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EX-32.4 - EXHIBIT 32.4 - SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES INCsjg-93017ex324.htm
EX-32.3 - EXHIBIT 32.3 - SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES INCsjg-93017ex323.htm
EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES INCsji-93017xex322.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES INCsji-93017xex321.htm
EX-31.4 - EXHIBIT 31.4 - SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES INCsjg-93017ex314.htm
EX-31.3 - EXHIBIT 31.3 - SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES INCsjg-93017ex313.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES INCsji-93017xex312.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES INCsji-93017xex311.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark one)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017

OR
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ____________________ to ______________________
Commission
File Number
Exact name of registrant as
specified in its charter and principal
office address and telephone number
State of
Incorporation
I.R.S.
Employer
Identification No.
1-6364
South Jersey Industries, Inc.
1 South Jersey Plaza
Folsom, NJ 08037
(609) 561-9000
New Jersey
22-1901645
000-22211
South Jersey Gas Company
1 South Jersey Plaza
Folsom, NJ 08037
(609) 561-9000
New Jersey
21-0398330
Indicate by check mark whether each registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that such registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   Yes x   No o

Indicate by check mark whether each registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that such registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x   No o

Indicate by check mark whether each registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
South Jersey Industries, Inc.:
 
Large accelerated filer   x
Accelerated filer      o
Non-accelerated filer     o 
Smaller reporting company      o
Emerging growth company      o
 
 
 
 
South Jersey Gas Company:
 
Large accelerated filer   o
Accelerated filer      o
Non-accelerated filer     x 
Smaller reporting company      o
Emerging growth company      o
 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if either registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act o

Indicate by check mark whether either registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o  No x
South Jersey Industries, Inc. common stock ($1.25 par value) outstanding as of November 1, 2017 was 79,549,080 shares. South Jersey Gas Company common stock ($2.50 par value) outstanding as of November 1, 2017 was 2,339,139 shares. All of South Jersey Gas Company's outstanding shares of common stock are held by South Jersey Industries, Inc.
South Jersey Gas Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of South Jersey Industries, Inc. and meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q. As such, South Jersey Gas Company files its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format authorized by General Instruction H.




TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Page No.
 
 
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
South Jersey Industries, Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
South Jersey Gas Company
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  South Jersey Industries, Inc. and South Jersey Gas Company - Combined
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
 
 
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 6.
 
 
 




INTRODUCTION

FILING FORMAT

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is a combined report being filed separately by two registrants: South Jersey Industries, Inc. (SJI) and South Jersey Gas Company (SJG). Information relating to SJI or any of its subsidiaries, other than SJG, is filed by SJI on its own behalf. SJG is only responsible for information about itself.

Except where the content clearly indicates otherwise, any reference in the report to "SJI," "the Company," "we," "us" or "our" is to the holding company or SJI and all of its subsidiaries, including SJG, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SJI.

Part 1 - Financial information in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes separate financial statements (i.e. balance sheets, statements of income, statements of comprehensive income and statements of cash flows) for SJI and SJG. The Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are presented on a combined basis for both SJI and SJG. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Management's Discussion) included under Item 2 is divided into two major sections: SJI and SJG.




Item 1. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands Except for Per Share Data)
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
Operating Revenues:
 
 
 
Utility
$
65,473

 
$
60,983

Nonutility
161,654

 
158,099

Total Operating Revenues
227,127

 
219,082

Operating Expenses:
 

 
 

Cost of Sales - (Excluding depreciation)
 

 
 

 - Utility
28,217

 
25,353

 - Nonutility
140,598

 
117,635

Operations
82,521

 
34,796

Maintenance
4,615

 
4,150

Depreciation
24,914

 
23,109

Energy and Other Taxes
1,517

 
1,449

Total Operating Expenses
282,382

 
206,492

Operating (Loss) Income
(55,255
)
 
12,590

 
 
 
 
Other Income and Expense
2,253

 
2,223

Interest Charges
(10,567
)
 
(7,355
)
(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes
(63,569
)
 
7,458

Income Taxes
24,765

 
(2,807
)
Equity in Earnings of Affiliated Companies
1,256

 
5,013

(Loss) Income from Continuing Operations
(37,548
)
 
9,664

Loss from Discontinued Operations - (Net of tax benefit)
(45
)
 
(29
)
Net (Loss) Income
$
(37,593
)
 
$
9,635

 
 
 
 
Basic Earnings Per Common Share:
 

 
 

Continuing Operations
$
(0.47
)
 
$
0.12

Discontinued Operations

 

Basic Earnings Per Common Share
$
(0.47
)
 
$
0.12

 
 
 
 
Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding - Basic
79,549

 
79,478

 
 
 
 
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
 

 
 

Continuing Operations
$
(0.47
)
 
$
0.12

Discontinued Operations

 

Diluted Earnings Per Common Share
$
(0.47
)
 
$
0.12

 
 
 
 
Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding - Diluted
79,549

 
79,635

 
 
 
 
Dividends Declared Per Common Share
$
0.27

 
$
0.26


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

1


 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
Operating Revenues:
 
 
 
Utility
$
343,180

 
$
312,925

Nonutility
554,150

 
393,594

Total Operating Revenues
897,330

 
706,519

Operating Expenses:
 

 
 

Cost of Sales - (Excluding depreciation)
 

 
 

 - Utility
131,927

 
110,067

 - Nonutility
503,715

 
284,236

Operations
160,621

 
109,843

Maintenance
14,268

 
12,793

Depreciation
73,793

 
66,106

Energy and Other Taxes
5,139

 
4,617

Total Operating Expenses
889,463

 
587,662

Operating Income
7,867

 
118,857

 
 
 
 
Other Income and Expense
10,235

 
8,787

Interest Charges
(38,291
)
 
(24,744
)
(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes
(20,189
)
 
102,900

Income Taxes
8,439

 
(34,885
)
Equity in Earnings of Affiliated Companies
4,337

 
5,038

(Loss) Income from Continuing Operations
(7,413
)
 
73,053

Loss from Discontinued Operations - (Net of tax benefit)
(122
)
 
(176
)
Net (Loss) Income
$
(7,535
)
 
$
72,877

 
 
 
 
Basic Earnings Per Common Share:
 

 
 

Continuing Operations
$
(0.09
)
 
$
0.97

Discontinued Operations

 

Basic Earnings Per Common Share
$
(0.09
)
 
$
0.97

 
 
 
 
Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding - Basic
79,539

 
75,316

 
 
 
 
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
 

 
 

Continuing Operations
$
(0.09
)
 
$
0.97

Discontinued Operations

 

Diluted Earnings Per Common Share
$
(0.09
)
 
$
0.97

 
 
 
 
Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding - Diluted
79,539

 
75,411

 
 
 
 
Dividends Declared per Common Share
$
0.81

 
$
0.78



2



SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands)
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
Net (Loss) Income
$
(37,593
)
 
$
9,635

 
 
 
 
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax:*
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Unrealized Gain on Available-for-Sale Securities

 
154

Unrealized Gain on Derivatives - Other
7

 
49

 
 
 
 
Other Comprehensive Income - Net of Tax*
7

 
203

 
 
 
 
Comprehensive (Loss) Income
$
(37,586
)
 
$
9,838

 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
Net (Loss) Income
$
(7,535
)
 
$
72,877

 
 
 
 
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax:*
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized Gain on Available-for-Sale Securities

 
258

Unrealized Gain on Derivatives - Other
1,529

 
149

 
 
 
 
Other Comprehensive Income - Net of Tax*
1,529

 
407

 
 
 
 
Comprehensive (Loss) Income
$
(6,006
)
 
$
73,284

* Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of approximately 40%.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.



3


SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands)
 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
$
127,081

 
$
196,433

 
 
 
 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
 

 
 

Capital Expenditures (See Note 1)
(205,604
)
 
(189,466
)
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant & Equipment
3,547

 

Investment in Long-Term Receivables
(6,670
)
 
(8,085
)
Proceeds from Long-Term Receivables
7,468

 
7,528

Notes Receivable
3,000

 
9,919

Purchase of Company-Owned Life Insurance
(8,765
)
 
(1,755
)
Investment in Affiliate
(22,434
)
 
(8,307
)
Return of Investment in Affiliate

 
4,750

Net Repayment of Notes Receivable - Affiliate
41

 
1,378

 
 
 
 
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities (See Note 1)
(229,417
)
 
(184,038
)
 
 
 
 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
 

 
 

Net Repayments of Short-Term Credit Facilities
(16,000
)
 
(201,500
)
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt
446,000

 
61,000

Principal Repayments of Long-Term Debt
(292,400
)
 
(48,457
)
Payments for Issuance of Long-Term Debt
(3,744
)
 
(7
)
Net Settlement of Restricted Stock (See Note 1)
(751
)
 

Dividends on Common Stock
(43,353
)
 
(39,752
)
Proceeds from Sale of Common Stock

 
214,426

 
 
 
 
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
89,752

 
(14,290
)
 
 
 
 
Net Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
(12,584
)
 
(1,895
)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period (See Note 1)
31,910

 
52,635

 
 
 
 
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period (See Note 1)
$
19,326

 
$
50,740


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.












4


SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands)
 
September 30,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
Assets
 
 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment:
 
 
 
Utility Plant, at original cost
$
2,591,246

 
$
2,424,134

Accumulated Depreciation
(489,755
)
 
(471,222
)
Nonutility Property and Equipment, at cost
780,131

 
821,942

Accumulated Depreciation
(183,475
)
 
(151,084
)
 
 
 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment - Net
2,698,147

 
2,623,770

 
 
 
 
Investments:
 

 
 

Available-for-Sale Securities
32

 
32

Restricted
5,645

 
13,628

Investment in Affiliates
54,137

 
28,906

 
 
 
 
Total Investments
59,814

 
42,566

 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 

 
 

Cash and Cash Equivalents
13,681

 
18,282

Accounts Receivable
150,607

 
222,339

Unbilled Revenues
19,172

 
59,680

Provision for Uncollectibles
(13,765
)
 
(12,744
)
Notes Receivable
1,107

 
1,454

Notes Receivable - Affiliate
2,421

 
2,461

Natural Gas in Storage, average cost
55,502

 
53,857

Materials and Supplies, average cost
6,594

 
6,753

Prepaid Taxes
12,145

 
17,471

Derivatives - Energy Related Assets
42,068

 
72,391

Other Prepayments and Current Assets
33,931

 
31,369

 
 
 
 
Total Current Assets
323,463

 
473,313

 
 
 
 
Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets:
 

 
 

Regulatory Assets
477,457

 
410,746

Derivatives - Energy Related Assets
7,650

 
8,502

Notes Receivable - Affiliate
13,275

 
13,275

Contract Receivables
28,515

 
29,037

Notes Receivable
19,088

 
25,271

Goodwill
4,838

 
4,838

Identifiable Intangible Assets
14,973

 
15,820

Other
92,846

 
83,429

 
 
 
 
Total Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets
658,642

 
590,918

 
 
 
 
Total Assets
$
3,740,066

 
$
3,730,567

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5


SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands)
 
September 30,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
Capitalization and Liabilities
 
 
 
Equity:
 
 
 
Common Stock
$
99,436

 
$
99,347

Premium on Common Stock
709,448

 
706,943

Treasury Stock (at par)
(266
)
 
(266
)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
(25,852
)
 
(27,381
)
Retained Earnings
438,584

 
510,597

 
 
 
 
Total Equity
1,221,350

 
1,289,240

 
 
 
 
Long-Term Debt
1,180,319

 
808,005

 
 
 
 
Total Capitalization
2,401,669

 
2,097,245

 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 

 
 

Notes Payable
280,100

 
296,100

Current Portion of Long-Term Debt
10,909

 
231,909

Accounts Payable
208,021

 
243,669

Customer Deposits and Credit Balances
58,098

 
48,068

Environmental Remediation Costs
57,406

 
46,120

Taxes Accrued
2,467

 
2,082

Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities
26,910

 
60,082

Derivatives - Other
798

 
681

Dividends Payable
21,677

 

Interest Accrued
6,841

 
6,231

Pension Benefits
2,463

 
2,463

Other Current Liabilities
8,480

 
15,219

 
 
 
 
Total Current Liabilities
684,170

 
952,624

 
 
 
 
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities:
 

 
 

Deferred Income Taxes - Net
335,420

 
343,549

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
91,708

 
95,235

Environmental Remediation Costs
120,123

 
108,893

Asset Retirement Obligations
59,206

 
59,427

Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities
4,359

 
4,540

Derivatives - Other
10,479

 
9,349

Regulatory Liabilities
23,485

 
49,121

Other
9,447

 
10,584

 
 
 
 
Total Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
654,227

 
680,698

 
 
 
 
Commitments and Contingencies  (Note 11)


 


 
 
 
 
Total Capitalization and Liabilities
$
3,740,066

 
$
3,730,567

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


6


SOUTH JERSEY GAS COMPANY
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands)

 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Operating Revenues
$
66,755

 
$
62,025

 
 
 
 
Operating Expenses:
 
 
 
Cost of Sales (Excluding depreciation)
29,499

 
26,395

Operations
23,178

 
21,360

Maintenance
4,615

 
4,150

Depreciation
13,226

 
11,735

Energy and Other Taxes
865

 
838

 
 
 
 
Total Operating Expenses
71,383

 
64,478

 
 
 
 
Operating Loss
(4,628
)
 
(2,453
)
 
 
 
 
Other Income and Expense
1,606

 
1,189

 
 
 
 
Interest Charges
(6,437
)
 
(4,058
)
 
 
 
 
Loss Before Income Taxes
(9,459
)
 
(5,322
)
 
 
 
 
Income Taxes
3,688

 
2,007

 
 
 
 
Net Loss
$
(5,771
)
 
$
(3,315
)


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed financial statements.



7



 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Operating Revenues
$
346,820

 
$
318,553

 
 
 
 
Operating Expenses:
 
 
 
Cost of Sales (Excluding depreciation)
135,567

 
115,695

Operations
70,966

 
69,954

Maintenance
14,268

 
12,793

Depreciation
38,813

 
34,435

Energy and Other Taxes
3,032

 
2,425

 
 
 
 
Total Operating Expenses
262,646

 
235,302

 
 
 
 
Operating Income
84,174

 
83,251

 
 
 
 
Other Income and Expense
4,845

 
3,104

 
 
 
 
Interest Charges
(18,392
)
 
(13,397
)
 
 
 
 
Income Before Income Taxes
70,627

 
72,958

 
 
 
 
Income Taxes
(27,654
)
 
(26,812
)
 
 
 
 
Net Income
$
42,973

 
$
46,146





8



SOUTH JERSEY GAS COMPANY
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands)
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Net Loss
$
(5,771
)
 
$
(3,315
)
 
 
 
 
Other Comprehensive Income - Net of Tax: *
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized Gain on Available-for-Sale Securities

 
38

Unrealized Gain on Derivatives - Other
7

 
7

 
 
 
 
Other Comprehensive Income - Net of Tax *
7

 
45

 
 
 
 
Comprehensive Loss
$
(5,764
)
 
$
(3,270
)
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
Net Income
$
42,973

 
$
46,146

 
 
 
 
Other Comprehensive Income - Net of Tax: *
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized Gain on Available-for-Sale Securities

 
45

Unrealized Gain on Derivatives - Other
21

 
21

 
 
 
 
Other Comprehensive Income - Net of Tax *
21

 
66

 
 
 
 
Comprehensive Income
$
42,994

 
$
46,212

 
 
 
 
* Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of approximately 40%.
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed financial statements.



9


SOUTH JERSEY GAS COMPANY
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands)

 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
$
73,186

 
$
108,690

 
 
 
 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
 
 
 
Capital Expenditures
(183,875
)
 
(161,690
)
Note Receivable

 
9,919

Purchase of Company-Owned Life Insurance
(4,875
)
 

Investment in Long-Term Receivables
(6,670
)
 
(8,085
)
Proceeds from Long-Term Receivables
7,468

 
7,528

 
 
 
 
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities (See Note 1)
(187,952
)
 
(152,328
)
 
 
 
 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Net Repayments of Short-Term Credit Facilities
(104,300
)
 
(53,400
)
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt
396,000

 
61,000

Principal Repayments of Long-Term Debt
(215,000
)
 
(27,000
)
Payments for Issuance of Long-Term Debt
(2,030
)
 
(7
)
Additional Investment by Shareholder
40,000

 
65,000

 
 
 
 
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
114,670

 
45,593

 
 
 
 
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
(96
)
 
1,955

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period (See Note 1)
1,391

 
7,544

 
 
 
 
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period (See Note 1)
$
1,295

 
$
9,499

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed financial statements.


10



SOUTH JERSEY GAS COMPANY
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands)
 
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Assets
 
 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment:
 
 
 
Utility Plant, at original cost
$
2,591,246

 
$
2,424,134

Accumulated Depreciation
(489,755
)
 
(471,222
)
 
 
 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment - Net
2,101,491

 
1,952,912

 
 
 
 
Investments:
 
 
 
Restricted Investments
891

 
32

 
 
 
 
Total Investments
891

 
32

 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
404

 
1,359

Accounts Receivable
67,091

 
69,651

Accounts Receivable - Related Parties
1,083

 
1,355

Unbilled Revenues
6,004

 
41,754

Provision for Uncollectibles
(13,577
)
 
(12,570
)
Natural Gas in Storage, average cost
18,618

 
11,621

Materials and Supplies, average cost
890

 
914

Prepaid Taxes
11,599

 
16,428

Derivatives - Energy Related Assets
7,608

 
5,434

Other Prepayments and Current Assets
14,592

 
13,853

 
 
 
 
Total Current Assets
114,312

 
149,799

 
 
 
 
Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets:
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets
477,457

 
410,746

Long-Term Receivables
25,539

 
25,758

Derivatives - Energy Related Assets
58

 
373

Other
17,027

 
12,303

 
 
 
 
Total Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets
520,081

 
449,180

 
 
 
 
Total Assets
$
2,736,775

 
$
2,551,923

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed financial statements.


11


SOUTH JERSEY GAS COMPANY
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Capitalization and Liabilities
 
 
 
Equity:
 
 
 
Common Stock
$
5,848

 
$
5,848

Other Paid-In Capital and Premium on Common Stock
355,743

 
315,827

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
(14,913
)
 
(14,934
)
Retained Earnings
576,253

 
533,159

 
 
 
 
Total Equity
922,931

 
839,900

 
 
 
 
Long-Term Debt
807,694

 
423,177

 
 
 
 
Total Capitalization
1,730,625

 
1,263,077

 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 

 
 

Notes Payable

 
104,300

Current Portion of Long-Term Debt
10,909

 
215,909

Accounts Payable - Commodity
31,396

 
23,815

Accounts Payable - Other
37,015

 
45,370

Accounts Payable - Related Parties
5,901

 
11,216

Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities
4,467

 
1,372

Derivatives - Other Current
398

 
386

Customer Deposits and Credit Balances
56,149

 
45,816

Environmental Remediation Costs
57,092

 
45,018

Taxes Accrued
1,524

 
855

Pension Benefits
2,428

 
2,428

Interest Accrued
5,571

 
5,369

Other Current Liabilities
4,012

 
8,011

 
 
 
 
Total Current Liabilities
216,862

 
509,865

 
 
 
 
Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Liabilities:
 

 
 

Regulatory Liabilities
23,485

 
49,121

Deferred Income Taxes - Net
497,139

 
469,408

Environmental Remediation Costs
119,225

 
108,029

Asset Retirement Obligations
58,431

 
58,674

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
79,183

 
81,800

Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities
69

 

Derivatives - Other Noncurrent
6,881

 
6,979

Other
4,875

 
4,970

 
 
 
 
Total Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
789,288

 
778,981

 
 
 
 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Capitalization and Liabilities
$
2,736,775

 
$
2,551,923

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed financial statements.


12


 Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

1.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

GENERAL - South Jersey Industries, Inc. (SJI or the Company) currently provides a variety of energy-related products and services primarily through the following wholly-owned subsidiaries:

South Jersey Gas Company (SJG) is a regulated natural gas utility. SJG distributes natural gas in the seven southernmost counties of New Jersey.

South Jersey Energy Company (SJE) acquires and markets natural gas and electricity to retail end users and provides total energy management services to commercial, industrial and residential customers.

South Jersey Resources Group, LLC (SJRG) markets natural gas storage, commodity and transportation assets along with fuel management services on a wholesale basis in the mid-Atlantic, Appalachian and southern states.

South Jersey Exploration, LLC (SJEX) owns oil, gas and mineral rights in the Marcellus Shale region of Pennsylvania.

Marina Energy, LLC (Marina) develops and operates on-site energy-related projects. The significant wholly-owned subsidiaries of Marina are:

ACB Energy Partners, LLC (ACB) owns and operates a natural gas fueled combined heating, cooling and power facility located in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

AC Landfill Energy, LLC (ACLE), BC Landfill Energy, LLC (BCLE), SC Landfill Energy, LLC (SCLE) and SX Landfill Energy, LLC (SXLE) own and operate landfill gas-fired electric production facilities in Atlantic, Burlington, Salem and Sussex Counties located in New Jersey.

MCS Energy Partners, LLC (MCS), NBS Energy Partners, LLC (NBS) and SBS Energy Partners, LLC (SBS) own and operate solar-generation sites located in New Jersey.

South Jersey Energy Service Plus, LLC (SJESP) serviced residential and small commercial HVAC systems, installed small commercial HVAC systems, provided plumbing services and serviced appliances under warranty via a subcontractor arrangement as well as on a time and materials basis. On September 1, 2017, SJESP sold certain assets of its residential and small commercial HVAC and plumbing business to a third party. SJESP will receive commissions paid on service contracts from the third party on a go forward basis. This transaction did not have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

SJI Midstream, LLC (Midstream) invests in infrastructure and other midstream projects, including a current project to build an approximately 118-mile natural gas pipeline in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION - SJI's condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SJI, its wholly-owned subsidiaries (including SJG) and subsidiaries in which SJI has a controlling interest. SJI eliminates all significant intercompany accounts and transactions. In management’s opinion, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of SJI and SJG reflect all normal and recurring adjustments needed to fairly present their respective financial positions, operating results and cash flows at the dates and for the periods presented. SJI’s and SJG's businesses are subject to seasonal fluctuations and, accordingly, this interim financial information should not be the basis for estimating the full year’s operating results. As permitted by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of SJI and SJG contain certain condensed financial information and exclude certain footnote disclosures normally included in annual audited consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). These financial statements should be read in conjunction with SJI’s and SJG's Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 for a more complete discussion of the accounting policies and certain other information.


13


Certain reclassifications have been made to SJI's and SJG's prior period condensed consolidated statements of cash flows to conform to the current period presentation. Restricted cash is now combined with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning and end of period balances on the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows of SJI, as well as the condensed statements of cash flows for SJG, to conform to ASU 2016-18, which is described below under "New Accounting Pronouncements." This combination of restricted cash and cash and cash equivalents caused Cash Flows from Investing Activities for both SJI and SJG to be adjusted in order to remove items relating to capital expenditures and proceeds from restricted investments (SJI only), as well as the sale of restricted investments in a margin account (SJI and SJG).

Certain reclassifications have been made to SJI's prior period condensed consolidated statements of cash flows to conform to the current period presentation. Cash paid by an employer when directly withholding shares for tax-withholding purposes is now classified as a financing activity in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows to conform to ASU 2016-09, which is described below under "New Accounting Pronouncements." This caused SJI's prior period Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities to increase by $0.4 million and Net Cash Flows from Financing Activities to decrease by the same amount. Adoption of this guidance did not effect SJG's condensed statements of cash flows.

REVENUE-BASED TAXES - SJG collects certain revenue-based energy taxes from its customers. Such taxes include the New Jersey State Sales Tax and Public Utilities Assessment (PUA). State sales tax is recorded as a liability when billed to customers and is not included in revenue or operating expenses. The PUA is included in both utility revenue and energy and other taxes and totaled $0.2 million for both the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, and $0.8 million and $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
 
IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS - Long-lived assets that are held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate carrying values may not be recoverable. Such reviews are performed in accordance with ASC 360. An impairment loss is indicated if the total future estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from an asset are less than its carrying value. An impairment charge is measured by the difference between an asset's carrying amount and fair value with the difference recorded within Operating Expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of income. Fair values can be determined by a variety of valuation methods, including third-party appraisals, sales prices of similar assets, and present value techniques.

SJI recorded an impairment charge of $0.3 million during the first quarter of 2017 due to a reduction in the expected cash flows to be received from a solar generating facility. During the three months ended September 30, 2017, SJI had reason to believe that due to a significant decline in the market prices of Maryland solar renewable energy credits (SRECs), combined with an increase of operating expenses, the full carrying value of SJI’s Maryland solar facilities may not be recoverable. As a result, SJI performed an impairment test on the respective assets which led to an impairment charge of $43.9 million. These impairment charges are recorded within Operating Expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of income and are included within the on-site energy production segment. The fair values of the facilities were determined using an income approach by applying a discounted cash flow methodology to the future estimated cash flows, which were Level 3 fair value measurements and include key inputs such as forecasted revenues, operating expenses and discount rates. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, SJI had impairment charges of $43.9 million and $44.2 million, respectively. No impairments were identified at SJG for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, no impairments were identified at SJI or SJG. See Note 13.

Marina’s solar energy projects rely on returns from electricity and SRECs.  A decrease in the value of electricity and SRECs impacted by market conditions and/or legislative changes may negatively impact Marina's return on its investments as well as lead to impairment of the respective assets. 

GAS EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT - SJI capitalizes all costs associated with gas property acquisition, exploration and development activities under the full cost method of accounting. Capitalized costs include costs related to unproved properties, which are not amortized until proved reserves are found or it is determined that the unproved properties are impaired. All costs related to unproved properties are reviewed quarterly to determine if impairment has occurred. No impairment charges were recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 or 2016. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, $8.7 million and $8.8 million, respectively, related to interests in proved and unproved properties in Pennsylvania, net of amortization, is included with Nonutility Property and Equipment and Other Noncurrent Assets on SJI's condensed consolidated balance sheets.
 
TREASURY STOCK - SJI uses the par value method of accounting for treasury stock. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, SJI held 213,061 and 212,617 shares of treasury stock, respectively. These shares are related to deferred compensation arrangements where the amounts earned are held in the stock of SJI.


14




INCOME TAXES - Deferred income taxes are provided for all significant temporary differences between the book and taxable bases of assets and liabilities in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 740 - “Income Taxes.” A valuation allowance is established when it is determined that it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Investment tax credits related to renewable energy facilities of Marina are recognized on the flow-through method, which may result in variations in the customary relationship between income taxes and pre-tax income for interim periods.

GOODWILL - Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration paid over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, but instead is subject to impairment testing on an annual basis, and between annual tests whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit may be below its carrying amount. No such events have occurred during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017. Goodwill totaled $4.8 million on the condensed consolidated balance sheets of SJI as of both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS - Other than as described below, no new accounting pronouncement issued or effective during 2017 or 2016 had, or are expected to have, a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This ASU supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in FASB ASC 605, Revenue Recognition, and in most industry-specific topics. The new guidance identifies how and when entities should recognize revenue. The new rules establish a core principle requiring the recognition of revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount reflecting the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for such goods or services. In connection with this new standard, the FASB has issued several amendments to ASU 2014-09, as follows:

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net). This standard improves the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations and whether an entity reports revenue on a gross or net basis.

In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing. This standard clarifies identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance.

In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients. This standard provides additional guidance on (a) the objective of the collectibility criterion, (b) the presentation of sales tax collected from customers, (c) the measurement date of non-cash consideration received, (d) practical expedients in respect of contract modifications and completed contracts at transition, and (e) disclosure of the effects of the accounting change in the period of adoption.

In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which amends certain narrow aspects of the guidance, including the disclosure of remaining performance obligations and prior-period performance obligations, as well as other amendments to the guidance on loan guarantee fees, contract costs, refund liabilities, advertising costs and the clarification of certain examples.

The new guidance in ASU 2014-09, as well as all amendments discussed above, is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Management formed an implementation team that evaluated the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on the financial statements of SJI and SJG. This evaluation included assessing the impact of the guidance on our contracts in all our revenue streams by reviewing current accounting policies and practices to identify potential differences that would result from applying the new requirements to our revenue contracts. We expect that the majority of SJI and SJG revenue streams will be in scope of the new guidance, which includes SJG’s regulated revenue under tariffs, for which no change in current revenue recognition practices is expected.  Revenues from contracts that SJI and SJG have with customers are currently recorded as gas or electricity is delivered to the customer, which is consistent with the new guidance under ASC 606.  As a result, based on the review of customer contracts to date, SJI is not anticipating this guidance to have a material impact to SJI's or SJG's statements of consolidated income, cash flows or consolidated balance sheets upon adoption. The ASU does include expanded disclosure requirements, which we will include for periods beginning after December 15, 2017 as per the ASU. We do not anticipate any significant changes to our business processes, systems or internal controls over financial reporting needed to support recognition and disclosure under the new guidance. We are continuing with our implementation plan and expect to transition to the new guidance beginning in 2018 using the modified retrospective approach.


15


In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which enhances the reporting model for financial instruments and includes amendments to address aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure. The standard is effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted for only certain portions of the new guidance. Management is currently determining the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on the financial statements of SJI and SJG.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which establishes a new lease accounting model for lessees. The new standard requires substantially all leases be recognized by lessees on their balance sheet as a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability, including leases currently accounted for as operating leases. The new standard also will result in enhanced quantitative and qualitative disclosures, including significant judgments made by management, to provide greater insight into the extent of revenue and expense recognized and expected to be recognized from existing leases. The accounting for leases by the lessor remains relatively the same. The standard is effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. Management has formed an implementation team that is inventorying leases and evaluating the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on SJI's and SJG's financial statements. Consistent with the requirements of the standard, SJI and SJG will both transition to the new guidance using the modified retrospective approach.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which simplifies various aspects of accounting for share-based payment arrangements. The standard was effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. Adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the financial statement results of SJI or SJG; however, cash flow presentation was modified for SJI to conform to this guidance, as described under “Basis of Presentation” above.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory. This standard requires recognition of the current and deferred income tax effects of an intra-entity asset transfer, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs, as opposed to current GAAP, which requires companies to defer the income tax effects of intra-entity asset transfers until the asset has been sold to an outside party. The income tax effects of intra-entity inventory transfers will continue to be deferred until the inventory is sold. ASU 2016-16 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. The standard is required to be adopted on a modified retrospective basis with a cumulative-effect adjustment recorded to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. Management is currently determining the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on the financial statements of SJI and SJG.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash. This standard is intended to reduce diversity in practice in the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. This ASU requires that the statement of cash flows explain the change in total cash and cash equivalents and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts. This ASU also requires a reconciliation between the total of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash presented on the statement of cash flows and the cash and cash equivalents balance presented on the balance sheets. ASU 2016-18 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Both SJI and SJG early adopted this ASU in the first quarter of 2017. Accordingly, cash flow presentations were modified for both entities to conform to this guidance, as described under “Basis of Presentation” above.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. This new standard provides amended and clarifying guidance regarding whether an integrated set of assets and activities acquired is deemed the acquisition of a business (and, thus, accounted for as a business combination) or the acquisition of assets. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently determining the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on the financial statements of SJI and SJG.


16


In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The update simplifies how an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Step 2 measures a goodwill impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount. The amendments in this update are effective for annual and any interim impairment tests performed in periods beginning after December 31, 2019. Management is currently determining the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on the financial statements of SJI and SJG.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. This ASU is designed to improve guidance related to the presentation of defined benefit costs in the income statement. In particular, this ASU requires an employer to report the service cost component in the same line item(s) as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. Management is currently determining the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on the financial statements of SJI and SJG.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting. This ASU clarifies and reduces both (i) diversity in practice and (ii) cost and complexity when applying the guidance in Topic 718, to a change to the terms and conditions of a share-based payment award. This standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in this ASU should be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. Management is currently determining the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on the financial statements of SJI and SJG.
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. This ASU is intended to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships so that it represents a more faithful portrayal of an entity’s risk management activities (i.e. to help financial statement users understand an entity’s risk exposures and the manner in which hedging strategies are used to manage them), as well as to further simplify the application of the hedge accounting guidance in GAAP. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those annual periods. Management is currently determining the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on the financial statements of SJI and SJG.
2.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN:

On April 30, 2015, the shareholders of SJI approved the adoption of SJI's 2015 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan (Plan), replacing the Amended and Restated 1997 Stock-Based Compensation Plan that had terminated on January 26, 2015. Under the Plan, shares may be issued to SJI’s officers (Officers), non-employee directors (Directors) and other key employees. No options were granted or outstanding during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016No stock appreciation rights have been issued under the plans. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, SJI granted 167,734and 193,670 restricted shares, respectively, to Officers and other key employees under the Plan. Performance-based restricted shares vest over a three-year period and are subject to SJI achieving certain market and earnings-based performance targets, which can cause the actual amount of shares that ultimately vest to range from 0% to 200% of the original shares granted.

In 2015, SJI began granting time-based shares of restricted stock, one-third of which vest annually over a three-year period and which are limited to a 100% payout. Vesting of time-based grants is contingent upon SJI achieving a return on equity (ROE) of at least 7% during the initial year of the grant and meeting the service requirement. Provided that the 7% ROE requirement is met in the initial year, payout is solely contingent upon the service requirement being met in years two and three of the grant. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, Officers and other key employees were granted 53,058 and 58,101 shares of time-based restricted stock, respectively, which are included in the shares noted above.

Grants containing market-based performance targets use SJI's total shareholder return (TSR) relative to a peer group to measure performance. As TSR-based grants are contingent upon market and service conditions, SJI is required to measure and recognize stock-based compensation expense based on the fair value at the date of grant on a straight-line basis over the requisite three-year period of each award. In addition, SJI identifies specific forfeitures of share-based awards, and compensation expense is adjusted accordingly over the requisite service period. Compensation expense is not adjusted based on the actual achievement of performance goals. The fair value of TSR-based restricted stock awards on the date of grant is estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation model.


17


Through 2014, grants containing earnings-based targets were based on SJI's earnings growth rate per share (EGR) relative to a peer group to measure performance. In 2015, earnings-based performance targets included pre-defined EGR and ROE goals to measure performance. Beginning in 2016, performance targets include pre-defined compounded earnings annual growth rate (CEGR) for SJI. As EGR-based, ROE-based and CEGR-based grants are contingent upon performance and service conditions, SJI is required to measure and recognize stock-based compensation expense based on the fair value at the date of grant over the requisite three-year period of each award. The fair value is measured as the market price at the date of grant. The initial accruals of compensation expense are based on the estimated number of shares expected to vest, assuming the requisite service is rendered and probable outcome of the performance condition is achieved. That estimate is revised if subsequent information indicates that the actual number of shares is likely to differ from previous estimates. Compensation expense is ultimately adjusted based on the actual achievement of service and performance targets.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, SJI granted 30,394 and 35,197 restricted shares, respectively, to Directors. Shares issued to Directors vest over twelve months and contain no performance conditions. As a result, 100% of the shares granted generally vest.

The following table summarizes the nonvested restricted stock awards outstanding for SJI at September 30, 2017 and the assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the awards:

 
Grants
 
Shares Outstanding
 
Fair Value Per Share
 
Expected Volatility
 
Risk-Free Interest Rate
Officers & Key Employees -
2015 - TSR
 
33,449

 
$
26.31

 
16.0
%
 
1.10
%
 
2015 - EGR, ROE, Time
 
61,357

 
$
29.47

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
2016 - TSR
 
65,544

 
$
22.53

 
18.1
%
 
1.31
%
 
2016 - CEGR, Time
 
102,616

 
$
23.52

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
2017 - TSR
 
56,644

 
$
32.17

 
20.8
%
 
1.47
%
 
2017 - CEGR, Time
 
109,107

 
$
33.69

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors -
2017
 
30,394

 
$
33.64

 
N/A

 
N/A

 

 


 


 


 



Expected volatility is based on the actual volatility of SJI’s share price over the preceding three-year period as of the valuation date. The risk-free interest rate is based on the zero-coupon U.S. Treasury Bond, with a term equal to the three-year term of the Officers’ and other key employees’ restricted shares. As notional dividend equivalents are credited to the holders during the three-year service period, no reduction to the fair value of the award is required. As the Directors’ restricted stock awards contain no performance conditions and dividends are paid or credited to the holder during the requisite service period, the fair value of these awards are equal to the market value of the shares on the date of grant.

The following table summarizes the total stock-based compensation cost to SJI for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):

 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2017
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Officers & Key Employees
$
1,087

$
781

 
$
3,274

 
$
2,396

Directors
256

210

 
767

 
630

Total Cost
1,343

991

 
4,041

 
3,026

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capitalized
(96
)
(77
)
 
(288
)
 
(289
)
Net Expense
$
1,247

$
914

 
$
3,753

 
$
2,737


As of September 30, 2017, there was $6.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock-based compensation awards granted under the plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years.


18


The following table summarizes information regarding restricted stock award activity for SJI during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, excluding accrued dividend equivalents:

 
Officers &Other Key Employees
 
Directors
 
Weighted
Average
Fair Value
Nonvested Shares Outstanding, January 1, 2017
295,515

 
35,197

 
$
24.96

  Granted
167,734

 
30,394

 
$
33.24

  Cancelled/Forfeited
(3,891
)
 

 
$
28.70

  Vested
(30,641
)
 
(35,197
)
 
$
24.75

Nonvested Shares Outstanding, September 30, 2017
428,717

 
30,394

 
$
28.53


During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, SJI awarded 65,628 shares to its Officers and other key employees at a market value of $2.2 million, and 13,247 shares at a market value of $0.3 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, SJI also granted 30,394 and 35,197 shares to its Directors at a market value of $1.0 million and $0.8 million, respectively.

SJI has a policy of issuing new shares to satisfy its obligations under the Plan; therefore, there are no cash payment requirements resulting from the normal operation of the Plan. However, a change in control could result in such shares becoming nonforfeitable or immediately payable in cash. At the discretion of the Officers, Directors and other key employees, the receipt of vested shares can be deferred until future periods. These deferred shares are included in Treasury Stock on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

South Jersey Gas Company - Officers and other key employees of SJG participate in the stock-based compensation plans of SJI. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, SJG officers and other key employees were granted 24,001 and 32,732 shares of SJI restricted stock, respectively. The cost of outstanding stock awards for SJG during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively. Approximately one-half of these costs were capitalized on SJG's condensed balance sheets to Utility Plant.

3.
AFFILIATIONS, DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS:

AFFILIATIONS — The following affiliated entities are accounted for under the equity method:

PennEast Pipeline Company, LLC (PennEast) - Midstream has a 20% investment in PennEast, which is planning to construct an approximately 118-mile natural gas pipeline that will extend from Northeastern Pennsylvania into New Jersey, with construction to begin in 2018.

Energenic – US, LLC (Energenic) - Marina and a joint venture partner formed Energenic, in which Marina has a 50% equity interest. Energenic developed and operated on-site, self-contained, energy-related projects.

Millennium Account Services, LLC (Millennium) - SJI and a joint venture partner formed Millennium, in which SJI has a 50% equity interest. Millennium reads utility customers’ meters on a monthly basis for a fee.

Potato Creek, LLC (Potato Creek) - SJI and a joint venture partner formed Potato Creek, in which SJI has a 30% equity interest.  Potato Creek owns and manages the oil, gas and mineral rights of certain real estate in Pennsylvania.

During the first nine months of 2017 and 2016, SJI made net investments in unconsolidated affiliates of $22.4 million and $2.2 million, respectively.  As of both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the outstanding balance of Notes Receivable – Affiliate was $15.7 million. As of September 30, 2017, $13.7 million of these notes were secured by property, plant and equipment of the affiliates, accrue interest at 7.5% and are to be repaid through 2025. The remaining $2.0 million of these notes are unsecured and accrue interest at variable rates.
    

19


SJI holds significant variable interests in these entities but is not the primary beneficiary. Consequently, these entities are accounted for under the equity method because SJI does not have both (a) the power to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the entity. As of September 30, 2017, SJI had a net asset of approximately $54.1 million included in Investment in Affiliates on the condensed consolidated balance sheets related to equity method investees, in addition to Notes Receivable – Affiliate as discussed above. SJI’s maximum exposure to loss from these entities as of September 30, 2017, is limited to its combined equity contributions and the Notes Receivable-Affiliate in the aggregate amount of $69.8 million.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS - Discontinued Operations consist of the environmental remediation activities related to the properties of South Jersey Fuel, Inc. (SJF) and the product liability litigation and environmental remediation activities related to the prior business of The Morie Company, Inc. (Morie). SJF is a subsidiary of Energy & Minerals, Inc. (EMI), an SJI subsidiary, which previously operated a fuel oil business. Morie is the former sand mining and processing subsidiary of EMI. EMI sold the common stock of Morie in 1996.

SJI conducts tests annually to estimate the environmental remediation costs for these properties (see Note 11).

Summarized operating results of the discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, were (in thousands, except per share amounts):
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Loss before Income Taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sand Mining
$
(17
)
 
$
(20
)
 
$
(49
)
 
$
(184
)
Fuel Oil
(53
)
 
(24
)
 
(139
)
 
(86
)
Income Tax Benefits
25

 
15

 
66

 
94

Loss from Discontinued Operations — Net
$
(45
)
 
$
(29
)
 
$
(122
)
 
$
(176
)
Earnings Per Common Share from
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Discontinued Operations — Net:
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Basic and Diluted
$

 
$

 
$

 
$


SJG RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS - There have been no significant changes in the nature of SJG’s related-party transactions since December 31, 2016. See Note 5 to the Financial Statements in Item 8 of SJG’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 for a detailed description of the related parties and their associated transactions.

A summary of related party transactions involving SJG, excluding pass-through items, included in SJG's Operating Revenues were as follows (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Operating Revenues/Affiliates:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SJRG
$
1,210

 
$
977

 
$
3,421

 
$
5,399

Marina
72

 
65

 
219

 
229

Other
21

 
21

 
63

 
63

Total Operating Revenue/Affiliates
$
1,303

 
$
1,063

 
$
3,703

 
$
5,691



20


Related-party transactions involving SJG, excluding pass-through items, included in SJG's Cost of Sales and Operating Expenses were as follows (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Costs of Sales/Affiliates (Excluding depreciation)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SJRG
$
1,453

 
$
490

 
$
12,399

 
$
9,993

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operations Expense/Affiliates:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SJI
$
4,316

 
$
4,632

 
$
15,354

 
$
14,502

Millennium
717

 
703

 
2,137

 
2,098

Other
(173
)
 
(48
)
 
(253
)
 
(154
)
Total Operations Expense/Affiliates
$
4,860

 
$
5,287

 
$
17,238

 
$
16,446


4.
COMMON STOCK:

The following shares were issued and outstanding for SJI:

 
2017
Beginning Balance, January 1
79,478,055

New Issuances During the Period:
 

Stock-Based Compensation Plan
71,025

Ending Balance, September 30
79,549,080


The par value ($1.25 per share) of stock issued was recorded in Common Stock and the net excess over par value of approximately $2.5 million was recorded in Premium on Common Stock.

In May 2016, SJI issued and sold 8,050,000 shares of its common stock, par value $1.25 per share pursuant to a public offering, raising net proceeds of approximately $203.6 million. The net proceeds from this offering were or will be used for capital expenditures, primarily for regulated businesses, including infrastructure investments at its utility business.

There were 2,339,139 shares of SJG's common stock (par value $2.50 per share) outstanding as of September 30, 2017. SJG did not issue any new shares during the period. SJI owns all of the outstanding common stock of SJG.

SJI's EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (EPS) - SJI's Basic EPS is based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. The incremental shares required for inclusion in the denominator for the diluted EPS calculation were 156,673 and 94,997 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, incremental shares of 138,346 and 137,003 were not included in the denominator for the diluted EPS calculation because they would have an antidilutive effect on EPS. These additional shares relate to SJI's restricted stock as discussed in Note 2.

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN (DRP) - SJI offers a DRP which allows participating shareholders to purchase shares of SJI common stock by automatic reinvestment of dividends or optional purchases. Prior to May 1, 2016 shares of common stock offered by the DRP had been issued directly by SJI from its authorized but unissued shares of common stock. SJI raised $10.8 million of equity capital through the DRP during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Effective May 1, 2016, SJI switched to purchasing shares on the open market to fund share purchases by DRP participants. SJI does not intend to issue any new equity capital via the DRP in 2017.


21


5.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:

RESTRICTED INVESTMENTS — Marina is required to maintain escrow accounts related to ongoing capital projects. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the escrowed funds, including interest earned, totaled $0.3 million and $1.9 million, respectively, which are recorded in Restricted Investments on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

SJI and SJG maintain margin accounts with selected counterparties to support their risk management activities. The balances required to be held in these margin accounts increase as the net value of the outstanding energy-related contracts with the respective counterparties decrease. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, SJI's balances in these accounts totaled $5.3 million and $11.7 million, respectively, held by the counterparty, which is recorded in Restricted Investments on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of September 30, 2017, SJG's balance held by the counterparty totaled $0.9 million and was recorded in Restricted Investments on the condensed balance sheets. As of December 31, 2016, SJG's balance held by SJG as collateral was $3.6 million which was recorded in Accounts Payable - Other on the condensed balance sheets.

The carrying amounts of the Restricted Investments for both SJI and SJG approximate their fair values at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, which would be included in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy (see Note 13).


The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the condensed consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the statement of cash flows (in thousands):

 
 
As of September 30, 2017
Balance Sheet Line Item
 
SJI
SJG
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
$
13,681

$
404

Restricted Investments
 
5,645

891

   Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows
 
$
19,326

$
1,295


 
 
As of December 31, 2016
Balance Sheet Line Item
 
SJI
SJG
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
$
18,282

$
1,359

Restricted Investments
 
13,628

32

   Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows
 
$
31,910

$
1,391


INVESTMENT IN AFFILIATES - During 2011, subsidiaries of Energenic, in which Marina has a 50% equity interest, entered into 20-year contracts to build, own and operate a central energy center and energy distribution system for a new hotel, casino and entertainment complex in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The complex commenced operations in April 2012, and as a result, Energenic subsidiaries began providing full energy services to the complex.

In June 2014, the parent company of the hotel, casino and entertainment complex filed petitions in U.S. Bankruptcy Court to facilitate a sale of substantially all of its assets. The complex ceased normal business operations in September 2014. Energenic subsidiaries continued to provide limited energy services to the complex during the shutdown period under a temporary agreement with the trustee. The hotel, casino and entertainment complex was sold in April 2015. As of December 31, 2015, the Energenic subsidiaries were providing limited services to the complex under a short-term agreement with the new owner. However, the Energenic subsidiaries had not been able to secure a permanent or long-term energy services agreement with the new owner.


22


The central energy center and energy distribution system owned by the Energenic subsidiaries was financed in part by the issuance of bonds during 2011. These bonds were collateralized primarily by certain assets of the central energy center and revenue from the energy services agreement with the hotel, casino and entertainment complex. During 2015, due to the cessation of normal business operations of the complex and the inability of the Energenic subsidiaries to meet its obligations under the bonds, the trustee for the bondholders filed suit to foreclose on certain assets of the central energy center. In November 2015 during settlement discussions, the bondholders alleged, among other things, that they were entitled to recover from Energenic itself, any amounts owed under the bonds that were not covered by the collateral, including principal, interest and attorney’s fees. The bondholders’ assertion was based on inconsistent language in the bond documents. In January 2016, Energenic and certain subsidiaries reached a multi-party settlement with the bondholders. This agreement resolves all outstanding litigation and transfers ownership of the bondholders’ collateral to the owners of the entertainment complex. The Company's share of this settlement was $7.5 million, which was accrued by Energenic as of December 31, 2015 and paid in 2016. The Company entered into agreements with its insurance carrier and external legal advisors to recover, net of legal costs, approximately $7.0 million of costs associated with the bondholder settlement discussed above. The Company received $2.1 million in the second quarter of 2016, which is included in Other Income on the statements of consolidated income for the year ended December 31, 2016, and $5.3 million was received in the third quarter of 2016 and is included in Equity in Earnings of Affiliated Companies on the statements of consolidated income for the year ended December 31, 2016, as the loss recorded in the prior year was included in this line item on the statements of consolidated income for the year ended December 31, 2015.

As of September 30, 2017, SJI had approximately $13.7 million included in Notes Receivable - Affiliate on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, due from Energenic, which is secured by its cogeneration assets for energy service projects. This note is subject to a reimbursement agreement that secures reimbursement for SJI, from its joint venture partner, of a proportionate share of any amounts that are not repaid.

Management will continue to monitor the situation surrounding the cogeneration assets and will evaluate the carrying value of the investment and the note receivable as future events occur.

LONG-TERM RECEIVABLES - SJG provides financing to customers for the purpose of attracting conversions to natural gas heating systems from competing fuel sources. The terms of these loans call for customers to make monthly payments over periods ranging from five to ten years, with no interest.  The carrying amounts of such loans were $7.4 million and $9.5 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The current portion of these receivables is reflected in Accounts Receivable and the non-current portion is reflected in Contract Receivables on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The carrying amounts noted above are net of unamortized discounts resulting from imputed interest in the amount of $0.8 million and $0.9 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.  The annualized amortization to interest is not material to SJI’s or SJG's condensed consolidated financial statements. The carrying amounts of these receivables approximate their fair value at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, which would be included in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy (see Note 13).

CREDIT RISK - As of September 30, 2017, SJI had approximately $8.8 million, or 17.7%, of the current and noncurrent Derivatives – Energy Related Assets transacted with two counterparties. One counterparty has contracts with a large number of diverse customers which minimizes the concentration of this risk. A portion of these contracts may be assigned to SJI in the event of default by the counterparty. The second counterparty is investment-grade rated with a rating of Baa1.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS NOT CARRIED AT FAIR VALUE - The fair value of a financial instrument is the market price to sell an asset or transfer a liability at the measurement date. The carrying amounts of SJI's and SJG's financial instruments approximate their fair values at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, except as noted below.
For Long-Term Debt, in estimating the fair value, SJI and SJG use the present value of remaining cash flows at the balance sheet date. SJI and SJG based the estimates on interest rates available at the end of each period for debt with similar terms and maturities (Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy, see Note 13).
The estimated fair values of SJI's long-term debt (which includes SJG and all consolidated subsidiaries), including current maturities, as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, were $1,161.6 million and $1,080.8 million, respectively.  The carrying amounts of SJI's long-term debt, including current maturities, as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, were $1,191.2 million and $1,039.9 million, respectively. SJI's carrying amounts as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $9.9 million and $7.6 million, respectively.
The estimated fair values of SJG's long-term debt, including current maturities, as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, were $833.2 million and $673.1 million, respectively. The carrying amount of SJG's long-term debt, including current maturities, as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, was $818.6 million and $639.1 million, respectively. The carrying amounts as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $7.5 million and $6.0 million, respectively.

23



OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - The carrying amounts of SJI's and SJG's other financial instruments approximate their fair values at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
6.
SEGMENTS OF BUSINESS:

SJI operates in several different reportable operating segments which reflect the financial information regularly evaluated by the chief operating decision maker. These segments are as follows:

Gas utility operations (SJG) consist primarily of natural gas distribution to residential, commercial and industrial customers. The result of SJG are only included in this operating segment.
Wholesale energy operations include the activities of SJRG and SJEX.
SJE is involved in both retail gas and retail electric activities.
Retail gas and other operations include natural gas acquisition and transportation service business lines.
Retail electric operations consist of electricity acquisition and transportation to commercial, industrial and residential customers.
On-site energy production consists of Marina's thermal energy facility and other energy-related projects. Also included in this segment are the activities of ACB, ACLE, BCLE, SCLE, SXLE, MCS, NBS and SBS.
Appliance service operations includes SJESP, which serviced residential and small commercial HVAC systems, installed small commercial HVAC systems, provided plumbing services and serviced appliances under warranty via a subcontractor arrangement as well as on a time and materials basis. On September 1, 2017, SJESP sold certain assets of its residential and small commercial HVAC and plumbing business to a third party. SJESP will receive commissions paid on service contracts from the third party on a go forward basis.
Midstream was formed to invest in infrastructure and other midstream projects, including a current project to build a natural gas pipeline in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The activities of Midstream are a part of the Corporate and Services segment.
 
SJI groups its nonutility operations into two categories: Energy Group and Energy Services. Energy Group includes wholesale energy, retail gas and other, and retail electric operations. Energy Services includes on-site energy production and appliance service operations. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Intersegment sales and transfers are treated as if the sales or transfers were to third parties at current market prices.

Information about SJI’s operations in different reportable operating segments is presented below (in thousands):

 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Operating Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gas Utility Operations
$
66,755

 
$
62,025

 
$
346,820

 
$
318,553

Energy Group:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Wholesale Energy Operations
70,741

 
67,926

 
274,667

 
131,691

Retail Gas and Other Operations
18,156

 
11,865

 
76,793

 
63,903

Retail Electric Operations
45,316

 
51,585

 
136,893

 
134,141

     Subtotal Energy Group
134,213

 
131,376

 
488,353

 
329,735

Energy Services:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
On-Site Energy Production
29,942

 
31,034

 
74,689

 
70,398

Appliance Service Operations
1,552

 
1,812

 
5,190

 
5,750

Subtotal Energy Services
31,494

 
32,846

 
79,879

 
76,148

Corporate and Services
9,577

 
7,059

 
32,186

 
24,352

Subtotal
242,039

 
233,306

 
947,238

 
748,788

Intersegment Sales
(14,912
)
 
(14,224
)
 
(49,908
)
 
(42,269
)
Total Operating Revenues
$
227,127

 
$
219,082

 
$
897,330

 
$
706,519


24



 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Operating (Loss) Income:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Gas Utility Operations
$
(4,628
)
 
$
(2,453
)
 
$
84,174

 
$
83,251

Energy Group:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Wholesale Energy Operations
(11,346
)
 
8,014

 
(41,163
)
 
15,109

Retail Gas and Other Operations
(574
)
 
(2,520
)
 
(3,801
)
 
2,971

Retail Electric Operations
(344
)
 
1,223

 
2,117

 
4,085

     Subtotal Energy Group
(12,264
)
 
6,717

 
(42,847
)
 
22,165

Energy Services:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
On-Site Energy Production
(38,351
)
 
8,077

 
(35,216
)
 
12,549

Appliance Service Operations
(392
)
 
277

 
(398
)
 
579

  Subtotal Energy Services
(38,743
)
 
8,354

 
(35,614
)
 
13,128

Corporate and Services
380

 
(28
)
 
2,154

 
313

Total Operating (Loss) Income
$
(55,255
)
 
$
12,590

 
$
7,867

 
$
118,857


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Gas Utility Operations
$
17,751

 
$
15,954

 
$
52,559

 
$
47,368

Energy Group:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Wholesale Energy Operations
31

 
39

 
92

 
447

Retail Gas and Other Operations
80

 
85

 
247

 
253

     Subtotal Energy Group
111

 
124

 
339

 
700

Energy Services:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
On-Site Energy Production
11,731

 
11,274

 
34,998

 
32,088

Appliance Service Operations
43

 
73

 
153

 
248

  Subtotal Energy Services
11,774

 
11,347

 
35,151

 
32,336

Corporate and Services
448

 
373

 
1,267

 
856

Total Depreciation and Amortization
$
30,084

 
$
27,798

 
$
89,316

 
$
81,260


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Charges:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Gas Utility Operations
$
6,437

 
$
4,058

 
$
18,392

 
$
13,397

Energy Group:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Wholesale Energy Operations
(162
)
 

 
3,031

 
32

Retail Gas and Other Operations
55

 
86

 
204

 
296

     Subtotal Energy Group
(107
)
 
86

 
3,235

 
328

Energy Services:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
On-Site Energy Production
3,549

 
3,032

 
13,240

 
9,936

Corporate and Services
5,055

 
2,896

 
15,237

 
9,206

Subtotal
14,934

 
10,072

 
50,104

 
32,867

Intersegment Borrowings
(4,367
)
 
(2,717
)
 
(11,813
)
 
(8,123
)
Total Interest Charges
$
10,567

 
$
7,355

 
$
38,291

 
$
24,744



25


 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Income Taxes:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Gas Utility Operations
$
(3,688
)
 
$
(2,007
)
 
$
27,654

 
$
26,812

Energy Group:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Wholesale Energy Operations
(4,281
)
 
3,125

 
(16,984
)
 
5,604

Retail Gas and Other Operations
(225
)
 
(1,062
)
 
(1,265
)
 
1,220

Retail Electric Operations
(141
)
 
499

 
866

 
1,669

     Subtotal Energy Group
(4,647
)
 
2,562

 
(17,383
)
 
8,493

Energy Services:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
On-Site Energy Production
(16,270
)
 
2,118

 
(19,120
)
 
(784
)
Appliance Service Operations
(220
)
 
102

 
(201
)
 
254

  Subtotal Energy Services
(16,490
)
 
2,220

 
(19,321
)
 
(530
)
Corporate and Services
60

 
32

 
611

 
110

Total Income Taxes
$
(24,765
)
 
$
2,807

 
$
(8,439
)
 
$
34,885

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property Additions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gas Utility Operations
$
59,179

 
$
53,623

 
$
187,587

 
$
155,126

Energy Group:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Wholesale Energy Operations

 

 
5

 
7

Retail Gas and Other Operations
204

 
455

 
632

 
1,180

     Subtotal Energy Group
204

 
455

 
637

 
1,187

Energy Services:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
On-Site Energy Production
1,633

 
9,152

 
11,899

 
14,468

Appliance Service Operations

 
73

 
260

 
425

  Subtotal Energy Services
1,633

 
9,225

 
12,159

 
14,893

Corporate and Services
105

 
174

 
1,191

 
901

Total Property Additions
$
61,121

 
$
63,477

 
$
201,574

 
$
172,107


 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Identifiable Assets:
 
 
 
Gas Utility Operations
$
2,736,775

 
$
2,551,923

Energy Group:
 
 
 
     Wholesale Energy Operations
153,933

 
233,019

Retail Gas and Other Operations
35,487

 
52,729

Retail Electric Operations
32,103

 
41,280

     Subtotal Energy Group
221,523

 
327,028

Energy Services:
 
 
 
On-Site Energy Production
662,087

 
767,710

Appliance Service Operations
1,720

 
2,879

Subtotal Energy Services
663,807

 
770,589

Discontinued Operations
1,769

 
1,756

Corporate and Services
781,238

 
649,795

Intersegment Assets
(665,046
)
 
(570,524
)
Total Identifiable Assets
$
3,740,066

 
$
3,730,567



26


7.
RATES AND REGULATORY ACTIONS:

SJG is subject to the rules and regulations of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU).

In October 2017, SJG settled its base rate case, pursuant to which the BPU granted SJG a base rate increase, effective November 1, 2017, of $39.5 million, which was predicated in part upon a 6.80% rate of return on rate base that included a 9.60% return on common equity. The BPU Order allows SJG to recover revenues associated with certain infrastructure and system improvement investments made and the related expenses incurred since the approval of its previous base rate case proceeding in September 2014.

In January 2017, the BPU issued an order approving SJG’s request to extend the expiration date of its Energy Efficiency Programs (EEPs) from August 2017 to December 2018, without any modification to the programs or the amount of the previously authorized budget of $36.3 million, inclusive of operation and maintenance expenses.

In April 2017, SJG provided a Basic Gas Supply Service (BGSS) bill credit of approximately $8.0 million to its residential and small commercial customers. The credit was in addition to the overall rate reduction that was approved by the BPU and took effect in October 2016.

In June 2017, SJG filed its annual Energy Efficiency Tracker (EET) rate adjustment petition, requesting a $3.0 million increase in revenues to continue recovering the costs of, and the allowed return on, prior investments associated with its EEP. The petition is currently pending BPU approval.

In July 2017, SJG made its annual 2017-2018 Societal Benefits Clause (SBC) filing, requesting an $8.0 million increase in annual revenues. The SBC is comprised of sub-components, including the Remediation Adjustment Clause (RAC), the Clean Energy Program (CLEP) and the Transportation Initiation Clause (TIC). The related petition is currently pending BPU approval.

In September 2017, the BPU approved the following SJG requests:

A $4.7 million decrease in BGSS annual revenues and a $0.2 million increase in Conservation Incentive Program (CIP) annual revenues, both effective October 1, 2017 and associated with the 2017-2018 BGSS/CIP year, which runs from October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018.

An increase in annual revenues from base rates of $5.0 million to reflect the roll-in of $46.1 million of Accelerated Infrastructure Replacement Program (AIRP II) investments made from October 2016 through June 2017, effective October 1, 2017.

An increase in annual revenues from base rates of $3.6 million to reflect the roll-in of $33.3 million of Storm Hardening and Reliability Program (SHARP) investments made from July 2016 through June 2017, effective October 1, 2017.

The statewide Universal Service Fund (USF) annual 2017-2018 budget for all the State's gas utilities. which includes a $2.0 million decrease in SJG's USF recoveries, effective October 1, 2017.

The BGSS, CIP and USF approvals discussed above do not impact SJG's earnings. They represent changes in the cash requirements of SJG corresponding to cost changes and/or previously over/under recoveries from ratepayers associated with each respective mechanism.

There have been no other significant regulatory actions or changes to SJG's rate structure since December 31, 2016. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of SJI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and Note 3 to the Financial Statements in Item 8 of SJG’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

8.
REGULATORY ASSETS AND REGULATORY LIABILITIES:

There have been no significant changes to the nature of SJG’s regulatory assets and liabilities since December 31, 2016, which are described in Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of SJI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and Note 4 to the Financial Statements in Item 8 of SJG’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. SJI has no regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities other than those of SJG.




27


SJI's and SJG's Regulatory Assets consisted of the following items (in thousands):
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Environmental Remediation Costs:
 
 
 
Expended - Net
$
93,724

 
$
71,997

Liability for Future Expenditures
176,805

 
153,047

Deferred Asset Retirement Obligation Costs
42,283

 
43,014

Deferred Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs
85,693

 
85,693

Deferred Gas Costs - Net
15,245

 

Conservation Incentive Program Receivable
32,429

 
27,567

Societal Benefit Costs Receivable
906

 

Deferred Interest Rate Contracts
7,280

 
7,365

Energy Efficiency Tracker
1,994

 
219

Pipeline Supplier Service Charges
862

 
2,122

Pipeline Integrity Cost
5,160

 
4,810

AFUDC - Equity Related Deferrals
12,331

 
12,434

Other Regulatory Assets
2,745

 
2,478

 
 
 
 
Total Regulatory Assets
$
477,457

 
$
410,746



28


ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION COSTS - SJG has two regulatory assets associated with environmental costs related to the cleanup of 12 sites where SJG or its predecessors previously operated gas manufacturing plants. The first asset, "Environmental Remediation Cost: Expended - Net," represents what was actually spent to clean up the sites, less recoveries through the Remediation Adjustment Clause (RAC) and insurance carriers. These costs meet the deferral requirements of GAAP, as the BPU allows SJG to recover such expenditures through the RAC. The other asset, "Environmental Remediation Cost: Liability for Future Expenditures," relates to estimated future expenditures required to complete the remediation of these sites. SJG recorded this estimated amount as a regulatory asset with the corresponding current and noncurrent liabilities on the balance sheets under the captions "Current Liabilities" (both SJI and SJG), "Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities" (SJI) and "Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Liabilities" (SJG). The BPU allows SJG to recover the deferred costs over seven-year periods after they are spent. The increase from December 31, 2016 is a result of expenditures made during the first nine months of 2017 and an increase in the expected future expenditures for remediation activities, primarily due to a change in the proposed type of remediation at two of the sites currently under remediation. The proposed change results in an increase in contractor costs.

DEFERRED GAS COSTS - NET - Over/Under collections of gas costs are monitored through SJG's BGSS mechanism. Net undercollected gas costs are classified as a regulatory asset, and net overcollected gas costs are classified as a regulatory liability. Derivative contracts used to hedge natural gas purchases are also included in the BGSS, subject to BPU approval. The change in the BGSS from a $17.8 million regulatory liability at December 31, 2016 to a $15.2 million regulatory asset at September 30, 2017 was primarily due to an unfavorable court ruling related to a pricing dispute between SJG and a supplier (See Notes 11 and 16) and the actual gas commodity costs exceeding recoveries from customers.

CONSERVATION INCENTIVE PROGRAM (CIP) RECEIVABLE – The CIP tracking mechanism adjusts earnings when actual usage per customer experienced during the period varies from an established baseline usage per customer. Actual usage per customer was less than the established baseline during the first nine months of 2017, resulting in an increase in the receivable. This is primarily the result of warm weather experienced in the region.

SOCIETAL BENEFIT COSTS (SBC) RECEIVABLE - This regulatory asset primarily represents the deferred expenses incurred under the New Jersey Clean Energy Program, which is a mechanism designed to recover costs associated with energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. Previous SBC rates produced recoveries greater than SBC costs, which resulted in the regulatory liability. The change from a liability at December 31, 2016 to an asset at September 30, 2017 is due to an increase in rates.

SJI's and SJG's Regulatory Liabilities consisted of the following items (in thousands):

 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Excess Plant Removal Costs
$
23,485

 
$
28,226

Deferred Revenues - Net

 
17,800

Societal Benefit Costs

 
3,095

 
 
 
 
Total Regulatory Liabilities
$
23,485

 
$
49,121

 
DEFERRED REVENUES - NET - See discussion under "Deferred Gas Costs - Net" above.

SOCIETAL BENEFIT COSTS - See discussion under "Societal Benefit Costs Receivable" above.






29


9.
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS:

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, net periodic benefit cost related to the employee and officer pension and other postretirement benefit plans for SJI consisted of the following components (in thousands):
 
Pension Benefits
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2017

2016
 
2017
 
2016
Service Cost
$
1,247

 
$
1,210

 
$
3,741

 
$
3,632

Interest Cost
2,943

 
3,031

 
8,829

 
9,094

Expected Return on Plan Assets
(3,526
)
 
(3,377
)
 
(10,579
)
 
(10,131
)
Amortizations:
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Prior Service Cost
33

 
53

 
98

 
158

Actuarial Loss
2,570

 
2,349

 
7,712

 
7,046

Net Periodic Benefit Cost
3,267

 
3,266

 
9,801

 
9,799

Capitalized Benefit Cost
(1,143
)
 
(1,251
)
 
(3,542
)
 
(3,651
)
   Deferred Benefit Cost
(95
)
 
(161
)
 
(395
)
 
(484
)
Total Net Periodic Benefit Expense
$
2,029

 
$
1,854

 
$
5,864

 
$
5,664


 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2017

2016
 
2017
 
2016
Service Cost
$
228

 
$
213

 
$
683

 
$
638

Interest Cost
604

 
654

 
1,813

 
1,961

Expected Return on Plan Assets
(853
)
 
(776
)
 
(2,558
)
 
(2,328
)
Amortizations:
 
 
 

 

 
 
Prior Service Cost
(86
)
 
(86
)
 
(258
)
 
(258
)
Actuarial Loss
310

 
277

 
928

 
832

Net Periodic Benefit Cost
203

 
282

 
608

 
845

Capitalized Benefit Cost
66

 
(73
)
 
(35
)
 
(219
)
Total Net Periodic Benefit Expense
$
269

 
$
209

 
$
573

 
$
626


The Pension Benefits Net Periodic Benefit Cost incurred by SJG was approximately $2.3 million and $2.4 million of the totals presented in the table above for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $7.1 million and $7.2 million of the totals presented in the table above for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The Other Postretirement Benefits Net Periodic Benefit Cost incurred by SJG was approximately $(0.1) million and $0.1 million of the totals presented in the table above for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $0.1 million and $0.4 million of the totals presented in the table above for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Capitalized benefit costs reflected in the table above relate to SJG’s construction program. Deferred benefit costs relate to SJG's deferral of incremental expense associated with the adoption of new mortality tables effective December 31, 2014, and subsequent adjustments thereto in both 2015 and 2016. Deferred benefit costs will be recovered through rates as part of SJG's base rate case settlement in October 2017 (see Note 7).


30


SJI contributed $10.0 million to the pension plans, of which SJG contributed $8.0 million, in January 2017. No contributions were made to the pension plans by either SJI or SJG during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. SJI and SJG do not expect to make any additional contributions to the pension plans in 2017; however, changes in future investment performance and discount rates may ultimately result in a contribution. Payments related to the unfunded supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP) are expected to be approximately $2.5 million in 2017. Prior to the base rate case settlement in October 2017, SJG also had a regulatory obligation to contribute approximately $3.6 million annually to the other postretirement benefit plans’ trusts, less direct costs incurred. The recent rate case settlement (see Note 7) allows SJG to modify the future funding requirement level up to a limit that represents full funding of its obligation and to the maximum tax deduction allowed.

See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of SJI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 for additional information related to SJI’s pension and other postretirement benefits and Note 11 to the Financial Statements in Item 8 of SJG’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 for additional information related to SJG’s pension and other postretirement benefits.

10.
LINES OF CREDIT:
 
Credit facilities and available liquidity as of September 30, 2017 were as follows (in thousands):

Company
 
Total Facility
 
Usage
 
Available Liquidity
 
Expiration Date
 
SJI:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Syndicated Revolving Credit Facility
 
$
400,000

 
$
240,100

(A)
$
159,900

 
August 2022
(C)
Revolving Credit Facility
 
50,000

 
50,000

 

 
September 2019
(D)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total SJI
 
450,000

 
290,100

 
159,900

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SJG:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Paper Program/Revolving Credit Facility
 
200,000

 
800

(B)
199,200

 
August 2022
(E)
Uncommitted Bank Line
 
10,000

 

 
10,000

 
August 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total SJG
 
210,000

 
800

 
209,200

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
660,000

 
$
290,900


$
369,100

 
 
 

(A) Includes letters of credit outstanding in the amount of $10.0 million.

(B) Includes letters of credit outstanding in the amount of $0.8 million.

(C) In August 2017, SJI entered into a five year, unsecured $400.0 million revolving credit agreement which is syndicated among several banks. In connection with this agreement, SJI terminated its previous $400.0 million revolving credit agreement.

(D) In September 2017, SJI amended an unsecured revolving credit facility for two years. The facility now terminates in September 2019.

(E) In August 2017, SJG entered into a five year, unsecured $200.0 million revolving credit agreement which is syndicated among several banks. In connection with this agreement, SJG terminated its previous $200.0 million revolving credit agreement.





31


The SJG facilities are restricted as to use and availability specifically to SJG; however, if necessary, the SJI facilities can also be used to support SJG’s liquidity needs. Borrowings under these credit facilities are at market rates. SJI's weighted average interest rate on these borrowings, which changes daily, was 2.26% and 1.28% at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. SJG did not have any outstanding borrowings at September 30, 2017. SJG's weighted average interest rate on these borrowings, which changes daily, was 0.76% at September 30, 2016.

SJI's average borrowings outstanding under these credit facilities (which includes SJG), not including letters of credit, during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were $260.9 million and $336.5 million, respectively. The maximum amounts outstanding under these credit facilities, not including letters of credit, during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were $373.8 million and $467.7 million, respectively.

SJG's average borrowings outstanding under its credit facilities during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were $17.0 million and $64.5 million, respectively. The maximum amounts outstanding under its credit facilities during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were $110.1 million and $141.7 million, respectively.

The SJI and SJG facilities are provided by a syndicate of banks and contain one financial covenant limiting the ratio of indebtedness to total capitalization (as defined in the respective credit agreements) to not more than 0.70 to 1, measured at the end of each fiscal quarter. SJI and SJG were in compliance with this covenant as of September 30, 2017. However, several bank facilities for both SJI and SJG , as well as Senior Unsecured Notes issued by SJI, still contain one financial covenant limiting the ratio of indebtedness to total capitalization (as defined in the respective credit agreements) to not more than 0.65 to 1, measured at the end of each fiscal quarter. As a result, until these other agreements are amended, both SJG and SJI must ensure that the ratio of indebtedness to total capitalization (as defined in the respective credit agreements) does not exceed 0.65 to 1, as measured at the end of each fiscal quarter.

SJG has a commercial paper program under which SJG may issue short-term, unsecured promissory notes to qualified investors up to a maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any time of $200.0 million. The notes have fixed maturities which vary by note, but may not exceed 270 days from the date of issue. Proceeds from the notes are used for general corporate purposes. SJG uses the commercial paper program in tandem with its $200.0 million revolving credit facility and does not expect the principal amount of borrowings outstanding under the commercial paper program and the credit facility at any time to exceed an aggregate of $200.0 million.

11.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

GUARANTEES — As of September 30, 2017, SJI had issued $6.0 million of parental guarantees on behalf of an unconsolidated subsidiary. These guarantees generally expire within the next two years and were issued to enable the subsidiary to market retail natural gas.

GAS SUPPLY CONTRACTS - In the normal course of business, SJG and SJRG have entered into long-term contracts for natural gas supplies, firm transportation and gas storage service. The transportation and storage service agreements with interstate pipeline suppliers were made under Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved tariffs. SJG's cumulative obligation for gas supply-related demand charges and reservation fees paid to suppliers for these services averages approximately $6.1 million per month and is recovered on a current basis through the BGSS. SJRG's cumulative obligation for demand charges and reservation fees paid to suppliers for these services is approximately $0.5 million per month. SJRG has also committed to purchase a minimum of 635,000 dts/d and up to 1,029,000 dts/d of natural gas, from various suppliers, for terms ranging from 3 to 10 years at index-based prices.

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS — Unionized personnel represent approximately 40% and 58% of SJI's and SJG's workforce at September 30, 2017, respectively. SJI has collective bargaining agreements with two unions that represent these employees: the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1293 and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 76. SJG employees represented by the IBEW operate under a collective bargaining agreement that runs through February 2018. SJG's remaining unionized employees are represented by the IAM and operate under a collective bargaining agreement that runs through August 2021.


32


STANDBY LETTERS OF CREDIT — As of September 30, 2017, SJI provided $10.0 million of standby letters of credit through its revolving credit facility to enable SJE to market retail electricity and for various construction and operating activities. SJG provided a $0.8 million letter of credit under its revolving credit facility to support the remediation of environmental conditions at certain locations in SJG's service territory. SJG has provided $25.2 million of additional letters of credit under a separate facility outside of the revolving credit facility to support variable-rate demand bonds issued through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to finance the expansion of SJG’s natural gas distribution system. In May 2017, Marina redeemed its variable-rate demand bonds (see Note 14) and the related letters of credit reimbursement agreements, which totaled $62.3 million, were terminated.

PENDING LITIGATION — SJI and SJG are subject to claims arising in the ordinary course of business and other legal proceedings.  SJI has been named in, among other actions, certain gas supply and capacity management contract disputes and certain product liability claims related to our former sand mining subsidiary. 

SJI is currently involved in a pricing dispute related to two long-term gas supply contracts. On May 8, 2017, a jury from the United States District Court for the District of Colorado returned a verdict in favor of the supplier. On July 21, 2017, the Court entered Final Judgment against SJG and SJRG. As a result of this ruling, SJG and SJRG have accrued $19.2 million and $50.5 million, respectively, through September 30, 2017. We believe that the amount to be paid by SJG reflects a gas cost that ultimately will be recovered from SJG’s customers through adjusted rates. As such, this amount was recorded as both an Accounts Payable and a reduction of Regulatory Liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets of both SJI and SJG as of September 30, 2017. The amount associated with SJRG was also recorded as an Accounts Payable on the condensed consolidated balance sheets of SJI as of September 30, 2017, with charges of $5.5 million and $46.5 million to Cost of Sales - Nonutility on the condensed consolidated statements of income of SJI for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. SJI also recorded $4.0 million to Interest Charges on the condensed consolidated statements of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. SJI intends to appeal this judgment. During the pendency of the appeal, SJI continues to dispute the supplier invoices received, and has created a reserve to reflect the difference between the invoiced and paid amounts.

SJI was involved in a dispute in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia related to a three-year capacity management contract with a counterparty. The counterparty claimed that it was owed approximately $13.3 million, plus interest, from SJRG under a sharing credit within the contract. SJI settled with the counterparty for $9.5 million, which amount was recorded to Cost of Sales - Nonutility on the condensed consolidated statements of income during the second quarter of 2017. SJI made payment in September 2017.

Liabilities related to claims are accrued when the amount or range of amounts of probable settlement costs or other charges for these claims can be reasonably estimated. For matters other than the pricing dispute related to two long-term gas supply contracts, as well as the dispute related to a three-year capacity management contract, both noted above, SJI has accrued approximately $3.0 million and $3.1 million related to all claims in the aggregate as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, of which SJG has accrued approximately $0.7 million and $0.6 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Although SJI and SJG do not presently believe that these matters will have a material adverse effect on its business, given the inherent uncertainties in such situations, SJI and SJG can provide no assurance regarding the outcome of litigation.

ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION COSTS — SJG incurred and recorded costs for environmental cleanup of 12 sites where SJG or its predecessors operated gas manufacturing plants. SJG stopped manufacturing gas in the 1950s. SJI and some of its nonutility subsidiaries also recorded costs for environmental cleanup of sites where SJF previously operated a fuel oil business and Morie maintained equipment, fueling stations and storage. Other than the changes discussed in Note 8 to the condensed consolidated financial statements, there have been no changes to the status of SJI’s environmental remediation efforts since December 31, 2016, as described in Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of SJI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and in Note 12 to the Financial Statements in Item 8 of SJG’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

12.
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS:

Certain SJI subsidiaries, including SJG, are involved in buying, selling, transporting and storing natural gas and buying and selling retail electricity for their own accounts as well as managing these activities for third parties. These subsidiaries are subject to market risk on expected future purchases and sales due to commodity price fluctuations. SJI and SJG use a variety of derivative instruments to limit this exposure to market risk in accordance with strict corporate guidelines.  These derivative instruments include forward contracts, swap agreements, options contracts and futures contracts.


33


As of September 30, 2017, SJI had outstanding derivative contracts as follows (1 MMdts = one million decatherms; 1 MMmWh = one million megawatt hours): 
 
SJI Consolidated
SJG
Derivative contracts intended to limit exposure to market risk to:
 
 
    Expected future purchases of natural gas (in MMdts)
51.7

9.3

    Expected future sales of natural gas (in MMdts)
44.9

0.3

    Expected future purchases of electricity (in MMmWh)
2.6


    Expected future sales of electricity (in MMmWh)
1.9


 
 
 
Basis and Index related net purchase (sales) contracts (in MMdts)
73.8

0.8


These contracts, which have not been designated as hedging instruments under GAAP, are measured at fair value and recorded in Derivatives - Energy Related Assets or Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets of SJI and SJG. For SJE and SJRG contracts, the net unrealized pre-tax gains (losses) for these energy-related commodity contracts are included with realized gains (losses) in Operating Revenues – Nonutility on the condensed consolidated statements of income for SJI. These (losses) gains were $(4.6) million and $9.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $2.2 million and $6.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. For SJG's contracts, the costs or benefits are recoverable through the BGSS clause, subject to BPU approval. As a result, the net unrealized pre-tax gains and losses for these energy-related commodity contracts are included with realized gains and losses in Regulatory Assets or Regulatory Liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets of both SJI and SJG. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, SJG had $3.1 million and $4.4 million of unrealized gains, respectively, along with a net realized gain of $1.0 million and a net realized loss of $2.8 million, respectively, included in its BGSS related to energy-related commodity contracts.

SJI, including SJG, has also entered into interest rate derivatives to hedge exposure to increasing interest rates and the impact of those rates on cash flows of variable-rate debt. These interest rate derivatives, some of which had been designated as hedging instruments under GAAP, are measured at fair value and recorded in Derivatives - Other on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Hedge accounting has been discontinued prospectively for these derivatives. As a result, any unrealized gains and losses on these derivatives, that were previously included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (AOCL) on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, are being recorded in earnings over the remaining life of the derivative.

In March 2017, SJI entered into a new interest rate derivative and amended the existing interest rate derivative linked to unrealized losses previously recorded in AOCL. SJI reclassified $2.4 million of pre-tax unrealized loss in AOCL to Interest Charges on the condensed consolidated statements of income as a result of the prior hedged transactions being deemed probable of not occurring.

For SJG interest rate derivatives, the fair value represents the amount SJG would have to pay the counterparty to terminate these contracts as of those dates.

SJG previously used derivative transactions known as “Treasury Locks” to hedge against the impact on its cash flows of possible interest rate increases on debt issued in September 2005. The initial $1.4 million cost of the Treasury Locks has been included in AOCL and is being amortized over the 30-year life of the associated debt issue. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the unamortized balance was approximately $0.8 million and $0.9 million, respectively.

As of September 30, 2017, SJI’s active interest rate swaps were as follows:

Notional Amount
 
Fixed Interest Rate
 
Start Date
 
Maturity
 
Obligor
$
20,000,000

 
3.049%
 
3/15/2017
 
3/15/2027
 
SJI
$
20,000,000

 
3.049%
 
3/15/2017
 
3/15/2027
 
SJI
$
10,000,000

 
3.049%
 
3/15/2017
 
3/15/2027
 
SJI
$
12,500,000

 
3.530%
 
12/1/2006
 
2/1/2036
 
SJG
$
12,500,000

 
3.430%
 
12/1/2006
 
2/1/2036
 
SJG


34


The unrealized gains and losses on interest rate derivatives that are not designated as cash flow hedges are included in Interest Charges in the condensed consolidated statements of income. However, for selected interest rate derivatives at SJG, management believes that, subject to BPU approval, the market value upon termination can be recovered in rates and, therefore, these unrealized losses have been included in Other Regulatory Assets in the condensed balance sheets.

The fair values of all derivative instruments, as reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, are as follows (in thousands):

SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
Energy-related commodity contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives - Energy Related - Current
 
$
42,068

 
$
26,910

 
$
72,391

 
$
60,082

Derivatives - Energy Related - Non-Current
 
7,650

 
4,359

 
8,502

 
4,540

Interest rate contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Derivatives - Other - Current
 

 
798

 

 
681

Derivatives - Other - Noncurrent
 

 
10,479

 

 
9,349

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP
 
$
49,718

 
$
42,546

 
$
80,893

 
$
74,652

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Derivatives
 
$
49,718

 
$
42,546

 
$
80,893

 
$
74,652



SJG:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
Energy-related commodity contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives – Energy Related – Current
 
$
7,608

 
$
4,467

 
$
5,434

 
$
1,372

Derivatives – Energy Related – Non-Current
 
58

 
69

 
373

 

Interest rate contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives – Other Current
 

 
398

 

 
386

Derivatives – Other Noncurrent
 

 
6,881

 

 
6,979

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP
 
$
7,666

 
$
11,815

 
$
5,807

 
$
8,737

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Derivatives
 
$
7,666

 
$
11,815

 
$
5,807

 
$
8,737


SJI and SJG enter into derivative contracts with counterparties, some of which are subject to master netting arrangements, which allow net settlements under certain conditions. These derivatives are presented at gross fair values on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

35


As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, information related to these offsetting arrangements were as follows (in thousands):
As of September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Description
 
Gross amounts of recognized assets/liabilities
 
Gross amount offset in the balance sheet
 
Net amounts of assets/liabilities in balance sheet
 
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet
 
Net amount
 
 
 
 
Financial Instruments
 
Cash Collateral Posted
 
SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries):
Derivatives - Energy Related Assets
 
$
49,718

 
$

 
$
49,718

 
$
(18,251
)
(A)
$

 
$
31,467

Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities
 
$
(31,269
)
 
$

 
$
(31,269
)
 
$
18,251

(B)
$

 
$
(13,018
)
Derivatives - Other
 
$
(11,277
)
 
$

 
$
(11,277
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(11,277
)
SJG:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives - Energy Related Assets
 
$
7,666

 
$

 
$
7,666

 
$
(475
)
(A)
$

 
$
7,191

Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities
 
$
(4,536
)
 
$

 
$
(4,536
)
 
$
475

(B)
$

 
$
(4,061
)
Derivatives - Other
 
$
(7,279
)
 
$

 
$
(7,279
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(7,279
)

As of December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Description
 
Gross amounts of recognized assets/liabilities
 
Gross amount offset in the balance sheet
 
Net amounts of assets/liabilities in balance sheet
 
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet
 
Net amount
 
 
 
 
Financial Instruments
 
Cash Collateral Posted
 
SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries):
Derivatives - Energy Related Assets
 
$
80,893

 
$

 
$
80,893

 
$
(38,809
)
(A)
$
(3,474
)
 
$
38,610

Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities
 
$
(64,622
)
 
$

 
$
(64,622
)
 
$
38,809

(B)
$

 
$
(25,813
)
Derivatives - Other
 
$
(10,030
)
 
$

 
$
(10,030
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(10,030
)
SJG:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives - Energy Related Assets
 
$
5,807

 
$

 
$
5,807

 
$
(6
)
(A)
$
(3,587
)
 
$
2,214

Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities
 
$
(1,372
)
 
$

 
$
(1,372
)
 
$
6

(B)
$

 
$
(1,366
)
Derivatives - Other
 
$
(7,365
)
 
$

 
$
(7,365
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(7,365
)

(A) The balances at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were related to derivative liabilities which can be net settled against derivative assets.

(B) The balances at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were related to derivative assets which can be net settled against derivative liabilities.


36


The effect of derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 are as follows (in thousands):

 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships under GAAP
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate Contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses reclassified from AOCL into income (a)
 
$
(12
)
 
$
(82
)
 
$
(2,511
)
 
$
(250
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SJG:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate Contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses reclassified from AOCL into income (a)
 
$
(12
)
 
$
(12
)
 
(36
)
 
(36
)

(a) Included in Interest Charges

 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under GAAP
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Losses) Gains on energy-related commodity contracts (a)
 
$
(4,632
)
 
$
9,003

 
$
2,200

 
$
6,287

Gains (Losses) on interest rate contracts (b)
 
52

 
218

 
(1,332
)
 
(438
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
(4,580
)
 
$
9,221

 
$
868

 
$
5,849


(a)  Included in Operating Revenues - Nonutility
(b)  Included in Interest Charges

Certain of SJI’s derivative instruments contain provisions that require immediate payment or demand immediate and ongoing collateralization on derivative instruments in net liability positions in the event of a material adverse change in the credit standing of SJI. The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that are in a liability position on September 30, 2017, is $3.8 million.  If the credit-risk-related contingent features underlying these agreements were triggered on September 30, 2017, SJI would have been required to settle the instruments immediately or post collateral to its counterparties of approximately $2.4 million after offsetting asset positions with the same counterparties under master netting arrangements.

13.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES:

GAAP establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes fair value measurements based on the types of inputs used for the various valuation techniques.  The levels of the hierarchy are described below:

Level 1:  Observable inputs, such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2:  Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; these include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.

Level 3:  Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions.

Assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation of financial assets and financial liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy.


37


For financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, information about the fair value measurements for each major category is as follows (in thousands):
As of September 30, 2017
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-Sale Securities (A)
$
32

 
$
32

 
$

 
$

Derivatives – Energy Related Assets (B)
49,718

 
5,950

 
19,296

 
24,472

 
$
49,750

 
$
5,982

 
$
19,296

 
$
24,472

SJG:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives – Energy Related Assets (B)
$
7,666

 
$
525

 
$
223

 
$
6,918

 
$
7,666

 
$
525

 
$
223

 
$
6,918

SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives – Energy Related Liabilities (B)
$
31,269

 
$
2,690

 
$
17,873

 
$
10,706

Derivatives – Other (C)
11,277

 

 
11,277

 

 
$
42,546

 
$
2,690

 
$
29,150

 
$
10,706

SJG:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives – Energy Related Liabilities (B)
$
4,536

 
$
475

 
$
2,267

 
$
1,794

Derivatives – Other (C)
7,279

 

 
7,279

 

 
$
11,815

 
$
475

 
$
9,546

 
$
1,794


As of December 31, 2016
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-Sale Securities (A)
$
32

 
$
32

 
$

 
$

Derivatives – Energy Related Assets (B)
80,893

 
33,994

 
11,814

 
35,085

 
$
80,925

 
$
34,026

 
$
11,814

 
$
35,085

SJG:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives – Energy Related Assets (B)
$
5,807

 
$
4,767

 
$

 
$
1,040

 
$
5,807

 
$
4,767

 
$

 
$
1,040

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives – Energy Related Liabilities (B)
$
64,622

 
$
16,502

 
$
22,070

 
$
26,050

Derivatives – Other (C)
10,030

 

 
10,030

 

 
$
74,652

 
$
16,502

 
$
32,100

 
$
26,050

SJG:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives – Energy Related Liabilities (B)
$
1,372

 
$
6

 
$
1,252

 
$
114

Derivatives – Other (C)
7,365

 

 
7,365

 

 
$
8,737

 
$
6

 
$
8,617

 
$
114






38



(A) Available-for-Sale Securities include securities that are traded in active markets and securities that are not traded publicly. The securities traded in active markets are valued using the quoted principal market close prices that are provided by the trustees and are categorized in Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

(B) Derivatives – Energy Related Assets and Liabilities are traded in both exchange-based and non-exchange-based markets. Exchange-based contracts are valued using unadjusted quoted market sources in active markets and are categorized in Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. Certain non-exchange-based contracts are valued using indicative price quotations available through brokers or over-the-counter, on-line exchanges and are categorized in Level 2. These price quotations reflect the average of the bid-ask mid-point prices and are obtained from sources that management believes provide the most liquid market. For non-exchange-based derivatives that trade in less liquid markets with limited pricing information, model inputs generally would include both observable and unobservable inputs. In instances where observable data is unavailable, management considers the assumptions that market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability. This includes assumptions about market risks such as liquidity, volatility and contract duration. Such instruments are categorized in Level 3 as the model inputs generally are not observable.

Significant Unobservable Inputs - Management uses the discounted cash flow model to value Level 3 physical and financial forward contracts, which calculates mark-to-market valuations based on forward market prices, original transaction prices, volumes, risk-free rate of return and credit spreads. Inputs to the valuation model are reviewed and revised as needed, based on historical information, updated market data, market liquidity and relationships, and changes in third party pricing sources. The validity of the mark-to-market valuations and changes in mark-to-market valuations from period to period are examined and qualified against historical expectations by the risk management function. If any discrepancies are identified during this process, the mark-to-market valuations or the market pricing information is evaluated further and adjusted, if necessary.

Level 3 valuation methods for natural gas derivative contracts include utilizing another location in close proximity adjusted for certain pipeline charges to derive a basis value. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of certain natural gas contracts consist of forward prices developed based on industry-standard methodologies. Significant increases (decreases) in these forward prices for purchases of natural gas would result in a directionally similar impact to the fair value measurement and for sales of natural gas would result in a directionally opposite impact to the fair value measurement. Level 3 valuation methods for electric represent the value of the contract marked to the forward wholesale curve, as provided by daily exchange quotes for delivered electricity. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of electric contracts consist of fixed contracted electric load profiles; therefore, no change in unobservable inputs would occur. Unobservable inputs are updated daily using industry-standard techniques. Management reviews and corroborates the price quotations to ensure the prices are observable which includes consideration of actual transaction volumes, market delivery points, bid-ask spreads and contract duration.

(C) Derivatives – Other are valued using quoted prices on commonly quoted intervals, which are interpolated for periods different than the quoted intervals, as inputs to a market valuation model. Market inputs can generally be verified and model selection does not involve significant management judgment.

The following table provides quantitative information regarding significant unobservable inputs in Level 3 fair value measurements (in thousands):

SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries):

Type
Fair Value at September 30, 2017
Valuation Technique
Significant Unobservable Input
Range
[Weighted Average]
 
 
Assets
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
Forward Contract - Natural Gas
$17,545
$7,587
Discounted Cash Flow
Forward price (per dt)

$1.05 - $8.37 [$2.87]
(A)
Forward Contract - Electric


$6,927
$3,119
Discounted Cash Flow
Fixed electric load profile (on-peak)
36.36% - 100.00% [52.98%]
(B)
Fixed electric load profile (off-peak)
0.00% - 63.64% [47.02%]
(B)


39


Type
Fair Value at December 31, 2016
Valuation Technique
Significant Unobservable Input
Range
[Weighted Average]
 
 
Assets
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
Forward Contract - Natural Gas
$23,301
$18,109
Discounted Cash Flow
Forward price (per dt)

$1.03 - $11.33 [$2.71]
(A)
Forward Contract - Electric


$11,784
$7,941
Discounted Cash Flow
Fixed electric load profile (on-peak)
21.43% - 100.00% [55.14%]
(B)
Fixed electric load profile (off-peak)
0.00% - 78.57% [44.86%]
(B)


SJG:
Type
Fair Value at September 30, 2017
Valuation Technique
Significant Unobservable Input
Range
[Weighted Average]
 
 
Assets
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
Forward Contract - Natural Gas
$
6,918

$
1,794

Discounted Cash Flow
Forward price (per dt)
$2.37- $6.42 [$4.60]
(A)


Type
Fair Value at December 31, 2016
Valuation Technique
Significant Unobservable Input
Range
[Weighted Average]
 

Assets
Liabilities



 
Forward Contract - Natural Gas
$
1,040

$
114

Discounted Cash Flow
Forward price (per dt)
$3.25 - $6.33 [$5.09]
(A)

(A) Represents the range, along with the weighted average, of forward prices for the sale and purchase of natural gas.

(B) Represents the range, along with the weighted average, of the percentage of contracted usage that is loaded during on-peak hours versus off-peak.



40


The changes in fair value measurements of Derivatives – Energy Related Assets and Liabilities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), are as follows (in thousands):

 
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2017
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2017
SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries):
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
17,401

 
$
9,035

Other Changes in Fair Value from Continuing and New Contracts, Net
1,352

 
8,346

Transfers out of Level 3 (A)
(206
)
 
(954
)
Settlements
(4,781
)
 
(2,661
)
 
 
 
 
Balance at end of period
$
13,766

 
$
13,766

 
 
 
 
SJG:
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
6,933

 
$
926

Other Changes in Fair Value from Continuing and New Contracts, Net
(1,603
)
 
5,330

Transfers out of Level 3 (A)
(206
)
 
(206
)
Settlements

 
(926
)
 
 
 
 
Balance at end of period
$
5,124

 
$
5,124


 
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2016
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2016
SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries):
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
(2,096
)
 
$
(632
)
Other Changes in Fair Value from Continuing and New Contracts, Net
10,404

 
8,346

Settlements
(423
)
 
171

 
 
 
 
Balance at end of period
$
7,885

 
$
7,885

 
 
 
 
SJG:
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
(224
)
 
$
183

Other Changes in Fair Value from Continuing and New Contracts, Net
730

 
506

Settlements

 
(183
)
 
 
 
 
Balance at end of period
$
506

 
$
506


(A) Transfers between different levels of the fair value hierarchy may occur based on the level of observable inputs used to value the instruments from period to period. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, $0.2 million and $1.0 million of SJI's, and $0.2 million (for both periods) of SJG's, net derivative assets were transferred from Level 3 to Level 2, due to increased observability of market data.

Total gains included in earnings for SJI for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 that are attributable to the change in unrealized gains relating to those assets and liabilities included in Level 3 still held as of September 30, 2017, are $1.4 million and $8.3 million, respectively.  These gains are included in Operating Revenues-Nonutility on the condensed consolidated statements of income.


41


14.
LONG-TERM DEBT:

In January 2017, SJG issued $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of Medium Term Notes (MTNs), Series E, 2017, due January 2047, with principal payments beginning in 2025. The MTNs bear interest at an annual rate of 3.0%, payable semiannually. Proceeds were used to pay down SJG's $200.0 million multiple-draw term facility which was set to expire in June 2017.
In January 2017, SJG entered into an unsecured, $200.0 million multiple-draw term loan credit agreement (Credit Agreement), which is syndicated among seven banks. Term loans under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a variable base rate or a variable LIBOR rate, at SJG's election. Under the Credit Agreement, SJG can borrow up to an aggregate of $200.0 million until July 2018, of which SJG borrowed $196.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. All loans under the Credit Agreement become due in January 2019.
In May 2017, Marina voluntarily redeemed bonds issued by NJEDA in an aggregate principal amount of $61.4 million, as follows:  Thermal Energy Facilities Revenue Bonds (Marina Energy LLC - 2001 Project) Series A ($20.0 million); Thermal Energy Facilities Federally Taxable Revenue Bonds (Marina Energy LLC - 2001 Project) Series B ($25.0 million); and Thermal Energy Facilities Revenue Bonds (Marina Energy LLC Project) Series 2006A ($16.4 million).  In connection with the redemptions, separate related letter of credit reimbursement agreements were terminated (see Note 11). 

In June 2017, SJI redeemed at maturity $16.0 million of 2.71% Senior Unsecured Notes.
In July 2017, SJG redeemed at maturity $15.0 million of 4.657% MTNs.
In August 2017, SJI entered into a note purchase agreement that provides for the issuance of an aggregate of $100.0 million of MTNs. Pursuant to the agreement, SJI issued $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of MTNs, consisting of (a) $25.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.22% Senior Notes, Series 2017A-1, due August 2024, and (b) $25.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.46% Senior Notes, Series 2017B-1, due August 2027. The agreement also provides for the issuance of (a) $25.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.32% Senior Notes, Series 2017A-2, due January 2025 and (b) $25.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.56% Senior Notes, Series 2017B-2, due January 2028, that SJI anticipates issuing in January 2018.
SJI and SJG did not issue or retire any other long-term debt during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

42



15.
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:

The following table summarizes the changes in SJI's accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Postretirement Liability Adjustment
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives-Other
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available-for-Sale Securities
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) of Affiliated Companies
Total
Balance at July 1, 2017 (a)
$
(25,342
)
$
(410
)
$
(10
)
$
(97
)
$
(25,859
)
   Other comprehensive income before reclassifications





   Amounts reclassified from AOCL (b)

7



7

Net current period other comprehensive income

7



7

Balance at September 30, 2017 (a)
$
(25,342
)
$
(403
)
$
(10
)
$
(97
)
$
(25,852
)

 
Postretirement Liability Adjustment
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives-Other
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available-for-Sale Securities
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) of Affiliated Companies
Total
Balance at January 1, 2017 (a)
$
(25,342
)
$
(1,932
)
$
(10
)
$
(97
)
$
(27,381
)
   Other comprehensive income before reclassifications





   Amounts reclassified from AOCL (b)

1,529



1,529

Net current period other comprehensive income

1,529



1,529

Balance at September 30, 2017 (a)
$
(25,342
)
$
(403
)
$
(10
)
$
(97
)
$
(25,852
)

(a) Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of 40%.
(b) See table below.

The following table provides details about reclassifications out of SJI's AOCL for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands):
Components of AOCL
Amounts Reclassified from AOCL
 
Affected Line Item in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2017
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2017
 
Unrealized Loss on Derivatives-Other - interest rate contracts designated as cash flow hedges
$
12

 
$
2,511

 
Interest Charges
   Income Taxes
(5
)
 
(982
)
 
Income Taxes (a)
Losses from reclassifications for the period net of tax
$
7

 
$
1,529

 
 

(a) Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of 40%.

43



The following table summarizes the changes in SJG's AOCL for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Postretirement Liability Adjustment
 
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives-Other
 
Total
Balance at July 1, 2017 (a)
$
(14,417
)
 
$
(503
)
 
$
(14,920
)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications

 

 

   Amounts reclassified from AOCL (b)

 
7

 
7

Net current period other comprehensive income

 
7

 
7

Balance at September 30, 2017 (a)
$
(14,417
)
 
$
(496
)
 
$
(14,913
)


 
Postretirement Liability Adjustment
 
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives-Other
 
Total
Balance at January 1, 2017 (a)
$
(14,417
)
 
$
(517
)
 
$
(14,934
)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications

 

 

   Amounts reclassified from AOCL (b)

 
21

 
21

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)

 
21

 
21

Balance at September 30, 2017 (a)
$
(14,417
)
 
$
(496
)
 
$
(14,913
)

(a) Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of 40%.
(b) See table below.

The reclassifications out of SJG's AOCL during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 are as follows (in thousands):

Components of AOCL
 
Amounts Reclassified from AOCL
 
Affected Line Item in the Condensed Statements of Income
 
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2017
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2017
 
Unrealized Loss in on Derivatives - Other - Interest Rate Contracts designated as cash flow hedges
 
$
12

 
$
36

 
Interest Charges
Income Taxes
 
(5
)
 
(15
)
 
Income Taxes (a)
Losses from reclassifications for the period net of tax

$
7

 
$
21

 
 

(a) Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of 40%.

16.
SUBSEQUENT EVENT:

In October 2017, SJI announced that it has entered into agreements to acquire the assets of Elizabethtown Gas and Elkton Gas from Pivotal Utility Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Southern Company Gas. SJI is acquiring both companies for total consideration of $1.7 billion. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2018, and is subject to approvals by the BPU and the Maryland Public Service Commission, with limited approvals by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Federal Communications Commission, as well as certain anti-trust filings and approvals.

44


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Introduction

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Management's Discussion) is divided into the following two major sections:

SJI - This section describes the financial condition and results of operations of South Jersey Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. It includes discussions of our regulated operations, including SJG, and our non-regulated operations.
SJG - This section describes the financial condition and results of operations of SJG, a subsidiary of SJI, which comprises the gas utility operations segment.

Both sections of Management's Discussion - SJI and SJG - are designed to provide an understanding of the companies respective operations and financial performance and should be read in conjunction with each other as well as in conjunction with the respective companies' financial statements and the combined Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report as well as SJI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and SJG’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Except where the content clearly indicates otherwise, "SJI," "the Company," "we," "us" or "our" refers to South Jersey Industries, Inc. and all of its subsidiaries.

Unless otherwise noted, earnings per share amounts are presented on a diluted basis, and are based on weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding. SJI's and SJG's operations are seasonal and accordingly, operating results for the interim periods presented are not indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.

Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors — This Quarterly Report, including information incorporated by reference, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
All statements other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding future results of operations or financial position, expected sources of incremental margin, strategy, financing needs, future capital expenditures and the outcome or effect of ongoing litigation, are forward-looking. This Quarterly Report uses words such as "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "estimate," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "objective," "plan," "project," "seek," "strategy," "target," "will" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of management at the time that these statements were made and are inherently uncertain. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions on an international, national, state and local level; weather conditions in SJI’s marketing areas; changes in commodity costs; changes in the availability of natural gas; “non-routine” or “extraordinary” disruptions in SJI’s distribution system; regulatory, legislative and court decisions; competition; the availability and cost of capital; costs and effects of legal proceedings and environmental liabilities; the failure of customers, suppliers or business partners to fulfill their contractual obligations; and changes in business strategies.
These risks and uncertainties, as well as other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, are described in greater detail under the heading “Item 1A. Risk factors” in this Quarterly Report, SJI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, SJG’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and in any other SEC filings made by SJI or SJG during 2017 and prior to the filing of this Quarterly Report. No assurance can be given that any goal or plan set forth in any forward-looking statement can or will be achieved, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. SJI and SJG undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Critical Accounting Policies — Estimates and Assumptions — Management must make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Six types of transactions presented in our condensed consolidated financial statements require a significant amount of judgment and estimation. These relate to regulatory accounting, derivatives, environmental remediation costs, pension and other postretirement employee benefit costs, revenue recognition, and impairment of long-lived assets. A discussion of these estimates and assumptions may be found in SJI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and SJG's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


45


New Accounting Pronouncements — See detailed discussions concerning New Accounting Pronouncements and their impact on SJI and SJG in Note 1 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Regulatory Actions — Other than the changes discussed in Note 7 to the condensed consolidated financial statements, there have been no significant regulatory actions since December 31, 2016. See detailed discussion concerning Regulatory Actions in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of SJI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and Note 3 to the Financial Statements in item 8 of SJG’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Environmental Remediation — Other than the changes discussed in Note 8 to the condensed consolidated financial statements, there have been no significant changes to the status of SJI’s and SJG's environmental remediation efforts since December 31, 2016. See detailed discussion concerning Environmental Remediation Costs in Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of SJI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and Note 12 to the Financial Statements in item 8 of SJG’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets — Long-lived assets that are held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances, such as significant adverse changes in regulation, business climate or market conditions, indicate carrying values may not be recoverable. Such reviews are performed in accordance with ASC 360. An impairment loss is indicated if the total future estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from an asset are less than its carrying value. An impairment charge is measured by the difference between an asset's carrying amount and fair value with the difference recorded within Operating Expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of income. Fair values can be determined by a variety of valuation methods, including third-party appraisals, sales prices of similar assets, and present value techniques.  SJI determines the fair values by using an income approach by applying a discounted cash flow methodology to the future estimated cash flows, and include key inputs such as forecasted revenues, operating expenses and discount rates. See Note 1 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Operating Segments:

SJI operates in several different reportable operating segments. These segments are as follows:

Gas utility operations (SJG) consist primarily of natural gas distribution to residential, commercial and industrial customers. The result of SJG are only included in this operating segment.
Wholesale energy operations include the activities of South Jersey Resources Group, LLC (SJRG) and South Jersey Exploration, LLC (SJEX).
South Jersey Energy Company (SJE) is involved in both retail gas and retail electric activities.
Retail gas and other operations include natural gas acquisition and transportation service business lines.
Retail electric operations consist of electricity acquisition and transportation to commercial, industrial and residential customers.
On-site energy production consists of the thermal energy facility of Marina Energy, LLC (Marina) and other energy-related projects. Also included in this segment are the activities of ACB Energy Partners, LLC (ACB), AC Landfill Energy, LLC (ACLE), BC Landfill Energy, LLC (BCLE), SC Landfill Energy, LLC (SCLE), SX Landfill Energy, LLC (SXLE), MCS Energy Partners, LLC (MCS), NBS Energy Partners, LLC (NBS) and SBS Energy Partners, LLC (SBS).
Appliance service operations includes South Jersey Energy Service Plus, LLC (SJESP), which serviced residential and small commercial HVAC systems, installed small commercial HVAC systems, provided plumbing services and serviced appliances under warranty via a subcontractor arrangement as well as on a time and materials basis. On September 1, 2017, SJESP sold certain assets of its residential and small commercial HVAC and plumbing business to a third party. SJESP will receive commissions paid on service contracts from the third party on a go forward basis. This transaction did not have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
SJI Midstream, LLC (Midstream) was formed to invest in infrastructure and other midstream projects, including a current project to build a natural gas pipeline in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The activities of Midstream are a part of the Corporate and Services segment.
 
SJI groups its nonutility operations into two categories: Energy Group and Energy Services. Energy Group includes wholesale energy, retail gas and other, and retail electric operations. Energy Services includes on-site energy production and appliance service operations.


46


SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES, INC.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:

Summary:

SJI's net income for the three months ended September 30, 2017 decreased $47.2 million to a net loss of $37.6 million compared with the same period in 2016, primarily as a result of the following:

The net income contribution from on-site energy production at Marina for the three months ended September 30, 2017 decreased $34.0 million to a net loss of $25.4 million, primarily due to the following:
$27.0 million decrease due to an impairment charge recorded on solar generating facilities located in the state of Maryland, which was primarily driven by declining market conditions, specifically market prices of Maryland solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) (see Note 1 to the condensed consolidated financial statements).
$3.2 million decrease due to a settlement recorded at Marina during the third quarter of 2016 that did not recur in 2017 (see Note 5 to the condensed consolidated financial statements).
$1.8 million of investment tax credits on renewable energy facilities recorded in the third quarter of 2016, compared with none recorded in the third quarter of 2017, which is consistent with SJI's previously announced strategy of substantially reducing solar development.
Also contributing to the decrease was an overall increase in other operating expenses.

The net income contribution from the wholesale energy operations at SJRG for the three months ended September 30, 2017 decreased $11.9 million to a net loss of $6.9 million primarily due to the following:
$9.9 million decrease due to the change in unrealized gains and losses on derivatives used by the wholesale energy operations to mitigate natural gas commodity price risk, as discussed under "Operating Revenues - Energy Group" below.
$3.8 million decrease due to legal fees, reserves and interest recorded on two legal disputes (see Note 11 to the condensed consolidated financial statements).
$1.8 million increase, primarily due to higher margins on daily energy trading activities, as discussed under "Gross Margin - Energy Group" below, along with an overall decrease in operating expenses (excluding the legal fees discussed above).

The net income contribution from gas utility operations at SJG for the three months ended September 30, 2017 decreased $2.5 million to a net loss of $5.8 million, primarily due to an overall increase in depreciation, interest and operations expenses, partially offset by customer growth.

The net income contribution from Midstream for the three months ended September 30, 2017 increased $1.3 million to $1.3 million, primarily due to capitalization of Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC) at PennEast, of which Midstream has a 20% equity interest.

SJI's net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased $80.4 million to a net loss of $7.5 million compared with the same period in 2016, primarily as a result of the following:

The net income contribution from on-site energy production at Marina for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased $41.1 million to a net loss of $28.8 million, primarily due to the following:
$27.0 million decrease due to an impairment charge recorded on solar generating facilities located in the state of Maryland, which was primarily driven by declining market conditions, specifically market prices of Maryland SRECs (see Note 1 to the condensed consolidated financial statements).
$4.6 million of investment tax credits on renewable energy facilities recorded in the first nine months of 2016, compared with none recorded in the first nine months of 2017, which is consistent with SJI's previously announced strategy of substantially reducing solar development.
$4.5 million decrease related to two settlements recorded at Marina in 2016 that did not recur in 2017 (see Note 5 to the condensed consolidated financial statements).
$1.6 million decrease related to the change in unrealized gains and losses on interest rate derivative contracts
Also contributing to the decrease was an overall increase in other operating expenses.

47



The net income contribution from the wholesale energy operations at SJRG for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased $36.2 million to a net loss of $26.6 million, primarily due to the following:
$30.5 million decrease resulting from an unfavorable court ruling related to a pricing dispute between SJRG and a supplier, including interest (see Note 11 to the condensed consolidated financial statements)
$5.8 million decrease resulting from an accrual of a settlement of a legal dispute related to a three-year capacity management contract with a counterparty (see Note 11 to the condensed consolidated financial statements)
$1.5 million decrease due to legal fees recorded on the two legal disputes noted above
$1.4 million increase resulting from the change in unrealized gains and losses on derivatives used by the wholesale energy operations to mitigate natural gas commodity price risk, as discussed under "Operating Revenues - Energy Group" below.
$0.2 million increase due to higher margins earned in the third quarter on daily energy trading activities, along with additional margins earned during 2017 on gas supply contracts with three electric generation facilities, and an overall decrease in operating expenses (excluding the legal fees discussed above). These were partially offset by lower capacity and warmer weather conditions in the first half of 2017, as discussed under "Gross Margin - Energy Group" below.

The net income contribution from the retail gas and electric operations at SJE for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased $5.0 million to a net loss of $0.5 million, primarily due to the change in unrealized gains and losses on forward financial contracts used to mitigate price risk on retail gas as discussed under "Operating Revenues – Energy Group" below, along with the expiration of a large electric sales contract with a group of school boards.

The net income contribution from gas utility operations at SJG for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased $3.1 million to $43.0 million, primarily due to an increase in depreciation, interest and operations expenses, partially offset by increased margin resulting from the accelerated infrastructure programs and customer growth.

The net income contribution from Midstream for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased $3.8 million to $3.7 million, primarily due to capitalization of AFUDC at PennEast, of which Midstream has a 20% equity interest.

SJI recognized an additional gain of $1.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 related to the sale of real estate.

A significant portion of the volatility in operating results is due to the impact of the accounting methods associated with SJI’s derivative activities. SJI uses derivatives to limit its exposure to market risk on transactions to buy, sell, transport and store natural gas and to buy and sell retail electricity. SJI also uses derivatives to limit its exposure to increasing interest rates on variable-rate debt.

The types of transactions that typically cause the most significant volatility in operating results are as follows:

The wholesale energy operations at SJRG purchases and holds natural gas in storage and maintains capacity on interstate pipelines to earn profit margins in the future. The wholesale energy operations utilize derivatives to mitigate commodity price risk in order to substantially lock-in the profit margin that will ultimately be realized. However, both gas stored in inventory and pipeline capacity are not considered derivatives and are not subject to fair value accounting. Conversely, the derivatives used to reduce the risk associated with a change in the value of inventory and pipeline capacity are accounted for at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded in operating results in the period of change. As a result, earnings are subject to volatility as the market price of derivatives change, even when the underlying hedged value of inventory and pipeline capacity are unchanged. Additionally, volatility in earnings is created when realized gains and losses on derivatives used to mitigate commodity price risk on expected future purchases of gas injected into storage are recognized in earnings when the derivatives settle, but the cost of the related gas in storage is not recognized in earnings until the period of withdrawal. This volatility can be significant from period to period. Over time, gains or losses on the sale of gas in storage, as well as use of capacity, will be offset by losses or gains on the derivatives, resulting in the realization of the profit margin expected when the transactions were initiated.

48



The retail electric operations at SJE use forward contracts to mitigate commodity price risk on fixed price electric contracts with customers. In accordance with GAAP, the forward contracts are recorded at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded in earnings in the period of change. Several related customer contracts are not considered derivatives and, therefore, are not recorded in earnings until the electricity is delivered. As a result, earnings are subject to volatility as the market price of the forward contracts change, even when the underlying hedged value of the customer contract is unchanged. Over time, gains or losses on the sale of the fixed price electric under contract will be offset by losses or gains on the forward contracts, resulting in the realization of the profit margin expected when the transactions were initiated.

As a result, management also uses the non-generally accepted accounting principles (non-GAAP) financial measures of Economic Earnings and Economic Earnings per share when evaluating the results of operations for its nonutility operations. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as an alternative to GAAP measures, such as net income, operating income, earnings per share from continuing operations or any other GAAP measure of liquidity or financial performance.

We define Economic Earnings as: Income from continuing operations, (a) less the change in unrealized gains and plus the change in unrealized losses on all derivative transactions; (b) less realized gains and plus realized losses on all commodity derivative transactions attributed to expected purchases of gas in storage to match the recognition of these gains and losses with the recognition of the related cost of the gas in storage in the period of withdrawal; (c) less the impact of transactions or contractual arrangements where the true economic impact will be realized in a future period; (d) as adjusted by the impact of a May 2017 jury verdict stemming from a pricing dispute with a gas supplier over costs, including interest charges and legal fees incurred; and (e) as adjusted by the impact of a settlement of an outstanding legal claim stemming from a dispute related to a three-year capacity management contract with a counterparty, including legal fees incurred. With respect to part (c) of the definition of Economic Earnings:

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, Economic Earnings excludes an approximately $2.4 million pre-tax loss related to a new interest rate derivative and amendments made to an existing interest rate derivative linked to unrealized losses previously recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (AOCL). SJI reclassified this amount from AOCL to Interest Charges on the condensed consolidated statements of income as a result of the prior hedged transactions being deemed probable of not occurring. Since the economic impact will not be realized until future periods, this amount is excluded from Economic Earnings. See Note 12 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, Economic Earnings excludes approximately $43.9 million and $44.2 million, respectively, of pre-tax charges related to impairment charges taken in the first and third quarters of 2017 on solar generating facilities, for which the economic impact will not be realized until a future period (see Note 1 to the condensed consolidated financial statements). An impairment charge was also recorded in 2012 within Income from Continuing Operations on a separate solar generating facility which reduced its depreciable basis and recurring depreciation expense, and this was also excluded from Economic Earnings. The related reduction in depreciation expense is being added back for all facilities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.

Economic Earnings is a significant performance metric used by our management to indicate the amount and timing of income from continuing operations that we expect to earn after taking into account the impact of derivative instruments on the related transactions, and transactions or contractual arrangements where the true economic impact will be realized primarily in a future period or was realized in a previous period. Specifically regarding derivatives, we believe that this financial measure indicates to investors the profitability of the entire derivative related transaction and not just the portion that is subject to mark-to-market valuation under GAAP. We believe that considering only the change in market value on the derivative side of the transaction can produce a false sense as to the ultimate profitability of the total transaction as no change in value is reflected for the non-derivative portion of the transaction.

Economic Earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2017 decreased $7.9 million to a loss of $4.0 million compared with the same period in 2016, primarily as a result of the following:

The income contribution from on-site energy production at Marina for the three months ended September 30, 2017 decreased $6.9 million to $1.6 million. This was primarily due to a $3.2 million settlement recorded at Marina during the third quarter of 2016 that did not recur in 2017 (see Note 5 to the condensed consolidated financial statements), along with recording no investment tax credits on renewable energy facilities in the third quarter of 2017, compared with $1.8 million in the third quarter of 2016, which is consistent with SJI's previously announced strategy of substantially reducing solar development. Also contributing was an overall increase in other operating expenses.

49



The income contribution from gas utility operations at SJG for the three months ended September 30, 2017 decreased $2.5 million to a loss of $5.8 million, primarily due to an overall increase in depreciation, interest and operations expenses, partially offset by customer growth.

The income contribution from the retail gas and electric operations at SJE for the three months ended September 30, 2017 decreased $1.2 million to a loss of $0.8 million primarily do to the expiration of a large electric sales contract with a group of school boards.

The income contribution from the wholesale energy operations at SJRG for the three months ended September 30, 2017 increased $1.8 million to a loss of $0.1 million, primarily due to higher margins on daily energy trading activities, as discussed under "Gross Margin - Energy Group" below, along with an overall decrease in operating expenses.

The income contribution from Midstream for the three months ended September 30, 2017 increased $1.3 million to $1.3 million, primarily due to capitalization of AFUDC at PennEast, of which Midstream has a 20% equity interest.

Economic Earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased $11.6 million to $58.1 million compared with the same period in 2016, primarily as a result of the following:

The income contribution from on-site energy production at Marina for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased $12.5 million to $0.1 million. This was primarily due to the impact of recording no investment tax credits on renewable energy facilities in the first nine months of 2017, compared with $4.6 million in the first nine months of 2016, which is consistent with SJI's previously announced strategy of substantially reducing solar development. Also contributing was $4.5 million related to two settlements recorded at Marina during 2016 that did not recur in 2017 (see Note 5 to the condensed consolidated financial statements), as well as an overall increase in operating expenses.

The income contribution from gas utility operations at SJG for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased $3.1 million to $43.0 million, primarily due to an increase in depreciation, interest and operations expenses, partially offset by increased margin resulting from the accelerated infrastructure programs and customer growth.

The income contribution from the retail gas and electric operations at SJE for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased $1.1 million to $0.3 million primarily do to the expiration of a large electric sales contract with a group of school boards.

The income contribution from Midstream for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased $3.8 million to $3.7 million, primarily due to capitalization of AFUDC at PennEast, of which Midstream has a 20% equity interest.

SJI recognized an additional gain of $1.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 related to the sale of real estate.


50


The following table presents a reconciliation of SJI's income from continuing operations and earnings per share from continuing operations to Economic Earnings and Economic Earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30 (in thousands, except per share data):
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
(Loss) Income from Continuing Operations
$
(37,548
)
 
$
9,664

 
$
(7,413
)
 
$
73,053

Minus/Plus:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized Mark-to-Market Losses (Gains) on Derivatives
4,649

 
(9,459
)
 
(924
)
 
(5,548
)
Realized (Gains) Losses on Inventory Injection Hedges

 
(39
)
 
332

 
(12
)
Unrealized Loss on Dedesignated Interest Rate Contracts (A)

 

 
2,392

 

Realized Loss on Property, Plant and Equipment (B)
43,966

 

 
44,222

 

Charge from a Legal Proceeding in a Pricing Dispute (C)
6,292

 

 
52,113

 

Settlement of a Contract Dispute (D)

 

 
9,786

 

Other (E)
(47
)
 
(41
)
 
(135
)
 
(124
)
Income Taxes (F)
(21,284
)
 
3,816

 
(42,312
)
 
2,273

Economic Earnings
$
(3,972
)
 
$
3,941

 
$
58,061

 
$
69,642

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations
$
(0.47
)
 
$
0.12

 
$
(0.09
)
 
$
0.97

Minus/Plus:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized Mark-to-Market Losses (Gains) on Derivatives
0.06

 
(0.12
)
 
(0.01
)
 
(0.08
)
Unrealized Loss on Dedesignated Interest Rate Contracts (A)

 

 
0.03

 

Realized Loss on Property, Plant and Equipment (B)
0.55

 

 
0.55

 

Charge from a Legal Proceeding in a Pricing Dispute (C)
0.08

 

 
0.66

 

Settlement of a Contract Dispute (D)

 

 
0.12

 

Income Taxes (F)
(0.27
)
 
0.05

 
(0.53
)
 
0.03

Economic Earnings per Share
$
(0.05
)
 
$
0.05

 
$
0.73

 
$
0.92



51


The effect of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP in the condensed consolidated statements of income (see Note 12 to the condensed consolidated financial statements), as compared to the Economic Earnings table above, is as follows (gains (losses) in thousands):

 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
(Losses) Gains on Energy Related Commodity Contracts
$
(4,632
)
 
$
9,003

 
$
2,200

 
$
6,287

Gains (Losses) on Interest Rate Contracts
52

 
218

 
(1,332
)
 
(438
)
                         Total before income taxes
(4,580
)
 
9,221

 
868

 
5,849

Unrealized mark-to-market (losses) gains on derivatives held by affiliated companies, before taxes
(69
)
 
238

 
56

 
(301
)
Total unrealized mark-to-market (losses) gains on derivatives
(4,649
)
 
9,459

 
924

 
5,548

Realized Gains (Losses) on Inventory Injection Hedges

 
39

 
(332
)
 
12

Unrealized Loss on Dedesignated Interest Rate Contracts (A)

 

 
(2,392
)
 

Realized Loss on Property, Plant and Equipment (B)
(43,966
)
 

 
(44,222
)
 

Charge from a Legal Proceeding in a Pricing Dispute (C)

(6,292
)
 

 
(52,113
)
 

Settlement of a Contract Dispute (D)


 

 
(9,786
)
 

Other (E)
47

 
41

 
135

 
124

Income taxes (F)
21,284

 
(3,816
)
 
42,312

 
(2,273
)
Total reconciling items between (losses) income from continuing operations and economic earnings
$
(33,576
)
 
$
5,723

 
$
(65,474
)
 
$
3,411


(A) Represents amendments made to an existing interest rate derivative linked to unrealized losses previously recorded in AOCL. SJI reclassified this amount from AOCL to Interest Charges on the condensed consolidated statements of income as a result of the prior hedged transactions being deemed probable of not occurring. Since the economic impact will not be realized until future periods, this amount is excluded from Economic Earnings. See Note 12 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

(B) Represents impairment charges taken on solar generating facilities, which was primarily driven by declining market conditions, specifically market prices of Maryland SRECs, and for which the economic impact will not be realized until a future period. See Note 1 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

(C) Represents a charge, including interest and legal fees, resulting from a ruling in a legal proceeding related to a pricing dispute between SJI and a gas supplier that began in October 2014 (see Note 11 to the condensed consolidated financial statements). Since the charge relates to purchase transactions that primarily occurred in prior periods, this amount is excluded from Economic Earnings.

(D) Represents a settlement, including legal fees, with a counterparty over a dispute related to a three-year capacity management contract (see Note 11 to the condensed consolidated financial statements). Since the charge relates to transactions that primarily occurred in prior periods, this amount is excluded from Economic Earnings.

(E) Represents additional depreciation expense within Economic Earnings on two solar generating facilities where an impairment charge was recorded within Income from Continuing Operations which reduced the depreciable basis and recurring depreciation expense on these facilities. These impairment charges were excluded from Economic Earnings and, therefore, the related reduction in depreciation expense is being added back. 

(F) Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of approximately 40%.


52


Gas Utility Operations:

The following tables summarize the composition of gas utility operations operating revenues and margin for the three and nine months ended September 30 (in thousands, except for degree day data):
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Utility Operating Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Firm Sales -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
$
22,797

 
$
28,010

 
$
172,887

 
$
180,508

Commercial
6,805

 
7,740

 
43,445

 
38,465

Industrial
499

 
309

 
2,988

 
2,118

Cogeneration & Electric Generation
1,771

 
1,923

 
3,233

 
4,104

Firm Transportation -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
1,238

 
1,483

 
9,271

 
10,114

Commercial
4,293

 
4,081

 
22,457

 
22,666

Industrial
5,193

 
4,814

 
14,655

 
15,032

Cogeneration & Electric Generation
1,076

 
992

 
3,310

 
3,364

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Firm Revenues
43,672

 
49,352

 
272,246

 
276,371

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interruptible Sales

 

 
22

 
18

Interruptible Transportation
195

 
165

 
627

 
652

Off-System Sales
20,795

 
9,999

 
67,994

 
31,077

Capacity Release
1,776

 
2,230

 
5,056

 
9,611

Other
317

 
279

 
875

 
824

 
66,755

 
62,025

 
346,820

 
318,553

Less: Intercompany Sales
(1,282
)
 
(1,042
)
 
(3,640
)
 
(5,628
)
Total Utility Operating Revenues
65,473

 
60,983

 
343,180

 
312,925

Less:
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
       Cost of Sales - Utility
29,499

 
26,395

 
135,567

 
115,695

       Less: Intercompany Cost of Sales
(1,282
)
 
(1,042
)
 
(3,640
)
 
(5,628
)
Total Cost of Sales - Utility (Excluding depreciation)
28,217

 
25,353

 
131,927

 
110,067

Conservation Recoveries*
1,133

 
731

 
4,927

 
7,864

RAC Recoveries*
2,501

 
2,298

 
7,502

 
6,893

EET Recoveries*
297

 
578

 
983

 
2,086

Revenue Taxes
156

 
159

 
790

 
697

Utility Margin**
$
33,169

 
$
31,864

 
$
197,051

 
$
185,318

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



53


 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Margin:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
$
16,662

 
$
16,913

 
$
114,162

 
$
114,674

Commercial and Industrial
10,620

 
10,706

 
50,277

 
50,730

Cogeneration and Electric Generation
1,261

 
1,256

 
3,482

 
3,725

Interruptible
11

 
11

 
48

 
53

Off-System Sales & Capacity Release
775

 
796

 
3,407

 
3,227

Other Revenues
724

 
790

 
1,573

 
1,808

Margin Before Weather Normalization & Decoupling
30,053

 
30,472

 
172,949

 
174,217

CIP Mechanism
2,165

 
503

 
21,306

 
8,435

EET Mechanism
951

 
889

 
2,796

 
2,666

Utility Margin**
$
33,169

 
$
31,864

 
$
197,051

 
$
185,318

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Degree Days:
48

 
14

 
2,631

 
2,810


*Represents expenses for which there is a corresponding credit in operating revenues.  Therefore, such recoveries have no impact on SJG's financial results.
**Utility Margin is a non-GAAP financial measure and is further defined under the caption "Utility Margin" below.

Operating Revenues - Gas Utility Operations - Revenues increased $4.7 million, or 7.6%, for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same period in 2016. Excluding intercompany transactions, revenues increased $4.5 million, or 7.4%, for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same period in 2016.

Revenues increased $28.3 million, or 8.9%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same period in 2016. Excluding intercompany transactions, revenues increased $30.3 million, or 9.7%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same period in 2016.

The increases in Off-System Sales (OSS) volume discussed under "Throughput - Gas Utility Operations" in the SJG Management's Discussion section during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same periods in 2016, resulted in increases of $10.8 million and $36.9 million in OSS revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with the same period in 2016. Capacity release revenue decreased $4.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as a result of specific releases to Transco Zone 5 at a relatively high value during the first quarter of 2016, which did not occur during the first quarter of 2017. However, the impact of changes in OSS and capacity release activity do not have a material impact on the earnings of SJG, as SJG is required to return 85% of the profits of such activity to its ratepayers. Earnings from OSS can be seen in the “Margin” table above.

Total firm revenue decreased $5.7 million and $4.1 million during the three and nine months ended September 30,2017, respectively compared with the same periods in 2016. due to slightly lower sales and transportation throughput during 2017 as a result of warmer weather, as discussed under "Throughput - Gas Utility Operations" in the SJG Management's Discussion section. The impact of the reduction in firm throughput lowered SJG's recovery of natural gas costs through its Basic Gas Supply Service (BGSS) mechanism. While changes in gas costs and BGSS recoveries/refunds fluctuate from period to period, SJG does not profit from the sale of the commodity. Therefore, fluctuations in Operating Revenue and Cost of Sales, such as those discussed above, did not have an impact on SJG’s net income.

Utility Margin - Management uses Utility Margin, a non-GAAP financial measure, when evaluating the operating results of SJG. Utility Margin is defined as natural gas revenues less natural gas costs, regulatory rider expenses and related volumetric and revenue-based energy taxes. Management believes that Utility Margin provides a more meaningful basis for evaluating utility operations than revenues since natural gas costs, regulatory rider expenses and related energy taxes are passed through to customers. Natural gas costs are charged to operating expenses on the basis of therm sales at the prices approved by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) through SJG’s BGSS clause. Non-GAAP financial measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative to, GAAP and should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, the comparable GAAP measure.


54


Total Utility Margin increased $1.3 million, or 4.1 %, and $11.7million, or 6.3%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2016. The Storm Hardening and Reliability Program (SHARP) and the Accelerated Infrastructure Replacement Programs (AIRP) contributed approximately $ 4.7 million of additional Utility Margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to 2016. In addition, SJG added 5,456 customers over the 12-month period ended September 30, 2017, contributing approximately $0.4 million and $2.9 million in additional margin for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2016.

The Conservation Incentive Program (CIP) tracking mechanism adjusts earnings when actual usage per customer experienced during the period varies from an established baseline usage per customer. As reflected in the Utility Margin table above and the CIP table in SJG's Management Discussion section, the CIP mechanism protected Utility Margin by $2.2 million, or $1.3 million after taxes, for the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to lower customer usage. For the three months ended September 30, 2016, the CIP mechanism protected Utility Margin by $0.5 million, or $0.3 million after taxes, due to lower customer usage. The CIP mechanism protected $21.3 million, or $12.7 million after taxes, of Utility Margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 that would have been lost due to weather that was warmer than average and lower customer usage. The CIP mechanism protected $5.0 million, after taxes, of Utility Margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 that would have been lost due to weather that was warmer than average and lower customer usage.

Nonutility:

Operating Revenues - Energy Group -  Combined revenues for Energy Group, net of intercompany transactions, increased $3.4 million, or 2.7%, to $132.0 million, and $159.1 million, or 49.2%, to $482.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2016.

Revenues from retail gas operations at SJE, net of intercompany transactions, increased $6.2 million, or 54.0%, to $17.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same period in 2016, primarily due to the change in unrealized gains and losses recorded on forward financial contracts due to price volatility, which is excluded for Economic Earnings, as defined above, and represented a total increase of $2.1 million compared to the prior year period. Also contributing to the increase was a 7.0% increase in the average monthly New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) settle price.

Revenues from retail gas operations at SJE, net of intercompany transactions, increased $12.5 million, or 19.9%, to $75.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same period in 2016, primarily due to a 39.0% increase in the average monthly NYMEX settle price. This was partially offset with the change in unrealized gains and losses recorded on forward financial contracts due to price volatility, which is excluded for Economic Earnings and represented a total decrease of $5.8 million compared to the prior year period.

Revenues from retail electric operations at SJE, net of intercompany transactions, decreased $5.6 million, or 11.4%, to $43.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same period in 2016, primarily due to lower sales volumes resulting from the expiration of a large contract with a group of school boards, along with a 9.7% decrease in the average monthly sales price, which was driven by a lower average Locational Marginal Price (LMP) per megawatt hour. This was partially offset by the change in unrealized gains and losses recorded on forward financial contracts due to price volatility, which is excluded for Economic Earnings and represented a total increase of $0.4 million compared to the prior year period.

Revenues from retail electric operations at SJE, net of intercompany transactions, increased $3.5 million, or 2.7%, to $132.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same period in 2016 primarily due to an increase in sales volumes, which was driven by additional electric contracts entered into during the second half of 2016, partially offset with the expiration of a large contract with a group of school boards. Also partially offsetting this increase was the change in unrealized gains and losses recorded on forward financial contracts due to price volatility, which is excluded for Economic Earnings and represented a total decrease of $0.5 million compared to the prior year period.

SJE uses forward financial contracts to mitigate commodity price risk on fixed price electric contracts. In accordance with GAAP, the forward financial contracts are recorded at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded in earnings in the period of change. The related customer contracts are not considered derivatives and, therefore, are not recorded in earnings until the electricity is delivered. As a result, earnings are subject to volatility as the market price of the forward financial contracts change, even when the underlying hedged value of the customer contract is unchanged. Over time, gains or losses on the sale of the fixed price electric under contract will be offset by losses or gains on the forward financial contracts, resulting in the realization of the profit margin expected when the transactions were initiated. The retail electric operations at SJE serve both fixed and market-priced customers.


55


Revenues from wholesale energy operations at SJRG, net of intercompany transactions, increased $2.8 million to $70.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same period in 2016. This increase was primarily due to revenues earned on gas supply contracts with three electric generation facilities, which represented a total increase of $27.0 million. Partially offsetting this increase was the change in unrealized gains and losses recorded on forward financial contracts due to price volatility, which is excluded for Economic Earnings and represented a total decrease of $16.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same period in 2016, along with a decrease in sales volumes sold in SJRG's wholesale marketing business of 86% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same period in 2016, due to warmer weather conditions.

Revenues from wholesale energy operations at SJRG, net of intercompany transactions, increased $142.8 million to $274.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same period in 2016. This increase was primarily due to revenues earned on gas supply contracts with three electric generation facilities, which represented a total increase of $148.1 million. Also contributing to the increase was the change in unrealized gains and losses recorded on forward financial contracts due to price volatility, which is excluded for Economic Earnings and represented a total increase of $2.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same period in 2016. Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease in sales volumes sold in SJRG's wholesale marketing business of 35% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same period in 2016, along with lower capacity, all due to warmer weather conditions.

As discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of SJI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, revenues and expenses related to the energy trading activities of the wholesale energy operations at SJRG are presented on a net basis in Operating Revenues – Nonutility on the condensed consolidated income statement.
 
Operating Revenues - Energy Services -  Combined revenues for Energy Services, net of intercompany transactions, increased $0.2 million, or 0.6%, to $29.7 million and$1.5 million, or 2.2%, to $72.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2016.
Revenues from on-site energy production at Marina, net of intercompany transactions, increased $0.4 million, or 1.6%, to $28.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same period in 2016, which does not represent a significant change. Revenues from on-site energy production at Marina, net of intercompany transactions, increased $2.1 million, or 3.2%, to $66.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same period in 2016, primarily due to an increase in solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) transferred as a result of more solar projects being online compared to the same period in 2016. Solar revenues, net of intercompany transactions, which is included in revenues from on-site energy production above, increased $0.1 million, or 0.5%, to $18.5 million, and$1.5 million, or 3.9%, to $40.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2016.

SRECs represent the renewable energy attribute of the solar electricity generated that can be sold to customers. Marina does not recognize revenue, or the related margin, until the SREC is certified and transferred to the customer’s electronic account. Customers may purchase SRECs to comply with solar requirements under various state renewable energy regulations. Approximately 73% of Marina’s 2017 solar production is in New Jersey, 9% is in Massachusetts, 15% is in Maryland, and 3% is in Vermont.

Marina hedges a portion of its anticipated SREC production through the use of forward sales contracts. The hedged percentage of projected SREC production related to in-service assets in New Jersey is 93% and 48% for energy years ending May 31, 2018 and 2019, respectively, and in Massachusetts is 79% and 54% for energy years ending December 31, 2017 and 2018, respectively. SREC production related to in-service assets in Maryland and Vermont is currently unhedged.

Installed capacity was 201 MW and 194 MW at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Revenues from appliance service operations at SJESP, net of intercompany transactions, decreased $0.3 million and $0.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2016 primarily due to the sale of certain assets of SJESP's residential and small commercial HVAC and plumbing business to a third party, which was completed on September 1, 2017 (see Note 1 to the condensed consolidated financial statements).


56


Gross Margin - Nonutility -  Gross margin for the nonutility businesses is defined as revenue less all costs that are directly related to the production, sale and delivery of SJI’s products and services. These costs primarily include natural gas and electric commodity costs as well as certain payroll and related benefits. On the condensed consolidated statements of income, revenue is reflected in Operating Revenues - Nonutility and the costs are reflected in Cost of Sales - Nonutility. As discussed in Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of SJI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, revenues and expenses related to the energy trading activities of the wholesale energy operations at SJRG are presented on a net basis in Operating Revenues - Nonutility on the condensed consolidated statements of income.

Gross margin for our nonutility business totaled $21.1 million and $50.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  Gross margin is broken out between Energy Group and Energy Services, which are defined as categories of segments in Note 6 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Gross Margin - Energy Group - Combined gross margins for Energy Group decreased $19.1 million to a loss of $5.8 million and $62.5 million to a loss of $21.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2016. These changes were primarily due to the following:

Gross margin from SJE’s retail gas and other operations increased $2.2 million to $1.7 million and decreased $5.8 million to $3.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2016. This was primarily due to the change in unrealized gains and losses recorded on forward financial contracts due to price volatility, which is excluded for Economic Earnings and represented a total increase of $2.1 million and a total decrease of $5.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2016.

Gross margin from SJE’s retail electric operations decreased $1.4 million to $0.7 million and $1.6 million to $5.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2016. The three month comparative period decrease was primarily due to lower sales volumes resulting from the expiration of a large contract with a group of school boards, partially offset by the change in unrealized gains and losses recorded on forward financial contracts due to price volatility, which is excluded for Economic Earnings and represented a total increase of $0.4 million. The nine month comparative period decrease was primarily due to lower sales volumes resulting from the expiration of a large contract with a group of school boards, along with the change in unrealized gains and losses recorded on forward financial contracts due to price volatility, which is excluded for Economic Earnings and represented a total decrease of $0.5 million. These were partially offset with margins earned on additional electric contracts entered into during the second half of 2016.

Gross margin from the wholesale energy operations at SJRG decreased $20.1 million to a loss of $8.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same period in 2016, primarily due to the following:
$16.1 million decrease resulting from the change in unrealized gains and losses recorded on forward financial contracts due to price volatility, which is excluded for Economic Earnings.
$5.5 million decrease resulting from an unfavorable court ruling related to a pricing dispute between SJRG and a supplier (see Note 11 to the condensed consolidated financial statements), which is excluded for Economic Earnings.
$1.5 million increase resulting from higher margins on daily energy trading activities.

Gross margin from the wholesale energy operations at SJRG decreased $55.3 million to a loss of $29.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same period in 2016, primarily due to the following:
$46.5 million decrease resulting from an unfavorable court ruling related to a pricing dispute between SJRG and a supplier (see Note 11 to the condensed consolidated financial statements), which is excluded for Economic Earnings.
$9.5 million decrease resulting from a settlement of a legal dispute related to a three-year capacity management contract, which is excluded for Economic Earnings.
$1.5 million decrease resulting from lower capacity and warmer weather conditions in the first half of 2017. This was partially offset by higher margins earned in the third quarter on daily energy trading activities, along with additional margins earned during 2017 on gas supply contracts with three electric generation facilities as discussed in "Operating Revenues - Energy Group" above.
Partially offsetting these decreases was an increase resulting from the change in unrealized gains and losses recorded on forward financial contracts due to price volatility, which is excluded for Economic Earnings and represented a total increase of $2.2 million.


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The Company expects that wholesale energy operations at SJRG will continue to add incremental margin from marketing and related opportunities in the Marcellus region, capitalizing on its established presence in the area. Future margins could fluctuate significantly due to the volatile nature of wholesale gas prices. As of September 30, 2017, the wholesale energy operations had 7.3 Bcf of storage and 421,659 dts/day of transportation under contract.

Gross Margin - Energy Services - Combined gross margins for Energy Services decreased $0.2 million to $26.9 million and increased $3.6 million to $71.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2016. These changes were primarily due to the following:
Gross margin from on-site energy production at Marina increased $0.3 million to $26.5 million and $4.5 million to $69.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2016. The three month comparative period increase does not represent a significant change. The nine month comparative period increase is primarily due to several new renewable energy projects that began operations over the past twelve months, along with an increase in SRECs transferred as a result of more solar projects being online compared to the same period in 2016.

Gross margin from appliance service operations at SJESP decreased $0.5 million and $0.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2016 primarily due to the sale of certain assets of SJESP's residential and small commercial HVAC and plumbing business to a third party, which was completed on September 1, 2017 (see Note 1 to the condensed consolidated financial statements).

Operating Expenses - All Segments:

A summary of net changes in operations expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, follows (in thousands):

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
2017 vs. 2016
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2017 vs. 2016
Gas Utility Operations
$
1,818

 
$
1,012

Nonutility:
 
 
 
Energy Group:
 
 
 
   Wholesale Energy Operations
(639
)
 
1,166

   Retail Gas and Other Operations
358

 
1,144

   Retail Electric Operations
122

 
204

      Subtotal Energy Group
(159
)
 
2,514

Energy Services:
 
 
 
   On-Site Energy Production
46,333

 
49,075

   Appliance Service Operations
126

 
105

Subtotal Energy Services
46,459

 
49,180

     Total Nonutility
46,300

 
51,694

Intercompany Eliminations and Other
(393
)
 
(1,928
)
Total Operations Expense
$
47,725

 
$
50,778


Operations - Gas utility operations expense increased $1.8 million and $1.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2016, primarily due to higher expenses in various areas, including those associated with corporate support, governance and compliance costs, along with increases in the reserve for uncollectibles as a result of fluctuations in levels of customer accounts receivable balances. The nine month comparative period increase is partially offset by the operation of SJG’s New Jersey Clean Energy Program and Energy Efficiency Programs. Such costs are recovered on a dollar-for-dollar basis; therefore, SJG experienced an offsetting decrease in revenue during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared with the same period in the prior year. This was due to a reduction in the approved level of recovery of such costs.






58


Nonutility operations expense increased $46.3 million and $51.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2016, primarily due to a $43.9 million impairment charge recorded in the third quarter of 2017 on solar generating facilities located in the state of Maryland, which was primarily driven by declining market conditions, specifically market prices of Maryland SRECs (see Note 1 to the condensed consolidated financial statements). Also contributing to the increase is additional personnel, governance and compliance costs incurred to support continued growth.

Maintenance - Maintenance expense increased $0.5 million and $1.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2016, primarily due to increased maintenance of services activity and higher levels of Remediation Adjustment Clause (RAC) amortization. This increase in RAC-related expenses in each of the first three quarters of 2017 does not affect earnings, as SJG recognizes an offsetting amount in revenues.

Depreciation - Depreciation increased $1.8 million and $7.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2016, primarily due to increased investment in property, plant and equipment by the gas utility operations of SJG and on-site energy production at Marina.

Energy and Other Taxes - The change in energy and other taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2016, was not significant.

Other Income and Expense - The change in other income for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same period in 2016 was not significant. Other income increased $1.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same period in 2016, primarily due to a gain recorded on a sale of real estate during the first quarter of 2017, partially offset by a settlement at Marina during the second quarter of 2016 as discussed in Note 5 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Interest Charges – Interest charges increased $3.2 million and $13.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2016, primarily due to higher amounts of long-term debt outstanding at SJI and SJG. Also contributing to the nine month comparative period increase was $4.0 million of interest charges incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from an unfavorable court ruling related to a pricing dispute between SJRG and a supplier (see Note 11 to the condensed consolidated financial statements), along with an amendment of an existing interest rate derivative contract previously linked to unrealized losses recorded in AOCL, which was reclassified to interest expense as a result of the prior hedged transactions being deemed probable of not occurring (see Note 12 to the condensed consolidated financial statements).

Income Taxes  Income taxes changed from a $2.8 million and $34.9 million expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, to a $24.8 million and $8.4 million benefit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. This was primarily due to a loss before income taxes during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to net income in the prior periods, which was mainly the result of an impairment charge as discussed under "Operations" above. Also contributing to the nine month comparative period change was an unfavorable court ruling related to a pricing dispute between SJRG and a supplier (see Note 11 to the condensed consolidated financial statements). These were partially offset with the impact of recording no investment tax credits on renewable energy facilities in 2017, compared with $1.8 million and $4.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, which is consistent with SJI's previously announced strategy of substantially reducing solar development.

Equity in Earnings of Affiliated Companies Equity in earnings of affiliated companies decreased $3.8 million and $0.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2016, primarily due to a settlement recorded at Marina during the third quarter of 2016 that did not recur in 2017 (see Note 5 to the condensed consolidated financial statements), partially offset with capitalization of AFUDC at PennEast, of which Midstream has a 20% equity interest.

Discontinued Operations — The results are primarily comprised of environmental remediation and product liability litigation associated with previously disposed of businesses.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES:

Liquidity needs are driven by factors that include natural gas commodity prices; the impact of weather on customer bills; lags in fully collecting gas costs from customers under the BGSS charge and other regulatory clauses; working capital needs of our energy trading and marketing activities; the timing of construction and remediation expenditures and related permanent financings; the timing of equity contributions to unconsolidated affiliates; mandated tax payment dates; both discretionary and required repayments of long-term debt; and the amounts and timing of dividend payments.


59


Cash Flows from Operating Activities — Liquidity needs are first met with net cash provided by operating activities. Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $127.1 million and $196.4 million in the first nine months of 2017 and 2016, respectively. Net cash provided by operating activities varies from year-to-year primarily due to the impact of weather on customer demand and related gas purchases, customer usage factors related to conservation efforts and the price of the natural gas commodity, inventory utilization, and gas cost recoveries. Operating activities in the first nine months of 2017 produced less net cash than the same period in 2016, primarily due to under-recoveries in the BGSS clause at SJG. During the second quarter of 2017, SJG provided a customer BGSS bill credit based on a forecasted over-recovered clause balance at the end of the BGSS year. However, it contributed to an under-recovery in the BGSS clause. In addition, SJG experienced higher spending for environmental remediation. Finally, during the first quarter of 2017, SJI made a $10.0 million payment to fund its pension plans. SJI did not make a pension payment in 2016. SJI strives to keep its pension plans fully funded. When factors such as lesser than expected asset performance and/or declining discount rates negatively impact the funding status of the plans, SJI increases its contributions to supplant that funding shortfall.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities — SJI has a continuing need for cash resources and capital, primarily to invest in new and replacement facilities and equipment. Net cash outflows from investing activities, which are primarily construction projects, for the first nine months of 2017 and 2016 amounted to $229.4 million and $184.0 million, respectively (certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period condensed consolidated statements of cash flows to conform to the current period presentation, causing the amount for the first nine months of 2016 to be adjusted; see Note 1 to the condensed consolidated financial statements). We estimate the net cash outflows for investing activities for fiscal years 2017, 2018 and 2019 at SJI to be approximately $319.7 million, $331.6 million and $380.0 million, respectively. The high level of investing activities for 2017, 2018 and 2019 is due to a combination of the accelerated infrastructure investment programs and a major pipeline project to support an electric generation facility, both at SJG. Also contributing to the high level of investing activities are potential SJI Midstream investments, net of potential returns, in 2017 through 2019. SJI expects to use short-term borrowings under lines of credit from commercial banks and the commercial paper program to finance these investing activities as incurred. From time to time, SJI may refinance the short-term debt with long-term debt.

During the first nine months of 2017 and 2016, SJI made net investments in unconsolidated affiliates of $22.4 million and $2.2 million, respectively.

During the first nine months of 2017, SJI received approximately $3.1 million related to the sale of real estate. SJI recognized an after-tax gain on this sale of approximately $1.7 million.

During the first nine months of 2017, SJI received $3.0 million of proceeds from a third party to pay down a portion of its outstanding note balance.

During the first nine months of 2017, SJI made an incremental $7.5 million payment above the prior year to fund company-owned life insurance.
 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities — Short-term borrowings from the commercial paper program and lines of credit from commercial banks are used to supplement cash flows from operations, to support working capital needs and to finance capital expenditures as incurred. From time to time, short-term debt incurred to finance capital expenditures is refinanced with long-term debt.


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Credit facilities and available liquidity as of September 30, 2017 were as follows (in thousands):

Company
 
Total Facility
 
Usage
 
Available Liquidity
 
Expiration Date
 
SJI:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Syndicated Revolving Credit Facility
 
$
400,000

 
$
240,100

(A)
$
159,900

 
August 2022
(C)
Revolving Credit Facility
 
50,000

 
50,000

 

 
September 2019
(D)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total SJI
 
450,000

 
290,100

 
159,900

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SJG:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Paper Program/Revolving Credit Facility
 
200,000

 
800

(B)
199,200

 
August 2022
(E)
Uncommitted Bank Line
 
10,000

 

 
10,000

 
August 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total SJG
 
210,000

 
800

 
209,200

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
660,000

 
$
290,900

 
$
369,100

 
 
 

(A) Includes letters of credit outstanding in the amount of $10.0 million.

(B) Includes letters of credit outstanding in the amount of $0.8 million.

(C) In August 2017, SJI entered into a five year, unsecured $400.0 million revolving credit agreement which is syndicated among several banks. In connection with this agreement, SJI terminated its previous $400.0 million revolving credit agreement.

(D) In September 2017, SJI amended an unsecured revolving credit facility for two years. The facility now terminates in September, 2019.

(E) In August 2017, SJG entered into a five year, unsecured $200.0 million revolving credit agreement which is syndicated among several banks. In connection with this agreement, SJG terminated its previous $200.0 million revolving credit agreement.

The SJG facilities are restricted as to use and availability specifically to SJG; however, if necessary the SJI facilities can also be used to support SJG’s liquidity needs. All committed facilities contain one financial covenant limiting the ratio of indebtedness to total capitalization (as defined in the respective credit agreements), measured on a quarterly basis. SJI and SJG were in compliance with these covenants as of September 30, 2017. Borrowings under these credit facilities are at market rates. SJI's weighted average interest rate on these borrowings, which changes daily, was 2.26% and 1.28% at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.   SJG did not have any outstanding borrowings at September 30, 2017. SJG's weighted average interest rate on these borrowings, which changes daily, was 0.76% at September 30, 2016.

SJI's average borrowings outstanding under these credit facilities (which includes SJG), not including letters of credit, during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were $260.9 million and $336.5 million, respectively. The maximum amounts outstanding under these credit facilities, not including letters of credit, during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were $373.8 million and $467.7 million, respectively.

SJG's average borrowings outstanding under these credit facilities during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were $17.0 million and $64.5 million, respectively. The maximum amount outstanding under its credit facilities during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were $110.1 million and $141.7 million, respectively. Based upon the existing credit facilities and a regular dialogue with our banks, we believe there will continue to be sufficient credit available to meet our business’ future liquidity needs.


61


SJG has a commercial paper program under which SJG may issue short-term, unsecured promissory notes to qualified investors up to a maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any time of $200.0 million.  The notes have fixed maturities which vary by note, but may not exceed 270 days from the date of issue. Proceeds from the notes are used for general corporate purposes.  SJG uses the commercial paper program in tandem with its $200.0 million revolving credit facility and does not expect the principal amount of borrowings outstanding under the commercial paper program and the credit facility at any time to exceed an aggregate of $200.0 million.

SJI supplements its operating cash flow, commercial paper program and credit lines with both debt and equity capital. Over the years, SJG has used long-term debt, primarily in the form of First Mortgage Bonds and Medium Term Notes (MTNs), secured by the same pool of utility assets, to finance its long-term borrowing needs. These needs are primarily capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment. 

In January 2017, SJG issued $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of MTNs, Series E, 2017, due January 2047, with principal payments beginning in 2025. The MTNs bear interest at an annual rate of 3.0%, payable semiannually. Proceeds were used to pay down the $200.0 million multiple-draw term facility which was set to expire in June 2017.
In January 2017, SJG entered into an unsecured, $200.0 million multiple-draw term loan credit agreement (Credit Agreement), which is syndicated among seven banks. Term loans under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a variable base rate or a variable LIBOR rate, at SJG's election. Under the Credit Agreement, SJG can borrow up to an aggregate of $200.0 million until July 2018, of which SJG borrowed $196.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. All loans under the Credit Agreement become due in January 2019.
In May 2017, Marina voluntarily redeemed bonds issued by NJEDA in an aggregate principal amount of $61.4 million, as follows:  Thermal Energy Facilities Revenue Bonds (Marina Energy LLC - 2001 Project) Series A ($20.0 million); Thermal Energy Facilities Federally Taxable Revenue Bonds (Marina Energy LLC - 2001 Project) Series B ($25.0 million); and Thermal Energy Facilities Revenue Bonds (Marina Energy LLC Project) Series 2006A ($16.4 million).  In connection with the redemptions, separate related letter of credit reimbursement agreements were terminated (see Note 11 to the condensed consolidated financial statements).

In June 2017, SJI redeemed at maturity $16.0 million of 2.71% Senior Unsecured Notes.
In July 2017, SJG redeemed at maturity $15.0 million of 4.657% MTNs.
In August 2017, SJI entered into a note purchase agreement that provides for the issuance of an aggregate of $100.0 million of MTNs. Pursuant to the agreement, SJI issued $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of MTNs, consisting of (a) $25.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.22% Senior Notes, Series 2017A-1, due August 2024, and (b) $25.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.46% Senior Notes, Series 2017B-1, due August 2027. The agreement also provides for the issuance of (a) $25.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.32% Senior Notes, Series 2017A-2, due January 2025 and (b) $25.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.56% Senior Notes, Series 2017B-2, due January 2028, that SJI anticipates issuing in January 2018.
In May 2016, SJI issued and sold 8,050,000 shares of its common stock, par value $1.25 per share pursuant to a public offering, raising net proceeds of approximately $203.6 million. The net proceeds from this offering were or will be used for capital expenditures, primarily for regulated businesses, including infrastructure investments at its utility business.
Prior to May 1, 2016, SJI raised equity capital through its Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP). Shares of common stock offered by the DRP had been issued directly by SJI from its authorized but unissued shares of common stock. SJI raised $10.8 million of equity capital through the DRP during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Effective May 1, 2016, SJI switched to purchasing shares on the open market to fund share purchases by DRP participants. SJI does not intend to issue any new equity capital via the DRP in 2017.

SJI’s capital structure was as follows:
 
As of September 30, 2017
 
As of December 31, 2016
Equity
45.4
%
 
49.1
%
Long-Term Debt
44.2
%
 
39.6
%
Short-Term Debt
10.4
%
 
11.3
%
Total
100.0
%
 
100.0
%


62


SJI has paid dividends on its common stock for 66 consecutive years and has increased that dividend each year for the last 17 years.  SJI currently seeks to grow that dividend consistent with earnings growth while targeting a payout ratio of between 55% and 70% of Economic Earnings. In setting the dividend rate, the Board of Directors of SJI considers future earnings expectations, payout ratio, and dividend yield relative to those at peer companies, as well as returns available on other income-oriented investments. However, there can be no assurance that SJI will be able to continue to increase the dividend, meet the targeted payout ratio or pay a dividend at all in the future.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

Environmental Remediation - Costs for remediation projects, net of recoveries from ratepayers, for the first nine months of 2017 and 2016 amounted to net cash outflows of $30.8 million and $23.3 million, respectively. Total net cash outflows for remediation projects are expected to be $39.7 million, $50.3 million and $47.3 million for 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively.  As discussed in Notes 10 and 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of SJI’s 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, certain environmental costs are subject to recovery from ratepayers.

Standby Letters of Credit - As of September 30, 2017, SJI provided $10.0 million of standby letters of credit through its revolving credit facility to enable SJE to market retail electricity and for various construction and operating activities. SJG provided a $0.8 million letter of credit under its revolving credit facility to support the remediation of environmental conditions at certain locations in SJG's service territory. SJG has provided $25.2 million of additional letters of credit under a separate facility outside of the revolving credit facility to support variable-rate demand bonds issued through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to finance the expansion of SJG’s natural gas distribution system. In May 2017, Marina redeemed its variable-rate demand bonds and the related letters of credit reimbursement agreements, which totaled $62.3 million, were terminated (see Note 14 to the condensed consolidated financial statements).

Contractual Obligations - There were no significant changes to SJI’s contractual obligations described in Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of SJI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, except for (a) long-term debt (excluding unamortized debt issuance costs), which increased approximately $153.6 million due to SJG borrowing $196.0 million under a $200.0 million term loan credit facility as well as SJI borrowing $50.0 million of MTN's, partially offset by payments on notes of $61.4 million at Marina, $16.0 million at SJI and $15.0 million at SJG (see Note 14 to the condensed consolidated financial statements); (b) a $148.8 million increase in pipeline capacity obligations at SJG associated with the demand charges resulting from a new long-term capacity agreement with Tennessee Gas Pipeline; and (c) a $36.6 million increase in interest on long-term debt associated with the issuance of the debt discussed above.

In October 2017, SJI announced that it has entered into agreements to acquire the assets of Elizabethtown Gas and Elkton Gas from Pivotal Utility Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Southern Company Gas. SJI is acquiring both companies for total consideration of $1.7 billion. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2018 (see Note 16 to the condensed consolidated financial statements).

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements An off-balance sheet arrangement is any contractual arrangement involving an unconsolidated entity under which SJI has either made guarantees, or has certain other interests or obligations.

As of September 30, 2017, SJI had issued $6.0 million of parental guarantees on behalf of an unconsolidated subsidiary. These guarantees generally expire within the next two years and were issued to enable the subsidiary to market retail natural gas.

During 2011, subsidiaries of Energenic, in which Marina has a 50% equity interest, entered into 20-year contracts to build, own and operate a central energy center and energy distribution system for a new hotel, casino and entertainment complex in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The complex commenced operations in April 2012, and as a result, Energenic subsidiaries began providing full energy services to the complex.

In June 2014, the parent company of the hotel, casino and entertainment complex filed petitions in U.S. Bankruptcy Court to facilitate a sale of substantially all of its assets. The complex ceased normal business operations in September 2014. Energenic subsidiaries continued to provide limited energy services to the complex during the shutdown period under a temporary agreement with the trustee. The hotel, casino and entertainment complex was sold in April 2015. As of December 31, 2015, the Energenic subsidiaries were providing limited services to the complex under a short-term agreement with the new owner. However, the Energenic subsidiaries had not been able to secure a permanent or long-term energy services agreement with the new owner.


63


The central energy center and energy distribution system owned by the Energenic subsidiaries was financed in part by the issuance of bonds during 2011. These bonds were collateralized primarily by certain assets of the central energy center and revenue from the energy services agreement with the hotel, casino and entertainment complex. During 2015, due to the cessation of normal business operations of the complex and the inability of the Energenic subsidiaries to meet its obligations under the bonds, the trustee for the bondholders filed suit to foreclose on certain assets of the central energy center. In November 2015 during settlement discussions, the bondholders alleged, among other things, that they were entitled to recover from Energenic itself, any amounts owed under the bonds that were not covered by the collateral, including principal, interest and attorney’s fees. The bondholders’ assertion was based on inconsistent language in the bond documents. In January 2016, Energenic and certain subsidiaries reached a multi-party settlement with the bondholders. This agreement resolves all outstanding litigation and transfers ownership of the bondholders’ collateral to the owners of the entertainment complex. The Company's share of this settlement was $7.5 million, which was accrued by Energenic as of December 31, 2015 and paid in 2016. The Company entered into agreements with its insurance carrier and external legal advisors to recover, net of legal costs, approximately $7.0 million of costs associated with the bondholder settlement discussed above. The Company received $2.1 million in the second quarter of 2016, which is included in Other Income on the statements of consolidated income for the year ended December 31, 2016, and $5.3 million was received in the third quarter of 2016 and is included in Equity in Earnings of Affiliated Companies on the statements of consolidated income for the year ended December 31, 2016, as the loss recorded in the prior year was included in this line item on the statements of consolidated income for the year ended December 31, 2015.

As of September 30, 2017, SJI had approximately $13.7 million included in Notes Receivable - Affiliate on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, due from Energenic, which is secured by its cogeneration assets for energy services projects. This note is subject to a reimbursement agreement that secures reimbursement for SJI, from its joint venture partner, of a proportionate share of any amounts that are not repaid.

Pending Litigation — SJI and SJG are subject to claims arising in the ordinary course of business and other legal proceedings.  SJI has been named in, among other actions, certain gas supply and capacity management contract disputes and certain product liability claims related to our former sand mining subsidiary. 

SJI is currently involved in a pricing dispute related to two long-term gas supply contracts. On May 8, 2017, a jury from the United States District Court for the District of Colorado returned a verdict in favor of the supplier. On July 21, 2017, the Court entered Final Judgment against SJG and SJRG. As a result of this ruling, SJG and SJRG have accrued $19.2 million and $50.5 million, respectively, through September 30, 2017. We believe that the amount to be paid by SJG reflects a gas cost that ultimately will be recovered from SJG’s customers through adjusted rates. As such, this amount was recorded as both an Accounts Payable and a reduction of Regulatory Liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets of both SJI and SJG as of September 30, 2017. The amount associated with SJRG was also recorded as an Accounts Payable on the condensed consolidated balance sheets of SJI as of September 30, 2017, with charges of $5.5 million and $46.5 million to Cost of Sales - Nonutility on the condensed consolidated statements of income of SJI for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. SJI also recorded $4.0 million to Interest Charges on the condensed consolidated statements of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. SJI intends to appeal this judgment. During the pendency of the appeal, SJI continues to dispute the supplier invoices received, and has created a reserve to reflect the difference between the invoiced and paid amounts.

SJI was involved in a dispute in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia related to a three-year capacity management contract with a counterparty. The counterparty claimed that it was owed approximately $13.3 million, plus interest, from SJRG under a sharing credit within the contract. SJI settled with the counterparty for $9.5 million, which amount was recorded to Cost of Sales - Nonutility on the condensed consolidated statements of income during the second quarter of 2017. SJI made payment in September 2017.
Liabilities related to claims are accrued when the amount or range of amounts of probable settlement costs or other charges for these claims can be reasonably estimated. For matters other than the pricing dispute related to two long-term gas supply contracts, as well as the dispute related to a three-year capacity management contract, both noted above, SJI has accrued approximately $3.0 million and $3.1 million related to all claims in the aggregate as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, of which SJG has accrued approximately $0.7 million and $0.6 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Although SJI and SJG do not presently believe that these matters will have a material adverse effect on its business, given the inherent uncertainties in such situations, SJI and SJG can provide no assurance regarding the outcome of litigation.


64


SOUTH JERSEY GAS COMPANY

This section of Management’s Discussion focuses on South Jersey Gas Company (SJG) for the reported periods. In many cases, explanations and disclosures for both SJI and SJG are substantially the same or specific disclosures for SJG are included in the Management's Discussion for SJI.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:

The results of operations for the gas utility operations at SJG are described in detail above; therefore, this section primarily focuses on statistical information and other information that is not discussed in the results of operations under South Jersey Industries, Inc. Refer to the section entitled “Results of Operations - Gas Utility Operations” for a detailed discussion of the results of operations for SJG.

The following table summarizes the composition of selected gas utility throughput for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, (in thousands, except for degree day data):

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Utility Throughput – decatherms(dt):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Firm Sales -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
1,189

 
1,320

 
14,475

 
15,490

Commercial
461

 
470

 
3,679

 
3,557

Industrial
49

 
17

 
303

 
225

Cogeneration & Electric Generation
416

 
533

 
636

 
1,230

Firm Transportation -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
81

 
118

 
1,102

 
1,394

Commercial
696

 
795

 
4,273

 
5,056

Industrial
2,454

 
2,742

 
8,087

 
8,726

Cogeneration & Electric Generation
2,093

 
2,892

 
4,798

 
5,732

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Firm Throughput
7,439

 
8,887

 
37,353

 
41,410

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interruptible Sales

 

 
3

 
2

Interruptible Transportation
209

 
237

 
879

 
837

Off-System Sales
6,626

 
3,428

 
18,604

 
11,200

Capacity Release
16,141

 
19,278

 
50,810

 
53,176

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Throughput - Utility
30,415

 
31,830

 
107,649

 
106,625


Throughput – Gas Utility Operations - Total gas throughput decreased1.4 MMdts and increased 1.0 MMdts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2016. Combined throughput in Off-System Sales (OSS) and capacity release were relatively flat for the three months and increased 5.0 MMdts for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the prior year periods. Weather that was 15.4% warmer-than-normal during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, created less demand in SJG’s service territory and more supply available for OSS and capacity release activity. SJG also had capacity previously released under its Conservation Incentive Program (CIP) returned to SJG during the first quarter of 2017, thereby allowing SJG to take advantage of additional capacity release activity during that period.

Total firm throughput decreased 1.4 MMdts and 4.1 MMdts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2016 as a result of warmer weather during 2017 as previously discussed. The negative impact of weather on firm throughput was partially offset by the addition of 5,456 customers during the twelve months ended September 30, 2017, a 1.46% increase compared with the same period in 2016.


65


Conservation Incentive Program (CIP) - The effects of the CIP on SJG's net income and the associated weather comparisons are as follows (dollars in millions):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Net Income Impact:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CIP – Weather Related
$

 
$

 
$
8.0

 
$
2.9

CIP – Usage Related
1.3

 
0.3

 
4.7

 
2.1

Total Net Income Impact
$
1.3

 
$
0.3

 
$
12.7

 
$
5.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weather Compared to 20-Year Average
n/a
 
n/a
 
15.4% Warmer
 
7.1% Warmer
Weather Compared to Prior Year
n/a
 
n/a
 
6.4% Warmer
 
15.9% Warmer

Operating Revenues & Margin - See SJI's Management Discussion section above.

Operating Expenses - A summary of changes in operating expenses for SJG is as follows (in thousands):

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
2017 vs. 2016
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 vs. 2016
Operations
$
1,818

 
$
1,012

Maintenance
$
465

 
$
1,475

Depreciation
$
1,491

 
$
4,378

Energy and Other Taxes
$
27

 
$
607


Operations - See SJI's Management Discussion section above.

Maintenance - See SJI's Management Discussion section above.

Depreciation - Depreciation expense increased $1.5 million and $4.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2016, primarily due to continuing investment in property, plant and equipment. 

Energy and Other Taxes -The change in Energy and Other Taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same period in 2016 was not significant. Energy and Other Taxes increased $0.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same period in 2016, primarily due to the availability of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) tax credit recognized in 2016, but not available in 2017.

Other Income and Expense - Other Income and Expense increased $0.4 million and $1.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2016, primarily due to higher AFUDC due to increased capital spending and a new AIRP II program.

Interest Charges – Interest charges increased $2.4 million and $5.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2016, primarily due to higher amounts of long-term debt outstanding (see Note 14 to the condensed consolidated financial statements).

Income Taxes  Income tax expense generally fluctuates as income before taxes changes. Minor variations will occur period to period as a result of effective tax rate adjustments.


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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES:

Liquidity and capital resources for SJG are substantially covered in the Management’s Discussion of SJI (except for the items and transactions that relate to SJI and its nonutility subsidiaries). Those explanations are incorporated by reference into this discussion.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities - Liquidity needs are first met with net cash provided by operating activities. Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $73.2 million and $108.7 million in the first nine months of 2017 and 2016, respectively. Net cash provided by operating activities varies from year-to-year primarily due to the impact of weather on customer demand and related gas purchases, customer usage factors related to conversion efforts and the price of the natural gas commodity, inventory utilization, and gas cost recoveries. Operating activities in the first nine months of 2017 produced less net cash than the same period in 2016, primarily due to under-recoveries in the BGSS clause at SJG. During the second quarter of 2017, SJG provided a customer BGSS bill credit based on a forecasted over-recovered clause balance at the end of the BGSS year. However, it contributed to an under-recovery in the BGSS clause. In addition, SJG experienced higher spending for environmental remediation. During the first quarter of 2017, SJG made an $8.0 million payment to fund its pension plans. SJG did not make a contribution to its pension plans in 2016.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities - SJG has a continuing need for cash resources for capital expenditures, primarily to invest in new and replacement facilities and equipment. SJG estimates the net cash outflows for capital expenditures for fiscal years 2017, 2018 and 2019 to be approximately $261.2 million, $276.1 million and $255.5 million, respectively. For capital expenditures, including those under the AIRP and SHARP, SJG expects to use short-term borrowings under both its commercial paper program and lines of credit from commercial banks to finance capital expenditures as incurred. From time to time, SJG may refinance the short-term debt incurred to support capital expenditures with long-term debt.

During the first nine months of 2017, SJG made a $4.9 million payment to fund company-owned life insurance.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities - SJG supplements its operating cash flow and credit lines with both debt and equity capital. Over the years, SJG has used long-term debt, primarily in the form of First Mortgage Bonds and MTN's, secured by the same pool of utility assets, to finance its long-term borrowing needs. These needs are primarily capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment.

SJI contributed an equity infusion of $40.0 million and $65.0 million to SJG during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

SJG’s capital structure was as follows:

 
As of September 30, 2017
 
As of December 31, 2016
Common Equity
53
%
 
53
%
Long-Term Debt
47
%
 
40
%
Short-Term Debt
0
%
 
7
%
 
 
 
 
Total
100
%
 
100.0
%



67



COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

Costs for remediation projects, net of recoveries from ratepayers, for the first nine months of 2017 and 2016 amounted to net cash outflows of $30.1 million and $22.3 million, respectively. Total net cash outflows for remediation projects are expected to be $39.6 million, $50.0 million and $47.1 million for 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. As discussed in Notes 4 and 12 to the Financial Statements in Item 8 of SJG’s 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, environmental remediation costs are subject to recovery from ratepayers.

SJG has certain commitments for both pipeline capacity and gas supply for which SJG pays fees regardless of usage. Those commitments, as of September 30, 2017, averaged $73.2 million annually and totaled $468.3 million over the contracts’ lives.  Approximately 21% of the financial commitments under these contracts expire during the next five years. SJG expects to renew each of these contracts under renewal provisions as provided in each contract. SJG recovers all such prudently incurred fees through rates via the BGSS.

Pending Litigation - See SJG's disclosure in the Commitments and Contingencies section of SJI's Management Discussion above.

Contractual Cash Obligations Details concerning contractual cash obligations may be found in SJG’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. SJG's contractual cash obligations increased $422.9 million from December 31, 2016, primarily due to a $148.8 million increase in pipeline capacity obligations associated with the demand charges resulting from a new long-term capacity agreement with Tennessee Gas Pipeline. Also contributing to the increase was the additional borrowing of $196.0 million under a $200.0 million term loan credit facility (see Note 14 to the condensed consolidated financial statements).

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements - SJG has no off-balance sheet arrangements.



Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

South Jersey Industries, Inc.

Commodity Market Risks — Certain regulated and nonregulated SJI subsidiaries are involved in buying, selling, transporting and storing natural gas, and buying and selling retail electricity and SRECs, for their own accounts as well as managing these activities for third parties. These subsidiaries are subject to market risk due to price fluctuations. To hedge against this risk, we enter into a variety of physical and financial transactions including forward contracts, swaps, futures and options agreements. To manage these transactions, SJI has a well-defined risk management policy approved by our Board of Directors that includes volumetric and monetary limits. Management reviews reports detailing activity daily. Generally, the derivative activities described above are entered into for risk management purposes.

As part of its gas purchasing strategy, SJG uses financial contracts to hedge against forward price risk. These contracts are recoverable through SJG’s BGSS, subject to BPU approval.

The retail gas operations of SJE transact commodities on a physical basis, and SJE typically does not enter into financial derivative positions directly. SJRG manages risk in the natural gas markets for SJE as well as for its own portfolio by entering into the types of transactions noted above. The retail electric operations of SJE use forward physical and financial contracts to mitigate commodity price risk on fixed price electric contracts. It is management's policy, to the extent practical, within predetermined risk management policy guidelines, to have limited unmatched positions on a deal or portfolio basis while conducting these activities. As a result of holding open positions to a minimal level, the economic impact of changes in value of a particular transaction is substantially offset by an opposite change in the related hedge transaction.

SJI has entered into certain contracts to buy, sell, and transport natural gas and to buy and sell retail electricity. SJI recorded a net pre-tax unrealized (loss) gain of $(4.6) million and $9.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $2.2 million and $6.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, which are included with realized gains (losses) in Operating Revenues — Nonutility on the condensed consolidated statements of income.  


68


The fair value and maturity of these energy-related contracts determined under the mark-to-market method as of September 30, 2017 is as follows (in thousands):

Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Source of Fair Value
Maturity
 < 1 Year
 
Maturity
 1 -3 Years
 
Maturity
Beyond 3 Years
 
Total
Prices actively quoted
$
5,310

 
$
636

 
$
4

 
$
5,950

Prices provided by other external sources
17,479

 
1,816

 
1

 
19,296

Prices based on internal models or other valuation methods
19,279

 
4,892

 
301

 
24,472

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
42,068

 
$
7,344

 
$
306

 
$
49,718

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Source of Fair Value
Maturity
 <1 Year
 
Maturity
1 -3 Years
 
Maturity
Beyond 3 Years
 
Total
Prices actively quoted
$
2,427

 
$
238

 
$
25

 
$
2,690

Prices provided by other external sources
15,771

 
1,999

 
103

 
17,873

Prices based on internal models or other valuation methods
8,712

 
1,822

 
172

 
10,706

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
26,910

 
$
4,059

 
$
300

 
$
31,269


NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange) is the primary national commodities exchange on which natural gas is traded. Volumes of our NYMEX contracts included in the table above under "Prices actively quoted" are 21.1 million decatherms (dts) with a weighted average settlement price of $2.93 per dt.
Basis represents the differential to the NYMEX natural gas futures contract for delivering gas to a specific location. Volumes of our basis contracts, along with volumes of our discounted index related purchase and sales contracts, included in the table above under "Prices provided by other external sources" and "Prices based on internal models or other valuation methods" are 73.8 million dts with a weighted average settlement price of $(.27) per dt.
Fixed Price Gas Daily represents the price of a NYMEX natural gas futures contract adjusted for the difference in price for delivering the gas at another location. Volumes of our Fixed Price Gas Daily contracts included in the table above under "Prices provided by other external sources" are 14.3 million dts with a weighted average settlement price of $3.82 per dt.
Volumes of electric included in the table above under "Prices based on internal models or other valuation methods" are 0.7 million megawatt hours (mwh) with a weighted average settlement price of $34.05 per mwh.

A reconciliation of SJI’s estimated net fair value of energy-related derivatives follows (in thousands):

Net Derivatives — Energy Related Assets, January 1, 2017
$
16,271

Contracts Settled During the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017, Net
(5,215
)
Other Changes in Fair Value from Continuing and New Contracts, Net
7,393

 
 
Net Derivatives — Energy Related Assets, September 30, 2017
$
18,449



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Marina’s solar energy projects rely on returns from electricity and SRECs.  A decrease in the value of electricity and SRECs impacted by market conditions and/or legislative changes may negatively impact Marina's return on its investments as well as lead to impairment of the respective assets.  To hedge against this risk, Marina hedges a portion of its anticipated SREC production through the use of forward sales contracts.  The hedged percentage of projected SREC production related to in-service assets in New Jersey is 93% and 48% for energy years ending May 31, 2018 and 2019, respectively, and in Massachusetts is 79% and 54% for energy years ending December 31, 2017 and 2018, respectively.  SREC production related to in-service assets in Maryland and Vermont is currently unhedged.  During the three months ended September 30, 2017, SJI recorded an impairment charge of $43.9 million on solar generating facilities located in the state of Maryland, which was primarily driven as a result of declining market conditions, specifically market prices of Maryland SRECs. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, SJI had impairment charges of $43.9 million and $44.2 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2017, Marina had total net solar assets of $470.7 million, of which $400.5 million are located in New Jersey, $43.3 million are located in Massachusetts, $10.2 million are located in Maryland, and $16.7 million are located in Vermont.

Interest Rate Risk — Our exposure to interest-rate risk relates to short-term and long-term variable-rate borrowings. Variable-rate debt outstanding, including short-term and long-term debt, at September 30, 2017 was $576.1 million and averaged $512.5
million during the first nine months of 2017. A hypothetical 100 basis point (1%) increase in interest rates on our average variable-rate debt outstanding would result in a $3.1 million increase in our annual interest expense, net of tax. The 100 basis point increase was chosen for illustrative purposes, as it provides a simple basis for calculating the impact of interest rate changes under a variety of interest rate scenarios. Over the past five years, the change in basis points (b.p.) of our average monthly interest rates from the beginning to end of each year was as follows: 2016 - 47 b.p. increase; 2015 - 14 b.p. increase; 2014 - 1 b.p. decrease; 2013 - 16 b.p. decrease; and 2012 - 9 b.p. decrease.  At September 30, 2017, our average interest rate on variable-rate debt was 2.20%.

We typically issue long-term debt either at fixed rates or use interest rate derivatives to limit our exposure to changes in interest rates on variable rate, long-term debt. As of September 30, 2017, the interest costs on $1,191.2 million of our long-term debt was either at a fixed rate or hedged via an interest rate derivative.

As of September 30, 2017, SJI’s active interest rate swaps were as follows:

Notional Amount
 
Fixed Interest Rate
 
Start Date
 
Maturity
 
Obligor
$
20,000,000

 
3.049%
 
3/15/2017
 
3/15/2027
 
SJI
$
20,000,000

 
3.049%
 
3/15/2017
 
3/15/2027
 
SJI
$
10,000,000

 
3.049%
 
3/15/2017
 
3/15/2027
 
SJI
$
12,500,000

 
3.530%
 
12/1/2006
 
2/1/2036
 
SJG
$
12,500,000

 
3.430%
 
12/1/2006
 
2/1/2036
 
SJG

Credit Risk - As of September 30, 2017, SJI had approximately $8.8 million, or 17.7%, of the current and noncurrent Derivatives – Energy Related Assets transacted with two counterparties. One counterparty has contracts with a large number of diverse customers which minimizes the concentration of this risk. A portion of these contracts may be assigned to SJI in the event of default by the counterparty. The second counterparty is investment-grade rated with a rating of Baa1.

As of September 30, 2017, SJRG had $50.2 million of Accounts Receivable under sales contracts. Of that total, 38.9% were with regulated utilities or companies rated investment-grade or guaranteed by an investment-grade-rated parent or were with companies where we have a collateral arrangement or insurance coverage. The remainder of the Accounts Receivable were within approved credit limits.


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South Jersey Gas Company:

The fair value and maturity of SJG's energy trading and hedging contracts determined using mark-to-market accounting as of September 30, 2017 are as follows (in thousands):

Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
Source of Fair Value
 
Maturity
< 1 Year
 
Maturity
1 - 3 Years
 
Total
Prices Actively Quoted (NYMEX)
 
$
467

 
$
58

 
$
525

Prices Provided by Other External Sources (Basis)
 
223

 

 
223

Prices based on internal models or other valuable methods
 
6,918

 

 
6,918

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
7,608

 
$
58

 
$
7,666


Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Maturity
 
Maturity
 
 
Source of Fair Value
 
< 1 Year
 
1 - 3 Years
 
Total
Prices Actively Quoted (NYMEX)
 
$
406

 
$
69

 
$
475

Prices Provided by Other External Sources (Basis)
 
2,267

 

 
2,267

Prices based on internal models or other valuable methods
 
1,794

 

 
1,794

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
4,467

 
$
69

 
$
4,536


Contracted volumes of SJG's NYMEX contracts are 9.0 MMdt with a weighted-average settlement price of $3.05 per dt. Contracted volumes of SJG's Basis contracts are 0.8 million dts with a weighted-average settlement price of $0.62 per dt.

A reconciliation of SJG's estimated net fair value of energy-related derivatives follows (in thousands):
Net Derivatives — Energy Related Assets, January 1, 2017
$
4,435

Contracts Settled During the Nine Months ended September 30, 2017, Net
(3,335
)
Other Changes in Fair Value from Continuing and New Contracts, Net
2,030

Net Derivatives — Energy Related Assets, September 30, 2017
$
3,130


Interest Rate Risk - SJG's exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to variable-rate borrowings. Variable-rate debt, including both short-term and long-term debt outstanding at September 30, 2017, was $196.0 million and averaged $129.4 million during the first nine months of 2017. A hypothetical 100 basis point (1%) increase in interest rates on SJG's average variable-rate debt outstanding would result in a $0.8 million increase in SJG's annual interest expense, net of tax. The 100 basis point increase was chosen for illustrative purposes, as it provides a simple basis for calculating the impact of interest rate changes under a variety of interest rate scenarios. Over the past five years, the change in basis points (b.p.) of SJG's average monthly interest rates from the beginning to end of each year was as follows: 2016 - 19 b.p. increase; 2015 - 20 b.p. increase; 2014 - 32 b.p. increase; 2013 - 14 b.p. decrease; and 2012 - 1 b.p. decrease. As of September 30, 2017, SJG's average interest rate on variable-rate debt was 1.99%.

SJG typically issues long-term debt either at fixed rates or uses interest rate derivatives to limit exposure to changes in interest rates on variable-rate, long-term debt. As of September 30, 2017, the interest costs on $818.6 million of long-term debt was either at a fixed-rate or hedged via an interest rate derivative. 


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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

South Jersey Industries, Inc.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

SJI's management, with the participation of its chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of SJI’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of September 30, 2017. Based on that evaluation, SJI’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures employed at SJI are effective.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has not been any change in SJI’s internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act, during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2017 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, SJI’s internal control over financial reporting.

South Jersey Gas Company

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

SJG’s management, with the participation of its president (principal executive officer) and chief financial officer (principal financial officer), evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of SJG’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act) as of September 30, 2017. Based on that evaluation, SJG’s president and chief financial officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures employed at SJG are effective.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has not been any change in SJG’s internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act, during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2017 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, SJG’s internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item l. Legal Proceedings

Information required by this Item for SJI and SJG is incorporated by reference to Part I, Item 2, Pending Litigation, beginning on page 64. 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Other than as set forth below, there have been no material changes in the risk factors for SJI or SJG from those disclosed in Item 1A of SJI’s and SJG's Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, respectively.
Our acquisition of Elizabethtown Gas and Elkton Gas may not be consummated, and if consummated, may not perform as expected.
We have entered into agreements to acquire the assets of New Jersey-based Elizabethtown Gas and Maryland-based Elkton Gas from Pivotal Utility Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Southern Company Gas. Completion of the transaction is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and we can provide no assurance that the various closing conditions to the acquisition agreement will be satisfied, including that the required governmental and other necessary approvals will be obtained. Although we have obtained a bridge commitment, subject to certain conditions, to fund the acquisition, our ability to raise the necessary funds to provide permanent financing through the issuance of equity or debt securities is subject to market conditions and other risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to raise the necessary funds on terms we consider favorable, or at all. The inability to complete the transaction, or to obtain permanent financing on terms that are favorable, or at all, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and prospects.
Historically, acquisitions have not been a part of our growth strategy. Although the acquired businesses have significant operating histories, we will have no history of owning and operating these businesses and limited or no experience operating in the territories served by these businesses. We can provide no assurance that the acquired businesses will perform as expected, that integration or other one-time costs will not be greater than expected, that we will not incur unforeseen obligations or liabilities or that the rate of return from such businesses will justify our decision to invest capital to acquire them.




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Item 6. Exhibits
(a)  Exhibits

Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
 
 
 
Certification of SJI's Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act.
 
 
 
 
Certification of SJI's Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act.
 
 
 
 
Certification of SJG's Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act.
 
 
 
 
Certification of SJG's Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act.
 
 
 
 
Certification of SJI's Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code).
 
 
 
 
Certification of SJI's Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code).
 
 
 
 
Certification of SJG's Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code).
 
 
 
 
Certification of SJG's Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code).
 
 
 
101
 
The following financial statements from South Jersey Industries, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 3, 2017, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income; (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and (v) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The following financial statements from South Jersey Gas’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 3, 2017 formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Statements of Income; (ii) the Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income; (iii) the Condensed Statements of Cash Flows; and (iv) the Condensed Balance Sheets.


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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 
 
SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
 
and
 
 
SOUTH JERSEY GAS COMPANY
 
 
(Co-Registrants)
 
 
 
 
Dated:
November 3, 2017
By:
/s/ Stephen H. Clark
 
 
 
Stephen H. Clark
 
 
 
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - SJI
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer - SJG
 
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer for both Registrants)

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