NJNG Giving Away $60,000 For Its Diamond Anniversary

In celebration of its 60^th anniversary, a local natural gas utility is offering a $60,000 community grant program to be awarded to 60 nonprofit organizations in its coverage area, according to a release.

New Jersey Natural Gas, based on Wyckoff Road in Wall, is offering 60 nonprofits $1,000, one-time grants in celebration of its diamond anniversary, the release says.

The grant money comes with no strings, the release says, letting the winning organizations allocate the money where it is needed most.

“Throughout our history, corporate citizenship has been a cornerstone of our approach to business,” Laurence M. Downes, NJNG chairman and CEO said in the release. “We believe helping to strengthen the communities we serve is the most appropriate way for us to commemorate our 60^th anniversary. Today’s celebration is our way of honoring our customers, communities and employees, and say thank you for being a part of our story.”

In 1952, the owners of County Gas in Atlantic Highlands, James Abrams, Irving Koerner, Frank O’Neill and Kenneth Knoblock, placed the winning bid for Jersey Central Power and Light’s natural gas properties, and went from 14,000 customers in Monmouth County to 87,000 across four counties, overnight. On June 3, the purchase became final and with it, New Jersey Natural Gas was born, the release says.

“Over the past 60 years, we have grown from a small, natural gas utility into one of the most respected energy companies in our industry,’’ Downes said in the release. “We have come a long way, but we have never forgotten the values of service, safety and reliability that are the foundation of our company.”

NJNG has a network of more than 7,000 miles of transmission and distribution main, serving 499,535 customers throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties as well as parts of Morris, Sussex, Burlington and Middlesex counties.