLiabilityPositionAggregateFairValue_A2D255C3A49CD0D979D26747B68D0F34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AdditionalCollateralAggregateFairValue_850FAC447749496D1D8E6747B68D07BA_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdditionalCollateralAggregateFairValue_850FAC447749496D1D8E6747B68D07BA" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Additional collateral, aggregate fair value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AdditionalCollateralAggregateFairValue_850FAC447749496D1D8E6747B68D07BA_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdditionalCollateralAggregateFairValue_850FAC447749496D1D8E6747B68D07BA" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Additional Collateral, Aggregate Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalCollateralAggregateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalCollateralAggregateFairValue_850FAC447749496D1D8E6747B68D07BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalCollateralAggregateFairValue_850FAC447749496D1D8E6747B68D07BA" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AdditionalCollateralAggregateFairValue_850FAC447749496D1D8E6747B68D07BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SiteContingencyTable_178E25033539185ECAAA6747B5D9EEFC_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SiteContingencyTable_178E25033539185ECAAA6747B5D9EEFC" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Site Contingency [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SiteContingencyTable_178E25033539185ECAAA6747B5D9EEFC_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SiteContingencyTable_178E25033539185ECAAA6747B5D9EEFC" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Site Contingency [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SiteContingencyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SiteContingencyTable_178E25033539185ECAAA6747B5D9EEFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SiteContingencyTable_178E25033539185ECAAA6747B5D9EEFC" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SiteContingencyTable_178E25033539185ECAAA6747B5D9EEFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_4283D82604F58FCBDB766747B5D98A0F_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_4283D82604F58FCBDB766747B5D98A0F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Public Utilities, Regulatory Proceeding [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_4283D82604F58FCBDB766747B5D98A0F_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_4283D82604F58FCBDB766747B5D98A0F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Public Utilities, Regulatory Proceeding [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_4283D82604F58FCBDB766747B5D98A0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_4283D82604F58FCBDB766747B5D98A0F" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingAxis_4283D82604F58FCBDB766747B5D98A0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_D95A8004EE19D9E266E96747B5D9D2B8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_D95A8004EE19D9E266E96747B5D9D2B8" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Public Utilities, Regulatory Proceeding [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_D95A8004EE19D9E266E96747B5D9D2B8_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_D95A8004EE19D9E266E96747B5D9D2B8" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Public Utilities, Regulatory Proceeding [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_D95A8004EE19D9E266E96747B5D9D2B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_D95A8004EE19D9E266E96747B5D9D2B8" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesRegulatoryProceedingDomain_D95A8004EE19D9E266E96747B5D9D2B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_njr_SbcMember_022969BA962373D6B8176747B5D9E6EF_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_SbcMember_022969BA962373D6B8176747B5D9E6EF" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">SBC</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_njr_SbcMember_022969BA962373D6B8176747B5D9E6EF_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_SbcMember_022969BA962373D6B8176747B5D9E6EF" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">SBC [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_njr_SbcMember_022969BA962373D6B8176747B5D9E6EF_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_SbcMember_022969BA962373D6B8176747B5D9E6EF" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">SBC is comprised of three primary riders that allow NJNGto recover costs associated with the normal course of busniness.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="njr-20170331.xsd#njr_SbcMember" xlink:label="loc_njr_SbcMember_022969BA962373D6B8176747B5D9E6EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_njr_SbcMember_022969BA962373D6B8176747B5D9E6EF" xlink:to="lab_njr_SbcMember_022969BA962373D6B8176747B5D9E6EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_njr_IncentivesorProgramsFilingPeriodAxis_6046E1524A83EED2C1D56747B5D95A49_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_IncentivesorProgramsFilingPeriodAxis_6046E1524A83EED2C1D56747B5D95A49" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Incentives or Programs, Filing Period [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_njr_IncentivesorProgramsFilingPeriodAxis_6046E1524A83EED2C1D56747B5D95A49_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_IncentivesorProgramsFilingPeriodAxis_6046E1524A83EED2C1D56747B5D95A49" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Incentives or Programs, Filing Period [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_njr_IncentivesorProgramsFilingPeriodAxis_6046E1524A83EED2C1D56747B5D95A49_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_IncentivesorProgramsFilingPeriodAxis_6046E1524A83EED2C1D56747B5D95A49" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Incentives or Programs, Filing Period [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="njr-20170331.xsd#njr_IncentivesorProgramsFilingPeriodAxis" xlink:label="loc_njr_IncentivesorProgramsFilingPeriodAxis_6046E1524A83EED2C1D56747B5D95A49" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_njr_IncentivesorProgramsFilingPeriodAxis_6046E1524A83EED2C1D56747B5D95A49" xlink:to="lab_njr_IncentivesorProgramsFilingPeriodAxis_6046E1524A83EED2C1D56747B5D95A49" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_njr_IncentivesFilingPeriodDomain_36E09271B7CCC5E190606747B5D98D7E_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_IncentivesFilingPeriodDomain_36E09271B7CCC5E190606747B5D98D7E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Incentives, Filing Period [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_njr_IncentivesFilingPeriodDomain_36E09271B7CCC5E190606747B5D98D7E_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_IncentivesFilingPeriodDomain_36E09271B7CCC5E190606747B5D98D7E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Incentives, Filing Period [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_njr_IncentivesFilingPeriodDomain_36E09271B7CCC5E190606747B5D98D7E_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_IncentivesFilingPeriodDomain_36E09271B7CCC5E190606747B5D98D7E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">[Domain] for Incentives, Filing Period [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="njr-20170331.xsd#njr_IncentivesFilingPeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_njr_IncentivesFilingPeriodDomain_36E09271B7CCC5E190606747B5D98D7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_njr_IncentivesFilingPeriodDomain_36E09271B7CCC5E190606747B5D98D7E" xlink:to="lab_njr_IncentivesFilingPeriodDomain_36E09271B7CCC5E190606747B5D98D7E" xlink:type="arc" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_2FCF648B07EB64DD399C6747B5CF6EF4_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_2FCF648B07EB64DD399C6747B5CF6EF4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_1D4AB1E6588DA7ED76286747B5CF2E15_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_1D4AB1E6588DA7ED76286747B5CF2E15" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_1D4AB1E6588DA7ED76286747B5CF2E15" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InventoriesMember_098856A6C0259F1164FD6747B5CF54F5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InventoriesMember_098856A6C0259F1164FD6747B5CF54F5" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Natural gas purchases</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InventoriesMember_098856A6C0259F1164FD6747B5CF54F5_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InventoriesMember_098856A6C0259F1164FD6747B5CF54F5" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Inventories [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_njr_StorageDemandFeesMember_E86FA2159773E82F58706747B5CF257C_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_StorageDemandFeesMember_E86FA2159773E82F58706747B5CF257C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Storage demand fees</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_njr_StorageDemandFeesMember_E86FA2159773E82F58706747B5CF257C_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_StorageDemandFeesMember_E86FA2159773E82F58706747B5CF257C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Storage Demand Fees [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_njr_StorageDemandFeesMember_E86FA2159773E82F58706747B5CF257C_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_StorageDemandFeesMember_E86FA2159773E82F58706747B5CF257C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Storage fees paid to pipelines in the normal course of business.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_njr_PipelineDemandFeesMember_1E6500E33E98BE3825CE6747B5CF2CD1_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_PipelineDemandFeesMember_1E6500E33E98BE3825CE6747B5CF2CD1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Demand fees paid to affiliates in the normal course of business.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_njr_CurrentChargesRecoverableThroughBgss_FA8EF228A98E021F6E336747B5CF40FE_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_njr_CurrentChargesRecoverableThroughBgss_FA8EF228A98E021F6E336747B5CF40FE" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Current charges recoverable through BGSS</link:label>
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