SOUTH JERSEY GAS 10-K 28 Feb 19 2018 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Feb. 15, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	91,928
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		92,315,906
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Public Float			$ 2,854,343,456
South Jersey Gas Company
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	SOUTH JERSEY GAS Co
Entity Central Index Key	1,035,216
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		2,339,139
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false

Statements of Consolidated Inco

Statements of Consolidated Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Operating Revenues:
Operating Revenues	$ 1,641,338	$ 1,243,068	$ 1,036,500
Operating Expenses:
Operations (See Note 1)	256,862	169,767	147,056
Impairment Charges	105,280	91,299	0
Maintenance	32,162	19,727	17,549
Depreciation	96,723	100,718	90,389
Energy and Other Taxes	9,537	6,487	6,342
Net Gain on Sale of Assets	(15,379)	0	0
Total Operating Expenses	1,540,593	1,234,225	842,323
Operating Income (See Note 1)	100,745	8,843	194,177
Other Income and Expense (See Note 1)	2,404	11,041	5,088
Interest Charges	(90,296)	(54,019)	(31,449)
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	12,853	(34,135)	167,816
Income Taxes	(561)	24,937	(54,151)
Equity in Earnings of Affiliated Companies	5,611	5,794	5,396
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations	17,903	(3,404)	119,061
Loss from Discontinued Operations - (Net of tax benefit)	(240)	(86)	(251)
Net Income (Loss)	$ 17,663	$ (3,490)	$ 118,810
Basic Earnings (Loss) per Common Share:
Continuing Operations (in USD per share)	$ 0.21	$ (0.04)	$ 1.56
Discontinued Operations (in USD per share)	0	0	0
Basic Earnings (Loss) per Common Share (in USD per share)	$ 0.21	$ (0.04)	$ 1.56
Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding - Basic (in shares)	83,693	79,541	76,362
Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share:
Continuing Operations (in USD per share)	$ 0.21	$ (0.04)	$ 1.56
Discontinued Operations (in USD per share)	0	0	0
Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share (in USD per share)	$ 0.21	$ (0.04)	$ 1.56
Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding - Diluted (in shares)	84,471	79,541	76,475
South Jersey Gas Company
Operating Revenues:
Operating Revenues	$ 548,000	$ 517,254	$ 461,055
Operating Expenses:
Cost of Sales - (Excluding depreciation and amortization)	209,649	204,432	174,390
Operations (See Note 1)	112,920	96,604	93,012
Maintenance	28,742	19,727	17,549
Depreciation	59,755	53,887	47,432
Energy and Other Taxes	4,246	3,729	3,620
Total Operating Expenses	415,312	378,379	336,003
Operating Income (See Note 1)	132,688	138,875	125,052
Other Income and Expense (See Note 1)	4,685	4,087	1,234
Interest Charges	(28,011)	(24,705)	(17,875)
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	109,362	118,257	108,411
Income Taxes	(26,413)	(45,700)	(39,366)
Net Income (Loss)	82,949	72,557	69,045
Utility
Operating Revenues:
Operating Revenues	670,715	512,482	453,819
Operating Expenses:
Cost of Sales - (Excluding depreciation and amortization)	258,781	199,660	167,154
Nonutility
Operating Revenues:
Operating Revenues	970,623	730,586	582,681
Operating Expenses:
Cost of Sales - (Excluding depreciation and amortization)	$ 796,627	$ 646,567	$ 413,833

Statements of Consolidated Comp

Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Net Income (Loss)		$ 17,663	$ (3,490)	$ 118,810
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Postretirement Liability Adjustment	[1]	10,636	(10,920)	(3,197)
Unrealized Gain on Available-for-Sale Securities	[2]	0	0	118
Unrealized Gain on Derivatives - Other	[2]	34	1,536	197
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax		10,670	(9,384)	(2,882)
Comprehensive Income		28,333	(12,874)	115,928
South Jersey Gas Company
Net Income (Loss)		82,949	72,557	69,045
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Postretirement Liability Adjustment	[3]	3,606	(11,090)	(2,197)
Unrealized Gain on Available-for-Sale Securities	[4]	0	0	98
Unrealized Gain on Derivatives - Other	[4]	34	27	27
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax		3,640	(11,063)	(2,072)
Comprehensive Income		$ 86,589	$ 61,494	$ 66,973
Postretirement Liability
Additional Statement Information [Abstract]
Combined average statutory tax rate		25.00%	27.00%	40.00%
Postretirement Liability | South Jersey Gas Company
Additional Statement Information [Abstract]
Combined average statutory tax rate		25.00%	27.00%	40.00%
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
Additional Statement Information [Abstract]
Combined average statutory tax rate		25.00%	39.00%	40.00%
Unrealized Gain (Loss) | South Jersey Gas Company
Additional Statement Information [Abstract]
Combined average statutory tax rate		25.00%	39.00%	40.00%
[1]	Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of 25% for 2018; 27% for 2017; and 40% for 2016.
[2]	Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of 25% for 2018; 39% for 2017; and 40% for 2016.
[3]	Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of 25% for 2018; 27% for 2017; and 40% for 2016.
[4]	Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of 25% for 2018; 39% for 2017; and 40% for 2016.

Statements of Consolidated Cash

Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net Income (Loss)	$ 17,663,000	$ (3,490,000)	$ 118,810,000
Loss from Discontinued Operations	240,000	86,000	251,000
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations	17,903,000	(3,404,000)	119,061,000
Adjustments to Reconcile Income from Continuing Operations to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
Net Gain on Sale of Assets	(15,379,000)	(2,563,000)	0
Impairment Charges	105,280,000	91,299,000	0
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt	0	543,000	0
Depreciation and Amortization	132,914,000	123,486,000	109,818,000
Net Unrealized (Gain) Loss on Derivatives - Energy Related	(34,447,000)	13,667,000	(26,935,000)
Unrealized (Gain) Loss on Derivatives - Other	(1,337,000)	677,000	(647,000)
Provision for Losses on Accounts Receivable	7,977,000	6,949,000	6,907,000
CIP Receivable/Payable	32,523,000	915,000	(24,943,000)
Deferred Gas Costs - Net of Recoveries	(46,495,000)	(28,092,000)	11,753,000
Deferred SBC Costs - Net of Recoveries	311,000	(5,578,000)	(7,102,000)
Stock-Based Compensation Expense	4,144,000	4,254,000	3,892,000
Deferred and Noncurrent Income Taxes - Net	10,392,000	10,082,000	55,789,000
Environmental Remediation Costs - Net of Recoveries	(59,307,000)	(39,860,000)	(39,731,000)
Gas Plant Cost of Removal	(11,184,000)	(7,062,000)	(6,070,000)
Pension Contribution	0	(10,000,000)	0
Changes in:
Accounts Receivable	(106,283,000)	21,000	(67,160,000)
Inventories	566,000	5,589,000	387,000
Prepaid and Accrued Taxes - Net	13,418,000	(23,366,000)	4,253,000
Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities	114,371,000	58,858,000	112,199,000
Derivatives - Energy Related	5,208,000	899,000	6,723,000
Other Assets and Liabilities	(26,999,000)	(6,989,000)	4,477,000
Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations	7,000	(4,000)	(44,000)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	143,583,000	190,321,000	262,627,000
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital Expenditures	(341,120,000)	(272,965,000)	(279,423,000)
Cash Paid for Acquisition, Net of Cash Acquired	(1,740,285,000)	0	0
Cash Paid for Purchase of New Contract	(11,339,000)	0	0
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant and Equipment	310,644,000	3,547,000	0
Investment in Long-Term Receivables	(8,643,000)	(9,324,000)	(10,886,000)
Proceeds from Long-Term Receivables	9,813,000	9,861,000	10,014,000
Notes Receivable	0	22,884,000	9,916,000
Purchase of Company-Owned Life Insurance	(1,298,000)	(9,180,000)	(2,398,000)
Investment in Affiliate	(9,524,000)	(29,636,000)	(12,943,000)
Return of Investment in Affiliate	0	0	4,750,000
Advances on Notes Receivable - Affiliate	0	(2,451,000)	0
Net Repayment of Notes Receivable - Affiliate	2,967,000	0	672,000
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(1,788,785,000)	(287,264,000)	(280,298,000)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net (Repayments of) Borrowings from Short-Term Credit Facilities	(75,900,000)	50,300,000	(135,600,000)
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt	2,432,500,000	450,000,000	61,000,000
Payments for Issuance of Long-Term Debt	(21,574,000)	(14,204,000)	(147,000)
Principal Repayments of Long-Term Debt	(768,909,000)	(293,309,000)	(49,366,000)
Dividends on Common Stock	(94,756,000)	(87,308,000)	(82,380,000)
Net Settlement of Restricted Stock	(776,000)	(751,000)	(387,000)
Proceeds from Sale of Common Stock	173,750,000	0	214,426,000
Payments for the Issuance of Common Stock	(7,149,000)	0	0
Payment of Lease Obligation	0	0	(10,600,000)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	1,637,186,000	104,728,000	(3,054,000)
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	(8,016,000)	7,785,000	(20,725,000)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Year	39,695,000	31,910,000	52,635,000
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Year	31,679,000	39,695,000	31,910,000
Cash paid (received) during the year for:
Interest (Net of Amounts Capitalized)	84,792,000	51,456,000	32,372,000
Income Taxes (Refunds) Paid	(20,004,000)	(8,348,000)	194,000
Supplemental Disclosures of Non-Cash Investing Activities
Capital Expenditures acquired on account but unpaid as of year-end	44,184,000	32,253,000	39,130,000
Notes Receivable Exchanged for Accounts Payable	0	3,841,000	10,168,000
South Jersey Gas Company
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net Income (Loss)	82,949,000	72,557,000	69,045,000
Adjustments to Reconcile Income from Continuing Operations to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
Depreciation and Amortization	82,622,000	71,654,000	63,901,000
Provision for Losses on Accounts Receivable	7,997,000	6,949,000	6,993,000
CIP Receivable/Payable	32,523,000	915,000	(24,943,000)
Deferred Gas Costs - Net of Recoveries	(46,495,000)	(28,092,000)	11,753,000
Deferred SBC Costs - Net of Recoveries	311,000	(5,578,000)	(7,102,000)
Deferred and Noncurrent Income Taxes - Net	39,179,000	78,712,000	40,980,000
Environmental Remediation Costs - Net of Recoveries	(53,685,000)	(39,860,000)	(39,735,000)
Gas Plant Cost of Removal	(6,899,000)	(7,062,000)	(6,070,000)
Pension Contribution	0	(7,997,000)	0
Changes in:
Accounts Receivable	(21,749,000)	(28,129,000)	(24,867,000)
Inventories	(1,198,000)	(3,222,000)	2,696,000
Prepaid and Accrued Taxes - Net	9,685,000	(20,993,000)	3,980,000
Other Prepayments and Current Assets	1,390,000	1,183,000	(448,000)
Gas Purchases Payable	5,149,000	19,526,000	14,879,000
Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities	(15,194,000)	(1,753,000)	35,982,000
Other Assets	(6,705,000)	(16,925,000)	(7,065,000)
Other Liabilities	3,094,000	14,784,000	2,183,000
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	112,974,000	106,669,000	142,162,000
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital Expenditures	(241,873,000)	(248,864,000)	(225,287,000)
Investment in Long-Term Receivables	(8,643,000)	(9,324,000)	(10,886,000)
Proceeds from Long-Term Receivables	9,813,000	9,861,000	10,014,000
Notes Receivable		0	9,916,000
Purchase of Company-Owned Life Insurance	0	(4,875,000)	0
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(240,703,000)	(253,202,000)	(216,243,000)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net (Repayments of) Borrowings from Short-Term Credit Facilities	55,500,000	(52,300,000)	(30,100,000)
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt	310,000,000	400,000,000	61,000,000
Payments for Issuance of Long-Term Debt	(219,000)	(2,030,000)	(63,000)
Principal Repayments of Long-Term Debt	(238,909,000)	(215,909,000)	(27,909,000)
Dividends on Common Stock	0	(20,000,000)	0
Additional Investment by Shareholder	0	40,000,000	65,000,000
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	126,372,000	149,761,000	67,928,000
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	(1,357,000)	3,228,000	(6,153,000)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Year	4,619,000	1,391,000	7,544,000
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Year	3,262,000	4,619,000	1,391,000
Cash paid (received) during the year for:
Interest (Net of Amounts Capitalized)	28,583,000	23,729,000	18,497,000
Income Taxes (Refunds) Paid	(21,742,000)	(8,476,000)	(1,000)
Supplemental Disclosures of Non-Cash Investing Activities
Capital Expenditures acquired on account but unpaid as of year-end	$ 32,272,000	$ 25,889,000	$ 25,275,000

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Utility Plant, at original cost	$ 4,341,113	$ 2,652,244
Accumulated Depreciation	(787,243)	(498,161)
Nonutility Property and Equipment, at cost	152,232	741,027
Accumulated Depreciation	(52,629)	(194,913)
Property, Plant and Equipment - Net	3,653,473	2,700,197
Investments:
Available-for-Sale Securities	41	36
Restricted	1,649	31,876
Investment in Affiliates	76,122	62,292
Total Investments	77,812	94,204
Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	30,030	7,819
Accounts Receivable	337,502	202,379
Unbilled Revenues	79,538	73,377
Provision for Uncollectibles	(18,842)	(13,988)
Notes Receivable - Affiliate	1,945	4,913
Natural Gas in Storage, average cost	60,425	48,513
Materials and Supplies, average cost	1,743	4,239
Prepaid Taxes	30,694	41,355
Derivatives - Energy Related Assets	54,021	42,139
Assets Held For Sale	59,588	0
Other Prepayments and Current Assets	26,548	28,247
Total Current Assets	663,192	438,993
Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets:
Regulatory Assets	662,969	469,224
Derivatives - Energy Related Assets	7,169	5,988
Notes Receivable - Affiliate	13,275	13,275
Contract Receivables	27,961	28,721
Goodwill	734,607	3,578
Other (See Note 1)	116,119	110,906
Total Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets	1,562,100	631,692
Total Assets	5,956,577	3,865,086
Common Stock: Par Value $1.25 per share; Authorized 120,000,000 shares; Outstanding Shares: 85,506,218 (2018) and 79,549,080 (2017)
Balance at Beginning of Year	99,436	99,347
Common Stock Issued or Granted Under Stock Plans	7,447	89
Balance at End of Year	106,883	99,436
Premium on Common Stock	843,268	709,658
Treasury Stock (at par)	(292)	(271)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	(26,095)	(36,765)
Retained Earnings	343,258	420,351
Total Equity	1,267,022	1,192,409
Long-Term Debt	2,106,863	1,122,999
Total Capitalization	3,373,885	2,315,408
Current Liabilities:
Notes Payable	270,500	346,400
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt	733,909	63,809
Accounts Payable	410,463	284,899
Customer Deposits and Credit Balances	32,058	43,398
Environmental Remediation Costs	47,592	66,372
Taxes Accrued	5,881	2,932
Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities	24,134	46,938
Derivatives - Other Current	588	748
Deferred Contract Revenues	1,772	259
Interest Accrued	14,208	9,079
Pension Benefits	3,631	2,388
Other Current Liabilities	36,102	15,860
Total Current Liabilities	1,580,838	883,082
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities:
Deferred Income Taxes - Net	85,836	86,884
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	110,112	101,544
Environmental Remediation Costs	206,058	106,483
Asset Retirement Obligations	80,163	59,497
Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities	7,256	6,025
Derivatives - Other Noncurrent	7,285	9,622
Regulatory Liabilities	478,499	287,105
Other	26,645	9,436
Total Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities	1,001,854	666,596
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 15)
Total Capitalization and Liabilities	5,956,577	3,865,086
South Jersey Gas Company
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Utility Plant, at original cost	2,907,202	2,652,244
Accumulated Depreciation	(523,743)	(498,161)
Nonutility Property and Equipment, at cost	0	0
Property, Plant and Equipment - Net	2,383,459	2,154,083
Investments:
Restricted	1,278	2,912
Total Investments	1,278	2,912
Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	1,984	1,707
Accounts Receivable	101,572	78,571
Accounts Receivable - Related Parties	2,442	988
Unbilled Revenues	43,271	54,980
Provision for Uncollectibles	(13,643)	(13,799)
Natural Gas in Storage, average cost	16,336	14,932
Materials and Supplies, average cost	619	825
Prepaid Taxes	28,772	38,326
Derivatives - Energy Related Assets	5,464	7,327
Other Prepayments and Current Assets	11,280	12,670
Total Current Assets	198,097	196,527
Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets:
Regulatory Assets	492,365	469,224
Long-Term Receivables	25,531	25,851
Derivatives - Energy Related Assets	15	5
Other (See Note 1)	17,491	17,372
Total Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets	535,402	512,452
Total Assets	3,118,236	2,865,974
Common Stock: Par Value $1.25 per share; Authorized 120,000,000 shares; Outstanding Shares: 85,506,218 (2018) and 79,549,080 (2017)
Balance at Beginning of Year	5,848
Balance at End of Year	5,848	5,848
Premium on Common Stock	355,744	355,744
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	(22,357)	(25,997)
Retained Earnings	668,787	585,838
Total Equity	1,008,022	921,433
Long-Term Debt	874,507	758,052
Total Capitalization	1,882,529	1,679,485
Current Liabilities:
Notes Payable	107,500	52,000
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt	18,909	63,809
Accounts Payable - Commodity	48,490	43,341
Accounts Payable - Other	52,966	41,365
Accounts Payable - Related Parties	12,563	17,029
Customer Deposits and Credit Balances	23,862	41,656
Environmental Remediation Costs	33,022	66,040
Taxes Accrued	1,891	1,760
Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities	2,146	9,270
Derivatives - Other Current	343	389
Interest Accrued	7,134	7,615
Pension Benefits	3,597	2,353
Other Current Liabilities	9,444	7,027
Total Current Liabilities	321,867	353,654
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities:
Deferred Income Taxes - Net	325,886	280,746
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	96,053	88,871
Environmental Remediation Costs	115,049	105,656
Asset Retirement Obligations	79,890	58,714
Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities	43	170
Derivatives - Other Noncurrent	5,524	6,639
Regulatory Liabilities	286,539	287,105
Other	4,856	4,934
Total Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities	913,840	832,835
Total Capitalization and Liabilities	$ 3,118,236	$ 2,865,974

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2014
Common stock, par value (in USD per share)	$ 1.25	$ 1.25
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	120,000,000	120,000,000
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	85,506,218	79,549,080	79,478,055	70,965,622
South Jersey Gas Company
Common stock, par value (in USD per share)	$ 2.50	$ 2.50
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	4,000,000	4,000,000
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	2,339,139	2,339,139

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity and Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Premium on Common Stock/Other Paid-In-Capital	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Retained Earnings	Postretirement Liability Adjustment	[1]	Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives-Other	[2]	Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available- for-Sale Securities	[2]	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) of Affiliated Companies	[2]	South Jersey Gas Company	South Jersey Gas CompanyCommon Stock	South Jersey Gas CompanyPremium on Common Stock/Other Paid-In-Capital	South Jersey Gas CompanyAccumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	South Jersey Gas CompanyRetained Earnings	South Jersey Gas CompanyPostretirement Liability Adjustment	[1]	South Jersey Gas CompanyUnrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives-Other	[3]	South Jersey Gas CompanyUnrealized Gain (Loss) on Available- for-Sale Securities	[3]	Postretirement Liability	Postretirement LiabilitySouth Jersey Gas Company	Unrealized Gain (Loss)	Unrealized Gain (Loss)South Jersey Gas Company
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 1,037,539	$ 88,707	$ 499,460	$ (296)	$ (24,499)	$ 474,167	$ (22,145)		$ (2,129)		$ (128)		$ (97)		$ 707,927	$ 5,848	$ 250,827	$ (12,862)	$ 464,114	$ (12,220)		$ (544)		$ (98)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	118,810					118,810									69,045				69,045
Common Stock Issued or Granted Through Equity Offering or Stock Plans	218,153	10,640	207,483	30
Cash Dividends Declared – Common Stock	(82,380)					(82,380)
Additional Investment by Shareholder															65,000		65,000
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016	1,289,240	99,347	706,943	(266)	(27,381)	510,597	(25,342)		(1,932)		(10)		(97)		839,900	5,848	315,827	(14,934)	533,159	(14,417)		(517)		0
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2015	1,037,539	88,707	499,460	(296)	(24,499)	474,167	(22,145)		(2,129)		(128)		(97)		707,927	5,848	250,827	(12,862)	464,114	(12,220)		(544)		(98)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Changes During Year	(2,882)				(2,882)		(3,197)		197		118		0		(2,072)			(2,072)		(2,197)		27		98
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016	1,289,240	99,347	706,943	(266)	(27,381)	510,597	(25,342)		(1,932)		(10)		(97)		839,900	5,848	315,827	(14,934)	533,159	(14,417)		(517)		0
Additional Statement Information [Abstract]
Combined average statutory tax rate																										40.00%	40.00%	40.00%	40.00%
Net Income	(3,490)					(3,490)									72,557				72,557
Common Stock Issued or Granted Through Equity Offering or Stock Plans	2,799	89	2,715	(5)
Cash Dividends Declared – Common Stock	(87,308)					(87,308)									(20,000)				(20,000)
Additional Investment by Shareholder															40,000		40,000
Excess Tax Benefit	552					552									122		0		122
Tax Deficiency from Restricted Stock Plan															(83)		(83)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017	1,192,409	99,436	709,658	(271)	(36,765)	420,351	(36,262)		(396)		(10)		(97)		921,433	5,848	355,744	(25,997)	585,838	(25,507)		(490)		0
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2016	1,289,240	99,347	706,943	(266)	(27,381)	510,597	(25,342)		(1,932)		(10)		(97)		839,900	5,848	315,827	(14,934)	533,159	(14,417)		(517)		0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Changes During Year	(9,384)				(9,384)		(10,920)		1,536		0		0		(11,063)			(11,063)		(11,090)		27		0
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017	1,192,409	99,436	709,658	(271)	(36,765)	420,351	(36,262)		(396)		(10)		(97)		921,433	5,848	355,744	(25,997)	585,838	(25,507)		(490)		0
Additional Statement Information [Abstract]
Combined average statutory tax rate																										27.00%	27.00%	39.00%	39.00%
Net Income	17,663					17,663									82,949				82,949
Common Stock Issued or Granted Through Equity Offering or Stock Plans	141,036	7,447	133,610	(21)
Cash Dividends Declared – Common Stock	(94,756)					(94,756)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2018	1,267,022	106,883	843,268	(292)	(26,095)	343,258	(25,626)		(362)		(10)		(97)		1,008,022	5,848	355,744	(22,357)	668,787	(21,901)		(456)		0
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017	1,192,409	99,436	709,658	(271)	(36,765)	420,351	(36,262)		(396)		(10)		(97)		921,433	5,848	355,744	(25,997)	585,838	(25,507)		(490)		0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Changes During Year	10,670				10,670		10,636		34						3,640			3,640		3,606		34
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 1,267,022	$ 106,883	$ 843,268	$ (292)	$ (26,095)	$ 343,258	$ (25,626)		$ (362)		$ (10)		$ (97)		$ 1,008,022	$ 5,848	$ 355,744	$ (22,357)	$ 668,787	$ (21,901)		$ (456)		$ 0
Additional Statement Information [Abstract]
Combined average statutory tax rate																										25.00%	25.00%	25.00%	25.00%
[1]	Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of 25% in 2018; 27% for 2017; and 40% for 2016.
[2]	Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of 25% for 2018; 39% for 2017; and 40% for 2016.
[3]	Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of 25% for 2018; 39% for 2017; and 40% for 2016.

Consolidated Statements of Ch_2

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity and Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash Dividends Declared - Common Stock (in USD per share)	$ 1.13	$ 1.10	$ 1.07

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTI

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: GENERAL - SJI provides a variety of energy-related products and services primarily through the following wholly-owned subsidiaries: ▪ SJIU is a holding company that owns SJG, and as of July 1, 2018, ETG and ELK (see "Acquisition" below). * SJG is a regulated natural gas utility which distributes natural gas in the seven southernmost counties of New Jersey. * ETG is a regulated natural gas utility which distributes natural gas in seven counties in northern and central New Jersey. * ELK is a regulated natural gas utility which distributes natural gas in northern Maryland. ▪ SJE acquires and markets electricity to retail end users. SJE previously acquired and marketed natural gas and provided total energy management services to commercial, industrial and residential customers. In November 2018, the Company sold SJE's retail gas businesses. ▪ 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. ▪ SJEX owns oil, gas and mineral rights in the Marcellus Shale region of Pennsylvania. ▪ Marina develops and operates on-site energy-related projects. The significant wholly-owned subsidiaries of Marina include: • ACB, which owns and operates a natural gas fueled combined heating, cooling and power facility located in Atlantic City, New Jersey. • ACLE, BCLE, SCLE and SXLE, which owns and operates landfill gas-to-energy production facilities in Atlantic, Burlington, Salem and Sussex Counties in New Jersey. • MCS, NBS and SBS, which owned and operated solar-generation sites located in New Jersey. These entities were sold in October 2018. ▪ SJESP receives commissions on service contracts from a third party. • 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 consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SJI, its wholly-owned subsidiaries (including SJG) and subsidiaries in which SJI has a controlling interest. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Beginning as of the date of their acquisition, July 1, 2018, SJI is reporting on a consolidated basis the combined operations of ETG and ELK, along with its other wholly-owned and controlled subsidiaries. In management's opinion, the consolidated financial statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments needed to fairly present SJI's financial position, operating results and cash flows at the dates and for the periods presented. Certain reclassifications have been made to SJI's and SJG's prior period consolidated statements of income to conform to the current period presentation. The non-service cost components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs are now included as a reduction to Other Income and Expense, as opposed to being recorded as an Operations Expense, to conform with ASU 2017-07, which is described below under "New Accounting Pronouncements." This caused a reduction to both Operations Expense and Other Income on the consolidated statement of income for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. This also caused a reclassification to SJI's prior period segments disclosure in Note 8 to increase Operating Income within both the SJG Utility Operations and Corporate & Services segments for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. This also caused a reduction to (1) Operations, Impairment Charges and Maintenance Including Fixed Charges and (2) Other Income and Expense within the summarized quarterly results of SJI's and SJG's operations for the year ended December 31, 2017 (see "Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)"). Certain reclassifications have been made to SJI's prior period segments disclosures to conform to the current period presentation. The activities of SJI Midstream, which were presented in the Corporate & Services segment during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, are now separated into the Midstream segment for the year ended December 31, 2018. This caused prior period reclassifications to Interest Charges and Income Taxes in Note 8. Certain reclassifications have been made to SJI's prior period consolidated balance sheet to conform to the current period presentation. Identifiable Intangible Assets are now recorded in Other Noncurrent Assets as of December 31, 2018, causing a prior period reclassification to the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017. ACQUISITION - On July 1, 2018, SJI, through its wholly-owned subsidiary SJIU, acquired the assets of ETG and ELK from Pivotal Utility Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Southern Company Gas (collectively, the "Acquisition"), for total consideration of $1.74 billion (see Note 20). In the second quarter of 2018, SJI completed public equity offerings and issued long-term debt to help fund the Acquisition (see Notes 6 and 14, respectively). AGREEMENT TO SELL SOLAR ASSETS - On June 27, 2018, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Marina, entered into a series of agreements whereby Marina agreed to sell its portfolio of solar energy assets (the “Transaction”) to a third-party buyer. As part of the Transaction, Marina has agreed to sell its distributed solar energy projects located across New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts and Vermont with total capacity of approximately 204 MW (the “Projects”). As part of the Transaction, Marina sold the assets comprising the Projects or, in some cases, 100% of the equity interests of certain special purpose companies wholly-owned by Marina that own the assets comprising certain Projects, including MCS, NBS and SBS. The sale of individual Projects is occurring on a rolling basis as the conditions precedent to each closing have been satisfied, including obtaining certain regulatory filings and receipt of consents to assignment of project contracts and permits. The individual purchase prices for those Projects have been adjusted to account for Project revenues retained by Marina during the period prior to such closings. Also in connection with the Transaction, Marina will lease certain of the Projects that have not yet passed the fifth anniversary of their placed-in-service dates for U.S. federal income tax purposes back from the buyer from the date each such project is acquired by the buyer until the later of the first anniversary of the applicable acquisition date and the fifth anniversary of the applicable placed-in-service date of the project. In July 2018, as part of the Transaction, Marina received a cash payment of $62.5 million for the sale of certain SRECs. During the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company closed on the majority of these projects, including the wholly-owned subsidiaries MCS, NBS and SBS, with each project sold having met all conditions to satisfy closing as defined above. Total consideration received in the fourth quarter related to these sales was $228.1 million . The Company currently has projects that have not yet closed and are expected to be sold in 2019. The value of these unsold assets is $59.6 million and is recorded as Assets Held For Sale on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2018, where they will remain until they are transferred to a buyer. The Company also closed in the fourth quarter of 2018 on a separate solar project for total consideration of $4.8 million . In total, the Company recorded pre-tax gains on the sale of all projects discussed above of $17.6 million in Net Gain on Sales of Assets on the consolidated statements of income, with these gains pertaining to those projects that were not impaired as discussed under "Impairment of Long-Lived Assets" below. SALE OF RETAIL GAS OPERATIONS OF SJE - On November 30, 2018, SJI sold the retail gas assets of SJE for total consideration of $15.0 million . As a result of this agreement, SJE no longer acquires, transports or markets natural gas for retail markets. The Company recognized a pre-tax loss on this sale of $2.2 million , which is recorded in Net Gain on Sales of Assets on the consolidated statements of income. EQUITY INVESTMENTS - Marketable equity securities that are purchased as long-term investments are classified as Available-for-Sale Securities and carried at their fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. Any unrealized gains or losses are included in AOCL. SJI, through wholly owned subsidiaries, holds significant variable interests in several companies but is not the primary beneficiary. Consequently, these investments are accounted for under the equity method. In the event that losses and/or distributions from these equity method investments exceed the carrying value, and the Company is obligated to provide additional financial support, the excess will be recorded as either a current or non-current liability on the consolidated balance sheets. SJI includes the operations of these affiliated companies on a pre-tax basis in the statements of consolidated income under Equity in Earnings (Loss) of Affiliated Companies (see Note 3). An impairment loss is recorded when there is clear evidence that a decline in value is other than temporary. No impairment losses were recorded on equity investments during 2018, 2017 or 2016. SJG does not hold any equity investments. ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS - The consolidated financial statements were prepared to conform with GAAP. Management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Therefore, actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include amounts related to regulatory accounting, energy derivatives, environmental remediation costs, pension and other postretirement benefit costs, revenue recognition and goodwill. REGULATION - SJG and ETG are subject to the rules and regulations of the BPU, while ELK is subject to the rules and regulations of the MPSC. See Note 10 for a discussion of SJG's, ETG's and ELK's rate structure and regulatory actions. SJG, ETG and ELK maintain their accounts according to the BPU's and MPSC's, prescribed Uniform System of Accounts. SJG, ETG and ELK follow the accounting for regulated enterprises prescribed by FASBASC Topic 980 -”Regulated Operations.” In general, Topic 980 allows for the deferral of certain costs (regulatory assets) and creation of certain obligations (regulatory liabilities) when it is probable that such items will be recovered from or refunded to customers in future periods. See Note 11 for a detailed discussion of regulatory assets and liabilities. OPERATING REVENUES - Gas and electric revenues are recognized in the period the commodity is delivered to customers. For retail customers (including SJG) that are not billed at the end of the month, we record an estimate to recognize unbilled revenues for gas and electricity delivered from the date of the last meter reading to the end of the month. SJRG's gas revenues are recognized in the period the commodity is delivered. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on energy-related derivative instruments are also recognized in operating revenues for SJRG. See further discussion under Derivative Instruments. SJRG presents revenues and expenses related to its energy trading activities on a net basis in operating revenues. This net presentation has no effect on operating income or net income. The Company recognizes revenues on commissions received related to SJESP appliance service contracts from a third party on a monthly basis as these commissions are earned. Marina recognizes revenue on a monthly basis as services are provided, as lease income is earned, and for on-site energy production that is delivered to its customers. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND PROVISION FOR UNCOLLECTIBLE ACCOUNTS - Accounts receivable are carried at the amount owed by customers. A provision for uncollectible accounts is established based on our collection experience and an assessment of the collectibility of specific accounts. NATURAL GAS IN STORAGE – Natural Gas in Storage is reflected at average cost on the consolidated balance sheets, and represents natural gas that will be utilized in the ordinary course of business. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS - The amounts included under ARO are primarily related to the legal obligations SJI has to cut and cap gas distribution pipelines when taking those pipelines out of service in future years. These liabilities are generally recognized upon the acquisition or construction of the asset. The related asset retirement cost is capitalized concurrently by increasing the carrying amount of the related asset by the same amount as the liability. Changes in the liability are recorded for the passage of time (accretion) or for revisions to cash flows originally estimated to settle the ARO. ARO activity was as follows (in thousands): 2018 2017 SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): AROs as of January 1, $ 59,497 $ 59,427 Accretion 1,909 1,955 Additions 297 1,008 Settlements (3,402 ) (2,893 ) Revisions in Estimated Cash Flows (A) 21,862 — ARO's as of December 31, $ 80,163 $ 59,497 2018 2017 SJG: AROs as of January 1, $ 58,714 $ 58,674 Accretion 1,880 1,925 Additions 297 1,008 Settlements (2,863 ) (2,893 ) Revisions in Estimated Cash Flows (A) 21,862 — ARO's as of December 31, $ 79,890 $ 58,714 (A) The revision in estimated cash flows reflects an increase in the contract retirement costs of approximately $31.5 million , partially offset by $9.6 million due to changes in the discount and inflation rates to settle the ARO. Corresponding entries were made to Regulatory Assets and Utility Plant, thus having no impact on earnings. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT - For regulatory purposes, utility plant is stated at original cost, which may be different than costs if the assets were acquired from another regulated entity. Nonutility property, plant and equipment is stated at cost. The cost of adding, replacing and renewing property is charged to the appropriate plant account. Utility Plant balances and Nonutility Property and Equipment as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were comprised of the following (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): SJG 2018 2017 2018 2017 Utility Plant Production Plant $ 1,281 $ 296 $ 296 $ 296 Storage Plant 92,769 61,909 61,996 61,909 Transmission Plant 326,906 258,598 306,654 258,598 Distribution Plant 3,466,101 2,044,421 2,212,831 2,044,421 General Plant 303,219 175,599 241,095 175,599 Other Plant 1,964 1,855 1,855 1,855 Utility Plant In Service 4,192,240 2,542,678 2,824,727 2,542,678 Construction Work In Progress 148,873 109,566 82,475 109,566 Total Utility Plant $ 4,341,113 $ 2,652,244 $ 2,907,202 $ 2,652,244 Nonutility Property and Equipment Solar Assets (A) $ — $ 582,379 $ — $ — Cogeneration Assets 126,228 125,614 — — Other Assets 26,004 33,034 — — Total Nonutility Property and Equipment $ 152,232 $ 741,027 $ — $ — (A) All remaining solar assets are recorded as Assets Held for Sale in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2018. DEPRECIATION - We depreciate utility plant on a straight-line basis over the estimated remaining lives of the various property classes. These estimates are periodically reviewed and adjusted as required after BPU/MPSC approval. The composite annual rate for all depreciable utility property was approximately 2.3% in 2018 , and 2.2% in each of 2017 and 2016 . The actual composite rate may differ from the approved rate as the asset mix changes over time. Except for retirements outside of the normal course of business, accumulated depreciation is charged with the cost of depreciable utility property retired, less salvage. Nonutility property depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the property, ranging up to 50 years. Gain or loss on the disposition of nonutility property is recognized in operating income. As of December 31, 2018 , total accumulated depreciation for utility and nonutility property and equipment was $787.2 million and $52.6 million , respectively. As of December 31, 2018 , total accumulated depreciation for SJG utility property and equipment was $523.7 million . DEBT ISSUANCE COSTS - Debt issuance costs are capitalized and amortized as interest expense on a basis which approximates the effective interest method over the term of the related debt. Debt issuance costs are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt. See Note 14 for the total unamortized debt issuance costs that are recorded as a reduction to long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets of SJI and SJG. CAPITALIZED INTEREST - SJG capitalizes interest on construction at the rate of return on the rate base utilized by the BPU to set rates in SJG's last base rate proceeding. For SJG's accelerated infrastructure programs, SJG capitalizes interest on construction at a rate prescribed by the programs (see Note 10), and amounts are included in Utility Plant on the consolidated balance sheets. Midstream capitalizes interest on capital projects in progress based on the actual cost of borrowed funds, and amounts are included in Nonutility Property and Equipment on the consolidated balance sheets. Interest Charges are presented net of capitalized interest on the statements of consolidated income. The amount of interest capitalized by SJI (including SJG) for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 was $2.5 million , $2.0 million and $6.6 million , respectively. The amount of interest capitalized by SJG for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 was $2.2 million , $1.6 million and $5.3 million , 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 FASB ASC Topic 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 Impairment Charges on the 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. The Transaction described above under "Agreement to Sell Solar Assets" triggered an indicator of impairment in the second quarter of 2018 as the purchase price was less than the carrying amount for several of the assets sold and, as a result, several assets were considered to be impaired. The Company measured the impairment loss as the difference between the carrying amount of the respective assets and the fair value, which was determined using the purchase price and the expected cash flows from the assets, including potential price reductions resulting from the timing needed to satisfy all required closing conditions. As a result, the Company recorded an impairment charge within the on-site energy production segment of $99.2 million (pre-tax) in Impairment Charges on the consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2018, to reduce the carrying amount of several assets to their fair market value. In 2017, SJI had reason to believe that, due to a significant decline in the market prices of Maryland SRECs, combined with 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 for the year ended December 31, 2017. Also, during the fourth quarter of 2017, as the Company updated its estimated future cash flows for the rest of its solar portfolio, the Company determined that the expected future undiscounted cash flows for certain individual solar facilities were below their carrying value and the assets were considered impaired. As a result, SJI recorded an additional impairment charge of $27.4 million in 2017. The fair values of the impaired solar 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. The key inputs to the methodology were forecasted SREC and electric revenues, operating expenses, salvage values, and discount rates. Also in the fourth quarter of 2017, SJI observed its LFGTE assets were incurring continuing cash flow losses specifically due to larger than expected decreases in electric generation and increasing operating expenses, and as a result had reason to believe the carrying value of these assets may no longer be recoverable. As a result, SJI performed an impairment test on the respective assets which led to an impairment charge of $16.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The fair values of the LFGTE assets were determined using a combination of market and cost approaches, which considers similar market transactions that are specific to the LFGTE assets. The cost and market approaches used were deemed Level 3 fair value measurements. In the fourth quarter of 2018, SJI observed its LFGTE assets were continuing to incur cash flow losses for similar reasons, and as a result had reason to believe the remaining carrying value of these assets may no longer be recoverable. As a result, the remaining carrying value of all such assets was written off via an impairment charge of $6.1 million (pre-tax) during the fourth quarter of 2018. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, SJI had total long-lived asset impairment charges (pre-tax) of $105.3 million and $87.8 million , respectively. These impairment charges are recorded within Impairment Charges on the consolidated statements of income and are included within the On-Site Energy Production segment. No impairment charges were recorded at SJI for the year ended December 31, 2016. No impairment charges were recorded at SJG for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016. Additional impairment charges on assets other than long-lived assets were recorded during the year ended December 31, 2017, see Note 21. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - SJI accounts for derivative instruments in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815 - “Derivatives and Hedging.” We record all derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value unless the derivative contracts qualify for the normal purchase and sale exemption. In general, if the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, we recognize the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk in earnings. We currently have no fair value hedges. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, we record the effective portion of the hedge in AOCL and recognize it in the income statement when the hedged item affects earnings. We recognize ineffective portions of the cash flow hedges immediately in earnings. We currently have no cash flow hedges. We formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk management objectives, strategies for undertaking various hedge transactions and our methods for assessing and testing correlation and hedge ineffectiveness. All hedging instruments are linked to the hedged asset, liability, firm commitment or forecasted transaction. Due to the application of regulatory accounting principles under FASB ASC Topic 980, gains and losses on derivatives related to SJG's gas purchases are recorded through the BGSS clause. Initially and on an ongoing basis, we assess whether derivatives designated as hedges are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows or fair values of the hedged items. We discontinue hedge accounting prospectively if we decide to discontinue the hedging relationship; determine that the anticipated transaction is no longer likely to occur; or determine that a derivative is no longer highly effective as a hedge. In the event that hedge accounting is discontinued, we will continue to carry the derivative on the balance sheet at its current fair value and recognize subsequent changes in fair value in current period earnings. Unrealized gains and losses on the discontinued hedges that were previously included in AOCL will be reclassified into earnings when the forecasted transaction occurs, or when it is probable that it will not occur. Hedge accounting has been discontinued for all remaining derivatives that were designated as hedging instruments. As a result, unrealized gains and losses on these derivatives, that were previously recorded in AOCL on the consolidated balance sheets, are being recorded into 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 (see Note 16). 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 on these costs during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , $8.6 million and $8.7 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 the consolidated balance sheets. TREASURY STOCK – SJI uses the par value method of accounting for treasury stock. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , SJI held 233,482 and 216,642 shares of treasury stock, respectively. These shares are related to deferred compensation arrangements where the amounts earned are held in the stock of SJI. AFUDC - SJI and SJG record AFUDC, which represents the estimated debt and equity costs of capital funds that are necessary to finance the construction of new regulated facilities. While cash is not realized currently, AFUDC increases the regulated revenue requirement and is included in rate base and recovered over the service life of the asset through a higher rate base and higher depreciation. 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 FASB ASC Topic 740 - “Income Taxes” (See Note 4). 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. On December 22, 2017, Tax Reform was enacted into law, changing various corporate income tax provisions within the existing Internal Revenue Code. The law became effective January 1, 2018 but was required to be accounted for in the period of enactment, as such SJI adopted the new requirements in the fourth quarter of 2017. SJI and SJG were impacted in several ways as a result of Tax Reform, see Note 4. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - For purposes of reporting cash flows, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less are considered cash equivalents. BUSINESS COMBINATION - The Company applies the acquisition method to account for business combinations. The consideration transferred for an acquisition is the fair value of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred by the acquirer and the equity interests issued by the acquirer. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. The excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill (see Note 20). AMA - On July 1, 2018, SJRG purchased from a third party an AMA whereby SJRG will manage the pipeline capacity of ETG. Total cash payment was $11.3 million . The AMA expires on March 31, 2022. Under the AMA, SJRG will pay ETG an annual fee of $4.25 million , plus additional profit sharing as defined in the AMA. The amounts received by ETG will be credited to its BGSS clause and returned to its ratepayers. The total purchase price was allocated as follows (in thousands): Natural Gas in Storage $ 9,685 Intangible Asset 19,200 Profit Sharing - Other Liabilities (17,546 ) Total Consideration $ 11,339 As of December 31, 2018 the balance of the intangible asset is $16.6 million and is recorded to Other Current and Noncurrent Assets on the consolidated balance sheets of SJI, with the reduction being due to amortization. As of December 31, 2018, the balance in the liability is $17.0 million and is recorded to Regulatory Liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets of SJI, with the change resulting from profit sharing earned. ERIP - The Company offered an ERIP to non-union, non-Officer employees over the age of 55 years old with 20 or more years of service to the Company as well as to Officers over the age of 55 years old with 5 or more years of service to the Company. Communication was made to these employees in the fourth quarter 2018, with acceptance made by non-union employees by December 15, 2018 and by Officers by December 31, 2018. Total cost to the Company for the ERIP was $13.4 million , of which $8.3 million is included in Operations Expense on the consolidated statements of income as of December 31, 2018, and $5.1 million was related to employees of SJG and recorded as a Regulatory Asset on the consolidated balance sheets. These costs include severances, curtailments and special termination benefits on the Company's pension, SERP and OPEB plans. CURRENT PORTION OF LONG-TERM DEBT - The Company has $733.9 million of long-term debt that is due within the next year. The Company expects to significantly reduce this debt in 2019 using cash provided from the settlement of its equity forward sale agreement (see Note 22), the sale of the remaining solar assets as noted above, along with the sale of other assets considered non-core to the business. The remaining long-term debt that is due within the next year is expected to be paid off by utilizing funds provided from refinancing activity and from the revolving credit facility. The Company anticipates refinancing approximately $500.0 million of outstanding long-term debt during 2019. Management believes that actions presently being taken to pay off the long-term debt that is due within the next year will be successful as the Company has been successful in refinancing debt in the past. However, there can be no assurance that success will continue in the future. No adjustments have been made to the financial statements to account for this uncertainty. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS - Other than as described below, no new accounting pronouncement had, or is expected to have, a material impact on the 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 core principle under this new standard is for an entity to recognize 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, with a five-step model for recognizing and measuring revenue from contracts with customers. The new standard also requires enhanced disclosure regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenues and the related cash flows arising from contracts with customers. 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

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN: Under SJI's 2015 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan (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 years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 . No stock appreciation rights have been issued under the plans. During the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , SJI granted 201,858 167,734 and 194,347 restricted shares, respectively, to Officers and other key employees under the plans. 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. SJI grants time-based shares of restricted stock, one-third of which vests annually over a three -year period and which are limited to 100% payout. Vesting of time-based grants is contingent upon SJI achieving a 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. Beginning in 2018, the vesting and payout of time-based shares of restricted stock is solely contingent upon the service requirements being met in years one, two, and three of the grant. In 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , Officers and other key employees were granted 67,479 , 53,058 , and 58,304 shares of time-based restricted stock, respectively, which are included in the shares noted above. Grants containing market-based performance targets use SJI's 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. Earnings-based performance targets include pre-defined EGR and ROE goals to measure performance. Beginning in 2016, performance targets include pre-defined 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. SJI granted 26,416 , 30,394 and 35,197 restricted shares to Directors in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. 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 at December 31, 2018 , 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 - 2016 - TSR 50,531 $ 22.53 18.1 % 1.31 % 2016 - CEGR, Time 63,747 23.52 N/A N/A 2017 - TSR 43,615 $ 32.17 20.8 % 1.47 % 2017 - CEGR, Time 71,796 $ 33.69 N/A N/A 2018 - TSR 59,973 $ 31.05 21.9 % 2.00 % 2018 - CEGR, Time 122,147 $ 31.23 N/A N/A Directors - 2018 26,416 $ 31.16 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 for the years ended December 31 (in thousands): 2018 2017 2016 Officers & Key Employees $ 3,321 $ 3,232 $ 3,051 Directors 823 1,022 841 Total Cost 4,144 4,254 3,892 Capitalized (386 ) (288 ) (385 ) Net Expense $ 3,758 $ 3,966 $ 3,507 The table above reflects the reversal of approximately $0.3 million $1.1 million and $0.1 million of previously recorded costs in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. These reversals are associated with EPS-based grants for which performance goals were not met. As of December 31, 2018 , there was $5.1 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 1.7 years. The following table summarizes information regarding restricted stock award activity during 2018 , excluding accrued dividend equivalents: Officers & Other Key Employees Directors Weighted Average Fair Value Nonvested Shares Outstanding, January 1, 2018 342,793 30,394 $ 28.60 Granted 201,858 26,416 $ 31.17 Vested (44,902 ) (30,394 ) $ 26.24 Cancelled/Forfeited (87,940 ) — $ 28.75 Nonvested Shares Outstanding, December 31, 2018 411,809 26,416 During the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , SJI awarded 67,130 , 65,628 and 13,247 , respectively, shares to its Officers and other key employees at a market value of $2.0 million , $2.2 million and $0.3 million , respectively. Also, during the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , SJI granted 26,416 , 30,394 and 35,197 shares to its Directors at a market value of $0.8 million , $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 consolidated balance sheets. SJG - Officers and other key employees of SJG participate in the stock-based compensation plans of SJI. During the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , SJG officers and other key employees were granted 32,924 , 24,001 and 33,218 shares of SJI restricted stock, respectively. The cost of outstanding stock awards for SJG during the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 was $0.6 million and $0.4 million and $0.6 million , respectively. Approximately 65% of these costs were capitalized on SJG's balance sheets to Utility Plant.

AFFILIATIONS, DISCONTINUED OPER

AFFILIATIONS, DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
AFFILIATIONS, DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS	AFFILIATIONS, DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS: AFFILIATIONS — The following affiliated entities are accounted for under the equity method: 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. Energenic currently does not have any projects that are operational. 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. 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 . 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. EnergyMark - SJE has a 33% investment in EnergyMark, an entity that acquires and markets natural gas to retail end users . For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, SJRG had net sales to EnergyMark of $41.6 million , $37.5 million and $31.4 million , respectively. EnerConnex - In the second quarter of 2018, SJI entered into an agreement to obtain a 25% investment in EnerConnex, which is a retail and wholesale broker and consultant that matches end users with suppliers for the procurement of natural gas and electricity. The investment made by SJI in EnerConnex was not material. The Company made net investments in unconsolidated affiliates of $6.6 million and $32.1 million in 2018 and 2017 , respectively. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , the outstanding balance of Notes Receivable – Affiliate was $15.2 million and $18.2 million , respectively. As of December 31, 2018 , approximately $13.6 million of these notes are secured by property, plant and equipment of the affiliates, accrue interest at 7.5% and are to be repaid through 2025 . The remaining $1.6 million of these notes are unsecured and accrue interest at variable rates. 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 December 31, 2018 , the Company had a net asset of approximately $76.1 million included in Investment in Affiliates on the 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 December 31, 2018 is limited to its combined equity contributions and the Notes Receivable-Affiliate in the aggregate amount of $91.3 million . DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS - Discontinued Operations consist of the environmental remediation activities related to the properties of SJF and the product liability litigation and environmental remediation activities related to the prior business of Morie. SJF is a subsidiary of 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 15). Summarized operating results of the discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, were (in thousands, except per share amounts): 2018 2017 2016 Loss before Income Taxes: Sand Mining $ (118 ) $ (84 ) $ (205 ) Fuel Oil (184 ) (175 ) (179 ) Income Tax Benefits 62 173 133 Loss from Discontinued Operations — Net $ (240 ) $ (86 ) $ (251 ) Earnings Per Common Share from Discontinued Operations — Net: Basic and Diluted $ — $ — $ — SJG RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS - SJG conducts business with its parent, SJI, and several other related parties. A description of each of these affiliates and related transactions is as follows: SJES - a wholly-owned subsidiary of SJI that serves as a holding company for all of SJI’s nonutility operating businesses: • SJE - Prior to the sale of SJE's retail gas business (see Note 1), for SJE’s commercial customers for which SJG performed billing services, SJG purchased the related accounts receivable at book value and charged them a purchase of receivable fee for potential uncollectible accounts, and assumed all risk associated with collection. • SJRG - SJG sells natural gas for resale and capacity release to SJRG and also meets some of SJG's gas purchasing requirements by purchasing natural gas from SJRG. • Marina - SJG provides natural gas transportation services to Marina under BPU-approved tariffs. • Millennium - Reads SJG's utility customers’ meters on a monthly basis for a fee. Sales of gas to SJRG and SJE comply with Section 284.02 of the Regulations of the FERC. In addition to the above, SJG provides various administrative and professional services to SJI and each of the affiliates discussed above. Likewise, SJI provides substantial administrative services on SJG's behalf. For certain types of transactions, SJG served as central processing agents for the related parties discussed above. Amounts due to and due from these related parties for pass-through items are not considered material to SJG's financial statements as a whole. A summary of related party transactions involving SJG, excluding pass-through items, included in SJG's Operating Revenues were as follows (in thousands): 2018 2017 2016 Operating Revenues/Affiliates: SJRG $ 5,813 $ 4,458 $ 6,934 Marina 379 314 302 Other 91 86 83 Total Operating Revenues/Affiliates $ 6,283 $ 4,858 $ 7,319 Related-party transactions involving SJG, excluding pass-through items, included in SJG's Cost of Sales and Operating Expenses were as follows (in thousands): 2018 2017 2016 Costs of Sales/Affiliates (Excluding depreciation and amortization) SJRG* $ 33,313 $ 24,337 $ 16,306 Operations Expense/Affiliates: SJI $ 31,740 $ 22,154 $ 20,296 Millennium 2,920 2,856 2,803 Other (569 ) (653 ) (198 ) Total Operations Expense/Affiliates $ 34,091 $ 24,357 $ 22,901 *These costs are included in either SJG's Cost of Sales on the statements of income, or Regulatory Assets on the balance sheets. As discussed in Note 1, 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 statements of consolidated income.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES: SJI files a consolidated federal income tax return and various state income tax returns, some of which are combined or unitary. Total income taxes applicable to operations differ from the tax that would have resulted by applying the statutory Federal income tax rate to pre-tax income for SJI and SJG for the following reasons (in thousands): 2018 2017 2016 SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Tax at Statutory Rate* $ 3,877 $ (9,915 ) $ 60,624 Increase (Decrease) Resulting from: State Income Taxes 622 2,778 6,438 ESOP Dividend (791 ) (1,314 ) (1,300 ) Tax Reform Adjustments (588 ) (13,521 ) — AFUDC (1,835 ) (3,094 ) (900 ) Amortization of Excess Deferred Taxes (893 ) — — Investment and Other Tax Credits (93 ) (666 ) (10,706 ) Other - Net 262 795 (5 ) Income Taxes: Continuing Operations 561 (24,937 ) 54,151 Discontinued Operations (62 ) (173 ) (133 ) Total Income Tax (Benefit) Expense $ 499 $ (25,110 ) $ 54,018 SJG: Tax at Statutory Rate* 22,966 41,390 37,944 Increase (Decrease) Resulting from: State Income Taxes 5,220 5,955 4,096 ESOP Dividend (712 ) (1,182 ) (1,170 ) AFUDC (1,126 ) (1,446 ) (900 ) Research and Development Credits — — (613 ) Other - Net 65 983 9 Total Income Tax Expense 26,413 45,700 39,366 The provision for Income Taxes is comprised of the following (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): 2018 2017 2016 Current: Federal $ (13,790 ) $ (34,971 ) $ — State 3,959 (48 ) (1,638 ) Total Current (9,831 ) (35,019 ) (1,638 ) Deferred: Federal 13,564 5,761 44,246 State (3,172 ) 4,321 11,543 Total Deferred 10,392 10,082 55,789 Income Taxes: Continuing Operations 561 (24,937 ) 54,151 Discontinued Operations (62 ) (173 ) (133 ) Total Income Tax (Benefit) Expense $ 499 $ (25,110 ) $ 54,018 SJG: Current: Federal $ (12,766 ) $ (33,012 ) $ — State — — (1,614 ) Total Current (12,766 ) (33,012 ) (1,614 ) Deferred: Federal 32,571 69,550 33,064 State 6,608 9,162 7,916 Total Deferred 39,179 78,712 40,980 Total Income Tax Expense $ 26,413 $ 45,700 $ 39,366 *See Tax Reform discussion below. For the year ended December 31, 2018 , SJI tax expense increased primarily due to higher income before taxes compared to 2017, as 2017 resulted in a loss before taxes compared to income in 2018. For the year ended December 31, 2017, SJI's tax expense decreased primarily due to adjustments made as a result of the Tax Reform (discussed below) along with an overall loss before income taxes, as opposed to income in 2016. These were partially offset with the impact of recording no investment tax credits in 2017. For SJG, tax expense decreased as income before taxes decreased as well. TAX REFORM - On December 22, 2017, Tax Reform was enacted into law, changing various corporate income tax provisions within the existing Internal Revenue Code. The law became effective January 1, 2018 but was required to be accounted for in the period of enactment, as such SJI adopted the new requirements in the fourth quarter of 2017. SJI and SJG were impacted in several ways as a result of Tax Reform, including provisions related to the permanent reduction in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% , modification of bonus depreciation and changes to the deductibility of certain business related expenses. As a result of the change in the federal corporate income tax rate, SJI and SJG revalued deferred tax assets and liabilities to reflect the rates expected to be in effect as a result of Tax Reform. This resulted in SJI recording a $14.1 million income tax benefit in total for the decrease of its net deferred tax liabilities. SJG also recorded a $260.5 million total decrease in its net deferred tax liabilities, which resulted in an increase to SJG's regulatory liabilities as such amounts are probable of settlement or recovery through customer rates. The amounts noted above were the total recorded between 2017 and 2018 as a result of Tax Reform. The amount and timing of potential settlements of the established net regulatory liability will be determined by the BPU, subject to certain IRS "normalization" provisions. All adjustments related to Tax Reform were recorded in the Corporate & Services segment. The SEC staff issued SAB 118, which provides guidance on accounting for the tax effects of Tax Reform. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the enactment date of Tax Reform for companies to complete the accounting under ASC 740. In accordance with SAB 118, a company must reflect the income tax effects of those aspects of Tax Reform for which the accounting under ASC 740 is complete. As of December 31, 2018, SJI and SJG consider the impacts from Tax Reform to be complete. While we still expect additional guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the IRS, we have finalized our calculations using available guidance. Any additional issued guidance or future actions of our regulators could potentially affect the final determination of the accounting effects arising from the implementation of Tax Reform. On August 3, 2018, the U.S. Department of Treasury, in conjunction with the IRS, released proposed regulations clarifying the immediate expensing provisions enacted by Tax Reform, specifically that regulated utility property acquired after September 27, 2017, and placed in service by December 31, 2017, qualifies for 100% expensing. Until the proposed regulations are finalized, taxpayers may rely on the proposed regulations for tax years ending after September 28, 2017. SJI and SJG recorded the impact of these proposed regulations and the adjustment was immaterial. In November 2018, the IRS issued proposed regulations that allow all interest expense of a consolidated group to be deductible as long as a public utility comprises at least 90 percent of the total consolidated business. Under these proposed regulations, SJI expects to meet the de minimis safe harbor rule in 2018 and therefore, the full amount of SJI’s 2018 consolidated interest expense would be deductible. The net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and income tax purposes resulted in the following net deferred tax assets and liabilities for SJI and SJG at December 31 (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): 2018 2017 Deferred Tax Assets: Net Operating Loss Carryforward $ 125,418 $ 152,541 Investment and Other Tax Credits 214,698 214,605 Derivatives / Unrealized Loss — 2,068 Conservation Incentive Program 1,701 — Deferred State Tax 16,087 16,905 Income Taxes Recoverable Through Rates 103,434 76,426 Pension & Other Post Retirement Benefits 16,560 16,624 Deferred Revenues 5,736 5,726 Provision for Uncollectibles 5,319 3,854 Other 4,639 1,949 Total Deferred Tax Asset $ 493,592 $ 490,698 Deferred Tax Liabilities: Book versus Tax Basis of Property $ 458,772 $ 486,854 Deferred Gas Costs - Net 25,812 10,254 Derivatives / Unrealized Gain 4,463 — Environmental Remediation 20,250 31,393 Deferred Regulatory Costs 14,351 3,554 Budget Billing - Customer Accounts 4,550 4,043 Deferred Pension & Other Post Retirement Benefits 34,095 21,349 Conservation Incentive Program — 7,721 Equity In Loss Of Affiliated Companies 1,417 1,377 Other 15,718 11,037 Total Deferred Tax Liability $ 579,428 $ 577,582 Deferred Tax Liability - Net $ 85,836 $ 86,884 SJG: Deferred Tax Assets: Net Operating Loss and Tax Credits $ 60,986 $ 73,785 Deferred State Tax 16,754 14,688 Provision for Uncollectibles 3,776 3,811 Conservation Incentive Program 1,701 — Income Taxes Recoverable Through Rates 67,372 76,426 Pension & Other Post Retirement Benefits 16,699 15,031 Deferred Revenues 5,906 6,066 Other 2,599 2,413 Total Deferred Tax Assets $ 175,793 $ 192,220 Deferred Tax Liabilities: Book Versus Tax Basis of Property $ 395,371 $ 386,642 Deferred Fuel Costs - Net 23,642 10,254 Environmental Remediation 40,753 31,637 Deferred Regulatory Costs 5,061 3,554 Deferred Pension & Other Post Retirement Benefits 21,870 21,349 Budget Billing - Customer Accounts 4,550 4,043 Section 461 Prepayments 1,081 866 Conservation Incentive Program — 7,721 Other 9,351 6,900 Total Deferred Tax Liabilities $ 501,679 $ 472,966 Deferred Tax Liability - Net $ 325,886 $ 280,746 SJG is included in the consolidated federal income tax return filed by SJI. The actual taxes, including credits, are allocated by SJI to its subsidiaries, generally on a separate return basis except for net operating loss and credit carryforwards. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , there were no income taxes due to or from SJI. As of December 31, 2018 , SJI has the following federal and state net operating loss carryforwards (in thousands): Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Expire in: Federal State 2031 $ 36,126 $ 3,142 2032 42,988 17,982 2033 57,363 35,232 2034 106,899 28,853 2035 51,308 9,956 2036 72,199 170,497 2037 75,606 89,714 2038 — 68,865 $ 442,489 $ 424,241 As of December 31, 2018 , SJI has the following investment tax credit carryforwards (in thousands): Expire in: Investment Tax Credit Carryforward 2030 $ 11,628 2031 25,664 2032 32,031 2033 45,606 2034 37,699 2035 45,005 2036 11,744 2037 636 2038 93 $ 210,106 SJI has $1.2 million of federal alternative minimum tax credits which have no expiration date. SJI also has research and development credits of $3.2 million that will expire between 2031 and 2035. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , SJG has total federal net operating loss carryforwards of $200.0 million and $261.1 million , respectively, that will expire between 2031 and 2037. SJG has a state net operating loss carryforward of $207.9 million and $208.8 million that will expire between 2036 and 2037. SJG has research and development credits of $2.7 million which will expire between 2031 and 2035. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that any of SJI's or SJG's deferred tax assets will not be realized. SJI and SJG believe that they will generate sufficient future taxable income to realize the income tax benefits related to their net deferred tax assets. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, is as follows (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): 2018 2017 2016 Balance at January 1, $ 1,445 $ 1,445 $ 559 Increase as a result of tax positions taken in prior years — — 886 Decrease in prior year positions (298 ) — — Balance at December 31, $ 1,147 $ 1,445 $ 1,445 SJG: Balance at January 1, $ 1,361 $ 1,361 $ 559 Increase as a result of tax position taken in prior years — — 802 Decrease in prior year positions (298 ) — — Balance at December 31, $ 1,063 $ 1,361 $ 1,361 The total unrecognized tax benefits reflected in the table above exclude $0.8 million of accrued interest and penalties as of December 31, 2018 , $0.8 million as of December 31, 2017 and $0.7 million as of December 31, 2016 for both SJI and SJG. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate is not significant. The Company's policy is to record interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as interest expense and other expense, respectively. These amounts were not significant in 2018 , 2017 or 2016 . The majority of the increased tax position in 2016 is attributable to research and development credits. The Company does not anticipate any significant changes in the total unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months. The unrecognized tax benefits are primarily related to an uncertainty of state income tax issues relating to the Company's nexus in certain states and tax credits. Federal income tax returns from 2014 forward and state income tax returns from 2008 forward are open and subject to examination.

PREFERRED STOCK

PREFERRED STOCK	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
PREFERRED STOCK	PREFERRED STOCK: REDEEMABLE CUMULATIVE PREFERRED STOCK - SJI has 2,500,000 authorized shares of Preference Stock, no par value, which has not been issued.

COMMON STOCK

COMMON STOCK	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
COMMON STOCK	COMMON STOCK: The following shares were issued and outstanding at December 31 (See Note 1): 2018 2017 2016 Beginning of Year 79,549,080 79,478,055 70,965,622 New Issuances During Year: Dividend Reinvestment Plan — — 417,095 Stock-Based Compensation Plan 67,308 71,025 45,338 Public Equity Offering 5,889,830 — 8,050,000 End of Year 85,506,218 79,549,080 79,478,055 The par value ( $1.25 per share) of stock issued was recorded in Common Stock and the net excess over par value at December 31, 2018 of approximately $133.6 million was recorded in Premium on Common Stock. There were 2,339,139 shares of SJG's common stock (par value $2.50 per share) outstanding as of December 31, 2018 . SJG did not issue any new shares during the period. SJIU, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SJI, owns all of the outstanding common stock of SJG. PUBLIC OFFERINGS - In April 2018, the Company completed the following public offerings, the net proceeds of which were used to fund a portion of the consideration paid for the assets of ETG and ELK (see Notes 1 and 20): • SJI offered 12,669,491 shares of its common stock, par value $1.25 per share, at a public offering price of $29.50 per share. Of the offered shares, 5,889,830 shares were issued at closing, including 1,652,542 shares pursuant to the underwriters’ option. The gross proceeds from these shares was $173.7 million , with net proceeds, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions, of $167.7 million . The remaining 6,779,661 shares of common stock ("Forward Shares") were to be sold by Bank of America, N.A., as forward seller, pursuant to a forward sale agreement. The Company received no proceeds from the sale of the Forward Shares in 2018. In January 2019, the Company settled the equity forward sale agreement; see Note 22. • SJI issued and sold 5,750,000 Equity Units, initially in the form of Corporate Units, which included 750,000 Corporate Units pursuant to the underwriters’ option. Each Corporate Unit has a stated amount of $50 and is comprised of (a) a purchase contract obligating the holder to purchase from the Company, and for the Company to sell to the holder for a price in cash of $50 , on the purchase contract settlement date, or April 15, 2021, subject to earlier termination or settlement, a certain number of shares of common stock; and (b) a 1/20, or 5% , undivided beneficial ownership interest in $1,000 principal amount of SJI’s 2018 Series A 3.70% Remarketable Junior Subordinated Notes due 2031. SJI will pay the holder quarterly contract adjustment payments at a rate of 3.55% per year on the stated amount of $50 per Equity Unit, in respect of each purchase contract, subject to the Company's right to defer these payments. No deferral period will extend beyond the purchase contract settlement date. The contract adjustment payments are payable quarterly on January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15 of each year (except that if such date is not a business day, contract adjustment payments will be payable on the following business day, without adjustment), commencing on July 15, 2018. The contract adjustment payments will be subordinated to all of the Company's existing and future “Priority Indebtedness” and will be structurally subordinated to all liabilities of our subsidiaries. The present value of the contract adjustment payments due through April 15, 2021 are initially charged to Shareholders’ Equity, with an offsetting credit to Other Current and Noncurrent Liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. These liabilities are accreted over the life of the purchase contract by interest charges to the income statement based on a constant rate calculation. Subsequent contract adjustment payments reduce this liability. This offering resulted in gross proceeds of approximately $287.5 million , with net proceeds, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions, of $278.9 million . As of December 31, 2018, the net proceeds, after amortization of the underwriting discounts, are recorded as Long-Term Debt on the consolidated balance sheets (see Note 14). SJI's 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 777,603 and 112,590 shares for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2016, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2017, incremental shares of 141,750 were not included in the denominator for the diluted EPS calculation because they would have an antidilutive effect on EPS. These shares relate to SJI’s restricted stock as discussed in Note 2, along with, for the year ended December 31, 2018, the impact of the Forward Shares and Equity Units discussed above, accounted for under the treasury stock method. DIVIDENDS PER SHARE - Dividends per share were $1.13 , $1.10 and $1.07 for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. DRP — SJI offers a DRP which allows participating shareholders to purchase shares of SJI common stock by automatic reinvestment of dividends or optional purchases. SJI currently purchases shares on the open market to fund share purchases by DRP participants, and as a result SJI did not raise any equity capital through the DRP in 2017 or 2018. SJI does not intend to issue equity capital via the DRP in 2019. RETAINED EARNINGS: The Utilities are limited by their regulatory authorities on the amount of cash dividends or other distributions they are able to transfer to their parent, specifically of which could impact their capitalization structure. In addition, various loan agreements may contain restrictions regarding the amount of cash dividends or other distributions that the Utilities may pay on its common stock. As of December 31, 2018 , these loan restrictions did not affect the amount that may be distributed from the Utilities's retained earnings. SJG declared and paid cash dividends of $20.0 million in 2017 to SJI. Cash dividends were not declared or paid by SJG to SJI in 2018 or 2016. SJG received a $40.0 million and $65.0 million equity contribution from SJI in 2017 and 2016, respectively; there was no equity contribution to SJG in 2018. Future equity contributions will occur on an as needed basis.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Financial Instruments, Owned, at Fair Value [Abstract]
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS: RESTRICTED INVESTMENTS — 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 December 31, 2018 and 2017 , SJI's balances (including SJG) in these accounts totaled $1.6 million and $31.6 million , respectively, held by the counterparty, which is recorded in Restricted Investments on the consolidated balance sheets. The Restricted Investments balance as of December 31, 2017 also included $0.3 million related to capital project escrow funds that Marina was previously required to maintain. SJI also had balances held by SJRG as collateral of $7.9 million which is recorded in Accounts Payable on the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , SJG's balance held by the counterparty totaled $1.3 million and $2.9 million , respectively, which is recorded in Restricted Investments on the balance sheets. The carrying amounts of the Restricted Investments for both SJI and SJG approximate their fair values at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , which would be included in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy (see Note 17). The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the statement of cash flows (in thousands): As of December 31, 2018 Balance Sheet Line Item SJI SJG Cash and Cash Equivalents 30,030 1,984 Restricted Investments 1,649 1,278 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows $ 31,679 $ 3,262 As of December 31, 2017 Balance Sheet Line Item SJI SJG Cash and Cash Equivalents 7,819 1,707 Restricted Investments 31,876 2,912 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows $ 39,695 $ 4,619 NOTES RECEIVABLE-AFFILIATES - As of December 31, 2018 , SJI had approximately $13.6 million included in Notes Receivable - Affiliate on the 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. 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 $5.3 million and $7.0 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The current portion of these receivables is reflected in Accounts Receivable and the non-current portion is reflected in Contract Receivables on the consolidated balance sheets. The carrying amounts noted above are net of unamortized discounts resulting from imputed interest in the amount of $0.7 million and $0.7 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The annual amortization to interest is not material to SJI's or SJG's consolidated financial statements. The carrying amounts of these receivables approximate their fair value at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , which would be included in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy (see Note 17). CREDIT RISK - As of December 31, 2018 , SJI had approximately $11.7 million , or 19.1% , of current and noncurrent Derivatives–Energy Related Assets transacted with three counterparties. These counterparties are investment-grade rated. 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 December 31, 2018 and 2017 , 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 17). • The estimated fair values of SJI's long-term debt (which includes SJG and all consolidated subsidiaries), including current maturities, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , were $2.91 billion and $1.22 billion , respectively. The carrying amounts of SJI's long-term debt, including current maturities, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , were $2.84 billion and $1.19 billion , respectively. The carrying amounts as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $27.0 million and $17.4 million , respectively. • The estimated fair values of SJG's long-term debt, including current maturities, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , were $895.1 million and $838.5 million , respectively. The carrying amount of SJG's long-term debt, including current maturities, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , was $893.4 million and $821.9 million , respectively. The carrying amounts as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $6.8 million and $7.3 million , respectively. OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - The carrying amounts of SJI's and SJG's other financial instruments approximate their fair values at December 31, 2018 and 2017 .

SEGMENTS OF BUSINESS

SEGMENTS OF BUSINESS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENTS OF BUSINESS	SEGMENTS OF BUSINESS: SJI operates in several different reportable operating segments which reflect the financial information regularly evaluated by the CODM. These segments are as follows: • SJG utility operations consist primarily of natural gas distribution to residential, commercial and industrial customers in southern New Jersey. • ETG utility operations consist primarily of natural gas distribution to residential, commercial and industrial customers in northern and central New Jersey. • ELK utility operations consist of natural gas distribution to residential, commercial and industrial customers in Maryland. • Wholesale energy operations include the activities of SJRG and SJEX. • Retail gas and other operations at SJE included natural gas acquisition and transportation service business lines. This business was sold on November 30, 2018 (see Note 1). • Retail electric operations at SJE 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, along with MCS, NBS and SBS, which were sold in October 2018 (see Note 1). • Appliance service operations includes SJESP, which receives commissions on service contracts from a third party. • 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. • Corporate & Services segment includes costs related to the Acquisition, along with other unallocated costs. • Intersegment represents intercompany transactions between the above SJI consolidated entities. SJI groups its utility businesses under its wholly-owned subsidiary SJIU. This group consists of gas utility operations of SJG, ETG and ELK. SJI groups its nonutility operations into separate 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. Information about SJI’s operations in different reportable operating segments is presented below (in thousands). The results for ETG and ELK utility operations are included from the date of the Acquisition, July 1, 2018, through December 31, 2018. 2018 2017 2016 Operating Revenues: SJI Utilities: SJG Utility Operations $ 548,000 $ 517,254 $ 461,055 ETG Utility Operations 125,604 — — ELK Utility Operations 3,302 — — Subtotal SJI Utilities 676,906 517,254 461,055 Energy Group: Wholesale Energy Operations 636,005 352,613 220,707 Retail Gas and Other Operations 101,543 111,048 92,371 Retail Electric Operations 176,945 179,534 182,540 Subtotal Energy Group 914,493 643,195 495,618 Energy Services: On-Site Energy Production 72,374 99,517 94,375 Appliance Service Operations 1,957 6,488 7,898 Subtotal Energy Services 74,331 106,005 102,273 Corporate & Services 51,000 45,024 35,147 Subtotal 1,716,730 1,311,478 1,094,093 Intersegment Sales (75,392 ) (68,410 ) (57,593 ) Total Operating Revenues $ 1,641,338 $ 1,243,068 $ 1,036,500 2018 2017 2016 Operating Income (See Note 1): SJI Utilities: SJG Utility Operations $ 132,688 $ 138,875 $ 125,052 ETG Utility Operations 2,164 — — ELK Utility Operations (256 ) — — Subtotal SJI Utilities 134,596 138,875 125,052 Energy Group: Wholesale Energy Operations 87,895 (36,815 ) 41,667 Retail Gas and Other Operations (8,721 ) (2,468 ) 4,680 Retail Electric Operations (359 ) 3,620 7,007 Subtotal Energy Group 78,815 (35,663 ) 53,354 Energy Services: On-Site Energy Production (88,230 ) (83,654 ) 13,301 Appliance Service Operations 1,818 217 582 Subtotal Energy Services (86,412 ) (83,437 ) 13,883 Midstream (292 ) — — Corporate and Services (25,962 ) (10,932 ) 1,888 Total Operating Income $ 100,745 $ 8,843 $ 194,177 Depreciation and Amortization: SJI Utilities: SJG Utility Operations $ 82,622 $ 71,654 $ 63,901 ETG Utility Operations 13,580 — — ELK Utility Operations 222 — — Subtotal SJI Utilities 96,424 71,654 63,901 Energy Group: Wholesale Energy Operations 105 125 484 Retail Gas and Other Operations 279 323 337 Subtotal Energy Group 384 448 821 Energy Services: On-Site Energy Production 23,123 46,928 43,395 Appliance Service Operations — 153 301 Subtotal Energy Services 23,123 47,081 43,696 Corporate and Services 12,983 4,303 1,400 Total Depreciation and Amortization $ 132,914 $ 123,486 $ 109,818 Interest Charges (See Note 1): SJI Utilities: SJG Utility Operations $ 28,011 $ 24,705 $ 17,875 ETG Utility Operations 10,478 — — ELK Utility Operations 4 — — Subtotal SJI Utilities 38,493 24,705 17,875 Energy Group: Wholesale Energy Operations — 3,150 — Retail Gas and Other Operations 487 250 350 Subtotal Energy Group 487 3,400 350 Energy Services: On-Site Energy Production 15,364 16,838 11,961 Midstream 1,966 985 — Corporate and Services 54,107 23,819 12,118 Subtotal 110,417 69,747 42,304 Intersegment Borrowings (20,121 ) (15,728 ) (10,855 ) Total Interest Charges $ 90,296 $ 54,019 $ 31,449 2018 2017 2016 Income Taxes (See Note 1): SJI Utilities: SJG Utility Operations $ 26,413 $ 45,700 $ 39,366 ETG Utility Operations (3,086 ) — — ELK Utility Operations (70 ) — — Subtotal SJI Utilities 23,257 45,700 39,366 Energy Group: Wholesale Energy Operations 22,473 (14,720 ) 15,882 Retail Gas and Other Operations (2,360 ) (544 ) 2,118 Retail Electric Operations (101 ) 1,480 2,862 Subtotal Energy Group 20,012 (13,784 ) 20,862 Energy Services: On-Site Energy Production (26,397 ) (39,262 ) (6,353 ) Appliance Service Operations 534 4 232 Subtotal Energy Services (25,863 ) (39,258 ) (6,121 ) Midstream (190 ) (41 ) — Corporate and Services (16,655 ) (17,554 ) 44 Total Income Taxes $ 561 $ (24,937 ) $ 54,151 Property Additions: SJI Utilities: SJG Utility Operations $ 253,617 $ 253,545 $ 228,275 ETG Utility Operations 90,259 — — ELK Utility Operations 1,820 — — Subtotal SJI Utilities 345,696 253,545 228,275 Energy Group: Wholesale Energy Operations 34 14 7 Retail Gas and Other Operations 495 889 1,642 Subtotal Energy Group 529 903 1,649 Energy Services: On-Site Energy Production 2,686 12,588 38,193 Appliance Service Operations — 260 431 Subtotal Energy Services 2,686 12,848 38,624 Midstream 119 218 505 Corporate and Services 1,826 2,233 636 Total Property Additions $ 350,856 $ 269,747 $ 269,689 (1) The property additions for ETG Utility Operations and ELK Utility Operations in 2018 do not include the approximately $1.077 billion and $12.3 million , respectively, of Property, Plant and Equipment obtained through the Acquisition as discussed in Note 20. 2018 2017 Identifiable Assets: SJI Utilities: SJG Utility Operations $ 3,118,236 $ 2,865,974 ETG Utility Operations 2,148,175 — ELK Utility Operations 16,482 — Subtotal SJI Utilities 5,282,893 2,865,974 Energy Group: Wholesale Energy Operations 266,417 208,785 Retail Gas and Other Operations 12,736 56,935 Retail Electric Operations 39,345 34,923 Subtotal Energy Group 318,498 300,643 Energy Services: On-Site Energy Production 195,329 582,587 Appliance Service Operations — 1,338 Subtotal Energy Services 195,329 583,925 Discontinued Operations 1,777 1,757 Midstream 72,333 63,112 Corporate and Services 387,482 711,038 Intersegment Assets (301,735 ) (661,363 ) Total Identifiable Assets $ 5,956,577 $ 3,865,086

LEASES

LEASES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Leases [Abstract]
LEASES	LEASES: Marina is considered to be the lessor of certain thermal energy generating property and equipment under an operating lease which expires in May 2027 . As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , the carrying costs of this property and equipment under operating lease was $71.5 million and $74.2 million , respectively (net of accumulated depreciation of $37.7 million and $34.5 million , respectively), and is included in Nonutility Property and Equipment in the consolidated balance sheets. Minimum future rentals to be received on this operating lease of property and equipment as of December 31, 2018 for each of the next five years and in the aggregate are (in thousands): Year ended December 31, 2019 $ 5,396 2020 5,396 2021 5,396 2022 5,396 2023 5,396 Thereafter 18,438 Total minimum future rentals 45,418 Minimum future rentals do not include additional amounts to be received based on actual use of the leased property.

RATES AND REGULATORY ACTIONS

RATES AND REGULATORY ACTIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Abstract]
RATES AND REGULATORY ACTIONS	RATES AND REGULATORY ACTIONS: SJG and ETG are subject to the rules and regulations of the BPU. ELK is subject to the rules and regulations of the MPSC. SJG: In January 2017, SJG filed a base rate case with the BPU to increase its base rates in order to obtain a return on new capital investments made by SJG since the settlement of its last base rate case in 2014. 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. SJG's tariff, a schedule detailing the terms, conditions and rate information applicable to its various types of natural gas service, as approved by the BPU, has several primary rate mechanisms as discussed in detail below: BGSS Clause - The BGSS price structure allows SJG to recover all prudently incurred gas costs. BGSS charges to customers can be either monthly or periodic (annual). Monthly BGSS charges are applicable to large use customers and are referred to as monthly because the rate changes on a monthly basis pursuant to a BPU-approved formula based on commodity market prices. Periodic BGSS charges are applicable to lower usage customers, which include all of SJG's residential customers, and are evaluated at least annually by the BPU. However, to some extent, more frequent rate changes to the periodic BGSS are allowed. SJG collects gas costs from customers on a forecasted basis and defers periodic over/under recoveries to the following BGSS year, which runs from October 1 through September 30. If SJG is in a net cumulative undercollected position, gas costs deferrals are reflected on the balance sheet as a regulatory asset. If SJG is in a net cumulative overcollected position, amounts due back to customers are reflected on the balance sheet as a regulatory liability. SJG pays interest on net overcollected BGSS balances at the rate of return on rate base utilized by the BPU to set rates in the last base rate proceeding. For the preceding three years, regulatory actions regarding the BGSS were as follows: • January 2016 - SJG provided a BGSS bill credit of approximately $20.0 million to its residential and small commercial customers. This credit was in addition to the overall rate reduction that was approved by the BPU and took effect in 2015. • June 2016 - SJG filed its annual BGSS filing with the BPU, requesting a $47.1 million decrease in gas cost recoveries. • September 2016 - The BPU issued an Order approving, on a provisional basis, SJG’s request for a $47.1 million decrease in gas cost recoveries, effective October 2016. • December 2016 - SJG provided a BGSS bill credit of approximately $10.0 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. • April 2017 - SJG provided a 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. • June 2017 - SJG filed its annual BGSS filing with the BPU, requesting a $4.7 million decrease in gas cost recoveries. • September 2017 - The BPU issued an Order approving, on a provisional basis, SJG’s request for a $4.7 million decrease in gas cost recoveries associated with the 2017-2018 BGSS year, effective October 2017. • May 2018 - SJG received BPU final approval of provisional rates that were authorized in a BPU order during September 2017, as they relate to SJG's 2017-2018 BGSS filing, as submitted to the BPU in June 2017. The impact of the final rates was a $4.7 million decrease in revenue. • June 2018 - SJG filed its annual BGSS filing with the BPU requesting a $65.5 million increase in gas recoveries, which included a $53.7 million under-recovered deferred balance. • September 2018 - The BPU issued an Order approving, on a provisional basis, SJG's request for a $65.5 million increase in the gas cost recoveries associated with the 2018-2019 BGSS year, effective October 1, 2018. The matter was thereafter referred to the Office of Administrative Law for further proceedings. Presently, the parties are engaged in settlement negotiations. In the event a settlement is not reached, evidentiary hearings are scheduled for April 2019. A range of potential outcomes include, among other things, provisional rates will be made final, a reduction in rates to minimize negative financial impacts on ratepayers for a set period of time, a disallowance of part or all of the under-recovered deferred balance, modifications to the Company’s existing risk/hedging policies, limitations on affiliate transactions, and/or additional filing requirements associated with future annual BGSS filings. • December 2018 - SJG submitted a notice of intent to self-implement a BGSS rate adjustment based on a 5% increase of the monthly bill of a typical residential customer, effective February, 1, 2019. CIP - The primary purpose of the CIP is to promote conservation efforts, without negatively impacting financial stability, and to base SJG's profit margin on the number of customers rather than the amount of natural gas distributed to customers. Each CIP year begins October 1 and ends September 30 of the subsequent year. On a monthly basis during the CIP year, SJG records adjustments to earnings based on weather and customer usage factors, as incurred. Subsequent to each year, SJG makes filings with the BPU to review and approve amounts recorded under the CIP. BPU-approved cash inflows or outflows generally will not begin until the next CIP year. For the preceding three years, regulatory actions regarding the CIP were as follows: • June 2016 - SJG filed its annual CIP filing with the BPU, requesting a $46.5 million increase in revenues, which includes a $9.9 million increase in non-weather related revenues and a $36.6 million increase in weather related revenues. • September 2016 - The BPU issued an Order approving, on a provisional basis, the 2016-2017 CIP rates filed in June 2016, effective October 2016. • June 2017 - SJG filed its annual CIP filing with the BPU requesting a $0.2 million increase in revenues, which included a $1.1 million increase in non-weather related revenues and a $0.9 million decrease in weather related revenues. • September 2017 - The BPU issued an Order approving the 2017-2018 CIP Year rates filed in June 2017, effective October 2017. • May 2018 - SJG received BPU final approval of provisional rates that were authorized in a BPU order during September 2017, as they relate to SJG's 2017-2018 CIP filing, as submitted to the BPU in June 2017. The impact of the final rates was a $0.2 million increase in revenue. • September 2018 - SJG received BPU final approval of a $26.4 million decrease in CIP annual revenues, effective October 1, 2018, on a provisional basis, associated with the 2018-2019 CIP year, which runs from October 1, 2018 through September 30, 2019. AIRP - In February 2013, the BPU issued an Order approving a $141.2 million program to replace cast iron and unprotected bare steel mains and services over a four -year period, with annual investments of approximately $35.3 million . Pursuant to the Order, AIRP investments are to be reviewed and included in rate base in future base rate proceedings. For the preceding three years, regulatory actions regarding AIRP were as follows: • February 2016 - SJG filed a petition with the BPU for approval to continue its AIRP, which was set to expire at the end of 2016. In its petition, SJG requested to extend the AIRP for an additional seven years with program investments totaling approximately $500.0 million . In its Petition, SJG also requested to increase revenues by $13.0 million to reflect in base rates all AIRP investments made from the time of SJG’s last base rate case to the end of the initial AIRP. • October 2016 - The BPU issued an Order approving an extension of the AIRP for a five -year period (“AIRP II”), commencing October 1, 2016, with authorized investments of up to $302.5 million to continue replacing cast iron and unprotected bare steel mains and associated services. The BPU also approved an $11.0 million increase in revenues associated with the roll in of $80.2 million of AIRP investments, inclusive of $5.7 million of AFUDC into base rates, effective December 1, 2016. • April 2017 - SJG filed a petition, pursuant to the October 2016 BPU approval of the AIRP II, seeking a base rate adjustment to increase annual revenues by approximately $4.5 million to reflect the roll-in of $42.0 million of AIRP II investments made from October 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017. • September 2017 - The BPU issued an Order approving an increase in annual revenues from base rates of $5.0 million to reflect the roll-in of $46.1 million AIRP II investments made from October 2016 through June 2017, effective October 1, 2017. • April 2018 - SJG submitted its second annual filing, pursuant to the October 2016 BPU approval of the AIRP II, seeking a base rate adjustment to increase annual revenues by approximately $6.6 million to reflect the roll-in of $60.4 million of AIRP II investments placed in service from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. This was approved in September 2018. SHARP - In August 2014, the BPU issued an order approving a $103.5 million SHARP to replace low pressure distribution mains and services with high pressure mains and services in coastal areas that are susceptible to flooding during major storm events over a three -year period. Pursuant to the Order, SHARP investments are to be recovered through annual base rate adjustments. For the preceding three years, regulatory actions regarding SHARP included the following: • April 2016 - SJG filed a petition seeking a base rate adjustment to increase annual revenues by approximately $4.3 million to reflect approximately $33.7 million of SHARP investments made from July 2015 through June 2016. • September 2016 - The BPU approved an increase in annual revenues from base rates of $3.9 million to reflect the roll-in of $33.7 million of SHARP investments made from July 2015 through June 2016, effective October 1, 2016. • April 2017 - SJG filed a petition seeking a base rate adjustment to increase annual revenues by approximately $4.0 million to reflect approximately $35.7 million of SHARP investments made from July 2016 through June 2017. • September 2017 - The BPU issued an Order approving an increase in annual revenues from base rates of $3.6 million to reflect the roll-in of $33.3 million SHARP investments made from July 2016 through June 2017, effective October 1, 2017. • November 2017 - SJG filed a petition with the BPU for approval to continue its storm hardening efforts under a second phase of SHARP (“SHARP II”). Phase one of SJG’s initial SHARP expired in June of 2017. In its petition, SJG proposed a three -year program, with a total investment level of approximately $110.3 million , focused on four system enhancement projects within the coastal regions. SJG also proposed to recover the SHARP II through annual base rate adjustments, with no impact to customer bills until October 2019. This was approved by the BPU in May 2018 with a total of $100.3 million recoverable through SHARP II. Pursuant to the order, SHARP II investments are to be recovered through annual base rate adjustments. EET - In July 2009, the BPU issued an Order approving a $17.0 million EEP I, under which SJG was permitted to invest in EEPs for residential, commercial and industrial customers over a two -year period. Pursuant to the Order, SJG was also permitted to recover incremental operating and maintenance expenses and earn a return of, and return on, program investments annually through the EET. The BPU has authorized SJG to continue to offer EEPs as discussed further below. For the preceding three years, regulatory actions regarding the EET/EEP were as follows : • February 2016 - The BPU approved a revenue decrease of $7.9 million associated with the two most recent annual EET rate adjustment filings, effective April 1, 2016. • June 2016 - SJG filed its annual EET rate adjustment petition, requesting a $0.8 million decrease in revenues to continue recovering the costs of, and the allowed return on, prior investments associated with EEPs. • October 2016 - The BPU approved a revenue decrease of $1.6 million associated with SJG's annual EET rate adjustment filing, effective November 10, 2016. • November 2016 - SJG filed a letter petition requesting an extension of its current EEP III through December 31, 2018, allowing SJG to spend the remainder of its existing BPU approved budget over the extended term. • January 2017 - The BPU issued an Order approving SJG’s request to extend the expiration date of EEP III from August 2017 to December 2018, without any modification to the subprograms or the amount of the previously authorized budget of $36.3 million , inclusive of operation and maintenance expenses. • June 2017 - SJG filed its Eighth Annual EET Filing, requesting a $3.0 million increase in revenues to continue recovering the costs of, and the allowed return on, prior investments associated with EEPs. • November 2017 - The BPU issued an Order approving a revenue increase of $2.6 million associated with the Eighth Annual EET Filing, effective December 1, 2017. • March 2018 - SJG filed a petition with the BPU seeking to continue its existing EEP's, with modifications, and to implement new programs (the “EEP IV”) for a five-year period with a proposed budget of approximately $195.4 million and with the same rate recovery mechanism that exists for its current EEP's. Under its existing EEP's, SJG is permitted to recover incremental operating and maintenance expenses and earn a return of, and return on, program investments. • June 2018 - SJG filed its ninth annual EET rate adjustment petition, requesting a $1.6 million decrease in revenues to continue recovering the costs of, and the allowed return on, prior investments associated with its EEPs. • October 2018 - The BPU issued an Order approving SJG's request to continue its existing EEPs with modifications, and to implement several new EEP's for a period of three years (the "EEP IV"), with a total budget of $81.3 million and a revenue increase of $3.5 million , effective November 1, 2018. • January 2019 - The BPU issued an Order approving a revenue decrease of $1.6 million associated with SJG's annual EET rate adjustment filing, effective February, 1, 2019. SBC - The SBC allows SJG to recover costs related to several BPU-mandated programs. Within the SBC are a RAC, the NJCEP) and the USF program. SBC adjustments affect revenue and cash flows but do not directly affect earnings as related costs are deferred and recovered through rates on an on-going basis. For the preceding three years, regulatory actions regarding the SBC, with the exception of USF, which requires separate regulatory filings, were as follows: • July 2016 - SJG made its annual 2016-2017 SBC filing, requesting a $16.0 million increase in SBC revenues. The BPU approved this filing in May 2017. • July 2017 - SJG made its annual 2017-2018 SBC filing, requesting an $8.5 million increase in annual revenues. The BPU approved this filing in January 2018. • July 2018 - SJG made its annual 2018-2019 SBC filing, requesting $3.4 million decrease in annual revenues. RAC - The RAC recovers environmental remediation costs of 12 former gas manufacturing plants (see Note 15). The BPU allows SJG to recover such costs over seven -year amortization periods. The net between the amounts actually spent and amounts recovered from customers is recorded as a regulatory asset, "Environmental Remediation Cost Expended - Net." RAC activity affects revenue and cash flows but does not directly affect earnings because of the cost recovery over seven -year amortization periods. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , SJG reflected the unamortized remediation costs of $136.2 million and $100.3 million , respectively, on the consolidated balance sheets under Regulatory Assets (see Note 11). Since implementing the RAC in 1992, SJG has recovered $137.2 million through rates CLEP - The CLEP recovers costs associated with State mandated NJCEP related to SJG’s energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. In June of 2016, the BPU approved a NJCEP funding level of $345.0 million through June 2017, of which SJG was responsible for $14.6 million . In June of 2017, the BPU approved a NJCEP funding level of $344.7 million through June 2018, of which SJG was responsible for $12.7 million . In June of 2018, the BPU approved a NJCEP funding level of $344.7 million through June 2019, of which SJG is responsible for 12.7 million USF - The USF is a statewide program through which funds for the USF and Lifeline Credit and Tenants Assistance Programs are collected from customers of all New Jersey electric and gas utilities. USF adjustments affect cash flows but do not directly affect revenue or earnings as related costs are deferred and recovered through rates on an on-going basis. Separate regulatory actions regarding the USF were as follows : • June 2016 - SJG made its annual USF filing, along with the State’s other electric and gas utilities, proposing to increase the statewide gas revenues by $56.0 million . This proposal was designed to increase SJG’s annual USF revenue by $1.1 million . • September 2016 - The BPU approved the statewide budget of $56.0 million for all the State’s gas utilities. SJG's portion of the total is approximately $5.6 million , which increased rates effective October 1, 2016, resulting in a $1.1 million increase to its USF recoveries. • June 2017 - SJG made its annual USF filing, along with the State’s other gas utilities, proposing to decrease the statewide gas revenues by $16.3 million . This proposal was designed to decrease SJG’s annual USF revenue by $2.0 million . • September 2017 - The BPU approved the statewide budget of $38.3 million for all the State’s gas utilities. SJG's portion of the total was approximately $3.2 million , resulting in a $2.2 million decrease to its USF recoveries effective October 1, 2017. • June 2018 - SJG made its annual USF filing, along with the State's other gas utilities, proposing to decrease statewide electric and gas revenues by $10.4 million . This proposal included an increase to SJG's annual USF recoveries of $0.9 million . • September 2018 - The BPU approved the Statewide USF annual 2018-2019 budget for all of New Jersey's gas utilities. SJG's portion of the total is approximately $3.7 million , resulting in a $0.9 million increase to its USF recoveries, effective October 1, 2018. 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. Other Regulatory Matters - Unbundling - This allows all natural gas consumers to select their natural gas commodity supplier. As of December 31, 2018 , 29,141 of SJG's customers were purchasing their gas commodity from someone other than SJG. Customers choosing to purchase natural gas from providers other than the utility are charged for the cost of gas by the marketer. The resulting decrease in utility revenues is offset by a corresponding decrease in gas costs. While customer choice can reduce utility revenues, it does not negatively affect SJG's net income or financial condition. The BPU continues to allow for full recovery of prudently incurred natural gas costs through the BGSS. Unbundling did not change the fact that SJG still recovers cost of service, including certain deferred costs, through base rates. Pipeline Integrity Costs - SJG is permitted to defer and recover incremental costs incurred as a result of Pipeline Integrity Management regulations, which are aimed at enhancing public safety and reliability. The regulations require that utilities use a comprehensive analysis to assess, evaluate, repair and validate the integrity of certain transmission lines in the event of a leak or failure. As part of SJG's 2017 base rate case, it was permitted to recover previously deferred pipeline integrity costs incurred from July 2014 through August 2017, with the costs to be amortized over a three year period. In addition, SJG is authorized to defer future program costs, including related carrying costs, for recovery in the next base rate case proceeding, subject to review by the BPU. Tax Reform - In March 2018, SJG filed a petition with the BPU for a change in rates, customer refund and rider associated with the implementation of Tax Reform. The BPU subsequently approved an interim rate reduction, effective April 1, 2018, to reflect the change in the corporate tax rate within SJG's base rates. In September 2018, the BPU approved SJG's request to implement changes in the corporate tax rate, from 35% to 21% , within SJG's base rate, in accordance with Tax Reform, including: • A final base rate adjustment to reflect an annual revenue reduction of approximately $25.9 million ; • A one-time customer refund of approximately $13.8 million , including interest, for over collected tax during the period January 1, 2018 through September 30, 2018; and • A customer refund of approximately $27.5 million for the "Unprotected" Excess Deferred Income Tax through a separate tariff rider over a five -year period. The refund related to the "Protected" Excess Deferred Tax will be addressed no later than March 31, 2019. Filings and petitions described above are still pending, unless otherwise indicated. ETG: As part of the Acquisition approval by the BPU, the Company was required to provide ETG customers with a credit of $15.0 million within ninety days of the Acquisition closing date, which was July 1, 2018. ETG provided a one-time bill credit to all customer by September 2018. ETG's most recent base rate case was resolved by a settlement that was approved by a BPU order issued in June 2017. The settlement, as approved by the BPU, granted ETG an annual base rate increase of $13.3 million and reflected a 9.6% return on equity, a $720.0 million rate base, and a 5.77% overall after-tax rate of return. Tax Reform - In March 2018, ETG filed a petition with the BPU requesting an annual reduction of $10.9 million , effective April 1, 2018, which reflected the reduced corporate tax rate as a result of Tax Reform. The BPU authorized ETG to implement its proposed base rate reduction on April 1, 2018 on an interim basis. In June 2018, the BPU approved a final base rate reduction of $12.1 million which was implemented by ETG on July 1, 2018. In June 2018, the BPU authorized ETG to issue a one-time customer refund for over-collected tax during the period January 1, 2018 though June 30, 2018. ETG issued a one-time customer refund of $5.2 million , including interest, for the over-collected taxes in July and August 2018 as bill credits. IIP - Consistent with Acquisition approval, SJI was required to develop a plan, in concert with the BPU and the New Jersey Division of Rate Counsel, to address the replacement of ETG's aging infrastructure. In October 2018, ETG filed an IIP petition with the BPU pursuant to rules adopted by the BPU in December 2017 pertaining to utility infrastructure investments. The IIP petition seeks authority to recover the costs associated with ETG's initial investment of approximately $518.0 million from 2019-2023 to, among other things, replace its cast-iron and low-pressure vintage main and related services. The IIP petition includes a request for timely recovery of ETG's investment on a semi-annual basis through a separate rate mechanism. A resolution of the IIP petition is pending. The currently effective rate mechanisms reflected in ETG’s tariff are as follows: BGSS Clause - The BGSS for ETG is similar to that of SJG defined above. For the preceding year, inclusive of the period following the Acquisition of ETG by SJI, regulatory actions regarding the BGSS were as follows: • May 2018 - The BPU issued an Order approving, on a final basis, the provisional rates that were authorized by the BPU in its September 2017 Order, effective June 2018. • May 2018 - ETG filed its annual BGSS filing with the BPU, requesting a $7.1 million decrease in gas cost recoveries. This was approved in September 2018. • December 2018 - ETG submitted a notice of intent to self-implement a BGSS rate adjustment based on a 5% increase of the monthly bill of a typical residential customer, effective February 1, 2019; that adjustment took effect on February 1, 2019. EEP - The EEP rate enables ETG to recover the costs of its EEP as authorized by the BPU. ETG’s EEP consists of a range of rebates and related offers, including, for example, various customer education and outreach initiatives, as well as an on-line customer dashboard, that are designed to encourage customers to conserve energy and to provide them with information on how to lower their gas bills. ETG has authorization from the BPU to offer its EEP through February 28, 2019 and has entered into a Stipulation that is pending BPU approval to continue the EEP through February 29, 2020 at a total budget of approximately $3.0 million . For the preceding year, inclusive of the period following the Acquisition of ETG by SJI, regulatory actions regarding the EEP were as follows: • June 2018 - ETG filed to extend its EEPs through December 2019. • August 2018 - The BPU issued an Order on ETG’s November 2017 filing approving a revenue increase of $1.2 million to an annual revenue of $2.2 million effective September 2018 to continue recovering the costs of, and the allowed return on, prior investments associated with its EEPs. • August 2018 - ETG filed its annual EEP rate adjustment petition, requesting a revenue increase of $1.3 million to an annual revenue of $2.2 million to continue recovering the costs of, and the allowed return on, prior investments associated with its EEPs. • October 2018 - The Board approved EEPs extension through February 2019, consistent in all other respects with the Board's April 2017 Order. • January 2019 - ETG entered into a Stipulation with Board Staff and the New Jersey Division of Rate Counsel extending its EEP through February 29, 2020 at a total budget of approximately $3.0 million . WNC - The WNC rate allows ETG to implement surcharges or credits during the months of October through May to compensate for weather-related changes in customer usage from the previous winter period. For the preceding year, inclusive of the period following the Acquisition of ETG by SJI, regulatory actions regarding the WNC were as follows: • August 2018 - ETG filed its annual WNC rate adjustment petition, requesting a revenue decrease of $0.8 million to an annual revenue of $6.3 million to recover a deficiency from warmer than normal weather. This was approved in October 2018. OSMC - The OSMC rate is designed to flow back to ETG’s firm customers the margins received from on-system sales and transportation services. For the preceding year, inclusive of the period following the Acquisition of ETG by SJI, regulatory actions regarding the OSMC were as follows: • August 2018 - ETG filed its annual OSMC rate adjustment petition, requesting a revenue increase of $1.1 million . This was approved in October 2018. SBC - Similar to SJG, the SBC allows ETG to recover costs related to several BPU-mandated programs, including the RAC, the NJCEP and the USF program. SBC adjustments affect revenue and cash flows but do not directly affect earnings as related costs are deferred and recovered through rates on an on-going basis. RAC - The RAC is similar to that of SJG defined above. As of December 31, 2018, ETG reflected the unamortized remediation costs of $10.9 million on the consolidated balance sheet as a regulatory asset. For the preceding year, inclusive of the period following the Acquisition of ETG by SJI, regulatory actions regarding the RAC were as follows: • August 2018 - ETG filed its annual RAC filing with the BPU, requesting a $6.9 million increase in RAC recoveries. • October 2018 - The BPU issued an Order maintain the current rate with no change in RAC recoveries, effective November 2018. CEP - The CEP recovers costs associated with State mandated NJCEP related to ETG’s energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. In June of 2018, the BPU approved a NJCEP funding level of $344.7 million through June 2019, of which ETG is responsible for $10.6 million . For the preceding year, inclusive of the period following the Acquisition of ETG by SJI, regulatory actions regarding the CEP were as follows: • August 2018 - ETG filed its annual CEP rate adjustment petition, requesting a revenue decrease of $1.6 million to an annual revenue of $10.0 million to recovery costs mandated by the Board. This was approved in October 2018. USF - The USF is similar to that of SJG defined above. For the preceding year, inclusive of the period following the Acquisition of ETG by SJI, regulatory actions regarding the USF were as follows: • June 2018 - ETG made its annual USF filing, along with the State’s other gas utilities, proposing to increase statewide electric and gas revenues by $7.2 million . This proposal included an increase to ETG’s annual USF recoveries of $0.8 million . • September 2018 - The BPU approved the Statewide budget of $45.5 million for all the State's gas utilities. ETG’s portion of the total is approximately $4.8 million , resulting in a $0.8 million increase to its USF recoveries, effective October 1, 2018. Aside from EEP and WNC and carrying cost income/expense on the BGSS (expense only), CEP, RAC and USF, the clauses discussed above do not impact ETG’s earnings. They represent changes in the cash requirements of ETG corresponding to cost changes and/or previously over/under recoveries from ratepayers associated with each respective mechanism. ELK: As part of the Acquisition approval by the MPSC, the Company was required to provide ELK customers with a one-time bill credit of $0.3 million . Consistent with this requirement, ELK issued one-time bill credits to all customers in September 2018. In June 2018, ELK filed a base rate case application with the MPSC. In January 2019, the PULJ issued a proposed ruling approving a settlement in which the parties agreed to revenue increase of approximately 90,000 , with a 9.8% return on equity and a 6.98% overall return. In February 2019, the Commission approved ELK's new rates effective February 20, 2019. Currently effective rate mechanisms reflected in ELK's tariff include a Purchase Gas Adjustment Clause (PGA) and Revenue Normalization Adjustment Clause (RNA). The PGA is a cost pass through for cost incurred from purchasing gas supplies for customers. Over/under recoveries are reconciled annually. The Company earns no profits on the PGA. The RNA is applicable to residential and commercial heating customers having a stated monthly revenue per customer. The primary variance is due to weather. The RNA amounts are established in a rate case for each customer grouping based on normal weather and the resultant average revenues per customer. The revenue excess or deficiency is calculated monthly and trued-up on a rolling twelve-month basis.

REGULATORY ASSETS & REGULATORY

REGULATORY ASSETS & REGULATORY LIABILITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
REGULATORY ASSETS & REGULATORY LIABILITIES	REGULATORY ASSETS & REGULATORY LIABILITIES: The discussion under Note 10 is integral to the following explanations of specific regulatory assets and liabilities. The Utilities Regulatory Assets consisted of the following items (in thousands) : December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 SJG ETG ELK Total SJI Total SJI and SJG Environmental Remediation Costs: Expended - Net $ 136,227 $ 10,875 $ — $ 147,102 $ 100,327 Liability for Future Expenditures 148,071 104,594 — 252,665 171,696 Deferred Asset Retirement Obligation Costs 31,096 — — 31,096 42,368 Deferred Pension Costs - Unrecognized Prior Service Cost — 40,612 14 40,626 — Deferred Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs 80,121 2,607 30 82,758 78,211 Deferred Gas Costs - Net 57,889 — 289 58,178 16,838 CIP Receivable — — — — 26,652 Societal Benefit Costs Receivable 2,173 — — 2,173 2,484 Deferred Interest Rate Contracts 5,867 — — 5,867 7,028 Energy Efficiency Tracker 2,319 — — 2,319 2,094 Pipeline Supplier Service Charges 617 — — 617 708 Pipeline Integrity Cost 5,140 — — 5,140 5,280 AFUDC - Equity Related Deferrals 13,914 — — 13,914 12,785 Weather Normalization — 3,210 139 3,349 — Other Regulatory Assets 8,931 8,023 211 17,165 2,753 Total Regulatory Assets $ 492,365 $ 169,921 $ 683 $ 662,969 $ 469,224 Except where noted below, all regulatory assets are or will be recovered through utility rate charges, as detailed in the following discussion. The Utilities are currently permitted to recover interest on Environmental Remediation Costs, Societal Benefit Costs Receivable, Energy Efficiency Tracker and Pipeline Integrity Costs, while the other assets are being recovered without a return on investment. Environmental Remediation Costs - SJG and ETG have two regulatory assets associated with environmental costs related to the cleanup of environmental sites. SJG has 12 sites where SJG or its predecessors previously operated gas manufacturing plants, while ETG is subject to environmental remediation liabilities associated with six former manufactured gas plant sites in New Jersey. The first asset, "Environmental Remediation Cost: Expended - Net," represents what was actually spent to clean up the sites, less recoveries through the RAC and insurance carriers. These costs meet the deferral requirements of GAAP, as the BPU allows SJG and ETG 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 and ETG recorded this estimated amount as a regulatory asset with the corresponding current and noncurrent liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets under the captions "Current Liabilities" (SJI and SJG) and "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 incurred. Accrued environmental remediation costs at ETG are recoverable from customers through rate mechanisms approved by the BPU. Deferred ARO Costs - SJG records AROs primarily related to the legal obligation to cut and cap gas distribution pipelines when taking those pipelines out of service. Deferred ARO costs represent the period to period passage of time (accretion) and the revision to cash flows originally estimated to settle the retirement obligation (see Note 1). The Deferred ARO Costs regulatory asset decreased $11.3 million from December 31, 2017 to December 31, 2018, due to revisions to the settlement timing, retirement costs, and changes to inflation and discount rates used to measure the expected retirement costs. A corresponding decrease was made to the ARO liability (see Note 1), thus having no impact on earnings. Deferred Pension Costs - Unrecognized Prior Service Cost - The BPU approved ETG to recover costs related to ETG's unrecognized prior service cost and actuarial gains/losses for pension and postretirement benefits. This ETG deferred asset of $40.6 million is being amortized over 13.5 years for pension and over 7.7 years for postretirement benefits. Deferred Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs - The BPU authorized SJG and ETG and the MPSC authorized ELK to recover costs related to postretirement benefits under the accrual method of accounting consistent with GAAP. SJI's regulatory asset represents the recognition of the underfunded positions of SJIU's pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Subsequent adjustments to this balance occur annually to reflect changes in the funded positions of these benefit plans caused by changes in actual plan experience as well as assumptions of future experience (see Note 12). Deferred Gas Costs - Net - Over/under collections of gas costs are monitored through SJG's and ETG's BGSS bill credit . Net undercollected gas costs are classified as a regulatory asset and net overcollected gas costs are classified as a regulatory liability (see Note 10). Derivative contracts used to hedge natural gas purchases are also included in the BGSS, subject to BPU approval (see Note 16). The BGSS regulatory assets of SJI and SJG increased $41.3 million and $41.0 million , respectively, from December 31, 2017 to December 31, 2018, primarily due to the actual gas commodity costs exceeding recoveries from customers. SBC Receivable - This regulatory asset primarily represents the deferred expenses incurred under the NJCEP, which is a mechanism designed to recover costs associated with energy efficiency and renewable energy programs(see Note 10). Deferred Interest Rate Contracts - These amounts represent the market value of interest rate derivatives as discussed further in Note 16. Energy Efficiency Tracker - This regulatory asset represents cumulative investments less recoveries under the EEP Pipeline Supplier Service Charges - This regulatory asset represents costs necessary to maintain adequate supply and system pressures, which are being recovered on a monthly basis through the BGSS over the term of the underlying supplier contracts (see Note 10). Pipeline Integrity Cost - As part of SJG's October 2017 base rate increase, SJG was permitted to recover previously deferred pipeline integrity costs incurred through October 2017. In addition, SJG is authorized to defer future program costs, including related carrying costs, for recovery in SJG's next base rate proceeding, subject to review by the BPU (see Note 10). AFUDC Equity Related Deferrals - This regulatory asset represents the future revenue to recover the future income taxes related to the deferred tax liability for the equity component of AFUDC. The deferred amount is being amortized over the life of the associated utility plant. Weather Normalization - The tariffs for ETG include a weather normalization clause that reduces customer bills when winter weather is colder than normal and increases customer bills when winter weather is warmer than normal. Other Regulatory Assets - Some of the assets included in Other Regulatory Assets are currently being recovered from ratepayers as approved by the BPU. Management believes the remaining deferred costs are probable of recovery from ratepayers through future utility rates. Included in this number for SJG is the impact of the ERIP on SJG employees, see Note 1. The Utilities Regulatory Liabilities consisted of the following items (in thousands): December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 SJG ETG ELK Total SJI Total SJI and SJG Excess Plant Removal Costs 20,805 47,909 1,393 $ 70,107 $ 23,295 Excess Deferred Taxes 259,863 118,757 1,231 379,851 263,810 Deferred Revenues - Net — 3,188 — 3,188 — CIP Payable 5,871 — — 5,871 — Amounts to be Refunded to Customers — 17,039 — 17,039 — Other Regulatory Liabilities — 2,443 — 2,443 — Total Regulatory Liabilities $ 286,539 $ 189,336 $ 2,624 $ 478,499 $ 287,105 Excess Plant Removal Costs - The Utilities accrue and collect for cost of removal of utility property. This regulatory liability represents customer collections in excess of actual expenditures, which will be returned to customers as a reduction to depreciation expense. The Excess Plant Removal Costs Liability increased from December 31, 2017 due to the addition of ETG/ELK. Excess Deferred Taxes - This liability is recognized as a result of Tax Reform enacted into law on December 22, 2017 (See Notes 1 and 4). The increase in this regulatory liability at SJI of $116.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 includes those excess deferred income tax liabilities of ETG and ELK resulting from Tax Reform. The decrease in this regulatory liability at SJG of $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 is related to excess tax amounts returned to customers through customer billings. The Unprotected amount of excess deferred taxes of $26.1 million will be returned to customers over a five year period. The remaining balance will be deferred until SJG's next base rate case as approved by the BPU. (See Note 10). Deferred Revenues - Net - Over/under collections of gas costs are monitored through the ETG's BGSS mechanism. Net under collected gas costs are classified as a regulatory asset and net over collected 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. CIP Payable - The CIP tracking mechanism at SJG adjusts earnings when actual usage per customer experienced during the period varies from an established baseline usage per customer. Actual usage per customer was more than the established baseline during 2018, resulting in a regulatory liability. This is primarily the result of cold weather experienced in the region. Amounts to be Refunded to Customers - See "AMA" section in Note 1.

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMEN

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS: SJI has several defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans. SJG participates in the defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans of SJI. For non-ETG and ELK employees, participation in the Company's qualified defined benefit pension plans was closed to new employees beginning in 2003; however, employees who are not eligible for these pension plans are eligible to receive an enhanced version of SJI's defined contribution plan. As part of the Acquisition, SJI acquired the entities' existing pension and other post-employment plans. The plans include a qualified defined benefit, trusteed, pension plan covering most eligible employees that is funded in accordance with the requirements of the ERISA. Approximately 42% and 38% of SJI's and SJG's current, full-time, regular employees, respectively, will be entitled to annuity payments upon retirement. The Company also provides certain non-qualified benefit and defined contribution pensions plans for a selected group of the Company's management and highly compensated employees. Benefits under these non-qualified pension plans are funded on a cash basis. In addition, SJI provides health care and life insurance benefits for eligible retired employees through a postretirement benefit plan. Net periodic benefit cost related to the SJI employee and officer pension and other postretirement benefit plans consisted of the following components (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Pension Benefits 2018 2017 2016 Service Cost $ 6,442 $ 4,989 $ 4,843 Interest Cost 13,778 11,772 12,125 Expected Return on Plan Assets (18,672 ) (14,105 ) (13,508 ) Amortizations: Prior Service Cost 116 131 212 Actuarial Loss 11,528 10,282 9,394 Net Periodic Benefit Cost 13,192 13,069 13,066 Curtailment and Special Termination Costs 7,324 — — Capitalized Benefit Costs (2,243 ) (4,723 ) (4,645 ) Deferred Benefit Costs (1,987 ) (527 ) (645 ) Total Net Periodic Benefit Expense $ 16,286 $ 7,819 $ 7,776 SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Other Postretirement Benefits 2018 2017 2016 Service Cost $ 945 $ 910 $ 851 Interest Cost 2,430 2,418 2,615 Expected Return on Plan Assets (4,286 ) (3,411 ) (3,104 ) Amortizations: Prior Service Credits (344 ) (344 ) (344 ) Actuarial Loss 903 1,238 1,109 Net Periodic Benefit Cost (352 ) 811 1,127 Curtailment and Special Termination Costs 1,286 (106 ) — Capitalized Benefit Costs (290 ) (46 ) (277 ) Deferred Benefit Costs 580 — — Total Net Periodic Benefit Expense $ 1,224 $ 659 $ 850 Curtailment and Special Termination Costs reflected in the tables above relate to the ERIP offered in 2018 as discussed in Note 1. Net periodic benefit cost related to the SJG employee and officer pension and other postretirement benefit plans consisted of the following components (in thousands): SJG: Pension Benefits 2018 2017 2016 Service Cost $ 5,073 $ 4,303 $ 4,144 Interest Cost 10,010 9,925 10,292 Expected Return on Plan Assets (12,513 ) (11,366 ) (11,029 ) Amortization: Prior Service Cost 112 127 203 Actuarial Loss 10,074 8,692 7,975 Net Periodic Benefit Cost 12,756 11,681 11,585 Capitalized Benefit Costs (1,943 ) (4,723 ) (4,645 ) Affiliate SERP Allocations (3,861 ) (2,235 ) (1,960 ) Deferred Benefit Costs (1,987 ) (527 ) (644 ) Total Net Periodic Benefit Expense $ 4,965 $ 4,196 $ 4,336 SJG: Other Postretirement Benefits 2018 2017 2016 Service Cost $ 583 $ 582 $ 576 Interest Cost 1,698 1,897 2,120 Expected Return on Plan Assets (3,449 ) (3,101 ) (2,823 ) Amortization: Prior Service Credits (257 ) (257 ) (257 ) Actuarial Loss 695 972 945 Net Periodic Benefit Cost (730 ) 93 561 Capitalized Benefit Costs (257 ) (46 ) (277 ) Deferred Benefit Costs 580 — — Total Net Periodic Benefit (Income)/Expense $ (407 ) $ 47 $ 284 Capitalized benefit costs reflected in the tables above relate to The Utilities construction program. Effective January 1, 2018, SJI and SJG adopted FASB ASU 2017-07 which stipulates that only the service cost component of net benefit cost is eligible for capitalization. In SJG's rate case settlement in October 2017, the BPU allowed deferral until the next base rate case of incremental expense associated with the adoption. See Note 10. Companies with publicly traded equity securities that sponsor a postretirement benefit plan are required to fully recognize, as an asset or liability, the overfunded or underfunded status of its benefit plans and recognize changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur. Changes in funded status are generally reported in Other Comprehensive Loss; however, since the Utilities recover all prudently incurred pension and postretirement benefit costs from its ratepayers, a significant portion of the charges resulting from the recording of additional liabilities under this requirement are reported as regulatory assets (see Note 11). Details of the activity within the Regulatory Asset and AOCL associated with Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits are as follows (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Regulatory Assets Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (pre-tax) Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Balance at January 1, 2017 $ 68,450 $ 17,243 $ 39,590 $ 2,821 Amounts Arising during the Period: Net Actuarial Gain 2,711 (3,286 ) 18,506 1,614 Prior Service Credit — 257 — 84 Amounts Amortized to Net Periodic Costs: Net Actuarial Loss (6,066 ) (972 ) (4,160 ) (1,013 ) Prior Service Cost (126 ) — (4 ) — Balance at December 31, 2017 64,969 13,242 53,932 3,506 Amounts Arising during the Period: Net Actuarial Gain (Loss) 8,637 5,662 (5,953 ) (1,819 ) Prior Service Credit 70 (3,247 ) — (2,471 ) Other (Curtailments, Settlements, Special Termination) — — — 1,586 Amounts Amortized to Net Periodic Costs: Net Actuarial Loss (6,025 ) (695 ) (5,450 ) (199 ) Prior Service Cost (112 ) 257 (4 ) 84 Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 67,539 $ 15,219 $ 42,525 $ 687 SJG: Regulatory Assets Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (pre-tax) Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Balance at January 1, 2017 $ 68,450 $ 17,243 $ 24,102 $ — Amounts Arising during the Period: Net Actuarial Gain 2,711 (3,286 ) 17,881 — Prior Service Credit — 257 — — Amounts Amortized to Net Periodic Costs: Net Actuarial Loss (6,066 ) (972 ) (2,627 ) — Prior Service Cost (126 ) — — — Balance at December 31, 2017 64,969 13,242 39,356 — Amounts Arising during the Period: Net Actuarial Gain 6,590 5,071 (911 ) — Prior Service Credit 70 (3,247 ) — — Other (Curtailments, Settlements, Special Termination) — — Amounts Amortized to Net Periodic Costs: Net Actuarial Loss (6,025 ) (695 ) (4,049 ) — Prior Service Cost (111 ) 257 — — Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 65,493 $ 14,628 $ 34,396 $ — The estimated costs that will be amortized from Regulatory Assets for SJI and SJG into net periodic benefit costs in 2019 are as follows (in thousands): SJI and SJG (costs are the same for both entities): Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Prior Service Cost/(Credit) $ 101 $ (474 ) Net Actuarial Loss $ 5,837 $ 965 The estimated costs that will be amortized from for SJI and SJG AOCL into net periodic benefit costs in 2019 are as follows (in thousands): Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Prior Service Cost/(Credit) $ 4 $ (102 ) Net Actuarial Loss $ 3,801 $ 120 SJG: Prior Service Cost/(Credit) $ — $ — Net Actuarial Loss $ 2,579 $ — A reconciliation of the plans' benefit obligations, fair value of plan assets, funded status and amounts recognized in SJI's consolidated balance sheets follows (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits 2018 2017 2018 2017 Change in Benefit Obligations: Benefit Obligation at Beginning of Year $ 316,289 $ 278,288 $ 62,283 $ 60,350 Acquisition Opening Obligation 100,362 — 13,195 — Service Cost 6,442 4,989 945 910 Interest Cost 13,778 11,772 2,430 2,418 Actuarial Loss (Gain) (26,274 ) 32,893 (3,534 ) 1,411 Retiree Contributions — — 265 19 Plan Amendments 7,394 — (3,012 ) — Benefits Paid (15,835 ) (11,653 ) (3,061 ) (2,825 ) Benefit Obligation at End of Year $ 402,156 $ 316,289 $ 69,511 $ 62,283 Change in Plan Assets: Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year $ 216,065 $ 189,542 $ 57,922 $ 50,532 Acquisition Beginning Fair Value 94,685 — 15,659 — Actual Return on Plan Assets (10,399 ) 25,807 (3,050 ) 7,390 Employer Contributions 2,704 12,369 2,796 2,806 Retiree Contributions — — 265 19 Benefits Paid (15,835 ) (11,653 ) (3,061 ) (2,825 ) Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year $ 287,220 $ 216,065 $ 70,531 $ 57,922 Funded Status at End of Year: $ (114,936 ) $ (100,224 ) $ 1,020 $ (4,361 ) Amounts Related to Unconsolidated Affiliate (147 ) 135 320 518 Accrued Net Benefit Cost at End of Year $ (115,083 ) $ (100,089 ) $ 1,340 $ (3,843 ) Amounts Recognized in the Statement of Financial Position Consist of: Current Liabilities $ (3,631 ) $ (2,388 ) $ — $ — Noncurrent Liabilities (111,452 ) (97,701 ) 1,340 (3,843 ) Net Amount Recognized at End of Year $ (115,083 ) $ (100,089 ) $ 1,340 $ (3,843 ) Amounts Recognized in Regulatory Assets Consist of: Prior Service Costs $ 162 $ 428 $ (5,765 ) $ (2,775 ) Net Actuarial Loss 67,377 64,541 20,984 16,017 $ 67,539 $ 64,969 $ 15,219 $ 13,242 Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Consist of (pre-tax): Prior Service Costs $ 268 $ 47 $ (1,707 ) $ (906 ) Net Actuarial Loss 42,257 53,885 2,394 4,412 $ 42,525 $ 53,932 $ 687 $ 3,506 SJG: Other Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2018 2017 2018 2017 Change in Benefit Obligations : Benefit Obligation at Beginning of Year $ 269,066 $ 236,356 $ 49,098 $ 48,549 Service Cost 5,073 4,303 583 582 Interest Cost 10,010 9,925 1,698 1,897 Actuarial Loss (Gain) (13,009 ) 27,892 (1,271 ) 328 Retiree Contributions — — 143 15 Plan Amendments 4,169 — (3,247 ) — Benefits Paid (10,486 ) (9,410 ) (2,122 ) (2,273 ) Benefit Obligation at End of Year $ 264,823 $ 269,066 $ 44,882 $ 49,098 Change in Plan Assets: Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year $ 174,277 $ 154,729 $ 52,663 $ 45,948 Actual Return on Plan Assets (6,175 ) 18,666 (2,893 ) 6,715 Employer Contributions 2,669 10,292 1,979 2,259 Retiree Contributions — — 143 14 Benefits Paid (10,486 ) (9,410 ) (2,122 ) (2,273 ) Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year $ 160,285 $ 174,277 $ 49,770 $ 52,663 Funded Status at End of Year : Accrued Net Benefit Cost at End of Year $ (104,538 ) $ (94,789 ) $ 4,888 $ 3,565 Amounts Recognized in the Statement of Financial Position Consist of: Current Liabilities $ (3,597 ) $ (2,353 ) $ — $ — Noncurrent Liabilities (100,941 ) (92,436 ) 4,888 3,565 Net Amount Recognized at End of Year $ (104,538 ) $ (94,789 ) $ 4,888 $ 3,565 Amounts Recognized in Regulatory Assets Consist of: Prior Service Costs $ 163 $ 428 $ (5,765 ) $ (2,775 ) Net Actuarial Loss 65,330 64,541 20,393 16,017 Net Amount Recognized at End of Year $ 65,493 $ 64,969 $ 14,628 $ 13,242 Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Consist of: Net Actuarial Loss $ 34,396 $ 39,356 $ — $ — The PBO and ABO of SJI's qualified employee pension plans were $329.2 million and $309.4 million , respectively, as of December 31, 2018 ; and $243.9 million and $227.3 million , respectively, as of December 31, 2017 . The ABO of these plans exceeded the value of the plan assets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 . The value of these assets were $287.2 million and $216.1 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, and can be seen in the table above. The PBO and ABO for SJI's non-funded SERP were $73.0 million and $69.5 million , respectively, as of December 31, 2018 ; and $72.4 million and $63.9 million , respectively, as of December 31, 2017 . SJI's SERP obligation is reflected in the tables above and has no assets. The PBO and ABO of SJG's qualified employee pension plans were $188.1 million and $176.8 million , respectively, as of December 31, 2018 ; and $197.0 million and $183.5 million , respectively, as of December 31, 2017 . The ABO of these plans exceeded the value of the plan assets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 . The value of these assets were $160.3 million and $174.3 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, and can be seen in the tables above. The PBO and ABO for SJG's non-funded SERP were $72.6 million and $69.1 million , respectively, as of December 31, 2018 ; and $72.0 million and $63.6 million , respectively, as of December 31, 2017 . SJG's SERP obligation is reflected in the tables above and has no assets. The weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations for SJI and SJG at December 31 were: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits 2018 2017 2018 2017 Discount Rate 4.39 % 3.73 % 3.63 % 3.63 % Rate of Compensation Increase 3.50 % 3.50 % 3.50 % 3.50 % The weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for SJI and SJG for the years ended December 31 were: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 Discount Rate 3.73 % 4.30 % 4.83 % 4.13 % 4.13 % 4.73 % Expected Long-Term Return on Plan Assets 7.25 % 7.25 % 7.50 % 6.75 % 6.50 % 6.50 % Rate of Compensation Increase 3.50 % 3.50 % 3.50 % 3.50 % 3.50 % 3.50 % In 2014, the SOA released new mortality tables (RP-2014), which the Company adopted as of December 31, 2014. Since then, the SOA has updated the mortality projection on an annual basis. The Company utilizes the most current projection tables available. The obligations as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, disclosed herein, reflect the use of the updated projection tables applicable to those years. The discount rates used to determine the benefit obligations at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , which are used to determine the net periodic benefit cost for the subsequent year, were based on a portfolio model of high-quality investments with maturities that match the expected benefit payments under our pension and other postretirement benefit plans. The expected long-term return on plan assets (“return”) has been determined by applying long-term capital market projections provided by our pension plan Trustee to the asset allocation guidelines, as defined in SJI's and SJG's investment policy, to arrive at a weighted average return. For certain other equity securities held by an investment manager outside of the control of the Trustee, the return has been determined based on historic performance in combination with long-term expectations. The return for the other postretirement benefits plan is determined in the same manner as discussed above; however, the expected return is reduced based on the taxable nature of the underlying trusts. PLAN ASSETS - SJI's and SJG's overall investment strategy for pension plan assets is to achieve a diversification by asset class, style of manager, and sector and industry limits to achieve investment results that match the actuarially assumed rate of return, while preserving the inflation adjusted value of the plans. SJI and SJG have implemented this diversification strategy primarily with commingled common/collective trust funds. The target allocations for pension plan assets are 40 - 70 percent U.S. equity securities, 10 - 25 percent international equity securities, 25 - 60 percent fixed income investments, and 0 - 20 percent to all other types of investments. Equity securities include investments in commingled common/collective trust funds as well as large-cap and mid-cap companies. Fixed income securities include commingled common/collective trust funds, group annuity contracts for pension payments, and hedge funds. Other types of investments include investments in private equity funds and real estate funds that follow several different strategies. The strategy recognizes that risk and volatility are present to some degree with all types of investments. SJI and SJG seek to avoid high levels of risk at the total fund level through diversification by asset class, style of manager, and sector and industry limits. Specifically prohibited investments include, but are not limited to, venture capital, margin trading, commodities and securities of companies with less than $250.0 million capitalization (except in the small-cap portion of the fund where capitalization levels as low as $50.0 million are permissible). These restrictions are only applicable to individual investment managers with separately managed portfolios and do not apply to mutual funds or commingled trusts. SJI evaluated its pension and other postretirement benefit plans' asset portfolios for the existence of significant concentrations of credit risk as of December 31, 2018 . Types of concentrations that were evaluated include, but are not limited to, investment concentrations in a single entity, type of industry, foreign country, and individual fund. As of December 31, 2018 , there were no significant concentrations (defined as greater than 10 percent of plan assets) of risk in SJI's pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets. GAAP establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes fair value measurements based on the types of inputs used for the various valuation techniques. This hierarchy groups assets into three distinct levels, as fully described in Note 17, which will serve as the basis for presentation throughout the remainder of this Note. The fair values of SJI's and SJG's pension plan assets at December 31, 2018 and 2017 by asset category are as follows (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Asset Category Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 As of December 31, 2018 Cash / Cash Equivalents: Cash $ 92,224 $ 92,224 $ — $ — STIF-Type Instrument (a) 1,653 — 1,653 — Equity securities: U.S. Large-Cap (b) 13,684 13,684 — — U.S. Mid-Cap (b) 1,502 1,502 — — International (b) 2,327 2,327 — — Fixed Income: Guaranteed Insurance Contract (c) 8,453 — — 8,453 Subtotal Fair Value $ 119,843 $ 109,737 $ 1,653 $ 8,453 Measured at net asset value practical expedient (g): Private Equity Fund (d) $ 8,867 Common/Collective Trust Funds - Real Estate (e) 9,737 18,604 Other Common/Collective Trust Funds (f): Cash/Cash Equivalents 696 Equity Securities - U.S. 63,418 Equity Securities - International 33,391 Fixed Income 51,268 148,773 Subtotal measured at net asset value practical expedient $ 167,377 Total Fair Value $ 287,220 Asset Category Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 As of December 31, 2017 Cash / Cash Equivalents: Cash $ 72 $ 72 $ — $ — STIF-Type Instrument (a) 1,522 — 1,522 — Equity securities: U.S. Large-Cap (b) 13,526 13,526 — — U.S. Mid-Cap (b) 1,701 1,701 — — U.S. Small-Cap (b) 490 490 — — International (b) 3,260 3,260 — — Fixed Income: Guaranteed Insurance Contract (c) 9,211 — — 9,211 Subtotal Fair Value $ 29,782 $ 19,049 $ 1,522 $ 9,211 Measured at net asset value practical expedient (g): Private Equity Fund (d) $ 7,111 Common/Collective Trust Funds - Real Estate (e) 9,813 16,924 Other Common/Collective Trust Funds (f): Cash/Cash Equivalents 477 Equity Securities - U.S. 75,699 Equity Securities - International 39,077 Fixed Income 54,106 169,359 Subtotal measured at net asset value practical expedient $ 186,283 Total Fair Value $ 216,065 SJG: Asset Category Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 As of December 31, 2018: Cash / Cash Equivalents: Cash $ 19 $ 19 $ — $ — STIF-Type Instrument (a) 1,359 — 1,359 — Equity securities: U.S. Large-Cap (b) 11,247 11,247 — — U.S. Mid-Cap (b) 1,234 1,234 — — International (b) 1,912 1,912 — — Fixed Income: Guaranteed Insurance Contract (c) 6,947 — — 6,947 Subtotal Fair Value $ 22,718 $ 14,412 $ 1,359 $ 6,947 Measured at net asset value practical expedient (g): Private Equity Fund (d) $ 7,288 Common/Collective Trust Funds - Real Estate (e) 8,003 15,291 Other Common/Collective Trust Funds (f): Cash/Cash Equivalents 572 Equity Securities - U.S. 52,123 Equity Securities - International 27,444 Fixed Income 42,137 122,276 Subtotal measured at net asset value practical expedient $ 137,567 Total Fair Value $ 160,285 Asset Category Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 As of December 31, 2017: Cash / Cash Equivalents: Cash $ 58 $ 58 $ — $ — STIF-Type Instrument (a) 1,228 — 1,228 — Equity securities: U.S. Large-Cap (b) 10,910 10,910 — — U.S. Mid-Cap (b) 1,372 1,372 — — U.S. Small-Cap (b) 395 395 — — International (b) 2,629 2,629 — — Fixed Income: Guaranteed Insurance Contract (c) 7,429 — — 7,429 Subtotal Fair Value $ 24,021 $ 15,364 $ 1,228 $ 7,429 Measured at net asset value practical expedient (g): Private Equity Fund (d) $ 5,735 Common/Collective Trust Funds - Real Estate (e) 7,920 13,655 Other Common/Collective Trust Funds (f): Cash/Cash Equivalents 385 Equity Securities - U.S. 61,057 Equity Securities - International 31,519 Fixed Income 43,640 136,601 Subtotal measured at net asset value practical expedient $ 150,256 Total Fair Value $ 174,277 (a) This category represents short-term investment funds held for the purpose of funding disbursement payment arrangements. Underlying assets are valued based on quoted prices in active markets, or where quoted prices are not available, based on models using observable market information. Since not all values can be obtained from quoted prices in active markets, these funds are classified as Level 2 investments. (b) This category of equity investments represents a managed portfolio of common stock investments in five sectors: telecommunications, electric utilities, gas utilities, water and energy. These common stocks are actively traded on exchanges and price quotes for these shares are readily available. These common stocks are classified as Level 1 investments. (c) This category represents SJI’s Group Annuity contracts with a nationally recognized life insurance company. The contracts are the assets of the plan, while the underlying assets of the contracts are owned by the contract holder. Valuation is based on a formula and calculation specified within the contract. Since the valuation is based on the reporting entity’s own assumptions, these contracts are classified as Level 3 investments. (d) This category represents a limited partnership which includes several investments in U.S. leveraged buyout, venture capital, and special situation funds. Fund valuations are reported on a 90 to 120 day lag and, therefore, the value reported herein represents the market value as of June or September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, with cash flow changes through December applied. The fund’s investments are stated at fair value, which is generally based on the valuations provided by the general partners or managers of such investments. See (g) below. (e) This category represents real estate common/collective trust fund investments through a commingled employee benefit trust. These commingled funds are part of a direct investment in a pool of real estate properties. These funds are valued by investment managers on a periodic basis using pricing models that use independent appraisals from sources with professional qualifications. See (g) below. (f) This category represents common/collective trust fund investments through a commingled employee benefit trust (excluding real estate). These commingled funds are not traded publicly; however, the majority of the underlying assets held in these funds are stocks and bonds that are traded on active markets. Also included in these funds are interest rate swaps, asset backed securities, mortgage backed securities and other investments with observable market values. See (g) below. (g) Subsequent to the issuance of SJI’s and SJG’s 2017 financial statements, management determined that certain investments classified as Level 2 and Level 3 investments as of December 31, 2017 should have been excluded from the fair value hierarchy table and classified as “investments measured at net asset value practical expedient” as a result of adopting ASU 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent)” on January 1, 2017. As a result, the table above has been revised to reclassify these investments from Level 2 and Level 3 investments as of December 31, 2017 to investments measured at net asset value practical expedient. The correction of this classification resulted in a decrease in previously reported Level 2 and Level 3 investments as of December 31, 2017 of $169.4 million and $17.1 million for SJI, respectively, and $136.6 million and $13.7 million for SJG, respectively, and an increase in the classified investments measured at net asset value practical expedient. The correction of this classification had no effect on SJI’s and SJG’s financial statements. Fair Value Measurement Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) (In thousands) SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Guaranteed Private Insurance Equity Real Contract Funds (A) Estate (A) Total Balance at January 1, 2017 $ 9,714 $ — $ — $ 9,714 Actual return on plan assets: Relating to assets still held at the reporting date 245 — — 245 Relating to assets sold during the period 12 — — 12 Purchases, Sales and Settlements (760 ) — — (760 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 9,211 — — 9,211 Actual return on plan assets: — — — Relating to assets still held at the reporting date (53 ) — — (53 ) Relating to assets sold during the period 13 — — 13 Purchases, Sales and Settlements (718 ) — — (718 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 8,453 $ — $ — $ 8,453 SJG: Guaranteed Insurance Contract Private Equity Funds (A) Real Estate (A) Total Balance at January 1, 2017 $ 7,930 $ — $ — $ 7,930 Actual return on plan assets: Relating to assets still held at the reporting date 103 — — 103 Relating to assets sold during the period 9 — — 9 Purchases, Sales and Settlements (613 ) — — (613 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 7,429 $ — $ — $ 7,429 Actual return on plan assets: Relating to assets still held at the reporting date 98 — — 98 Relating to assets sold during the period 11 — — 11 Purchases, Sales and Settlements (591 ) — — (591 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 6,947 $ — $ — $ 6,947 (A) The 2017 amounts have been reclassified to NAV as per (g) above. As with the pension plan assets, SJI's and SJG's overall investment strategy for post-retirement benefit plan assets is to achieve a diversification by asset class, style of manager, and sector and industry limits to achieve investment results that match the actuarially assumed rate of return, while preserving the inflation adjusted value of the plans. SJI and SJG have implemented this diversification strategy with a mix of common/collective trust funds, mutual funds and Company-owned life insurance policies. The target allocations for post-retirement benefit plan assets are 55 - 75 percent U.S. equity securities, 10 - 20 percent international equity securities, 25 - 45 percent fixed income investments and 0 - 7 percent to all other types of investments. Equity securities include investments in large-cap, mid-cap and small-cap companies within mutual funds or common/collective trust funds. Fixed income securities within the common/collective trust fund include primarily investment grade, U.S. Government and mortgage-backed financial instruments. The insurance policies are backed by a series of commingled trust investments held by the insurance carrier. The fair values of SJI's and SJG's other postretirement benefit plan assets at December 31, 2018 and 2017 by asset category are as follows (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Asset Category Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 As of December 31, 2018: Cash $ 16,720 $ 16,720 $ — $ — Other Types of Investments: Mutual Funds - REITS (a) 822 822 — — Subtotal Fair Value $ 17,542 $ 17,542 $ — $ — Measured at net asset value practical expedient (c): Common/Collective Trust Funds (b): Equity Securities - U.S. $ 14,069 Equity Securities - International 9,720 Fixed Income 15,315 Company Owned Life Insurance (b) 13,885 Subtotal measured at net asset value practical expedient $ 52,989 Total Fair Value $ 70,531 Asset Category Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 As of December 31, 2017: Other Types of Investments: Mutual Funds - REITS (a) $ 864 $ 864 $ — $ — Subtotal Fair Value $ 864 $ 864 $ — $ — Measured at net asset value practical expedient (c): Common/Collective Trust Funds (b): Equity Securities - U.S. $ 15,101 Equity Securities - International 11,378 Fixed Income 15,272 Company Owned Life Insurance (b) 15,307 Subtotal measured at net asset value practical expedient $ 57,058 Total Fair Value $ 57,922 SJG: Asset Category Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 As of December 31, 2018 Cash $ 859 $ 859 $ — $ — Other Types of Investments: Mutual Funds - REITS (a) 740 740 — — Subtotal Fair Value $ 1,599 $ 1,599 $ — $ — Measured at net asset value practical expedient (c): Common/Collective Trust Funds (b): Equity Securities - U.S. $ 12,645 Equity Securities - International 8,735 Fixed Income 13,764 Company Owned Life Insurance (b) 13,027 Subtotal measured at net asset value practical expedient $ 48,171 Total Fair Value $ 49,770 Asset Category Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 As of December 31, 2017 Other Types of Investments: Mutual Funds - REITS (a) $ 777 $ 777 $ — $ — Subtotal Fair Value $ 777 $ 777 $ — $ — Measured at net asset value practical expedient (c): Common/Collective Trust Funds (b): Equity Securities - U.S. $ 13,572 Equity Securities - International 10,226 Fixed Income 13,726 Company Owned Life Insurance (b) 14,362 Subtotal measured at net asset value practical expedient $ 51,886 Total Fair Value $ 52,663 (a) This category represents mutual fund investments. The mutual funds are actively traded on exchanges and price quotes for the shares are readily available. These mutual funds are classified as Level 1 investments. (b) This category represents common/collective trust fund investments through a commingled employee benefit trust (excluding real estate). These commingled funds are not traded publicly; however, the majority of the underlying assets held in these funds are stocks and bonds that are traded on active markets. Also included in these funds are interest rate swaps, asset backed securities, mortgage backed securities and other investments with observable market values. This category also represents Company-owned life insurance policies with a nationally known life insurance company. The value of these policies is backed by a series of common/collective trust funds held by the insurance carrier. (c) Subsequent to the issuance of SJI’s and SJG’s 2017 financial statements, management determined that certain investments classified as Level 2 investments as of December 31, 2017 should have been excluded from the fair value hierarchy table and classified as “investments measured at net asset value practical expedient” as a result of adopting ASU 2015-07 on January 1, 2017. As a result, the table above has been revised to reclassify these investments from Level 2 investments as of December 31, 2017 to investments measured at net asset value practical expedient. The correction of this classification resulted in a decrease in previously reported Level 2 investments as of December 31, 2017 of $57.1 million for SJI and $51.9 million for SJG and an increase in the classified investments measured at net asset value practical expedient. The correction of this classification had no effect on SJI’s and SJG’s financial statements. FUTURE BENEFIT PAYMENTS - The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid during the following years (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits 2019 $ 21,690 $ 5,873 2020 $ 22,382 $ 5,853 2021 $ 22,517 $ 5,811 2022 $ 23,108 $ 5,728 2023 $ 23,883 $ 5,561 2024 - 2028 $ 122,192 $ 24,069 SJG: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits 2019 $ 12,777 $ 3,879 2020 $ 13,265 $ 3,888 2021 $ 13,674 $ 3,817 2022 $ 14,207 $ 3,739 2023 $ 14,788 $ 3,639 2024 - 2028 $ 79,003 $ 15,444 CONTRIBUTIONS - SJI contributed $10.0 million to the pension plans in January 2017, of which SJG contributed $8.0 million . SJI and SJG did not make contributions to its employee pension plans in 2018 or 2016. Payments related to the unfunded SERP plan for SJI and SJG in 2018, 2017 and 2016 were $2.7 million , $2.4 million and $2.3 million , respectively. SERP payments for SJI and SJG are expected to approximate $3.6 million

LINES OF CREDIT

LINES OF CREDIT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
LINES OF CREDIT	LINES OF CREDIT: Credit facilities and available liquidity as of December 31, 2018 were as follows (in thousands): Company Total Facility Usage Available Liquidity Expiration Date SJI: SJI Syndicated Revolving Credit Facility $ 400,000 $ 33,100 (A) $ 366,900 August 2022 Revolving Credit Facility 50,000 50,000 — September 2019 Total SJI 450,000 83,100 366,900 SJG: Commercial Paper Program/Revolving Credit Facility 200,000 108,300 (B) 91,700 August 2022 Uncommitted Bank Line 10,000 10,000 August 2019 Total SJG 210,000 108,300 101,700 ETG/ELK: ETG/ELK Revolving Credit Facility 200,000 86,000 114,000 June 2020 Total $ 860,000 $ 277,400 $ 582,600 (A) Includes letters of credit outstanding in the amount of $6.1 million . (B) Includes letters of credit outstanding in the amount of $0.8 million . On June 26, 2018, SJI (as a guarantor to ELK's obligation under this revolving credit agreement) and ETG and ELK (as Borrowers) entered into a $200.0 million , two -year revolving credit agreement with several lenders. The revolving credit agreement provides for the extension of credit to the Borrowers in a total aggregate amount of $200.0 million ( $175.0 million for ETG; $25.0 million for ELK), in the form of revolving loans up to a full amount of $200.0 million , swingline loans in an amount not to exceed an aggregate of $20.0 million and letters of credit in an amount not to exceed an aggregate of $50.0 million , each at the applicable interest rates specified in the revolving credit agreement. Subject to certain conditions set forth in the revolving credit agreement, ETG may increase the revolving credit facility up to a maximum aggregate amount of $50.0 million (for a total revolving facility of up to $250.0 million ). This facility contains one financial covenant, limiting the ratio of indebtedness to total capitalization (as defined in the credit agreement) of each Borrower to not more than 0.70 to 1 , measured at the end of each fiscal quarter. ETG and ELK were in compliance with this covenant at December 31, 2018. As of December 31, 2018, outstanding loans from this credit facility amount to $86.0 million . The SJG and ETG/ELK facilities are restricted as to use and availability specifically to SJG and ETG/ELK, respectively; however, if necessary, the SJI facilities can also be used to support the liquidity needs of SJG, ETG or ELK. All committed facilities contain one financial covenant limiting the ratio of indebtedness to total capitalization of the applicable borrowers (as defined in the respective credit agreements), measured on a quarterly basis. SJI, SJG, ETG and ELK were in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2018. Borrowings under these credit facilities are at market rates. SJI's weighted average interest rate on these borrowings (which includes SJG and ETG), which changes daily, was 3.32% , 2.46% and 1.47% at December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. SJG's weighted average interest rate on these borrowings, which changes daily, was 2.96% , 1.88% and 0.97% at December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. SJI's average borrowings outstanding under these credit facilities (which includes SJG and ETG/ELK), not including letters of credit, during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $265.5 million and $276.7 million , respectively. The maximum amounts outstanding under these credit facilities (which includes SJG and ETG/ELK), not including letters of credit, during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $497.0 million and $373.8 million , respectively. SJG's average borrowings outstanding under its credit facilities, not including letters of credit, during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $86.0 million and $17.6 million , respectively. The maximum amount outstanding under these credit facilities, not including letters of credit, during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $177.0 million and $110.1 million , respectively. The SJI and SJG principal credit facilities are provided by a syndicate of banks. In January 2018, the NPA for Senior Unsecured Notes issued by SJI, as well as the credit agreements with its syndicate of banks, were amended to reflect a financial covenant limiting the ratio of indebtedness to total capitalization (as defined in the respective NPA or credit agreement) to not more than 0.70 to 1 , measured at the end of each fiscal quarter. For SJI, the equity units are treated as equity (as opposed to how they are classified on the consolidated balance sheet, as long-term debt) for purposes of the covenant calculation. Further, in the event that SJI receives less than $500.0 million of net cash proceeds from the issuance of equity or equity-linked securities, that financial covenant limiting the ratio of indebtedness to total capitalization (as defined in the respective NPA or credit agreement) increases to not more than 0.75 to 1 , measured at the end of each fiscal quarter, for a period of one year following the closing of the acquisition of ETG and ELK. SJI and SJG were in compliance with this covenant as of December 31, 2018. However, one SJG bank facility still contains a financial covenant limiting the ratio of indebtedness to total capitalization (as defined in the respective credit agreement) to not more than 0.65 to 1 measured at the end of each fiscal quarter. As a result, SJG must ensure that the ratio of indebtedness to total capitalization (as defined in the respective credit agreement) does not exceed 0.65 to 1 , as measured at the end of each fiscal quarter. SJG is was in compliance with this covenant as of December 31, 2018. 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 the new $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 .

LONG-TERM DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
LONG-TERM DEBT	LONG-TERM DEBT: Outstanding Long-Term Debt at December 31 consisted of the following: 2018 2017 Long-Term Debt (A): SJG: First Mortgage Bonds: (B) 7.97% Series due 2018 (C) — 10,000 7.125% Series due 2018 (C) — 20,000 5.587% Series due 2019 10,000 10,000 3.00% Series due 2024 (D) 50,000 50,000 3.03% Series due 2024 (E) 35,000 35,000 3.63% Series due 2025 (F) 6,364 7,273 4.84% Series due 2026 (G) 15,000 15,000 4.93% Series due 2026 (H) 45,000 45,000 4.03% Series due 2027 (H) 45,000 45,000 4.01% Series due 2030 (I) 42,000 50,000 4.23% Series due 2030 30,000 30,000 3.74% Series due 2032 (J) 35,000 35,000 5.55% Series due 2033 32,000 32,000 6.213% Series due 2034 10,000 10,000 5.45% Series due 2035 10,000 10,000 3.00% Series due 2047 200,000 200,000 Series A 2006 Bonds at variable rates due 2036 (K) 24,900 24,900 SJG Term Facility (L) — 200,000 SJG Term Loan (L) 310,000 — Total SJG Long-Term Debt Outstanding (S) $ 900,264 $ 829,173 Less SJG Current Maturities (18,909 ) (63,809 ) Total SJG Long-Term Debt (S) $ 881,355 $ 765,364 SJI: 3.30% Series due 2019 (T) 60,000 60,000 3.30% Series due 2019 (T) 30,000 30,000 3.30% Series due 2019 (T) 50,000 50,000 3.71% Series C 2012 Notes due 2022 (T) 35,000 35,000 3.47% Series due 2024 (T) 25,000 25,000 3.71% Series due 2027 (T) 25,000 25,000 3.57% Series 2017A-2 due 2025 (T) 25,000 — 3.81% Series 2017B-2 due 2028 (T) 25,000 — 3.43% Series 2018A due 2021 (M) (T) 90,000 — 4.07% Series 2018B due 2028 (M) (T) 80,000 — 4.17% Series 2018C due 2030 (M) (T) 80,000 — Series Notes at variable rates due 2019 (N) 40,000 40,000 Series Notes at variable rates due 2019 (N) 60,000 60,000 South Jersey Industries Term Loan at variable rates due 2020 (O) 50,000 50,000 Convertible Equity Units (M, P) 287,500 — Series 2018D Notes at variable rates due 2019 (M, Q) 475,000 — ETG: First Mortgage Bonds, Series 2018A: (R) 4.02% Series 2018A-1 due 2028 50,000 — 4.22% Series 2018A-2 due 2033 55,000 — 4.29% Series 2018A-3 due 2038 150,000 — 4.37% Series 2018A-4 due 2048 200,000 — 4.52% Series 2018A-5 due 2058 75,000 — Total SJI Consolidated Long-Term Debt Outstanding (S) $ 2,867,764 $ 1,204,173 Less SJI Consolidated Current Maturities (733,909 ) (63,809 ) Total SJI Consolidated Long-Term Debt (S) $ 2,133,855 $ 1,140,364 (A) Long-term debt maturities for SJI for the succeeding five years are as follows (in thousands): 2019: $733,909 ; 2020: $377,909 ; 2021: $405,409 ; 2022: $66,084 ; and 2023: $40,084 . Long-term debt maturities for SJG for the succeeding five years are as follows (in thousands): 2019: $18,909 ; 2020: $327,909 ; 2021: $27,909 ; 2022: $31,084 ; and 2023: $40,084 . Regarding the debt that is due within one year at SJI, the Company has intentions to either pay down or refinance this debt, see Note 1. (B) In January 2017, SJG entered into a First Mortgage Indenture, which provides for the issuance by SJG of bonds, notes or other securities that are secured by a lien on substantially all of the operating properties and franchises of SJG. (C) In 2018, SJG retired $10.0 million of 7.97% MTN's, along with $20.0 million of 7.125% MTN's. (D) SJG has $50.0 million of 3.00% MTN's, with $10.0 million due annually beginning September 2020 with the final payment due September 2024. (E) SJG has $35.0 million of 3.03% MTN's, with $7.0 million due annually beginning November 2020 with the final payment due November 2024. (F) SJG pays $0.9 million annually toward the principal amount of 3.63% MTN's, with the final payment to be made December 2025. As such, $0.9 million of the total outstanding amount on this debt is classified in current portion of long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets as it is due within one year. (G) SJG has $15.0 million of 4.84% MTN's, with $2.5 million due annually beginning March 2021 with the final payment due March 2026. (H) SJG has $45.0 million of 4.93% MTN's, with $7.5 million due annually beginning June 2021 with the final payment due June 2026. SJG also has $45.0 million of 4.03% MTN's, with $9.0 million due annually beginning in December 2023 with the final payment due in December 2027. (I) SJG has $42.0 million of 4.01% MTN's with several due dates, as follows: $8.0 million due November 2019; $2.0 million due November 2025; $3.0 million due November 2026; $8.0 million due November 2027; and $7.0 million each due November 2028, 2029 and 2030. (J) SJG has $35.0 million of 3.74% MTN's, with $3.175 million due annually beginning April 2022 with final payment due April 2032. (K) These variable rate demand bonds bear interest at a floating rate that resets weekly. The interest rate as of December 31, 2018 was 1.78% . Liquidity support on these bonds is provided under a separate letter of credit facility that expires in August 2021; as such, these bonds are recorded in current portion of long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets. These bonds contain no financial covenants. (L) In January 2017, SJG entered into an unsecured, $200.0 million multiple-draw term loan credit agreement, on which SJG had borrowed the full $200.0 million as of December 31, 2017. In 2018, this was paid down, and in October 2018, SJG entered into an unsecured, $400.0 million term loan credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), which is syndicated among eight banks. Under the Credit Agreement, the Company can borrow up to an aggregate of $400.0 million from time to time until October 26, 2019. All loans under the Credit Agreement become due and payable on April 26, 2020. As of December 31, 2018, SJG borrowed $310.0 million . (M) Proceeds from these debt issuances, which occurred in the second quarter of 2018, were used to fund the Acquisition (see Notes 1 and 20). (N) At December 31, 2018 , the floating rate on these Senior Notes was 4.38% . (O) At December 31, 2018 , the floating rate on this Term Loan was 3.67% . (P) In April 2018, SJI completed a public offering of Equity Units for gross proceeds of $287.5 million (see Note 6). As of December 31, 2018 , these Equity Units were not converted into equity. (Q) At December 31, 2018 , the floating rate on these Senior Notes was 3.76% . (R) In December 2018, ETG issued $530.0 million aggregate principal amount of its First Mortgage Bonds, Series 2018A, which were issued in five Tranches as shown in the table above. These bonds were issued under that First Mortgage Indenture dated as of July 2, 2018 between ETG and a Trustee, as supplemented by that First Supplement dated as of December 20, 2018, pursuant to a BPA dated as of December 20, 2018 between ETG and the purchasers named therein. The proceeds from the sale of these bonds were used to repay short-term indebtedness under a previous $530.0 million , 364 -day term loan credit agreement dated as of June 26, 2018 among ETG (Borrower), SJI (Guarantor), the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent. Prior to repayment, the term loans bore interest at a variable base rate or a variable LIBOR at the election of the Company. (S) Total SJI consolidated Long-Term Debt in the table above does not include unamortized debt issuance costs of $27.0 million and $17.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Total SJG Long-Term Debt in the table above does not include unamortized debt issuance costs of $6.8 million and $7.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. (T) In July 2018, the interest rates on these senior notes increased 25 basis points per annum due to a rating fee provision included in the respective note purchase agreements. This rating fee provision was triggered upon the S&P downgrading SJI from BBB+ to BBB. In 2019, SJI provided two separate Notices of Optional Prepayment to the holders of its Floating Rate Senior Notes, Series 2018D, due June 20, 2019 of the Company’s intent to prepay a portion of the $475.0 million aggregate principal amount outstanding. See Note 22.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES: GAS SUPPLY CONTRACTS - In the normal course of business, SJG, SJRG and ETG 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 FERC approved tariffs. SJG's and ETG's cumulative obligation for gas supply-related demand charges and reservation fees paid to suppliers for these services averages approximately $5.7 million and $4.1 million per month, respectively. 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 averages approximately $1.3 million per month. SJRG has also committed to purchase 832,500 dts/d of natural gas, from various suppliers, for terms ranging from four to ten years at index based prices. ETG has an AMA with SJRG for transportation and storage capacity to meet natural gas demands. The AMA is valid through March 31, 2022. It also requires SJRG to pay minimum annual fees of $4.25 million to ETG and includes tiered margin sharing levels between ETG and SJRG (see Note 1). SJI has entered into a TSA with Southern Company Gas whereby the latter will provide certain administrative and operational services through no later than January 31, 2020. 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 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 plaintiff 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, including interest, $22.1 million and $57.7 million , respectively, from the first quarter of 2017 through December 31, 2018. 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, the $22.1 million associated with SJG above was recorded as both an Accounts Payable and an increase in Regulatory Assets on the consolidated balance sheets of both SJI and SJG as of December 31, 2018. Similarly, $57.7 million associated with SJRG was also recorded as an Accounts Payable on the consolidated balance sheets of SJI as of December 31, 2018, with charges of $4.1 million to Cost of Sales - Nonutility on the consolidated statements of income of SJI for the year ended December 31, 2018. SJI also recorded $1.0 million to Interest Charges on the consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2018. In April 2018, SJI filed an appeal of this judgment which was heard by the Tenth Circuit on January 22, 2019; however, no decision on the appeal has been made at the time of filing this Report. SJI continues to dispute the supplier invoices received and has created a reserve to reflect the differences between the invoices and paid amounts. The plaintiff supplier filed a second related lawsuit against SJG and SJRG in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado on December 21, 2017, alleging that SJG and SJRG have continued to breach the gas supply contracts notwithstanding the judgment in the prior lawsuit. The plaintiff supplier is seeking recovery of the amounts disputed by SJI since the earlier judgment, and a declaration regarding the price under the disputed contracts going forward until the contracts terminate in October 2019. The outcome of this lawsuit will be determined by the outcome in the pending appeal of the first lawsuit. All reserves related to this second lawsuit are recorded as part of the accrued amounts disclosed above. In August 2018, the State of New Jersey filed a civil enforcement action against SJG and several other current and former owners of certain property in Atlantic City, NJ where SJG and its predecessors previously operated a manufactured gas plant. The State of New Jersey is alleging damage to the State's natural resources and seeking payment for damages to those natural resources. SJG is working with a licensed state remediation professional to remediate the site. SJG is currently evaluating the merits of the State of New Jersey's allegations and, at this time, can provide no assessment of the claim or assurance regarding its outcome. 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 disputes that are noted above, SJI has accrued approximately $3.2 million and $3.0 million related to all claims in the aggregate as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, of which SJG has accrued approximately $0.9 million and $0.7 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Although SJI and SJG do not presently believe that these matters will have a material adverse effect on their businesses, given the inherent uncertainties in such situations, SJI and SJG can provide no assurance regarding the outcome of litigation. COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS — Unionized personnel represent approximately 45% and 58% of SJI's and SJG's workforce at December 31, 2018 , respectively. SJI has collective bargaining agreements with unions that represent these employees: IBEW Local 1293; IAM Local 76; and UWUA Local 424. SJG employees represented by the IBEW operate under a collective bargaining agreement that runs through February 2022. SJG's remaining unionized employees are represented by the IAM and operate under a collective bargaining agreement that runs through August 2021. ETG employees represented by the UWUA operate under a collective bargaining agreement that runs through November 2019. GUARANTEES - As of December 31, 2018 , SJI, the parent company, has issued guarantees to third parties on behalf of its consolidated subsidiaries. These guarantees were issued to guarantee payment to third parties with whom SJI's consolidated subsidiaries have commodity supply contracts. As of December 31, 2018 , these guarantees support future firm commitments of SJI's consolidated subsidiaries and $134.6 million of the Accounts Payable already recorded on SJI's consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2018 , SJI had issued $8.6 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. STANDBY LETTERS OF CREDIT — As of December 31, 2018 , SJI provided $6.1 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 $25.1 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 NJEDA to finance the expansion of SJG’s natural gas distribution system. 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. ETG is subject to environmental remediation liabilities associated with 6 former manufactured gas plant sites in New Jersey. These environmental remediation expenditures are recoverable from customers through rate mechanisms approved by the BPU. 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. SJI successfully entered into settlements with all of its historic comprehensive general liability carriers regarding the environmental remediation expenditures at the SJG sites. Also, SJG had purchased a Cleanup Cost Cap Insurance Policy limiting the amount of remediation expenditures that SJG was required to make at 11 of its sites. This policy provided coverage up to $50.0 million , which was exhausted in 2012. Since the early 1980s, SJI accrued environmental remediation costs of $627.1 million , of which $373.5 million was spent as of December 31, 2018 . The accrued amount includes the addition of ETG environmental remediation beginning with the date of the Acquisition (see Note 20 and ETG discussion below). SJG accrued environmental remediation costs of $499.4 million , of which $351.4 million was spent as of December 31, 2018 . The following table details the amounts expended and accrued for SJI's and SJG's environmental remediation during the last two years (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): 2018 2017 Beginning of Year $ 172,855 $ 155,013 Accruals 58,706 56,405 Expenditures (51,176 ) (38,563 ) Opening Balance Sheet Adjustment (See Note 20) 73,265 — End of Year $ 253,650 $ 172,855 SJG: 2018 2017 Beginning of Year $ 171,696 $ 153,047 Accruals 21,695 55,814 Expenditures (45,320 ) (37,165 ) End of Year $ 148,071 $ 171,696 The balances are segregated between current and noncurrent on the consolidated balance sheets under the captions Current Liabilities and Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities. Management estimates that undiscounted future costs to clean up SJG's sites will range from $148.1 million to $253.7 million . Six of SJG's sites comprise the majority of these estimates, the sum of the six sites range from a low of $140.0 million to a high of $246.3 million . SJG recorded the lower end of this range as a liability because a single reliable estimation point is not feasible due to the amount of uncertainty involved in the nature of projected remediation efforts and the long period over which remediation efforts will continue. Recorded amounts include estimated costs based on projected investigation and remediation work plans using existing technologies. Actual costs could differ from the estimates due to the long-term nature of the projects, changing technology, government regulations and site-specific requirements. Significant risks surrounding these estimates include unforeseen market price increases for remedial services, property owner acceptance of remedy selection, regulatory approval of selected remedy and remedial investigative findings. The remediation efforts at SJG's six most significant sites include the following: Site 1 - Several interim remedial actions have been completed at the site. Steps remaining to remediate the balance of the site include selection of the remedial action, confirmation of regulatory compliance of the selected remedy, implementation of the approved remedy, long-term groundwater monitoring, and issuance of a Response Action Outcome. Site 2 - Various remedial investigation activities have been completed at this site and a final site remedy has been approved by the regulatory authority. The remedial action is underway and preparation for the next step is ongoing. Remaining steps to remediate the site include completion of the remedial action, long-term groundwater monitoring, and issuance of a Response Action Outcome. Site 3 - Various remedial investigation activities have been completed at this site and a final site remedy has been approved by the regulatory authority. Steps remaining to remediate the site include implementation of the approved remedy, long term groundwater monitoring, and issuance of a Response Action Outcome. Site 4 - The remedial action approved by the regulatory authority is currently being implemented. Remaining steps to remediate the site include post remediation groundwater monitoring, ongoing operation of the product recovery system, and issuance of a Response Action Outcome. Site 5 - Remedial investigation activities have been completed at this site and a final site remedy has been proposed to the regulatory authority. Steps remaining to remediate the site include approval of the final remedy, implementation of the approved remedy, and issuance of a Response Action Outcome. Site 6 - The remedial action to address impacted soil was completed in 2017. Steps remaining include long-term groundwater monitoring and issuance of a Response Action Outcome. Management estimates that undiscounted future costs to clean up ETG's sites will range from $104.6 million to $189.8 million . The remediation efforts at ETG's six sites include the following: Site 1 - Remediation of soil and sediment has been completed and a Response Action Outcome has been received. No further efforts are needed at this time. Site 2 - Several interim remedial actions have been completed at the site. Steps remaining to remediate the balance of the site include selection of the remedial action for the remaining areas, confirmation of regulatory compliance of the selected remedy, implementation of the approved remedy, long-term groundwater monitoring, and issuance of a Response Action Outcome. Site 3 - Interim remedial actions have been completed at the site. Steps to remediate the balance of the site included selection of the remedial action for the remaining areas, confirmation of regulatory compliance of the selected remedy, implementation of the approved remedy, long-term groundwater monitoring, and issuance of a Response Action Outcome. Site 4 - Soil remediation for the on-site portion of the work has been completed and unrestricted use closure documentation is expected in 2019. Steps remaining include investigation within a City owned park, remediation of any impacts found, and issuance of the appropriate closure documentation. Site 5 - Soil remediation at the site has been completed. Steps remaining include long-term groundwater monitoring and issuance of a Response Action Outcome. Site 6 - Various remedial investigation activities have been completed at the site and a final site remedy has been proposed to the regulatory authority. Remediation of offsite impacts to begin in 2019 and continue into 2020. With Morie's sale in 1996, EMI assumed responsibility for environmental liabilities currently estimated between $0.5 million and $0.9 million . The information available on these sites is sufficient only to establish a range of probable liability and no point within the range is more likely than any other. Therefore, EMI has accrued the lower end of the range. Changes in the accrual are included in the statements of consolidated income under Loss from Discontinued Operations. SJI and SJF estimate their potential exposure for the future remediation of five sites where fuel oil operations existed years ago to range from $0.5 million to $0.9 million . The lower end of this range has been recorded under Current Liabilities and Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities as of December 31, 2018 .

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	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. As of December 31, 2018 , SJI and SJG had outstanding derivative contracts as follows: SJI Consolidated SJG Derivative contracts intended to limit exposure to market risk to: Expected future purchases of natural gas (in MMdts) 88.6 8.6 Expected future sales of natural gas (in MMdts) 71.6 0.7 Expected future purchases of electricity (in MMmWh) 1.7 — Expected future sales of electricity (in MMmWh) 1.3 — Basis and Index related net purchase/(sale) contracts (in MMdts) 54.9 (1.1 ) 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 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 consolidated statements of income for SJI. These pre-tax gains (losses) were $34.5 million , $(13.7) million and $26.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. For ETG's and 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 consolidated balance sheets of both SJI (ETG and SJG) and SJG. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , SJI had $4.1 million and $(2.1) million , respectively, and SJG had $3.3 million and $(2.1) million , respectively, of unrealized gains (losses) included in its BGSS related to energy-related commodity contracts. As part of its gas purchasing strategy, SJG uses financial contracts through SJRG to limit exposure to forward price risk. The costs or benefits of these short-term contracts are recoverable through SJG's BGSS clause, subject to BPU approval. The retail electric operations of SJE use forward physical and financial contracts to mitigate commodity price risk on fixed price electric contracts. Management takes an active role in the risk management process and has developed policies and procedures that require specific administrative and business functions to assist in identifying, assessing and controlling various risks. Management reviews any open positions in accordance with strict policies to limit exposure to market risk. 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 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 AOCL on the 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 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. As of December 31, 2018 , 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 The unrealized gains and losses on interest rate derivatives that are not designated as cash flow hedges are included in Interest Charges on the 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 consolidated balance sheets. The fair values of all derivative instruments, as reflected in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, are as follows (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities Energy-related commodity contracts: Derivatives - Energy Related - Current $ 54,021 $ 24,134 $ 42,139 $ 46,938 Derivatives - Energy Related - Non-Current 7,169 7,256 5,988 6,025 Interest rate contracts: Derivatives - Other - Current — 588 — 748 Derivatives - Other - Noncurrent — 7,285 — 9,622 Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP $ 61,190 $ 39,263 $ 48,127 $ 63,333 Total Derivatives $ 61,190 $ 39,263 $ 48,127 $ 63,333 SJG: Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities Energy-related commodity contracts: Derivatives – Energy Related – Current $ 5,464 $ 2,146 $ 7,327 $ 9,270 Derivatives – Energy Related – Non-Current 15 43 5 170 Interest rate contracts: Derivatives - Other - Current — 343 — 389 Derivatives - Other - Non-Current — 5,524 — 6,639 Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP 5,479 8,056 7,332 16,468 Total Derivatives $ 5,479 $ 8,056 $ 7,332 $ 16,468 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 consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , information related to these offsetting arrangements were as follows (in thousands): As of December 31, 2018 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 $ 61,190 $ — $ 61,190 $ (21,045 ) (A) $ (7,252 ) $ 32,893 Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities $ (31,390 ) $ — $ (31,390 ) $ 21,045 (B) $ — $ (10,345 ) Derivatives - Other $ (7,873 ) $ — $ (7,873 ) $ — $ — $ (7,873 ) SJG: Derivatives - Energy Related Assets $ 5,479 $ — $ 5,479 $ (347 ) (A) $ 688 $ 5,820 Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities $ (2,189 ) $ — $ (2,189 ) $ 347 (B) $ — $ (1,842 ) Derivatives - Other $ (5,867 ) $ — $ (5,867 ) $ — $ — $ (5,867 ) As of December 31, 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 $ 48,127 $ — $ 48,127 $ (24,849 ) (A) $ — $ 23,278 Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities $ (52,963 ) $ — $ (52,963 ) $ 24,849 (B) $ 8,832 $ (19,282 ) Derivatives - Other $ (10,370 ) $ — $ (10,370 ) $ — $ — $ (10,370 ) SJG: Derivatives - Energy Related Assets $ 7,332 $ — $ 7,332 $ (208 ) (A) $ — $ 7,124 Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities $ (9,440 ) $ — $ (9,440 ) $ 208 (B) $ 1,543 $ (7,689 ) Derivatives - Other $ (7,028 ) $ — $ (7,028 ) $ — $ — $ (7,028 ) (A) The balances at December 31, 2018 and 2017 were related to derivative liabilities which can be net settled against derivative assets. (B) The balances at December 31, 2018 and 2017 were related to derivative assets which can be net settled against derivative liabilities. The effect of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31 is as follows (in thousands): Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships under GAAP 2018 2017 2016 SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Interest Rate Contracts: Losses reclassified from AOCL into income (a) $ (46 ) $ (2,524 ) $ (333 ) SJG: Interest Rate Contracts: Losses reclassified from AOCL into income (a) $ (46 ) $ (46 ) (46 ) (a) Included in Interest Charges Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under GAAP 2018 2017 2016 SJI (no balances for SJG; includes all other consolidated subsidiaries): Gains (losses) on energy-related commodity contracts (a) $ 34,509 $ (13,667 ) $ 26,935 Gains (losses) on interest rate contracts (b) 1,337 (677 ) 647 Total $ 35,846 $ (14,344 ) $ 27,582 (a) Included in Operating Revenues - Nonutility (b) Included in Interest Charges Certain of the Company’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 the Company. The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that are in a liability position on December 31, 2018 , was $1.0 million . If the credit-risk-related contingent features underlying these agreements were triggered on December 31, 2018 , the Company would have been required to settle the instruments immediately or post collateral to its counterparties of approximately $0.2 million after offsetting asset positions with the same counterparties under master netting arrangements.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSETS

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES	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. 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 December 31, 2018 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Available-for-Sale Securities (A) $ 41 $ 41 $ — $ — Derivatives – Energy Related Assets (B) 61,190 9,955 23,429 27,806 $ 61,231 $ 9,996 $ 23,429 $ 27,806 SJG: Assets Derivatives – Energy Related Assets (B) $ 5,479 $ 348 $ 126 $ 5,005 $ 5,479 $ 348 $ 126 $ 5,005 SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Liabilities Derivatives – Energy Related Liabilities (B) $ 31,390 $ 7,291 $ 12,354 $ 11,745 Derivatives – Other (C) 7,873 — 7,873 — $ 39,263 $ 7,291 $ 20,227 $ 11,745 SJG: Liabilities Derivatives – Energy Related Liabilities (B) $ 2,189 $ 1,035 $ 1,077 $ 77 Derivatives – Other (C) 5,867 — 5,867 — $ 8,056 $ 1,035 $ 6,944 $ 77 As of December 31, 2017 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Available-for-Sale Securities (A) $ 36 $ 36 $ — $ — Derivatives – Energy Related Assets (B) 48,127 5,155 21,869 21,103 $ 48,163 $ 5,191 $ 21,869 $ 21,103 SJG: Assets Derivatives – Energy Related Assets (B) $ 7,332 $ 208 $ 230 $ 6,894 $ 7,332 $ 208 $ 230 $ 6,894 SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Liabilities Derivatives – Energy Related Liabilities (B) $ 52,963 $ 10,687 $ 24,283 $ 17,993 Derivatives – Other (C) 10,370 — 10,370 — $ 63,333 $ 10,687 $ 34,653 $ 17,993 SJG: Liabilities Derivatives – Energy Related Liabilities (B) $ 9,440 $ 1,750 $ 2,848 $ 4,842 Derivatives – Other (C) 7,028 — 7,028 — $ 16,468 $ 1,750 $ 9,876 $ 4,842 (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. The remaining securities consist of funds that are not publicly traded. These funds, which consist of stocks and bonds that are traded individually in active markets, are valued using quoted prices for similar assets and are categorized in Level 2 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, except for ranges): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Type Fair Value at December 31, 2018 Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Input Range [Weighted Average] Assets Liabilities Forward Contract - Natural Gas $ 20,706 $ 8,976 Discounted Cash Flow Forward price (per dt) $1.56 - $9.00 [$3.12] (A) Forward Contract - Electric $ 7,100 $ 2,769 Discounted Cash Flow Fixed electric load profile (on-peak) 0.00% - 100.00% [54.55%] (B) Fixed electric load profile (off-peak) 0.00% - 100.00% [45.45%] (B) Type Fair Value at December 31, 2017 Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Input Range [Weighted Average] Assets Liabilities Forward Contract - Natural Gas $ 13,519 $ 15,686 Discounted Cash Flow Forward price (per dt) $1.79 - $12.09 [$3.01] (A) Forward Contract - Electric $ 7,584 $ 2,307 Discounted Cash Flow Fixed electric load profile (on-peak) 36.36% - 100.00% [53.39%] (B) Fixed electric load profile (off-peak) 0.00% - 63.64% [46.61%] (B) SJG: Type Fair Value at December 31, 2018 Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Input Range [Weighted Average] Assets Liabilities Forward Contract - Natural Gas $ 5,005 $ 77 Discounted Cash Flow Forward price (per dt) $3.13 - $6.00 [$4.53] (A) Type Fair Value at December 31, 2017 Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Input Range [Weighted Average] Assets Liabilities Forward Contract - Natural Gas $ 6,894 $ 4,842 Discounted Cash Flow Forward price (per dt) $2.42 - $6.67 [$5.25] (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. The changes in fair value measurements of Derivatives – Energy Related Assets and Liabilities at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), are as follows (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Year Ended December 31, 2018 Balance at January 1, 2018 $ 3,110 Other changes in fair value from continuing and new contracts, net 14,418 Settlements (1,467 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 16,061 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Balance at January 1, 2017 $ 9,035 Other changes in fair value from continuing and new contracts, net 1,857 Transfers in to/(out of) of Level 3 (A) (954 ) Settlements (6,828 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 3,110 SJG: Year Ended December 31, 2018 Balance at January 1, 2018 $ 2,052 Other changes in fair value from continuing and new contracts, net 4,928 Settlements (2,052 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 4,928 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Balance at January 1, 2017 $ 926 Other changes in fair value from continuing and new contracts, net 2,258 Transfers in to/(out of) of Level 3 (A) (206 ) Settlements (926 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 2,052 (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, and are assessed quarterly by management. No transfers in or out of Level 3 occurred in 2018. During the year ended December 31, 2017, $1.0 million and $0.2 million of SJI's and SJG's net derivative assets, respectively, were transferred from Level 3 to Level 2, due to increased observability of market data. Total gains for 2018 included in earnings for SJI for the year ended December 31, 2018 that are attributable to the change in unrealized gains relating to those assets and liabilities included in Level 3 still held as of December 31, 2018 , are $14.4 million . These gains are included in Operating Revenues-Nonutility on the consolidated statements of income.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (AOCL)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (AOCL)	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (AOCL): The following table summarizes the changes in SJI's AOCL for the year ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands): Postretirement Liability Adjustment (A) Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives-Other (A) Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available-for-Sale Securities (A) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) of Affiliated Companies (A) Total Balance at January 1, 2018 $ (36,262 ) $ (396 ) $ (10 ) $ (97 ) $ (36,765 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 10,636 — — — 10,636 Amounts reclassified from AOCL (B) — 34 — — 34 Net current period other comprehensive income 10,636 34 — — 10,670 Balance at December 31, 2018 $ (25,626 ) $ (362 ) $ (10 ) $ (97 ) $ (26,095 ) (A) Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of 25% for 2018. (B) See table below. The following table provides details about reclassifications out of SJI's AOCL for the year ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands): Amounts Reclassified from AOCL Affected Line Item in the Statements of Consolidated Income For the Year Ended December 31, 2018 Unrealized Loss on Derivatives-Other - interest rate contracts designated as cash flow hedges $ 46 Interest Charges Income Taxes (12 ) Income Taxes (a) $ 34 (a) Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of 25% . The following table summarizes the changes in SJG's AOCL for the year ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands): Postretirement Liability Adjustment (A) Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives-Other (A) Total Balance at January 1, 2018 (25,507 ) (490 ) $ (25,997 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications 3,606 — 3,606 Amounts reclassified from AOCL (B) — 34 34 Net current period other comprehensive loss 3,606 34 3,640 Balance at December 31, 2018 $ (21,901 ) $ (456 ) $ (22,357 ) (A) Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of 25% for 2018. (B) See table below. The following table provides details about reclassifications out of SJG's AOCL for the year ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands): Components of AOCL Amounts Reclassified from AOCL Affected Line Item in the Statements of Income For the Year Ended December 31, 2018 Unrealized Loss on Derivatives-Other - Interest Rate Contracts designated as cash flow hedges $ 46 Interest Charges Income Taxes (12 ) Income Taxes (a) $ 34 (a) Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of 25% .

REVENUE

REVENUE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
REVENUE	REVENUES: At contract inception, SJI and SJG assess the goods and services promised in all of its contracts with customers, and identifies a performance obligation for each promise to transfer to a customer a distinct good or service. As applicable for each revenue stream and customer contract type, SJI and SJG follow two approaches: • SJI and SJG have elected the Practical Expedient in ASC 606 for recognizing revenue on contracts with customers on a portfolio of performance obligations with similar characteristics, as we reasonably expect the effects of applying the guidance to the portfolio would not differ materially from applying it to individual contracts. • SJI and SJG apply the accounting guidance for recognizing revenue on contracts with customers on a series of distinct goods and services as one performance obligation, as long as the distinct goods and services are part of a series that are substantially the same and satisfied over time, and the same method would be used to measure progress towards satisfaction of the performance obligation. All performance obligations noted below under "Revenue Recognized Over Time" apply this guidance. Below is a listing of all performance obligations that arise from contracts with customers, along with details on the satisfaction of each performance obligation, the significant payment terms, and the nature of the goods and services being transferred: Revenue Recognized Over Time: Reportable Segment Performance Obligation Description SJG Utility Operations; ETG Gas Utility Operations; ELK Gas Utility Operations; Wholesale Energy Operations; Retail Gas and Other Operations Natural Gas SJG, ETG and ELK sell natural gas to residential, commercial and industrial customers, and price is based on regulated tariff rates which are established by the BPU or the MPSC, as applicable. There is an implied contract with a customer for the purchase, delivery, and sale of gas, and the customer is billed monthly, with payment due within 30 days. SJRG sells natural gas to commercial customers at either a fixed quantity or at variable quantities based on a customer's needs. Payment is due on the 25th of each month for the previous month's deliveries. SJE previously sold natural gas to commercial, industrial and residential customers at fixed prices throughout the life of the contract, with the customer billed monthly and payment due within 30 days (SJE sold its Retail Gas Operations in November 2018; see Note 1). For all listed segments, revenue is currently being recognized over time based upon volumes delivered (i.e., unit of output) or through the passage of time ratably as the customer uses natural gas, which represents satisfaction of the performance obligation. SJG Utility Operations; Wholesale Energy Operations Pipeline transportation capacity SJG and SJRG sell pipeline transportation capacity on a wholesale basis to various customers on the interstate pipeline system and transport natural gas purchased directly from producers or suppliers to their customers. These contracts to sell this capacity are at a price, quantity and time period agreed to by both parties determined on a contract by contract basis. Payment is due on the 25th of each month for the previous month's deliveries. Revenue is currently being recognized over time based upon volumes delivered (i.e., unit of output) or through the passage of time ratably coinciding with the delivery of gas and the customer obtaining control, which represents satisfaction of the performance obligation. Wholesale Energy Operations Fuel Management Services SJRG currently has eleven fuel supply management contracts where SJRG has acquired pipeline transportation capacity that allows SJRG to match end users, many of which are merchant generators, with producers looking to find a long-term solution for their supply. Natural gas is sold to the merchant generator daily based on its needs, with payment made either weekly or biweekly depending on the contract. Revenue is currently being recognized over time based upon volumes delivered (i.e., unit of output) coinciding with the delivery of gas and the customer obtaining control, which represents satisfaction of the performance obligation. Retail Electric Operations Electricity SJE sells electricity to commercial, industrial and residential customers at fixed prices throughout the life of the contract, with the customer billed monthly and payment due within 30 days. Revenue is currently being recognized over time based upon volumes delivered (i.e., unit of output) or through the passage of time ratably coinciding with the delivery of electricity and the customer obtaining control, which represents satisfaction of the performance obligation. On-Site Energy Production Solar Marina has several wholly-owned solar projects that earn revenue based on electricity generated. The customer pays monthly as electricity is being generated, with payment due within 30 days. The performance obligation is satisfied as kwh's of energy are generated (i.e., unit of output), which is when revenue is recognized. As disclosed in Note 1, the majority of Marina's solar assets were sold as of December 31, 2018. On-Site Energy Production Marina Thermal Facility Marina has a contract with a casino and resort in Atlantic City, NJ to provide cooling, heating and emergency power. There are multiple performance obligations with this contract, including electric, chilled water and hot water, and each of these are considered distinct and separately identifiable, and they are all priced separately. These performance obligations are satisfied over time ratably as they are used by the customer, who is billed monthly. Payment is due within 30 days. Table of Contents Revenue Recognized at a Point in Time: Reportable Segment Performance Obligation Description On-Site Energy Production SREC's The customer is billed based on a contracted amount of SREC's to be sold, with the price based on the market price of the SRECs at the time of generation. This does not represent variable consideration as the price is known and established at the time of generation and delivery to the customer. The performance obligation is satisfied at the point in time the SREC is delivered to the customer, which is when revenue is recognized. Payment terms are approximately 10 days subsequent to delivery. As disclosed in Note 1, SJI has entered into an agreement to sell SREC's generated to a third party; as a result, no revenue with customers from SREC agreements was recorded since this agreement was signed. For all revenue streams listed above, revenue is recognized using the Practical Expedient in ASC 606 which allows an entity to recognize revenue in the amount that is invoiced, as long as that amount corresponds to the value to the customer ("Invoiced Practical Expedient"). SJI's and SJG's contracts with customers discussed above are at prices that are known to the customer at the time of delivery, either through a fixed contractual price or market prices that are established and tied to each delivery. These amounts match the value to the customer as they are purchasing and obtaining the good or service on the same day at the agreed-upon price. This eliminates any variable consideration in transaction price, and as a result revenue is recognized at this price at the time of delivery. SJI and SJG have determined that the above methods provide a faithful depiction of the transfer of goods or services to the customer. For all above performance obligations, SJI's and SJG's efforts are expended throughout the contract based on seasonality and customer needs. Further, for various contracts among each performance obligation, SJI and SJG may have a stand ready obligation to provide goods or services on an as needed basis to the customer. Because the Invoiced Practical Expedient is used for recognizing revenue, SJI and SJG further adopted the Practical Expedient in ASC 606 that allows both company's to not disclose additional information regarding remaining performance obligations. SJI revenues from contracts with customers totaled $1.51 billion for the year ended December 31, 2018, respectively. SJG revenues from contracts with customers totaled $475.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, respectively. The SJG balance is a part of the SJG utility operations segment, and is before intercompany eliminations with other SJI entities. Revenues on the consolidated statements of income that are not with contracts with customers consist of (a) revenues from alternative revenue programs at the SJG, ETG and ELK utility operating segments (including CIP, AIRP, SHARP and WNC), and (b) both utility and nonutility revenue from derivative contracts at the SJG and ETG gas utility, wholesale energy, retail gas and retail electric operating segments. SJI and SJG disaggregate revenue from contracts with customers into customer type and product line. SJI and SJG have determined that disaggregating revenue into these categories achieves the disclosure objective in ASC 606 to depict how the nature, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors. Further, disaggregating revenue into these categories is consistent with information regularly reviewed by the CODM in evaluating the financial performance of SJI's operating segments. SJG only operates in the SJG Utility Operations segment. See Note 6 for further information regarding SJI's operating segments. Disaggregated revenues from contracts with customers, by both customer type and product line, are disclosed below, by operating segment, for the year ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2018 SJG Utility Operations ETG Utility Operations ELK Utility Operations Wholesale Energy Operations Retail Gas Operations Retail Electric Operations On-site Energy Production Appliance Service Operations Corporate Services and Intersegment Total Customer Type: Residential $ 329,207 $ 82,763 $ 1,482 $ 29,762 — $ 1,957 — $ 445,171 Commercial & Industrial 132,055 42,935 1,815 652,833 75,651 94,483 72,374 — (24,392 ) 1,047,754 OSS & Capacity Release 11,536 — — — — 11,536 Other 2,699 2,949 65 — — — 5,713 $ 475,497 $ 128,647 $ 3,362 $ 652,833 $ 75,651 $ 124,245 $ 72,374 $ 1,957 $ (24,392 ) $ 1,510,174 Product Line: Gas $ 475,497 $ 128,647 $ 3,362 $ 652,833 $ 75,651 — $ (10,181 ) $ 1,325,809 Electric 124,245 — (7,904 ) 116,341 Solar 35,444 — (6,307 ) 29,137 CHP 30,473 — — 30,473 Landfills 6,457 — — 6,457 Other 1,957 — 1,957 $ 475,497 $ 128,647 $ 3,362 $ 652,833 $ 75,651 $ 124,245 $ 72,374 $ 1,957 $ (24,392 ) $ 1,510,174 The following table provides information about SJI's and SJG's receivables and unbilled revenue from contracts with customers (in thousands): Accounts Receivable (1) Unbilled Revenue (2) SJI (including SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Beginning balance as of 1/1/18 202,379 73,377 Ending balance as of 12/31/2018 337,502 79,538 Increase (Decrease) 135,123 6,161 SJG: Beginning balance as of 1/1/18 78,571 54,980 Ending balance as of 12/31/2018 101,572 43,271 Increase (Decrease) 23,001 (11,709 ) (1) Included in Accounts Receivable in the consolidated balance sheets. A receivable is SJI's and SJG's right to consideration that is unconditional, as only the passage of time is required before payment is expected from the customer. All of SJI's and SJG's Accounts Receivable arise from contracts with customers. The large increase in SJI's Accounts Receivable is due to the Acquisition. (2) Included in Unbilled Revenues in the consolidated balance sheets. All unbilled revenue for SJI and SJG arises from contracts with customers. Unbilled revenue relates to SJI's and SJG's right to receive payment for commodity delivered but not yet billed. This represents contract assets that arise from contracts with customers, which is defined in ASC 606 as the right to payment in exchange for goods already transferred to a customer, excluding any amounts presented as a receivable. The unbilled revenue is transferred to accounts receivable when billing occurs and the rights to collection become unconditional. The change in unbilled revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018 is due primarily to the timing difference between SJI and SJG delivering the commodity to the customer and the customer actually receiving the bill for payment.

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combinations	BUSINESS COMBINATION On July 1, 2018, the Company completed the Acquisition of ETG and ELK. The Company completed the Acquisition for total consideration of $1.74 billion in cash, inclusive of $40.3 million of certain net working capital adjustments. Of the total, $1.73 billion relates to the acquisition of ETG, while $10.9 million relates to the acquisition of the ELK. In the second quarter of 2018, the Company completed public equity offerings and issued long-term debt to help fund the Acquisition (see Notes 6 and 14, respectively). The Acquisition supports the Company’s strategy of earnings growth derived from high-quality, regulated utilities. Further, the Acquisition expands the Company’s customer base in the natural gas industry, which drives efficiencies by providing a greater operating scale. Preliminary purchase price allocations The Acquisition was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with GAAP, which includes GAAP for regulated operations. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the total estimated purchase price of an acquisition is allocated to the net assets based on their estimated fair values. ETG's and ELK's regulated natural gas distribution operations are subject to rate-setting authorities of the BPU and the MPSC, respectively, which includes provisions in place that provide revenues to recover costs of service, including a carrying charge on most net assets and liabilities. Given the regulatory environment under which ETG and ELK operate, the historical book value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed approximate fair value. The Company has not finalized its valuation of certain assets and liabilities in connection with the Acquisition. As such, the estimated measurements recorded to date are subject to change and these changes, if any, could be material. Any changes will be recorded as adjustments to the fair value of those assets and liabilities and residual amounts will be allocated to goodwill. The final valuation adjustments may also require adjustment to the consolidated statements of operations and cash flows. The final determination of these fair values will be completed as soon as possible but no later than one year from the Acquisition date. The preliminary purchase price for the Acquisition has been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date and is as follows: (in thousands) ETG and ELK Property, Plant and Equipment $ 1,089,342 Accounts Receivable 45,875 Provision for Uncollectibles (6,579 ) Natural Gas in Storage 12,204 Materials and Supplies 345 Other Prepayments and Current Assets 200 Deferred Income Taxes 21,024 Regulatory Assets 136,213 Goodwill 731,029 Total assets acquired 2,029,653 Accounts Payable 13,089 Other Current Liabilities 9,185 Environmental Remediation Costs - Current 7,100 Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits 3,213 Environmental Remediation Costs - Non Current 66,165 Regulatory Liabilities 189,509 Other 1,107 Total liabilities assumed 289,368 Total net assets acquired $ 1,740,285 Goodwill of $731.0 million arising from the Acquisition includes the potential synergies between ETG, ELK and the Company. The goodwill, of which $677.6 million is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes, was assigned to the ETG and ELK Utility Operations segments. Conditions of approval The Acquisition was subject to regulatory approval from the BPU and the MPSC. Approvals were obtained from both commissions, subject to various conditions. As a requirement for approval of the acquisition of ETG, the BPU mandated that the Company pay $15.0 million to existing ETG customers in the form of a one-time credit. As a requirement for approval of the acquisition of ELK, the MPSC mandated that the Company pay $0.3 million to existing ELK customers in the form of a one-time payout. See Note 10. Other key conditions of approval related to the acquisition include but are not limited to ETG filing a base rate case no later than June 2020. Prior to its next base rate case, ETG will be required to maintain a capital structure that consists of no less than 46% common equity which excludes goodwill. In December 2018, the Company successfully completed a refinancing related to ETG's $530.0 million 364 -day term loan credit agreement to a long term permanent financing plan which was in accordance with the BPU stipulation, see Note 14 for further detail. Consistent with acquisition approval, SJI was required to develop a plan, in concert with the BPU, to address the remaining aging infrastructure at ETG. In October 2018, ETG filed an IIP petition with the BPU seeking authorization to recover the costs associated with its proposed investment of approximately $518.0 million from 2019-2023 necessary to, among other things, replace its cast-iron and low-pressure vintage main and related services. The design of ETGs IIP includes a request for timely recovery of ETG's investment on a semi-annual basis through a separate rider recovery mechanism. A final decision from the BPU is anticipated in 2019. Financial information of the acquirees The amount of ETG and ELK revenues included in the Company's consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $128.9 million . The amount of ETG and ELK earnings included in the Company's consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2018 was a net loss of $5.2 million due to the seasonal nature of the business for the period owned and $15.3 million in payments to customers discussed under "Conditions to approval" above. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded $49.4 million of acquisition-related expenses directly related to the Acquisition, inclusive of the $15.3 million in payments to customers. ETG and ELK's net loss of $5.2 million included these customer payments, but the remaining portion of the acquisition-related expenses did not impact ETG and ELK's operating loss during 2018. Supplemental unaudited disclosure of pro forma information The following supplemental unaudited pro forma information presents the combined results of SJI, ETG, and ELK as if the Acquisition occurred on January 1, 2017. This supplemental unaudited pro forma information has been prepared for comparative purposes and does not purport to be indicative of what would have occurred had the Acquisition occurred on January 1, 2017, nor is it indicative of any future results. The pro forma results include adjustments for the financing impact of the Acquisition, along with the tax-related impacts. Other material non-recurring adjustments are reflected in the pro forma and described below: (In thousands, except per share data) Year Ended December 31 2018 2017 Revenues $ 1,829,823 $ 1,555,124 Net (loss) income $ 74,770 $ (9,824 ) Earnings (loss) per share $ 0.89 $ (0.11 ) The supplemental unaudited pro forma net income for the year ended December 31, 2018 was adjusted to exclude $34.1 million of acquisition-related costs, which includes one-time regulatory approval costs, but excludes financing adjustments and recurring charges. The supplemental unaudited pro forma net income for the year ended December 31, 2017 was adjusted to include $34.1 million of acquisition-related costs, which excludes financing adjustments and recurring charges.

GOODWILL AND IDENTIFIABLE INTAN

GOODWILL AND IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS	GOODWILL AND IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS: GOODWILL - Goodwill represents future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. Goodwill is initially measured at cost, being the excess of the aggregate of the consideration paid or transferred 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. The Company performs its annual goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year beginning with a qualitative assessment at the reporting unit level. The reporting unit level is identified by assessing whether the components of our operating segments constitute businesses for which discrete financial information is available, whether segment management regularly reviews the operating results of those components and whether the economic and regulatory characteristics are similar. Factors utilized in the qualitative analysis performed on goodwill in our reporting units include, among other things, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, company specific operating results and other relevant entity-specific events affecting individual reporting units. In the absence of sufficient qualitative factors, goodwill impairment is determined using a two-step process. Step one identifies potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to the book value, including goodwill. The Company estimates the fair value of a reporting unit using a discounted cash flow analysis. Management also considers other methods, which includes a market multiples analysis. Determining the fair value of a reporting unit requires judgment and the use of significant estimates and assumptions. Such estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to, forecasts of future operating results, discount and growth rates, capital expenditures, tax rates, and projected terminal values. Changes in estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results. If the fair value exceeds book value, goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered impaired. If the book value exceeds fair value, proceed to step two, which compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill to the book value of the reporting unit goodwill. If the book value of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value, an impairment charge is recognized for the excess. Total goodwill of $734.6 million and $3.6 million is recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The increase was due to consideration transferred in excess of the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired as a result of the Acquisition (see Note 20). Of the total $734.6 million balance as of December 31, 2018 , $730.9 million is included in the ETG Utility Operations segment, $3.6 million is included in the On-Site Energy Production segment, and $0.1 million is included in the ELK Utility Operations segment. The $3.6 million balance as of December 31, 2017 was included in the On-Site Energy Production segment. SJG does not have any goodwill. The Company performed its 2018 annual goodwill impairment assessment and concluded that the fair value of all reporting units containing goodwill exceeded their respective carrying values. In connection with the 2017 annual goodwill impairment assessment, the Company performed a qualitative assessment over its business units and noted that as a result of the continuing cash flow losses incurred at the LFGTE's business unit, the two-step impairment test was necessary during 2017. Based on the results of the goodwill impairment test, the Company determined that the carrying value of the LFGTE's reporting unit was higher than the fair value, and accordingly, the Company recognized a pre-tax impairment charge of $1.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2017, recorded in Impairment Charges on the consolidated statements of income and included in the Company's On-Site Energy Production segment. The Company concluded based on the results of the annual testing performed that, other than the impairment charges noted above, there were no other impairments identified for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 . The following table summarizes the changes in goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively (in thousands): 2018 2017 Beginning Balance, January 1 $ 3,578 $ 4,838 Impairment of Goodwill — (1,260 ) Goodwill from Acquisition 756,247 — Fair Value Adjustments During Measurement Period (25,218 ) — Ending Balance, December 31 $ 734,607 $ 3,578 IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS - The primary identifiable intangible assets of the Company are customer relationships and the AMA (see Note 1). The Company determines the useful lives of identifiable intangible assets after considering the specific facts and circumstances related to each intangible asset. Considerations may include the contractual term of any agreement related to the asset, the historical performance of the asset, the Company's long-term strategy for using the asset, any laws or other local regulations which could impact the useful life of the asset, and other economic factors, including competition and specific market conditions. Intangible assets that are deemed to have definite lives (finite-lived intangible assets) are amortized, primarily on a straight-line basis, over their useful lives, generally ranging from 2 to 20 years. The cost of identifiable intangible assets of $28.1 million and $12.5 million are included in Other Noncurrent Assets on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The increase is attributable to the AMA purchased in July 2018 (see Note 1), partially offset by amortization recorded in 2018. In 2017, SJI recorded a $2.2 million pre-tax impairment charge specific to the LFGTE assets customer relationships, which was primarily driven by revised assumptions for decreased electric production and increased operating expenses, and was recorded in Impairment Charges on the consolidated statements of income, and in the Company's On-Site Energy Production segment. No impairment charges were recorded on identifiable intangible assets in 2018. SJG does not have any identifiable intangible assets.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS: On January 15, 2019, SJI settled its equity forward sale agreement (see Note 6) by physically delivering 6,779,661 shares of common stock and receiving net cash proceeds of approximately $189.0 million . The forward price used to determine cash proceeds received by SJI at settlement was calculated based on the initial forward sale price, as adjusted for underwriting fees, interest rate adjustments as specified in the equity forward agreement and any dividends paid on our common stock during the forward period. On January 17, 2019, SJI provided Notice of Optional Prepayment to the holders of its Floating Rate Senior Notes, Series 2018D, due June 20, 2019 of the Company’s intent to prepay a portion of the $475.0 million aggregate principal amount outstanding. As a result, the Company paid $150.0 million on January 31, 2019. On February 6, 2019, SJI provided a second Notice of Optional Prepayment to the holders of its Floating Rate Senior Notes, Series 2018D, due June 20, 2019 of the Company's intent to prepay $125.0 million on February 22, 2019. In February 2019, the Company entered into an extension of the agreement to sell solar assets (see Note 1). This extension is to sell the majority of the remaining solar projects that did not previously satisfy conditions precedent to closing.

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Summarized quarterly results of SJI's and SJG's operations, in thousands except for per share amounts) 2018 Quarter Ended 2017 Quarter Ended SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): March 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31 March 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31 Operating Revenues $ 521,945 $ 227,330 $ 302,480 $ 589,583 $ 425,829 $ 244,374 $ 227,127 $ 345,738 Expenses: Cost of Sales - (Excluding depreciation) 283,068 145,796 233,112 393,432 287,143 179,684 168,815 210,585 Operations, Impairment Charges, Net Gains on Sale of Assets, Depreciation and Maintenance Including Fixed Charges (See Note 1) 92,540 208,384 131,899 133,121 84,496 77,504 121,439 152,091 Income Taxes 36,415 (31,972 ) (16,649 ) 12,767 21,870 (5,544 ) (24,765 ) (16,498 ) Energy and Other Taxes 2,439 1,243 2,595 3,260 2,071 1,551 1,517 1,348 Total Expenses 414,462 323,451 350,957 542,580 395,580 253,195 267,006 347,526 Other Income and Expense (See Note 1) 3,823 2,328 2,835 (971 ) 7,498 1,209 2,331 5,797 Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations 111,306 (93,793 ) (45,642 ) 46,032 37,747 (7,612 ) (37,548 ) 4,009 Loss from Discontinued Operations - (Net of tax benefit) (66 ) (26 ) (43 ) (105 ) (30 ) (47 ) (45 ) 36 Net Income (Loss) $ 111,240 $ (93,819 ) $ (45,685 ) $ 45,927 $ 37,717 $ (7,659 ) $ (37,593 ) $ 4,045 Basic Earnings Per Common Share: Continuing Operations $ 1.40 $ (1.12 ) $ (0.53 ) $ 0.54 $ 0.47 $ (0.10 ) $ (0.47 ) $ 0.05 Discontinued Operations — — — — — — — — Basic Earnings Per Common Share $ 1.40 $ (1.12 ) $ (0.53 ) $ 0.54 $ 0.47 $ (0.10 ) $ (0.47 ) $ 0.05 Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding - Basic 79,595 84,080 85,506 85,506 79,519 79,549 79,549 79,549 Diluted Earnings Per Common Share: Continuing Operations $ 1.40 $ (1.12 ) $ (0.53 ) $ 0.53 $ 0.47 $ (0.10 ) $ (0.47 ) $ 0.05 Discontinued Operations — — — — — — — — Diluted Earnings Per Common Share $ 1.40 $ (1.12 ) $ (0.53 ) $ 0.53 $ 0.47 $ (0.10 ) $ (0.47 ) $ 0.05 Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding - Diluted 79,724 84,080 85,506 86,389 79,641 79,549 79,549 79,705 2018 Quarter Ended 2017 Quarter Ended SJG: March 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31 March 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31 Operating Revenues $ 234,459 $ 76,801 $ 56,371 $ 180,369 $ 196,814 $ 83,251 $ 66,755 $ 170,434 Expenses: Cost of Sales (excluding depreciation) 89,808 19,379 16,079 84,383 72,424 33,644 29,499 68,865 Operations, Depreciation and Maintenance Including Fixed Charges (See Note 1) 57,323 55,480 53,239 63,386 47,748 46,077 46,877 54,221 Income Taxes 21,836 482 (2,818 ) 6,913 29,911 1,431 (3,688 ) 18,046 Energy and Other Taxes 1,255 498 988 1,505 1,295 872 865 697 Total Expenses 170,222 75,839 67,488 156,187 151,378 82,024 73,553 141,829 Other Income and Expense (See Note 1) 2,510 607 2,141 (573 ) 1,042 1,039 1,027 979 Net Income (Loss) $ 66,747 $ 1,569 $ (8,976 ) $ 23,609 $ 46,478 $ 2,266 $ (5,771 ) $ 29,584 The sum of the quarters for basic and diluted earnings per common share for 2018 does not equal the year's total due to the impact of the equity offering on the average shares of common stock outstanding (see Note 6). The sum of the quarters for basic and diluted earnings per common share for 2017 may not equal the year's total due to rounding. NOTE: Because of the seasonal nature of the business and the volatility from energy-related derivatives, statements for the 3-month periods are not indicative of the results for a full year.

Schedule I

Schedule I	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule I	SCHEDULE I - SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES, INC. CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In Thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Management Service Fee Revenues $ 42,934 $ 34,321 $ 25,463 Operating Expenses: Operations 67,869 43,513 22,194 Depreciation 600 311 377 Energy and Other Taxes 1,517 1,324 1,033 Total Operating Expenses 69,986 45,148 23,604 Operating (Loss) Income (27,052 ) (10,827 ) 1,859 Other Income: Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Subsidiaries (See Note 1) 65,327 (2,793 ) 119,061 Other 17,608 15,083 10,295 Total Other Income 82,935 12,290 129,356 Interest Charges 54,678 23,818 12,148 Income Taxes (16,698 ) (18,951 ) 6 Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations 17,903 (3,404 ) 119,061 Equity in Undistributed Earnings of Discontinued Operations (240 ) (86 ) (251 ) Net Income (Loss) $ 17,663 $ (3,490 ) $ 118,810 SCHEDULE I - SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES, INC. CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (In Thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Net Income (Loss) $ 17,663 $ (3,490 ) $ 118,810 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax Postretirement Liability Adjustment (A) 10,636 (10,920 ) (3,197 ) Unrealized Gain on Available-for-Sale Securities (B) — — 118 Unrealized Gain on Derivatives - Other (B) 34 1,536 197 Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax 10,670 (9,384 ) (2,882 ) Comprehensive Income (Loss) $ 28,333 $ (12,874 ) $ 115,928 (A) Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of 25% in 2018; 27% for 2017; and 40% for 2016. (B) Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of 25% in 2018; 39% for 2017 and 40% for 2016. SCHEDULE I - SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES, INC. CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS (In Thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Retained Earnings - Beginning $ 420,351 $ 510,597 $ 474,167 Net Income (Loss) 17,663 (3,490 ) 118,810 438,014 507,107 592,977 Dividends Declared - Common Stock (94,756 ) (87,308 ) (82,380 ) Excess Tax Benefit on Restricted Stock — 552 — Retained Earnings - Ending $ 343,258 $ 420,351 $ 510,597 SCHEDULE I - SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES, INC. CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (In Thousands) 2018 2017 2016 CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES $ (6,447 ) $ 17,339 $ 20,507 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Net Repayments from (Advances to) Associated Companies 366,342 (16,096 ) 32,300 Capital Expenditures (24,155 ) (801 ) (345 ) Cash Paid for Acquisition (1,740,291 ) — — Proceeds from Sale of PPE 51 — — Purchase of Company Owned Life Insurance (1,298 ) (9,180 ) (2,398 ) Investment in Affiliate — (40,000 ) (65,000 ) Net Cash Used in Investing Activities (1,399,351 ) (66,077 ) (35,443 ) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from Issuance of Long Term Debt 1,592,500 50,000 — Principal Repayments of Long Term Debt — (16,000 ) — Payments for Issuance of Long Term Debt (15,513 ) (12,174 ) (84 ) Net Borrowings from (Repayments of) Short-Term Credit Facilities (217,400 ) 102,600 (105,500 ) Dividends on Common Stock (94,756 ) (87,308 ) (82,380 ) Net Settlement of Restricted Stock (See Note 1) (776 ) (751 ) (387 ) Proceeds from Sale of Common Stock 173,750 — 214,426 Payments for the Issuance of Common Stock (7,149 ) — — Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities 1,430,656 36,367 26,075 Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash 24,858 (12,371 ) 11,139 Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Year 476 12,847 1,708 Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Year $ 25,334 $ 476 $ 12,847 SCHEDULE I - SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES, INC. CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (In Thousands) 2018 2017 Assets Property Plant and Equipment: Nonutility Property, Plant and Equipment, at cost $ 4,188 $ 3,318 Accumulated Depreciation (2,488 ) (2,194 ) Property, Plant and Equipment - Net 1,700 1,124 Investments: Investments in Subsidiaries 2,458,680 1,209,308 Available-for-Sale Securities 41 36 Total Investments 2,458,721 1,209,344 Current Assets: Cash and Cash Equivalents 25,334 476 Receivable from Associated Companies 270,478 636,327 Accounts Receivable 38 52 Other 19,100 5,017 Total Current Assets 314,950 641,872 Other Noncurrent Assets 53,838 50,735 Total Assets $ 2,829,209 $ 1,903,075 Capitalization and Liabilities Equity: Common Stock SJI Par Value $1.25 a share Authorized - 120,000,000 shares Outstanding Shares - 85,506,218 (2018) and 79,549,080 (2017) $ 106,883 $ 99,436 Premium on Common Stock 843,268 709,658 Treasury Stock (at par) (292 ) (271 ) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (26,095 ) (36,765 ) Retained Earnings 343,258 420,351 Total Equity 1,267,022 1,192,409 Long-Term Debt 708,360 364,946 Current Liabilities: Notes Payable - Banks 77,000 294,400 Current Portion of Long-Term Debt 715,000 — Payable to Associated Companies 899 404 Accounts Payable 6,378 17,316 Other Current Liabilities 27,895 7,763 Total Current Liabilities 827,172 319,883 Other Noncurrent Liabilities 26,655 25,837 Total Capitalization and Liabilities $ 2,829,209 $ 1,903,075 Notes to Condensed Financial Statements 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION: Pursuant to rules and regulations of the SEC, the parent-company only condensed financial statements of SJI do not reflect all of the information and notes normally included with financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP in the United States. Therefore, these condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included under Item 8 in this Form 10-K. Certain reclassifications have been made to SJI's prior period condensed statements of income to conform to the current period presentation. The non-service cost components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs are now included as a reduction to Other Income and Expense, as opposed to being recorded as an Operations Expense, to conform with ASU 2017-07, which is described under "New Accounting Pronouncements" in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements. This caused a reduction to both Operations Expense and Other Income on the condensed statement of income for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. Dividends received from subsidiaries were $20.0 million for 2017. Dividends were not received from subsidiaries in 2018 or 2016. The following table provides a reconciliation between SJI's equity in earnings from its subsidiaries to total income from continuing operations (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2018 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Subsidiaries $ 65,327 $ (2,793 ) $ 119,061 General & Administrative Costs, net of tax (A) (29,727 ) (12,031 ) — Interest Charges, net of tax (B) (17,697 ) — — Impact of Tax Adjustments (C) — 11,420 — Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations $ 17,903 $ (3,404 ) $ 119,061 (A) Represents costs incurred on the agreement to acquire the assets of ETG and ELK, along with the implementation of the ERIP, and other general & administrative costs. (B) Represents interest charges incurred, net of tax, primarily on debt that was issued in 2018 as part of the funding for the Acquisition. (C) Represents one-time tax adjustments, most notably for Tax Reform.

Schedule II - Valuation and Qua

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (In Thousands) Col. A Col. B Col. C Col. D Col. E Additions Classification Balance at Beginning of Period Charged to Costs and Expenses Acquisition Adjustments (a) Charged to Other Accounts - Describe (b) Deductions - Describe (c) Balance at End of Period Provision for Uncollectible Accounts for the Year Ended December 31, 2018 $ 13,988 $ 7,977 6,579 $ (466 ) $ 9,236 $ 18,842 Provision for Uncollectible Accounts for the Year Ended December 31, 2017 $ 12,744 $ 6,949 — $ (394 ) $ 5,311 $ 13,988 Provision for Uncollectible Accounts for the Year Ended December 31, 2016 $ 10,252 $ 6,907 — $ (47 ) $ 4,368 $ 12,744 SOUTH JERSEY GAS COMPANY SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (In Thousands) Col. A Col. B Col. C Col. D Col. E Additions Classification Balance at Beginning of Period Charged to Costs and Expenses Charged to Other Accounts - Describe (b) Deductions - Describe (c) Balance at End of Period Provision for Uncollectible Accounts for the Year Ended December 31, 2018 $ 13,799 $ 7,997 $ (466 ) $ 7,687 $ 13,643 Provision for Uncollectible Accounts for the Year Ended December 31, 2017 $ 12,570 $ 6,949 $ (394 ) $ 5,326 $ 13,799 Provision for Uncollectible Accounts for the Year Ended December 31, 2016 $ 9,778 $ 6,993 $ (47 ) $ 4,154 $ 12,570 (a) Additions related to the Acquisition. See Note 20. (b) Recoveries of accounts previously written off and minor adjustments. (c) Uncollectible accounts written off.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
GENERAL	GENERAL - SJI provides a variety of energy-related products and services primarily through the following wholly-owned subsidiaries: ▪ SJIU is a holding company that owns SJG, and as of July 1, 2018, ETG and ELK (see "Acquisition" below). * SJG is a regulated natural gas utility which distributes natural gas in the seven southernmost counties of New Jersey. * ETG is a regulated natural gas utility which distributes natural gas in seven counties in northern and central New Jersey. * ELK is a regulated natural gas utility which distributes natural gas in northern Maryland. ▪ SJE acquires and markets electricity to retail end users. SJE previously acquired and marketed natural gas and provided total energy management services to commercial, industrial and residential customers. In November 2018, the Company sold SJE's retail gas businesses. ▪ 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. ▪ SJEX owns oil, gas and mineral rights in the Marcellus Shale region of Pennsylvania. ▪ Marina develops and operates on-site energy-related projects. The significant wholly-owned subsidiaries of Marina include: • ACB, which owns and operates a natural gas fueled combined heating, cooling and power facility located in Atlantic City, New Jersey. • ACLE, BCLE, SCLE and SXLE, which owns and operates landfill gas-to-energy production facilities in Atlantic, Burlington, Salem and Sussex Counties in New Jersey. • MCS, NBS and SBS, which owned and operated solar-generation sites located in New Jersey. These entities were sold in October 2018. ▪ SJESP receives commissions on service contracts from a third party. • 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	BASIS OF PRESENTATION - SJI's consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SJI, its wholly-owned subsidiaries (including SJG) and subsidiaries in which SJI has a controlling interest. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Beginning as of the date of their acquisition, July 1, 2018, SJI is reporting on a consolidated basis the combined operations of ETG and ELK, along with its other wholly-owned and controlled subsidiaries. In management's opinion, the consolidated financial statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments needed to fairly present SJI's financial position, operating results and cash flows at the dates and for the periods presented.
RECLASSIFICATIONS	Certain reclassifications have been made to SJI's and SJG's prior period consolidated statements of income to conform to the current period presentation. The non-service cost components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs are now included as a reduction to Other Income and Expense, as opposed to being recorded as an Operations Expense, to conform with ASU 2017-07, which is described below under "New Accounting Pronouncements." This caused a reduction to both Operations Expense and Other Income on the consolidated statement of income for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. This also caused a reclassification to SJI's prior period segments disclosure in Note 8 to increase Operating Income within both the SJG Utility Operations and Corporate & Services segments for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. This also caused a reduction to (1) Operations, Impairment Charges and Maintenance Including Fixed Charges and (2) Other Income and Expense within the summarized quarterly results of SJI's and SJG's operations for the year ended December 31, 2017 (see "Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)"). Certain reclassifications have been made to SJI's prior period segments disclosures to conform to the current period presentation. The activities of SJI Midstream, which were presented in the Corporate & Services segment during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, are now separated into the Midstream segment for the year ended December 31, 2018. This caused prior period reclassifications to Interest Charges and Income Taxes in Note 8. Certain reclassifications have been made to SJI's prior period consolidated balance sheet to conform to the current period presentation. Identifiable Intangible Assets are now recorded in Other Noncurrent Assets as of December 31, 2018, causing a prior period reclassification to the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017.
EQUITY INVESTMENTS	EQUITY INVESTMENTS - Marketable equity securities that are purchased as long-term investments are classified as Available-for-Sale Securities and carried at their fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. Any unrealized gains or losses are included in AOCL. SJI, through wholly owned subsidiaries, holds significant variable interests in several companies but is not the primary beneficiary. Consequently, these investments are accounted for under the equity method. In the event that losses and/or distributions from these equity method investments exceed the carrying value, and the Company is obligated to provide additional financial support, the excess will be recorded as either a current or non-current liability on the consolidated balance sheets. SJI includes the operations of these affiliated companies on a pre-tax basis in the statements of consolidated income under Equity in Earnings (Loss) of Affiliated Companies (see Note 3). An impairment loss is recorded when there is clear evidence that a decline in value is other than temporary. No impairment losses were recorded on equity investments during 2018, 2017 or 2016. SJG does not hold any equity investments.
ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS	ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS - The consolidated financial statements were prepared to conform with GAAP. Management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Therefore, actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include amounts related to regulatory accounting, energy derivatives, environmental remediation costs, pension and other postretirement benefit costs, revenue recognition and goodwill.
REGULATION	REGULATION - SJG and ETG are subject to the rules and regulations of the BPU, while ELK is subject to the rules and regulations of the MPSC. See Note 10 for a discussion of SJG's, ETG's and ELK's rate structure and regulatory actions. SJG, ETG and ELK maintain their accounts according to the BPU's and MPSC's, prescribed Uniform System of Accounts. SJG, ETG and ELK follow the accounting for regulated enterprises prescribed by FASBASC Topic 980 -”Regulated Operations.” In general, Topic 980 allows for the deferral of certain costs (regulatory assets) and creation of certain obligations (regulatory liabilities) when it is probable that such items will be recovered from or refunded to customers in future periods. See Note 11 for a detailed discussion of regulatory assets and liabilities.
OPERATING REVENUES	OPERATING REVENUES - Gas and electric revenues are recognized in the period the commodity is delivered to customers. For retail customers (including SJG) that are not billed at the end of the month, we record an estimate to recognize unbilled revenues for gas and electricity delivered from the date of the last meter reading to the end of the month. SJRG's gas revenues are recognized in the period the commodity is delivered. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on energy-related derivative instruments are also recognized in operating revenues for SJRG. See further discussion under Derivative Instruments. SJRG presents revenues and expenses related to its energy trading activities on a net basis in operating revenues. This net presentation has no effect on operating income or net income. The Company recognizes revenues on commissions received related to SJESP appliance service contracts from a third party on a monthly basis as these commissions are earned. Marina recognizes revenue on a monthly basis as services are provided, as lease income is earned, and for on-site energy production that is delivered to its customers.
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND PROVISION FOR UNCOLLETIBLE ACCOUNTS	ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND PROVISION FOR UNCOLLECTIBLE ACCOUNTS - Accounts receivable are carried at the amount owed by customers. A provision for uncollectible accounts is established based on our collection experience and an assessment of the collectibility of specific accounts.
NATURAL GAS IN STORAGE	NATURAL GAS IN STORAGE – Natural Gas in Storage is reflected at average cost on the consolidated balance sheets, and represents natural gas that will be utilized in the ordinary course of business.
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS - The amounts included under ARO are primarily related to the legal obligations SJI has to cut and cap gas distribution pipelines when taking those pipelines out of service in future years. These liabilities are generally recognized upon the acquisition or construction of the asset. The related asset retirement cost is capitalized concurrently by increasing the carrying amount of the related asset by the same amount as the liability. Changes in the liability are recorded for the passage of time (accretion) or for revisions to cash flows originally estimated to settle the ARO.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT - For regulatory purposes, utility plant is stated at original cost, which may be different than costs if the assets were acquired from another regulated entity. Nonutility property, plant and equipment is stated at cost. The cost of adding, replacing and renewing property is charged to the appropriate plant account.
DEPRECIATION	DEPRECIATION - We depreciate utility plant on a straight-line basis over the estimated remaining lives of the various property classes. These estimates are periodically reviewed and adjusted as required after BPU/MPSC approval. The composite annual rate for all depreciable utility property was approximately 2.3% in 2018 , and 2.2% in each of 2017 and 2016 . The actual composite rate may differ from the approved rate as the asset mix changes over time. Except for retirements outside of the normal course of business, accumulated depreciation is charged with the cost of depreciable utility property retired, less salvage. Nonutility property depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the property, ranging up to 50 years. Gain or loss on the disposition of nonutility property is recognized in operating income.
DEBT ISSUANCE COSTS	DEBT ISSUANCE COSTS - Debt issuance costs are capitalized and amortized as interest expense on a basis which approximates the effective interest method over the term of the related debt. Debt issuance costs are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt. See Note 14 for the total unamortized debt issuance costs that are recorded as a reduction to long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets of SJI and SJG.
CAPITALIZED INTEREST	CAPITALIZED INTEREST - SJG capitalizes interest on construction at the rate of return on the rate base utilized by the BPU to set rates in SJG's last base rate proceeding. For SJG's accelerated infrastructure programs, SJG capitalizes interest on construction at a rate prescribed by the programs (see Note 10), and amounts are included in Utility Plant on the consolidated balance sheets. Midstream capitalizes interest on capital projects in progress based on the actual cost of borrowed funds, and amounts are included in Nonutility Property and Equipment on the consolidated balance sheets. Interest Charges are presented net of capitalized interest on the statements of consolidated income.
IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS	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 FASB ASC Topic 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 Impairment Charges on the 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. The Transaction described above under "Agreement to Sell Solar Assets" triggered an indicator of impairment in the second quarter of 2018 as the purchase price was less than the carrying amount for several of the assets sold and, as a result, several assets were considered to be impaired. The Company measured the impairment loss as the difference between the carrying amount of the respective assets and the fair value, which was determined using the purchase price and the expected cash flows from the assets, including potential price reductions resulting from the timing needed to satisfy all required closing conditions. As a result, the Company recorded an impairment charge within the on-site energy production segment of $99.2 million (pre-tax) in Impairment Charges on the consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2018, to reduce the carrying amount of several assets to their fair market value. In 2017, SJI had reason to believe that, due to a significant decline in the market prices of Maryland SRECs, combined with 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 for the year ended December 31, 2017. Also, during the fourth quarter of 2017, as the Company updated its estimated future cash flows for the rest of its solar portfolio, the Company determined that the expected future undiscounted cash flows for certain individual solar facilities were below their carrying value and the assets were considered impaired. As a result, SJI recorded an additional impairment charge of $27.4 million in 2017. The fair values of the impaired solar 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. The key inputs to the methodology were forecasted SREC and electric revenues, operating expenses, salvage values, and discount rates. Also in the fourth quarter of 2017, SJI observed its LFGTE assets were incurring continuing cash flow losses specifically due to larger than expected decreases in electric generation and increasing operating expenses, and as a result had reason to believe the carrying value of these assets may no longer be recoverable. As a result, SJI performed an impairment test on the respective assets which led to an impairment charge of $16.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The fair values of the LFGTE assets were determined using a combination of market and cost approaches, which considers similar market transactions that are specific to the LFGTE assets. The cost and market approaches used were deemed Level 3 fair value measurements. In the fourth quarter of 2018, SJI observed its LFGTE assets were continuing to incur cash flow losses for similar reasons, and as a result had reason to believe the remaining carrying value of these assets may no longer be recoverable. As a result, the remaining carrying value of all such assets was written off via an impairment charge of $6.1 million (pre-tax) during the fourth quarter of 2018. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, SJI had total long-lived asset impairment charges (pre-tax) of $105.3 million and $87.8 million , respectively. These impairment charges are recorded within Impairment Charges on the consolidated statements of income and are included within the On-Site Energy Production segment. No impairment charges were recorded at SJI for the year ended December 31, 2016. No impairment charges were recorded at SJG for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016. Additional impairment charges on assets other than long-lived assets were recorded during the year ended December 31, 2017, see Note 21.
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - SJI accounts for derivative instruments in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815 - “Derivatives and Hedging.” We record all derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value unless the derivative contracts qualify for the normal purchase and sale exemption. In general, if the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, we recognize the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk in earnings. We currently have no fair value hedges. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, we record the effective portion of the hedge in AOCL and recognize it in the income statement when the hedged item affects earnings. We recognize ineffective portions of the cash flow hedges immediately in earnings. We currently have no cash flow hedges. We formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk management objectives, strategies for undertaking various hedge transactions and our methods for assessing and testing correlation and hedge ineffectiveness. All hedging instruments are linked to the hedged asset, liability, firm commitment or forecasted transaction. Due to the application of regulatory accounting principles under FASB ASC Topic 980, gains and losses on derivatives related to SJG's gas purchases are recorded through the BGSS clause. Initially and on an ongoing basis, we assess whether derivatives designated as hedges are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows or fair values of the hedged items. We discontinue hedge accounting prospectively if we decide to discontinue the hedging relationship; determine that the anticipated transaction is no longer likely to occur; or determine that a derivative is no longer highly effective as a hedge. In the event that hedge accounting is discontinued, we will continue to carry the derivative on the balance sheet at its current fair value and recognize subsequent changes in fair value in current period earnings. Unrealized gains and losses on the discontinued hedges that were previously included in AOCL will be reclassified into earnings when the forecasted transaction occurs, or when it is probable that it will not occur. Hedge accounting has been discontinued for all remaining derivatives that were designated as hedging instruments. As a result, unrealized gains and losses on these derivatives, that were previously recorded in AOCL on the consolidated balance sheets, are being recorded into 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 (see Note 16).
GAS EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT	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.
TREASURY STOCK	TREASURY STOCK – SJI uses the par value method of accounting for treasury stock.
AFUDC	AFUDC - SJI and SJG record AFUDC, which represents the estimated debt and equity costs of capital funds that are necessary to finance the construction of new regulated facilities. While cash is not realized currently, AFUDC increases the regulated revenue requirement and is included in rate base and recovered over the service life of the asset through a higher rate base and higher depreciation.
INCOME TAXES	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 FASB ASC Topic 740 - “Income Taxes” (See Note 4). 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. On December 22, 2017, Tax Reform was enacted into law, changing various corporate income tax provisions within the existing Internal Revenue Code. The law became effective January 1, 2018 but was required to be accounted for in the period of enactment, as such SJI adopted the new requirements in the fourth quarter of 2017. SJI and SJG were impacted in several ways as a result of Tax Reform, see Note 4.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - For purposes of reporting cash flows, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less are considered cash equivalents.
IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS
BUSINESS COMBINATION
GOODWILL
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS - Other than as described below, no new accounting pronouncement had, or is expected to have, a material impact on the 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 core principle under this new standard is for an entity to recognize 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, with a five-step model for recognizing and measuring revenue from contracts with customers. The new standard also requires enhanced disclosure regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenues and the related cash flows arising from contracts with customers. 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, was effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. On January 1, 2018, SJI and SJG adopted ASU 2014-09 and all amendments, in accordance with the guidance in ASC 606. SJI and SJG adopted the new guidance using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under ASC 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the historical accounting under ASC 605. See Note 19. The methods of recognizing revenue for SJI's and SJG's contracts with customers is the same under ASC 605 and ASC 606, as 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 such, there was no significant impact to revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018 for SJI or SJG as a result of applying ASC 606, and there was no cumulative catch-up to retained earnings for SJI or SJG under the modified retrospective method for changes in accounting for revenues. Further, there were no significant changes to SJI's or SJG's business processes, systems or internal controls over financial reporting needed to support recognition and disclosure under the new guidance. Some revenue arrangements, such as alternative revenue programs and derivative contracts, are excluded from the scope of ASC 606 and, therefore, will be presented separately from revenues under ASC 606 on SJI and SJG's footnote disclosures (see Note 19). 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. Adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the financial statement results of SJI or SJG. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) , which requires lessees to recognize substantially all leases 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. In connection with this new standard, the FASB has issued the following amendments to ASU 2016-02: • In January 2018, the FASB issued an amendment to clarify the application of the new lease guidance to land easements and provided relief concerning adoption efforts for existing land easements that are not accounted for as leases under current GAAP. • In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-10 and 2018-11, which included a number of technical corrections and improvements to this standard, including an additional option for transition. The guidance initially required a modified retrospective transition method of adoption, under which lessees and lessors were to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented. The additional, optional transition method allows an entity to initially apply the requirements of the lease standard at the adoption date, and avoid restating the comparative periods. • In December 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-20, Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors . The amendments in this ASU permit lessors, as an accounting policy election, to not evaluate whether certain sales taxes and other similar taxes are lessor costs or lessee costs. A lessor making this election will exclude from the consideration in the contract all collections from lessees of taxes within the scope of the election and will provide certain disclosures. The amendments in this ASU related to certain lessor costs also require lessors to exclude from variable payments, and therefore revenue, lessor costs paid by lessees directly to third parties, and require lessors to account for costs excluded from the consideration of a contract that are paid by the lessor and reimbursed by the lessee as variable payments, and record those reimbursed costs as revenue. Lastly, the amendments in this ASU related to recognizing variable payments for contracts with lease and nonlease components require lessors to allocate (rather than recognize as currently required) certain variable payments to the lease and nonlease components when the changes in facts and circumstances on which the variable payment is based occur. The new guidance in ASU 2016-02, as well as all amendments discussed above, is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. Management has formed an implementation team that has completed the process of inventorying all current contracts, including those of ETG and ELK, and has determined the population of leases that will be in scope under the new guidance. Management will elect the optional transition guidance granted by ASU 2018-11 and will apply the requirements of the lease standard at the adoption date, January 1, 2019, and will not restate comparative periods. Management has elected to apply certain of the practical expedients included in ASU 2016-02 and its related amendments to its entire population of leases. Specifically, the Company will elect the transition practical expedient package which states that for all leases that have commenced before the effective date, an entity need not reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, an entity need not reassess the lease classification for any expired or existing leases, and an entity need not reassess initial direct costs for any existing leases. The Company has elected not to use hindsight when determining lease term at the effective date. Management believes that the impact on its statement of financial position, its statement of comprehensive income and its statement of cash flows will not be material. Neither SJI nor SJG expect any impact on its shareholders equity at the effective date. 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. Adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the financial statement results of SJI or SJG. 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. Adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the financial statement results of SJI or SJG. 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 and requires the other components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs to be separately presented in the consolidated statements of income outside of operating income. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. Adoption of this guidance was applied retroactively and did not have a material impact on the financial statements of SJI or SJG; however, current and prior period presentation on the consolidated statements of income were modified for SJI and SJG to conform to this guidance, as described under "Basis of Presentation" above. 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. Adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the financial statement results of SJI or 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. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income . This ASU allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Reform). Consequently, the amendments eliminate the stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Reform and will improve the usefulness of information reported to financial statement users. The standard is effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. Management is currently determining the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on the financial statements of SJI and SJG. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-03, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities , which gave improvements and enhancements to ASU 2016-01 discussed above. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2018. SJI and SJG adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2018 in conjunction with adopting ASU 2016-01 discussed above. Adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the financial statement results of SJI or SJG. In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-04, Investments-Debt Securities (Topic 320) and Regulated Operations (Topic 980): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 117 and SEC Release No. 33-9273 (SEC Update) . This ASU incorporates recent SEC guidance which was issued in order to make the relevant interpretive guidance consistent with current authoritative accounting and auditing guidance and SEC rules and regulation. ASU No. 2018-04 was effective upon issuance. Adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the financial statement results of SJI or SJG. In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-05, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (SEC Update) . This ASU incorporates recent SEC guidance related to the income tax accounting implications of Tax Reform. ASU No. 2018-05 was effective upon issuance. Adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the financial statement results of SJI or SJG. In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Non-employee Share-Based Payment Accounting . This ASU aligns the accounting for share-based payment awards issued to employees and non-employees. Under the new guidance, equity-classified share-based payment awards issued to non-employees will now be measured on the grant date, instead of the previous requirement to remeasure the awards through the performance completion date. For performance conditions, compensation cost associated with the award will be recognized when achievement of the performance condition is probable, rather than upon achievement of the performance condition. The current requirement to reassess the classification (equity or liability) for non-employee awards upon vesting will be eliminated, except for awards in the form of convertible instruments. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. Management is currently determining the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on the financial statements of SJI and SJG. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. This ASU modifies the disclosure requirements on the timing of liquidation of an investee's assets and the description of measurement uncertainty at the reporting date. Entities are now required to disclose: (1) the changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements; and (2) the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. Further, the standard eliminates disclosure requirements with respect to: (1) the transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; (2) the policy for timing of transfers between levels; and (3) the valuation process for Level 3 fair value measurements. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The new disclosure requirement for unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied prospectively. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. Management is currently determining the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on the financial statements of SJI and SJG. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20) Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plan. This ASU eliminates requirements for certain disclosures such as the amount and timing of plan assets expected to be returned to the employer and the amount of future annual benefits covered by insurance contracts. The standard added new disclosures such as for sponsors of the defined benefit plans to provide information relating to the weighted-average interest crediting rate for cash balance plans and other plans with promised interest crediting rates and an explanation for significant gains or losses related to changes in the benefit obligations for the period. The standard is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. Management is currently determining the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on the financial statements of SJI and SJG. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles, Goodwill and Other Internal-Use Software (Topic 350): Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract. This ASU aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs for hosting arrangements (services) with costs for internal-use software (assets). As a result, certain implementation costs incurred in hosting arrangements will be deferred and amortized. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. SJI and SJG early adopted this ASU during the third quarter of 2018, which resulted in capitalizing implementation costs for hosting arrangements per the new guidance. This did not represent a change to the financial statements of SJI and SJG. In October 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-16, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes . The amendments in this ASU permit the use of the OIS rate based on SOFR as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes under Topic 815 in addition to the UST, the LIBOR swap rate, the OIS rate based on the Fed Funds Effective Rate, and the SIFMA Municipal Swap Rate. The amendments should be adopted on a prospective basis for qualifying new or re-designated hedging relationships entered into on or after the date of adoption. The amendments in this ASU are required to be adopted concurrently with the amendments in ASU 2017-12 for entities that have not already adopted the ASU 2017-12. For public companies that already have adopted the amendments in ASU 2017-12, the amendments are effective for fiscal years, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted in any interim period upon issuance of this ASU if an entity already has adopted ASU 2017-12. Management is currently determining the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on the financial statements of SJI and SJG. In October 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-17, Consolidation (Topic 810): Targeted Improvements to Related Party Guidance for Variable Interest Entities . The amendments in this ASU for determining whether a decision-making fee is a variable interest require reporting entities to consider indirect interests held through related parties under common control on a proportional basis rather than as the equivalent of a direct interest in its entirety (as currently required by GAAP). These amendments will create alignment between determining whether a decision-making fee is a variable interest and determining whether a reporting entity within a related party group is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. The standard is effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2019 for public companies. Early adoption is permitted. Management is currently determining the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on the financial statements of SJI and SJG. In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-18, Collaborative Arrangements (Topic 808): Clarifying the Interaction between Topic 808 and Topic 606 . This ASU provides guidance on whether certain transactions between collaborative arrangement participants should be accounted for with revenue under Topic 606, specifically when the collaborative arrangement participant is a customer in the context of a unit-of-account. It provides more comparability in the presentation of revenues for certain transactions between collaborative arrangement participants, including adding unit-of-account guidance in Topic 808 to align with the guidance in Topic 606 (that is, a distinct good or service) when an entity is assessing whether the collaborative arrangement or a part of the arrangement is within the scope of Topic 606. The standard is effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2019 for public companies. Early adoption is permitted. Management is currently determining the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on the financial statements of SJI and SJG.
FAIR VALUE	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. (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. The remaining securities consist of funds that are not publicly traded. These funds, which consist of stocks and bonds that are traded individually in active markets, are valued using quoted prices for similar assets and are categorized in Level 2 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.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Asset retirement obligation activity	ARO activity was as follows (in thousands): 2018 2017 SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): AROs as of January 1, $ 59,497 $ 59,427 Accretion 1,909 1,955 Additions 297 1,008 Settlements (3,402 ) (2,893 ) Revisions in Estimated Cash Flows (A) 21,862 — ARO's as of December 31, $ 80,163 $ 59,497 2018 2017 SJG: AROs as of January 1, $ 58,714 $ 58,674 Accretion 1,880 1,925 Additions 297 1,008 Settlements (2,863 ) (2,893 ) Revisions in Estimated Cash Flows (A) 21,862 — ARO's as of December 31, $ 79,890 $ 58,714 (A) The revision in estimated cash flows reflects an increase in the contract retirement costs of approximately $31.5 million , partially offset by $9.6 million due to changes in the discount and inflation rates to settle the ARO. Corresponding entries were made to Regulatory Assets and Utility Plant, thus having no impact on earnings.
Public utility property, plant, and equipment	Utility Plant balances and Nonutility Property and Equipment as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were comprised of the following (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): SJG 2018 2017 2018 2017 Utility Plant Production Plant $ 1,281 $ 296 $ 296 $ 296 Storage Plant 92,769 61,909 61,996 61,909 Transmission Plant 326,906 258,598 306,654 258,598 Distribution Plant 3,466,101 2,044,421 2,212,831 2,044,421 General Plant 303,219 175,599 241,095 175,599 Other Plant 1,964 1,855 1,855 1,855 Utility Plant In Service 4,192,240 2,542,678 2,824,727 2,542,678 Construction Work In Progress 148,873 109,566 82,475 109,566 Total Utility Plant $ 4,341,113 $ 2,652,244 $ 2,907,202 $ 2,652,244 Nonutility Property and Equipment Solar Assets (A) $ — $ 582,379 $ — $ — Cogeneration Assets 126,228 125,614 — — Other Assets 26,004 33,034 — — Total Nonutility Property and Equipment $ 152,232 $ 741,027 $ — $ — (A) All remaining solar assets are recorded as Assets Held for Sale in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2018.
Schedule of Asset Management Agreement Contract Purchase	The amounts received by ETG will be credited to its BGSS clause and returned to its ratepayers. The total purchase price was allocated as follows (in thousands): Natural Gas in Storage $ 9,685 Intangible Asset 19,200 Profit Sharing - Other Liabilities (17,546 ) Total Consideration $ 11,339

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN (

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of the nonvested restricted stock awards outstanding and the assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the awards	The following table summarizes the nonvested restricted stock awards outstanding at December 31, 2018 , 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 - 2016 - TSR 50,531 $ 22.53 18.1 % 1.31 % 2016 - CEGR, Time 63,747 23.52 N/A N/A 2017 - TSR 43,615 $ 32.17 20.8 % 1.47 % 2017 - CEGR, Time 71,796 $ 33.69 N/A N/A 2018 - TSR 59,973 $ 31.05 21.9 % 2.00 % 2018 - CEGR, Time 122,147 $ 31.23 N/A N/A Directors - 2018 26,416 $ 31.16 N/A N/A
Summary of the total stock-based compensation cost for the period	The following table summarizes the total stock-based compensation cost for the years ended December 31 (in thousands): 2018 2017 2016 Officers & Key Employees $ 3,321 $ 3,232 $ 3,051 Directors 823 1,022 841 Total Cost 4,144 4,254 3,892 Capitalized (386 ) (288 ) (385 ) Net Expense $ 3,758 $ 3,966 $ 3,507
Summary of information regarding restricted stock award activity during the period excluding accrued dividend equivalents	The following table summarizes information regarding restricted stock award activity during 2018 , excluding accrued dividend equivalents: Officers & Other Key Employees Directors Weighted Average Fair Value Nonvested Shares Outstanding, January 1, 2018 342,793 30,394 $ 28.60 Granted 201,858 26,416 $ 31.17 Vested (44,902 ) (30,394 ) $ 26.24 Cancelled/Forfeited (87,940 ) — $ 28.75 Nonvested Shares Outstanding, December 31, 2018 411,809 26,416

AFFILIATIONS, DISCONTINUED OP_2

AFFILIATIONS, DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed	The preliminary purchase price for the Acquisition has been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date and is as follows: (in thousands) ETG and ELK Property, Plant and Equipment $ 1,089,342 Accounts Receivable 45,875 Provision for Uncollectibles (6,579 ) Natural Gas in Storage 12,204 Materials and Supplies 345 Other Prepayments and Current Assets 200 Deferred Income Taxes 21,024 Regulatory Assets 136,213 Goodwill 731,029 Total assets acquired 2,029,653 Accounts Payable 13,089 Other Current Liabilities 9,185 Environmental Remediation Costs - Current 7,100 Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits 3,213 Environmental Remediation Costs - Non Current 66,165 Regulatory Liabilities 189,509 Other 1,107 Total liabilities assumed 289,368 Total net assets acquired $ 1,740,285
Summarized operating results of the discontinued operations	Summarized operating results of the discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, were (in thousands, except per share amounts): 2018 2017 2016 Loss before Income Taxes: Sand Mining $ (118 ) $ (84 ) $ (205 ) Fuel Oil (184 ) (175 ) (179 ) Income Tax Benefits 62 173 133 Loss from Discontinued Operations — Net $ (240 ) $ (86 ) $ (251 ) Earnings Per Common Share from Discontinued Operations — Net: Basic and Diluted $ — $ — $ —
South Jersey Gas Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions	A summary of related party transactions involving SJG, excluding pass-through items, included in SJG's Operating Revenues were as follows (in thousands): 2018 2017 2016 Operating Revenues/Affiliates: SJRG $ 5,813 $ 4,458 $ 6,934 Marina 379 314 302 Other 91 86 83 Total Operating Revenues/Affiliates $ 6,283 $ 4,858 $ 7,319 Related-party transactions involving SJG, excluding pass-through items, included in SJG's Cost of Sales and Operating Expenses were as follows (in thousands): 2018 2017 2016 Costs of Sales/Affiliates (Excluding depreciation and amortization) SJRG* $ 33,313 $ 24,337 $ 16,306 Operations Expense/Affiliates: SJI $ 31,740 $ 22,154 $ 20,296 Millennium 2,920 2,856 2,803 Other (569 ) (653 ) (198 ) Total Operations Expense/Affiliates $ 34,091 $ 24,357 $ 22,901 *These costs are included in either SJG's Cost of Sales on the statements of income, or Regulatory Assets on the balance sheets. As discussed in Note 1, 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 statements of consolidated income.

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Schedule of components of income tax expense (benefit) and effective income tax rate reconciliation	Total income taxes applicable to operations differ from the tax that would have resulted by applying the statutory Federal income tax rate to pre-tax income for SJI and SJG for the following reasons (in thousands): 2018 2017 2016 SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Tax at Statutory Rate* $ 3,877 $ (9,915 ) $ 60,624 Increase (Decrease) Resulting from: State Income Taxes 622 2,778 6,438 ESOP Dividend (791 ) (1,314 ) (1,300 ) Tax Reform Adjustments (588 ) (13,521 ) — AFUDC (1,835 ) (3,094 ) (900 ) Amortization of Excess Deferred Taxes (893 ) — — Investment and Other Tax Credits (93 ) (666 ) (10,706 ) Other - Net 262 795 (5 ) Income Taxes: Continuing Operations 561 (24,937 ) 54,151 Discontinued Operations (62 ) (173 ) (133 ) Total Income Tax (Benefit) Expense $ 499 $ (25,110 ) $ 54,018 SJG: Tax at Statutory Rate* 22,966 41,390 37,944 Increase (Decrease) Resulting from: State Income Taxes 5,220 5,955 4,096 ESOP Dividend (712 ) (1,182 ) (1,170 ) AFUDC (1,126 ) (1,446 ) (900 ) Research and Development Credits — — (613 ) Other - Net 65 983 9 Total Income Tax Expense 26,413 45,700 39,366 The provision for Income Taxes is comprised of the following (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): 2018 2017 2016 Current: Federal $ (13,790 ) $ (34,971 ) $ — State 3,959 (48 ) (1,638 ) Total Current (9,831 ) (35,019 ) (1,638 ) Deferred: Federal 13,564 5,761 44,246 State (3,172 ) 4,321 11,543 Total Deferred 10,392 10,082 55,789 Income Taxes: Continuing Operations 561 (24,937 ) 54,151 Discontinued Operations (62 ) (173 ) (133 ) Total Income Tax (Benefit) Expense $ 499 $ (25,110 ) $ 54,018 SJG: Current: Federal $ (12,766 ) $ (33,012 ) $ — State — — (1,614 ) Total Current (12,766 ) (33,012 ) (1,614 ) Deferred: Federal 32,571 69,550 33,064 State 6,608 9,162 7,916 Total Deferred 39,179 78,712 40,980 Total Income Tax Expense $ 26,413 $ 45,700 $ 39,366
Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities	The net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and income tax purposes resulted in the following net deferred tax assets and liabilities for SJI and SJG at December 31 (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): 2018 2017 Deferred Tax Assets: Net Operating Loss Carryforward $ 125,418 $ 152,541 Investment and Other Tax Credits 214,698 214,605 Derivatives / Unrealized Loss — 2,068 Conservation Incentive Program 1,701 — Deferred State Tax 16,087 16,905 Income Taxes Recoverable Through Rates 103,434 76,426 Pension & Other Post Retirement Benefits 16,560 16,624 Deferred Revenues 5,736 5,726 Provision for Uncollectibles 5,319 3,854 Other 4,639 1,949 Total Deferred Tax Asset $ 493,592 $ 490,698 Deferred Tax Liabilities: Book versus Tax Basis of Property $ 458,772 $ 486,854 Deferred Gas Costs - Net 25,812 10,254 Derivatives / Unrealized Gain 4,463 — Environmental Remediation 20,250 31,393 Deferred Regulatory Costs 14,351 3,554 Budget Billing - Customer Accounts 4,550 4,043 Deferred Pension & Other Post Retirement Benefits 34,095 21,349 Conservation Incentive Program — 7,721 Equity In Loss Of Affiliated Companies 1,417 1,377 Other 15,718 11,037 Total Deferred Tax Liability $ 579,428 $ 577,582 Deferred Tax Liability - Net $ 85,836 $ 86,884 SJG: Deferred Tax Assets: Net Operating Loss and Tax Credits $ 60,986 $ 73,785 Deferred State Tax 16,754 14,688 Provision for Uncollectibles 3,776 3,811 Conservation Incentive Program 1,701 — Income Taxes Recoverable Through Rates 67,372 76,426 Pension & Other Post Retirement Benefits 16,699 15,031 Deferred Revenues 5,906 6,066 Other 2,599 2,413 Total Deferred Tax Assets $ 175,793 $ 192,220 Deferred Tax Liabilities: Book Versus Tax Basis of Property $ 395,371 $ 386,642 Deferred Fuel Costs - Net 23,642 10,254 Environmental Remediation 40,753 31,637 Deferred Regulatory Costs 5,061 3,554 Deferred Pension & Other Post Retirement Benefits 21,870 21,349 Budget Billing - Customer Accounts 4,550 4,043 Section 461 Prepayments 1,081 866 Conservation Incentive Program — 7,721 Other 9,351 6,900 Total Deferred Tax Liabilities $ 501,679 $ 472,966 Deferred Tax Liability - Net $ 325,886 $ 280,746
Summary of operating loss carryforward	As of December 31, 2018 , SJI has the following federal and state net operating loss carryforwards (in thousands): Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Expire in: Federal State 2031 $ 36,126 $ 3,142 2032 42,988 17,982 2033 57,363 35,232 2034 106,899 28,853 2035 51,308 9,956 2036 72,199 170,497 2037 75,606 89,714 2038 — 68,865 $ 442,489 $ 424,241
Summary of tax credit carryforwards	As of December 31, 2018 , SJI has the following investment tax credit carryforwards (in thousands): Expire in: Investment Tax Credit Carryforward 2030 $ 11,628 2031 25,664 2032 32,031 2033 45,606 2034 37,699 2035 45,005 2036 11,744 2037 636 2038 93 $ 210,106
Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, is as follows (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): 2018 2017 2016 Balance at January 1, $ 1,445 $ 1,445 $ 559 Increase as a result of tax positions taken in prior years — — 886 Decrease in prior year positions (298 ) — — Balance at December 31, $ 1,147 $ 1,445 $ 1,445 SJG: Balance at January 1, $ 1,361 $ 1,361 $ 559 Increase as a result of tax position taken in prior years — — 802 Decrease in prior year positions (298 ) — — Balance at December 31, $ 1,063 $ 1,361 $ 1,361
South Jersey Gas Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Schedule of components of income tax expense (benefit) and effective income tax rate reconciliation	Total income taxes applicable to operations differ from the tax that would have resulted by applying the statutory Federal income tax rate to pre-tax income for SJI and SJG for the following reasons (in thousands): 2018 2017 2016 SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Tax at Statutory Rate* $ 3,877 $ (9,915 ) $ 60,624 Increase (Decrease) Resulting from: State Income Taxes 622 2,778 6,438 ESOP Dividend (791 ) (1,314 ) (1,300 ) Tax Reform Adjustments (588 ) (13,521 ) — AFUDC (1,835 ) (3,094 ) (900 ) Amortization of Excess Deferred Taxes (893 ) — — Investment and Other Tax Credits (93 ) (666 ) (10,706 ) Other - Net 262 795 (5 ) Income Taxes: Continuing Operations 561 (24,937 ) 54,151 Discontinued Operations (62 ) (173 ) (133 ) Total Income Tax (Benefit) Expense $ 499 $ (25,110 ) $ 54,018 SJG: Tax at Statutory Rate* 22,966 41,390 37,944 Increase (Decrease) Resulting from: State Income Taxes 5,220 5,955 4,096 ESOP Dividend (712 ) (1,182 ) (1,170 ) AFUDC (1,126 ) (1,446 ) (900 ) Research and Development Credits — — (613 ) Other - Net 65 983 9 Total Income Tax Expense 26,413 45,700 39,366 The provision for Income Taxes is comprised of the following (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): 2018 2017 2016 Current: Federal $ (13,790 ) $ (34,971 ) $ — State 3,959 (48 ) (1,638 ) Total Current (9,831 ) (35,019 ) (1,638 ) Deferred: Federal 13,564 5,761 44,246 State (3,172 ) 4,321 11,543 Total Deferred 10,392 10,082 55,789 Income Taxes: Continuing Operations 561 (24,937 ) 54,151 Discontinued Operations (62 ) (173 ) (133 ) Total Income Tax (Benefit) Expense $ 499 $ (25,110 ) $ 54,018 SJG: Current: Federal $ (12,766 ) $ (33,012 ) $ — State — — (1,614 ) Total Current (12,766 ) (33,012 ) (1,614 ) Deferred: Federal 32,571 69,550 33,064 State 6,608 9,162 7,916 Total Deferred 39,179 78,712 40,980 Total Income Tax Expense $ 26,413 $ 45,700 $ 39,366
Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities	The net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and income tax purposes resulted in the following net deferred tax assets and liabilities for SJI and SJG at December 31 (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): 2018 2017 Deferred Tax Assets: Net Operating Loss Carryforward $ 125,418 $ 152,541 Investment and Other Tax Credits 214,698 214,605 Derivatives / Unrealized Loss — 2,068 Conservation Incentive Program 1,701 — Deferred State Tax 16,087 16,905 Income Taxes Recoverable Through Rates 103,434 76,426 Pension & Other Post Retirement Benefits 16,560 16,624 Deferred Revenues 5,736 5,726 Provision for Uncollectibles 5,319 3,854 Other 4,639 1,949 Total Deferred Tax Asset $ 493,592 $ 490,698 Deferred Tax Liabilities: Book versus Tax Basis of Property $ 458,772 $ 486,854 Deferred Gas Costs - Net 25,812 10,254 Derivatives / Unrealized Gain 4,463 — Environmental Remediation 20,250 31,393 Deferred Regulatory Costs 14,351 3,554 Budget Billing - Customer Accounts 4,550 4,043 Deferred Pension & Other Post Retirement Benefits 34,095 21,349 Conservation Incentive Program — 7,721 Equity In Loss Of Affiliated Companies 1,417 1,377 Other 15,718 11,037 Total Deferred Tax Liability $ 579,428 $ 577,582 Deferred Tax Liability - Net $ 85,836 $ 86,884 SJG: Deferred Tax Assets: Net Operating Loss and Tax Credits $ 60,986 $ 73,785 Deferred State Tax 16,754 14,688 Provision for Uncollectibles 3,776 3,811 Conservation Incentive Program 1,701 — Income Taxes Recoverable Through Rates 67,372 76,426 Pension & Other Post Retirement Benefits 16,699 15,031 Deferred Revenues 5,906 6,066 Other 2,599 2,413 Total Deferred Tax Assets $ 175,793 $ 192,220 Deferred Tax Liabilities: Book Versus Tax Basis of Property $ 395,371 $ 386,642 Deferred Fuel Costs - Net 23,642 10,254 Environmental Remediation 40,753 31,637 Deferred Regulatory Costs 5,061 3,554 Deferred Pension & Other Post Retirement Benefits 21,870 21,349 Budget Billing - Customer Accounts 4,550 4,043 Section 461 Prepayments 1,081 866 Conservation Incentive Program — 7,721 Other 9,351 6,900 Total Deferred Tax Liabilities $ 501,679 $ 472,966 Deferred Tax Liability - Net $ 325,886 $ 280,746
Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, is as follows (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): 2018 2017 2016 Balance at January 1, $ 1,445 $ 1,445 $ 559 Increase as a result of tax positions taken in prior years — — 886 Decrease in prior year positions (298 ) — — Balance at December 31, $ 1,147 $ 1,445 $ 1,445 SJG: Balance at January 1, $ 1,361 $ 1,361 $ 559 Increase as a result of tax position taken in prior years — — 802 Decrease in prior year positions (298 ) — — Balance at December 31, $ 1,063 $ 1,361 $ 1,361

COMMON STOCK (Tables)

COMMON STOCK (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Common stock shares issued and outstanding	The following shares were issued and outstanding at December 31 (See Note 1): 2018 2017 2016 Beginning of Year 79,549,080 79,478,055 70,965,622 New Issuances During Year: Dividend Reinvestment Plan — — 417,095 Stock-Based Compensation Plan 67,308 71,025 45,338 Public Equity Offering 5,889,830 — 8,050,000 End of Year 85,506,218 79,549,080 79,478,055

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents	The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the statement of cash flows (in thousands): As of December 31, 2018 Balance Sheet Line Item SJI SJG Cash and Cash Equivalents 30,030 1,984 Restricted Investments 1,649 1,278 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows $ 31,679 $ 3,262 As of December 31, 2017 Balance Sheet Line Item SJI SJG Cash and Cash Equivalents 7,819 1,707 Restricted Investments 31,876 2,912 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows $ 39,695 $ 4,619
Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents	The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the statement of cash flows (in thousands): As of December 31, 2018 Balance Sheet Line Item SJI SJG Cash and Cash Equivalents 30,030 1,984 Restricted Investments 1,649 1,278 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows $ 31,679 $ 3,262 As of December 31, 2017 Balance Sheet Line Item SJI SJG Cash and Cash Equivalents 7,819 1,707 Restricted Investments 31,876 2,912 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows $ 39,695 $ 4,619
South Jersey Gas Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents	The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the statement of cash flows (in thousands): As of December 31, 2018 Balance Sheet Line Item SJI SJG Cash and Cash Equivalents 30,030 1,984 Restricted Investments 1,649 1,278 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows $ 31,679 $ 3,262 As of December 31, 2017 Balance Sheet Line Item SJI SJG Cash and Cash Equivalents 7,819 1,707 Restricted Investments 31,876 2,912 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows $ 39,695 $ 4,619
Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents	The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the statement of cash flows (in thousands): As of December 31, 2018 Balance Sheet Line Item SJI SJG Cash and Cash Equivalents 30,030 1,984 Restricted Investments 1,649 1,278 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows $ 31,679 $ 3,262 As of December 31, 2017 Balance Sheet Line Item SJI SJG Cash and Cash Equivalents 7,819 1,707 Restricted Investments 31,876 2,912 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows $ 39,695 $ 4,619

SEGMENTS OF BUSINESS (Tables)

SEGMENTS OF BUSINESS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segments of Business	Information about SJI’s operations in different reportable operating segments is presented below (in thousands). The results for ETG and ELK utility operations are included from the date of the Acquisition, July 1, 2018, through December 31, 2018. 2018 2017 2016 Operating Revenues: SJI Utilities: SJG Utility Operations $ 548,000 $ 517,254 $ 461,055 ETG Utility Operations 125,604 — — ELK Utility Operations 3,302 — — Subtotal SJI Utilities 676,906 517,254 461,055 Energy Group: Wholesale Energy Operations 636,005 352,613 220,707 Retail Gas and Other Operations 101,543 111,048 92,371 Retail Electric Operations 176,945 179,534 182,540 Subtotal Energy Group 914,493 643,195 495,618 Energy Services: On-Site Energy Production 72,374 99,517 94,375 Appliance Service Operations 1,957 6,488 7,898 Subtotal Energy Services 74,331 106,005 102,273 Corporate & Services 51,000 45,024 35,147 Subtotal 1,716,730 1,311,478 1,094,093 Intersegment Sales (75,392 ) (68,410 ) (57,593 ) Total Operating Revenues $ 1,641,338 $ 1,243,068 $ 1,036,500 2018 2017 2016 Operating Income (See Note 1): SJI Utilities: SJG Utility Operations $ 132,688 $ 138,875 $ 125,052 ETG Utility Operations 2,164 — — ELK Utility Operations (256 ) — — Subtotal SJI Utilities 134,596 138,875 125,052 Energy Group: Wholesale Energy Operations 87,895 (36,815 ) 41,667 Retail Gas and Other Operations (8,721 ) (2,468 ) 4,680 Retail Electric Operations (359 ) 3,620 7,007 Subtotal Energy Group 78,815 (35,663 ) 53,354 Energy Services: On-Site Energy Production (88,230 ) (83,654 ) 13,301 Appliance Service Operations 1,818 217 582 Subtotal Energy Services (86,412 ) (83,437 ) 13,883 Midstream (292 ) — — Corporate and Services (25,962 ) (10,932 ) 1,888 Total Operating Income $ 100,745 $ 8,843 $ 194,177 Depreciation and Amortization: SJI Utilities: SJG Utility Operations $ 82,622 $ 71,654 $ 63,901 ETG Utility Operations 13,580 — — ELK Utility Operations 222 — — Subtotal SJI Utilities 96,424 71,654 63,901 Energy Group: Wholesale Energy Operations 105 125 484 Retail Gas and Other Operations 279 323 337 Subtotal Energy Group 384 448 821 Energy Services: On-Site Energy Production 23,123 46,928 43,395 Appliance Service Operations — 153 301 Subtotal Energy Services 23,123 47,081 43,696 Corporate and Services 12,983 4,303 1,400 Total Depreciation and Amortization $ 132,914 $ 123,486 $ 109,818 Interest Charges (See Note 1): SJI Utilities: SJG Utility Operations $ 28,011 $ 24,705 $ 17,875 ETG Utility Operations 10,478 — — ELK Utility Operations 4 — — Subtotal SJI Utilities 38,493 24,705 17,875 Energy Group: Wholesale Energy Operations — 3,150 — Retail Gas and Other Operations 487 250 350 Subtotal Energy Group 487 3,400 350 Energy Services: On-Site Energy Production 15,364 16,838 11,961 Midstream 1,966 985 — Corporate and Services 54,107 23,819 12,118 Subtotal 110,417 69,747 42,304 Intersegment Borrowings (20,121 ) (15,728 ) (10,855 ) Total Interest Charges $ 90,296 $ 54,019 $ 31,449 2018 2017 2016 Income Taxes (See Note 1): SJI Utilities: SJG Utility Operations $ 26,413 $ 45,700 $ 39,366 ETG Utility Operations (3,086 ) — — ELK Utility Operations (70 ) — — Subtotal SJI Utilities 23,257 45,700 39,366 Energy Group: Wholesale Energy Operations 22,473 (14,720 ) 15,882 Retail Gas and Other Operations (2,360 ) (544 ) 2,118 Retail Electric Operations (101 ) 1,480 2,862 Subtotal Energy Group 20,012 (13,784 ) 20,862 Energy Services: On-Site Energy Production (26,397 ) (39,262 ) (6,353 ) Appliance Service Operations 534 4 232 Subtotal Energy Services (25,863 ) (39,258 ) (6,121 ) Midstream (190 ) (41 ) — Corporate and Services (16,655 ) (17,554 ) 44 Total Income Taxes $ 561 $ (24,937 ) $ 54,151 Property Additions: SJI Utilities: SJG Utility Operations $ 253,617 $ 253,545 $ 228,275 ETG Utility Operations 90,259 — — ELK Utility Operations 1,820 — — Subtotal SJI Utilities 345,696 253,545 228,275 Energy Group: Wholesale Energy Operations 34 14 7 Retail Gas and Other Operations 495 889 1,642 Subtotal Energy Group 529 903 1,649 Energy Services: On-Site Energy Production 2,686 12,588 38,193 Appliance Service Operations — 260 431 Subtotal Energy Services 2,686 12,848 38,624 Midstream 119 218 505 Corporate and Services 1,826 2,233 636 Total Property Additions $ 350,856 $ 269,747 $ 269,689 (1) The property additions for ETG Utility Operations and ELK Utility Operations in 2018 do not include the approximately $1.077 billion and $12.3 million , respectively, of Property, Plant and Equipment obtained through the Acquisition as discussed in Note 20. 2018 2017 Identifiable Assets: SJI Utilities: SJG Utility Operations $ 3,118,236 $ 2,865,974 ETG Utility Operations 2,148,175 — ELK Utility Operations 16,482 — Subtotal SJI Utilities 5,282,893 2,865,974 Energy Group: Wholesale Energy Operations 266,417 208,785 Retail Gas and Other Operations 12,736 56,935 Retail Electric Operations 39,345 34,923 Subtotal Energy Group 318,498 300,643 Energy Services: On-Site Energy Production 195,329 582,587 Appliance Service Operations — 1,338 Subtotal Energy Services 195,329 583,925 Discontinued Operations 1,777 1,757 Midstream 72,333 63,112 Corporate and Services 387,482 711,038 Intersegment Assets (301,735 ) (661,363 ) Total Identifiable Assets $ 5,956,577 $ 3,865,086

LEASES (Tables)

LEASES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of minimum future rental receivables on operating lease	Minimum future rentals to be received on this operating lease of property and equipment as of December 31, 2018 for each of the next five years and in the aggregate are (in thousands): Year ended December 31, 2019 $ 5,396 2020 5,396 2021 5,396 2022 5,396 2023 5,396 Thereafter 18,438 Total minimum future rentals 45,418

REGULATORY ASSETS & REGULATOR_2

REGULATORY ASSETS & REGULATORY LIABILITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Schedule of Regulatory Assets	The Utilities Regulatory Assets consisted of the following items (in thousands) : December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 SJG ETG ELK Total SJI Total SJI and SJG Environmental Remediation Costs: Expended - Net $ 136,227 $ 10,875 $ — $ 147,102 $ 100,327 Liability for Future Expenditures 148,071 104,594 — 252,665 171,696 Deferred Asset Retirement Obligation Costs 31,096 — — 31,096 42,368 Deferred Pension Costs - Unrecognized Prior Service Cost — 40,612 14 40,626 — Deferred Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs 80,121 2,607 30 82,758 78,211 Deferred Gas Costs - Net 57,889 — 289 58,178 16,838 CIP Receivable — — — — 26,652 Societal Benefit Costs Receivable 2,173 — — 2,173 2,484 Deferred Interest Rate Contracts 5,867 — — 5,867 7,028 Energy Efficiency Tracker 2,319 — — 2,319 2,094 Pipeline Supplier Service Charges 617 — — 617 708 Pipeline Integrity Cost 5,140 — — 5,140 5,280 AFUDC - Equity Related Deferrals 13,914 — — 13,914 12,785 Weather Normalization — 3,210 139 3,349 — Other Regulatory Assets 8,931 8,023 211 17,165 2,753 Total Regulatory Assets $ 492,365 $ 169,921 $ 683 $ 662,969 $ 469,224
Schedule of Regulatory Liabilities	Regulatory Liabilities consisted of the following items (in thousands): December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 SJG ETG ELK Total SJI Total SJI and SJG Excess Plant Removal Costs 20,805 47,909 1,393 $ 70,107 $ 23,295 Excess Deferred Taxes 259,863 118,757 1,231 379,851 263,810 Deferred Revenues - Net — 3,188 — 3,188 — CIP Payable 5,871 — — 5,871 — Amounts to be Refunded to Customers — 17,039 — 17,039 — Other Regulatory Liabilities — 2,443 — 2,443 — Total Regulatory Liabilities $ 286,539 $ 189,336 $ 2,624 $ 478,499 $ 287,105
South Jersey Gas Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Schedule of Regulatory Assets	The Utilities Regulatory Assets consisted of the following items (in thousands) : December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 SJG ETG ELK Total SJI Total SJI and SJG Environmental Remediation Costs: Expended - Net $ 136,227 $ 10,875 $ — $ 147,102 $ 100,327 Liability for Future Expenditures 148,071 104,594 — 252,665 171,696 Deferred Asset Retirement Obligation Costs 31,096 — — 31,096 42,368 Deferred Pension Costs - Unrecognized Prior Service Cost — 40,612 14 40,626 — Deferred Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs 80,121 2,607 30 82,758 78,211 Deferred Gas Costs - Net 57,889 — 289 58,178 16,838 CIP Receivable — — — — 26,652 Societal Benefit Costs Receivable 2,173 — — 2,173 2,484 Deferred Interest Rate Contracts 5,867 — — 5,867 7,028 Energy Efficiency Tracker 2,319 — — 2,319 2,094 Pipeline Supplier Service Charges 617 — — 617 708 Pipeline Integrity Cost 5,140 — — 5,140 5,280 AFUDC - Equity Related Deferrals 13,914 — — 13,914 12,785 Weather Normalization — 3,210 139 3,349 — Other Regulatory Assets 8,931 8,023 211 17,165 2,753 Total Regulatory Assets $ 492,365 $ 169,921 $ 683 $ 662,969 $ 469,224

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM_2

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	Net periodic benefit cost related to the SJI employee and officer pension and other postretirement benefit plans consisted of the following components (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Pension Benefits 2018 2017 2016 Service Cost $ 6,442 $ 4,989 $ 4,843 Interest Cost 13,778 11,772 12,125 Expected Return on Plan Assets (18,672 ) (14,105 ) (13,508 ) Amortizations: Prior Service Cost 116 131 212 Actuarial Loss 11,528 10,282 9,394 Net Periodic Benefit Cost 13,192 13,069 13,066 Curtailment and Special Termination Costs 7,324 — — Capitalized Benefit Costs (2,243 ) (4,723 ) (4,645 ) Deferred Benefit Costs (1,987 ) (527 ) (645 ) Total Net Periodic Benefit Expense $ 16,286 $ 7,819 $ 7,776 SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Other Postretirement Benefits 2018 2017 2016 Service Cost $ 945 $ 910 $ 851 Interest Cost 2,430 2,418 2,615 Expected Return on Plan Assets (4,286 ) (3,411 ) (3,104 ) Amortizations: Prior Service Credits (344 ) (344 ) (344 ) Actuarial Loss 903 1,238 1,109 Net Periodic Benefit Cost (352 ) 811 1,127 Curtailment and Special Termination Costs 1,286 (106 ) — Capitalized Benefit Costs (290 ) (46 ) (277 ) Deferred Benefit Costs 580 — — Total Net Periodic Benefit Expense $ 1,224 $ 659 $ 850
Activity Within Regulatory Assets and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Details of the activity within the Regulatory Asset and AOCL associated with Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits are as follows (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Regulatory Assets Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (pre-tax) Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Balance at January 1, 2017 $ 68,450 $ 17,243 $ 39,590 $ 2,821 Amounts Arising during the Period: Net Actuarial Gain 2,711 (3,286 ) 18,506 1,614 Prior Service Credit — 257 — 84 Amounts Amortized to Net Periodic Costs: Net Actuarial Loss (6,066 ) (972 ) (4,160 ) (1,013 ) Prior Service Cost (126 ) — (4 ) — Balance at December 31, 2017 64,969 13,242 53,932 3,506 Amounts Arising during the Period: Net Actuarial Gain (Loss) 8,637 5,662 (5,953 ) (1,819 ) Prior Service Credit 70 (3,247 ) — (2,471 ) Other (Curtailments, Settlements, Special Termination) — — — 1,586 Amounts Amortized to Net Periodic Costs: Net Actuarial Loss (6,025 ) (695 ) (5,450 ) (199 ) Prior Service Cost (112 ) 257 (4 ) 84 Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 67,539 $ 15,219 $ 42,525 $ 687
Reconciliation of the Plans' Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets and Funded Status	A reconciliation of the plans' benefit obligations, fair value of plan assets, funded status and amounts recognized in SJI's consolidated balance sheets follows (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits 2018 2017 2018 2017 Change in Benefit Obligations: Benefit Obligation at Beginning of Year $ 316,289 $ 278,288 $ 62,283 $ 60,350 Acquisition Opening Obligation 100,362 — 13,195 — Service Cost 6,442 4,989 945 910 Interest Cost 13,778 11,772 2,430 2,418 Actuarial Loss (Gain) (26,274 ) 32,893 (3,534 ) 1,411 Retiree Contributions — — 265 19 Plan Amendments 7,394 — (3,012 ) — Benefits Paid (15,835 ) (11,653 ) (3,061 ) (2,825 ) Benefit Obligation at End of Year $ 402,156 $ 316,289 $ 69,511 $ 62,283 Change in Plan Assets: Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year $ 216,065 $ 189,542 $ 57,922 $ 50,532 Acquisition Beginning Fair Value 94,685 — 15,659 — Actual Return on Plan Assets (10,399 ) 25,807 (3,050 ) 7,390 Employer Contributions 2,704 12,369 2,796 2,806 Retiree Contributions — — 265 19 Benefits Paid (15,835 ) (11,653 ) (3,061 ) (2,825 ) Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year $ 287,220 $ 216,065 $ 70,531 $ 57,922 Funded Status at End of Year: $ (114,936 ) $ (100,224 ) $ 1,020 $ (4,361 ) Amounts Related to Unconsolidated Affiliate (147 ) 135 320 518 Accrued Net Benefit Cost at End of Year $ (115,083 ) $ (100,089 ) $ 1,340 $ (3,843 ) Amounts Recognized in the Statement of Financial Position Consist of: Current Liabilities $ (3,631 ) $ (2,388 ) $ — $ — Noncurrent Liabilities (111,452 ) (97,701 ) 1,340 (3,843 ) Net Amount Recognized at End of Year $ (115,083 ) $ (100,089 ) $ 1,340 $ (3,843 ) Amounts Recognized in Regulatory Assets Consist of: Prior Service Costs $ 162 $ 428 $ (5,765 ) $ (2,775 ) Net Actuarial Loss 67,377 64,541 20,984 16,017 $ 67,539 $ 64,969 $ 15,219 $ 13,242 Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Consist of (pre-tax): Prior Service Costs $ 268 $ 47 $ (1,707 ) $ (906 ) Net Actuarial Loss 42,257 53,885 2,394 4,412 $ 42,525 $ 53,932 $ 687 $ 3,506
Fair Value of Plan Assets	The fair values of SJI's and SJG's pension plan assets at December 31, 2018 and 2017 by asset category are as follows (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Asset Category Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 As of December 31, 2018 Cash / Cash Equivalents: Cash $ 92,224 $ 92,224 $ — $ — STIF-Type Instrument (a) 1,653 — 1,653 — Equity securities: U.S. Large-Cap (b) 13,684 13,684 — — U.S. Mid-Cap (b) 1,502 1,502 — — International (b) 2,327 2,327 — — Fixed Income: Guaranteed Insurance Contract (c) 8,453 — — 8,453 Subtotal Fair Value $ 119,843 $ 109,737 $ 1,653 $ 8,453 Measured at net asset value practical expedient (g): Private Equity Fund (d) $ 8,867 Common/Collective Trust Funds - Real Estate (e) 9,737 18,604 Other Common/Collective Trust Funds (f): Cash/Cash Equivalents 696 Equity Securities - U.S. 63,418 Equity Securities - International 33,391 Fixed Income 51,268 148,773 Subtotal measured at net asset value practical expedient $ 167,377 Total Fair Value $ 287,220 Asset Category Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 As of December 31, 2017 Cash / Cash Equivalents: Cash $ 72 $ 72 $ — $ — STIF-Type Instrument (a) 1,522 — 1,522 — Equity securities: U.S. Large-Cap (b) 13,526 13,526 — — U.S. Mid-Cap (b) 1,701 1,701 — — U.S. Small-Cap (b) 490 490 — — International (b) 3,260 3,260 — — Fixed Income: Guaranteed Insurance Contract (c) 9,211 — — 9,211 Subtotal Fair Value $ 29,782 $ 19,049 $ 1,522 $ 9,211 Measured at net asset value practical expedient (g): Private Equity Fund (d) $ 7,111 Common/Collective Trust Funds - Real Estate (e) 9,813 16,924 Other Common/Collective Trust Funds (f): Cash/Cash Equivalents 477 Equity Securities - U.S. 75,699 Equity Securities - International 39,077 Fixed Income 54,106 169,359 Subtotal measured at net asset value practical expedient $ 186,283 Total Fair Value $ 216,065 s and SJG's other postretirement benefit plan assets at December 31, 2018 and 2017 by asset category are as follows (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Asset Category Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 As of December 31, 2018: Cash $ 16,720 $ 16,720 $ — $ — Other Types of Investments: Mutual Funds - REITS (a) 822 822 — — Subtotal Fair Value $ 17,542 $ 17,542 $ — $ — Measured at net asset value practical expedient (c): Common/Collective Trust Funds (b): Equity Securities - U.S. $ 14,069 Equity Securities - International 9,720 Fixed Income 15,315 Company Owned Life Insurance (b) 13,885 Subtotal measured at net asset value practical expedient $ 52,989 Total Fair Value $ 70,531 Asset Category Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 As of December 31, 2017: Other Types of Investments: Mutual Funds - REITS (a) $ 864 $ 864 $ — $ — Subtotal Fair Value $ 864 $ 864 $ — $ — Measured at net asset value practical expedient (c): Common/Collective Trust Funds (b): Equity Securities - U.S. $ 15,101 Equity Securities - International 11,378 Fixed Income 15,272 Company Owned Life Insurance (b) 15,307 Subtotal measured at net asset value practical expedient $ 57,058 Total Fair Value $ 57,922 SJG: Asset Category Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 As of December 31, 2018 Cash $ 859 $ 859 $ — $ — Other Types of Investments: Mutual Funds - REITS (a) 740 740 — — Subtotal Fair Value $ 1,599 $ 1,599 $ — $ — Measured at net asset value practical expedient (c): Common/Collective Trust Funds (b): Equity Securities - U.S. $ 12,645 Equity Securities - International 8,735 Fixed Income 13,764 Company Owned Life Insurance (b) 13,027 Subtotal measured at net asset value practical expedient $ 48,171 Total Fair Value $ 49,770 Asset Category Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 As of December 31, 2017 Other Types of Investments: Mutual Funds - REITS (a) $ 777 $ 777 $ — $ — Subtotal Fair Value $ 777 $ 777 $ — $ — Measured at net asset value practical expedient (c): Common/Collective Trust Funds (b): Equity Securities - U.S. $ 13,572 Equity Securities - International 10,226 Fixed Income 13,726 Company Owned Life Insurance (b) 14,362 Subtotal measured at net asset value practical expedient $ 51,886 Total Fair Value $ 52,663 (a) This category represents mutual fund investments. The mutual funds are actively traded on exchanges and price quotes for the shares are readily available. These mutual funds are classified as Level 1 investments. (b) This category represents common/collective trust fund investments through a commingled employee benefit trust (excluding real estate). These commingled funds are not traded publicly; however, the majority of the underlying assets held in these funds are stocks and bonds that are traded on active markets. Also included in these funds are interest rate swaps, asset backed securities, mortgage backed securities and other investments with observable market values. This category also represents Company-owned life insurance policies with a nationally known life insurance company. The value of these policies is backed by a series of common/collective trust funds held by the insurance carrier. (c) Subsequent to the issuance of SJI’s and SJG’s 2017 financial statements, management determined that certain investments classified as Level 2 investments as of December 31, 2017 should have been excluded from the fair value hierarchy table and classified as “investments measured at net asset value practical expedient” as a result of adopting ASU 2015-07 on January 1, 2017. As a result, the table above has been revised to reclassify these investments from Level 2 investments as of December 31, 2017 to investments measured at net asset value practical expedient. The correction of this classification resulted in a decrease in previously reported Level 2 investments as of December 31, 2017 of $57.1 million for SJI and $51.9 million for SJG and an increase in the classified investments measured at net asset value practical expedient. The correction of this classification had no effect on SJI’s and SJG’s financial statements.
Schedule of Effect of Significant Unobservable Inputs, Changes in Plan Assets	SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Guaranteed Private Insurance Equity Real Contract Funds (A) Estate (A) Total Balance at January 1, 2017 $ 9,714 $ — $ — $ 9,714 Actual return on plan assets: Relating to assets still held at the reporting date 245 — — 245 Relating to assets sold during the period 12 — — 12 Purchases, Sales and Settlements (760 ) — — (760 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 9,211 — — 9,211 Actual return on plan assets: — — — Relating to assets still held at the reporting date (53 ) — — (53 ) Relating to assets sold during the period 13 — — 13 Purchases, Sales and Settlements (718 ) — — (718 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 8,453 $ — $ — $ 8,453
Schedule of Future Benefit Payments	The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid during the following years (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits 2019 $ 21,690 $ 5,873 2020 $ 22,382 $ 5,853 2021 $ 22,517 $ 5,811 2022 $ 23,108 $ 5,728 2023 $ 23,883 $ 5,561 2024 - 2028 $ 122,192 $ 24,069 SJG: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits 2019 $ 12,777 $ 3,879 2020 $ 13,265 $ 3,888 2021 $ 13,674 $ 3,817 2022 $ 14,207 $ 3,739 2023 $ 14,788 $ 3,639 2024 - 2028 $ 79,003 $ 15,444
Estimated Costs That Will be Amortized from Regulatory Assets into Net Periodic Costs	The estimated costs that will be amortized from Regulatory Assets for SJI and SJG into net periodic benefit costs in 2019 are as follows (in thousands): SJI and SJG (costs are the same for both entities): Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Prior Service Cost/(Credit) $ 101 $ (474 ) Net Actuarial Loss $ 5,837 $ 965
Estimated Costs That Will be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Net Periodic Benefit Costs	The estimated costs that will be amortized from for SJI and SJG AOCL into net periodic benefit costs in 2019 are as follows (in thousands): Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Prior Service Cost/(Credit) $ 4 $ (102 ) Net Actuarial Loss $ 3,801 $ 120 SJG: Prior Service Cost/(Credit) $ — $ — Net Actuarial Loss $ 2,579 $ —
Schedule of Weighted-Average Assumptions Used	The weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations for SJI and SJG at December 31 were: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits 2018 2017 2018 2017 Discount Rate 4.39 % 3.73 % 3.63 % 3.63 % Rate of Compensation Increase 3.50 % 3.50 % 3.50 % 3.50 % The weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for SJI and SJG for the years ended December 31 were: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 Discount Rate 3.73 % 4.30 % 4.83 % 4.13 % 4.13 % 4.73 % Expected Long-Term Return on Plan Assets 7.25 % 7.25 % 7.50 % 6.75 % 6.50 % 6.50 % Rate of Compensation Increase 3.50 % 3.50 % 3.50 % 3.50 % 3.50 % 3.50 %
South Jersey Gas Company
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	Net periodic benefit cost related to the SJG employee and officer pension and other postretirement benefit plans consisted of the following components (in thousands): SJG: Pension Benefits 2018 2017 2016 Service Cost $ 5,073 $ 4,303 $ 4,144 Interest Cost 10,010 9,925 10,292 Expected Return on Plan Assets (12,513 ) (11,366 ) (11,029 ) Amortization: Prior Service Cost 112 127 203 Actuarial Loss 10,074 8,692 7,975 Net Periodic Benefit Cost 12,756 11,681 11,585 Capitalized Benefit Costs (1,943 ) (4,723 ) (4,645 ) Affiliate SERP Allocations (3,861 ) (2,235 ) (1,960 ) Deferred Benefit Costs (1,987 ) (527 ) (644 ) Total Net Periodic Benefit Expense $ 4,965 $ 4,196 $ 4,336 SJG: Other Postretirement Benefits 2018 2017 2016 Service Cost $ 583 $ 582 $ 576 Interest Cost 1,698 1,897 2,120 Expected Return on Plan Assets (3,449 ) (3,101 ) (2,823 ) Amortization: Prior Service Credits (257 ) (257 ) (257 ) Actuarial Loss 695 972 945 Net Periodic Benefit Cost (730 ) 93 561 Capitalized Benefit Costs (257 ) (46 ) (277 ) Deferred Benefit Costs 580 — — Total Net Periodic Benefit (Income)/Expense $ (407 ) $ 47 $ 284
Activity Within Regulatory Assets and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	SJG: Regulatory Assets Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (pre-tax) Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Balance at January 1, 2017 $ 68,450 $ 17,243 $ 24,102 $ — Amounts Arising during the Period: Net Actuarial Gain 2,711 (3,286 ) 17,881 — Prior Service Credit — 257 — — Amounts Amortized to Net Periodic Costs: Net Actuarial Loss (6,066 ) (972 ) (2,627 ) — Prior Service Cost (126 ) — — — Balance at December 31, 2017 64,969 13,242 39,356 — Amounts Arising during the Period: Net Actuarial Gain 6,590 5,071 (911 ) — Prior Service Credit 70 (3,247 ) — — Other (Curtailments, Settlements, Special Termination) — — Amounts Amortized to Net Periodic Costs: Net Actuarial Loss (6,025 ) (695 ) (4,049 ) — Prior Service Cost (111 ) 257 — — Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 65,493 $ 14,628 $ 34,396 $ —
Reconciliation of the Plans' Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets and Funded Status	SJG: Other Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2018 2017 2018 2017 Change in Benefit Obligations : Benefit Obligation at Beginning of Year $ 269,066 $ 236,356 $ 49,098 $ 48,549 Service Cost 5,073 4,303 583 582 Interest Cost 10,010 9,925 1,698 1,897 Actuarial Loss (Gain) (13,009 ) 27,892 (1,271 ) 328 Retiree Contributions — — 143 15 Plan Amendments 4,169 — (3,247 ) — Benefits Paid (10,486 ) (9,410 ) (2,122 ) (2,273 ) Benefit Obligation at End of Year $ 264,823 $ 269,066 $ 44,882 $ 49,098 Change in Plan Assets: Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year $ 174,277 $ 154,729 $ 52,663 $ 45,948 Actual Return on Plan Assets (6,175 ) 18,666 (2,893 ) 6,715 Employer Contributions 2,669 10,292 1,979 2,259 Retiree Contributions — — 143 14 Benefits Paid (10,486 ) (9,410 ) (2,122 ) (2,273 ) Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year $ 160,285 $ 174,277 $ 49,770 $ 52,663 Funded Status at End of Year : Accrued Net Benefit Cost at End of Year $ (104,538 ) $ (94,789 ) $ 4,888 $ 3,565 Amounts Recognized in the Statement of Financial Position Consist of: Current Liabilities $ (3,597 ) $ (2,353 ) $ — $ — Noncurrent Liabilities (100,941 ) (92,436 ) 4,888 3,565 Net Amount Recognized at End of Year $ (104,538 ) $ (94,789 ) $ 4,888 $ 3,565 Amounts Recognized in Regulatory Assets Consist of: Prior Service Costs $ 163 $ 428 $ (5,765 ) $ (2,775 ) Net Actuarial Loss 65,330 64,541 20,393 16,017 Net Amount Recognized at End of Year $ 65,493 $ 64,969 $ 14,628 $ 13,242 Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Consist of: Net Actuarial Loss $ 34,396 $ 39,356 $ — $ —
Fair Value of Plan Assets	SJG: Asset Category Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 As of December 31, 2018: Cash / Cash Equivalents: Cash $ 19 $ 19 $ — $ — STIF-Type Instrument (a) 1,359 — 1,359 — Equity securities: U.S. Large-Cap (b) 11,247 11,247 — — U.S. Mid-Cap (b) 1,234 1,234 — — International (b) 1,912 1,912 — — Fixed Income: Guaranteed Insurance Contract (c) 6,947 — — 6,947 Subtotal Fair Value $ 22,718 $ 14,412 $ 1,359 $ 6,947 Measured at net asset value practical expedient (g): Private Equity Fund (d) $ 7,288 Common/Collective Trust Funds - Real Estate (e) 8,003 15,291 Other Common/Collective Trust Funds (f): Cash/Cash Equivalents 572 Equity Securities - U.S. 52,123 Equity Securities - International 27,444 Fixed Income 42,137 122,276 Subtotal measured at net asset value practical expedient $ 137,567 Total Fair Value $ 160,285 Asset Category Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 As of December 31, 2017: Cash / Cash Equivalents: Cash $ 58 $ 58 $ — $ — STIF-Type Instrument (a) 1,228 — 1,228 — Equity securities: U.S. Large-Cap (b) 10,910 10,910 — — U.S. Mid-Cap (b) 1,372 1,372 — — U.S. Small-Cap (b) 395 395 — — International (b) 2,629 2,629 — — Fixed Income: Guaranteed Insurance Contract (c) 7,429 — — 7,429 Subtotal Fair Value $ 24,021 $ 15,364 $ 1,228 $ 7,429 Measured at net asset value practical expedient (g): Private Equity Fund (d) $ 5,735 Common/Collective Trust Funds - Real Estate (e) 7,920 13,655 Other Common/Collective Trust Funds (f): Cash/Cash Equivalents 385 Equity Securities - U.S. 61,057 Equity Securities - International 31,519 Fixed Income 43,640 136,601 Subtotal measured at net asset value practical expedient $ 150,256 Total Fair Value $ 174,277 (a) This category represents short-term investment funds held for the purpose of funding disbursement payment arrangements. Underlying assets are valued based on quoted prices in active markets, or where quoted prices are not available, based on models using observable market information. Since not all values can be obtained from quoted prices in active markets, these funds are classified as Level 2 investments. (b) This category of equity investments represents a managed portfolio of common stock investments in five sectors: telecommunications, electric utilities, gas utilities, water and energy. These common stocks are actively traded on exchanges and price quotes for these shares are readily available. These common stocks are classified as Level 1 investments. (c) This category represents SJI’s Group Annuity contracts with a nationally recognized life insurance company. The contracts are the assets of the plan, while the underlying assets of the contracts are owned by the contract holder. Valuation is based on a formula and calculation specified within the contract. Since the valuation is based on the reporting entity’s own assumptions, these contracts are classified as Level 3 investments. (d) This category represents a limited partnership which includes several investments in U.S. leveraged buyout, venture capital, and special situation funds. Fund valuations are reported on a 90 to 120 day lag and, therefore, the value reported herein represents the market value as of June or September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, with cash flow changes through December applied. The fund’s investments are stated at fair value, which is generally based on the valuations provided by the general partners or managers of such investments. See (g) below. (e) This category represents real estate common/collective trust fund investments through a commingled employee benefit trust. These commingled funds are part of a direct investment in a pool of real estate properties. These funds are valued by investment managers on a periodic basis using pricing models that use independent appraisals from sources with professional qualifications. See (g) below. (f) This category represents common/collective trust fund investments through a commingled employee benefit trust (excluding real estate). These commingled funds are not traded publicly; however, the majority of the underlying assets held in these funds are stocks and bonds that are traded on active markets. Also included in these funds are interest rate swaps, asset backed securities, mortgage backed securities and other investments with observable market values. See (g) below. (g) Subsequent to the issuance of SJI’s and SJG’s 2017 financial statements, management determined that certain investments classified as Level 2 and Level 3 investments as of December 31, 2017 should have been excluded from the fair value hierarchy table and classified as “investments measured at net asset value practical expedient” as a result of adopting ASU 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent)” on January 1, 2017. As a result, the table above has been revised to reclassify these investments from Level 2 and Level 3 investments as of December 31, 2017 to investments measured at net asset value practical expedient. The correction of this classification resulted in a decrease in previously reported Level 2 and Level 3 investments as of December 31, 2017 of $169.4 million and $17.1 million for SJI, respectively, and $136.6 million and $13.7 million for SJG, respectively, and an increase in the classified investments measured at net asset value practical expedient. The correction of this classification had no effect on SJI’s and SJG’s financial statements. (a) This category represents mutual fund investments. The mutual funds are actively traded on exchanges and price quotes for the shares are readily available. These mutual funds are classified as Level 1 investments. (b) This category represents common/collective trust fund investments through a commingled employee benefit trust (excluding real estate). These commingled funds are not traded publicly; however, the majority of the underlying assets held in these funds are stocks and bonds that are traded on active markets. Also included in these funds are interest rate swaps, asset backed securities, mortgage backed securities and other investments with observable market values. This category also represents Company-owned life insurance policies with a nationally known life insurance company. The value of these policies is backed by a series of common/collective trust funds held by the insurance carrier. (c) Subsequent to the issuance of SJI’s and SJG’s 2017 financial statements, management determined that certain investments classified as Level 2 investments as of December 31, 2017 should have been excluded from the fair value hierarchy table and classified as “investments measured at net asset value practical expedient” as a result of adopting ASU 2015-07 on January 1, 2017. As a result, the table above has been revised to reclassify these investments from Level 2 investments as of December 31, 2017 to investments measured at net asset value practical expedient. The correction of this classification resulted in a decrease in previously reported Level 2 investments as of December 31, 2017 of $57.1 million for SJI and $51.9 million for SJG and an increase in the classified investments measured at net asset value practical expedient. The correction of this classification had no effect on SJI’s and SJG’s financial statements.
Schedule of Effect of Significant Unobservable Inputs, Changes in Plan Assets	SJG: Guaranteed Insurance Contract Private Equity Funds (A) Real Estate (A) Total Balance at January 1, 2017 $ 7,930 $ — $ — $ 7,930 Actual return on plan assets: Relating to assets still held at the reporting date 103 — — 103 Relating to assets sold during the period 9 — — 9 Purchases, Sales and Settlements (613 ) — — (613 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 7,429 $ — $ — $ 7,429 Actual return on plan assets: Relating to assets still held at the reporting date 98 — — 98 Relating to assets sold during the period 11 — — 11 Purchases, Sales and Settlements (591 ) — — (591 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 6,947 $ — $ — $ 6,947 (A) The 2017 amounts have been reclassified to NAV as per (g) above.

LINES OF CREDIT (Tables)

LINES OF CREDIT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Summary of Credit Facilities and Available Liquidity	Credit facilities and available liquidity as of December 31, 2018 were as follows (in thousands): Company Total Facility Usage Available Liquidity Expiration Date SJI: SJI Syndicated Revolving Credit Facility $ 400,000 $ 33,100 (A) $ 366,900 August 2022 Revolving Credit Facility 50,000 50,000 — September 2019 Total SJI 450,000 83,100 366,900 SJG: Commercial Paper Program/Revolving Credit Facility 200,000 108,300 (B) 91,700 August 2022 Uncommitted Bank Line 10,000 10,000 August 2019 Total SJG 210,000 108,300 101,700 ETG/ELK: ETG/ELK Revolving Credit Facility 200,000 86,000 114,000 June 2020 Total $ 860,000 $ 277,400 $ 582,600 (A) Includes letters of credit outstanding in the amount of $6.1 million . (B) Includes letters of credit outstanding in the amount of $0.8 million .
South Jersey Gas Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Summary of Credit Facilities and Available Liquidity	Credit facilities and available liquidity as of December 31, 2018 were as follows (in thousands): Company Total Facility Usage Available Liquidity Expiration Date SJI: SJI Syndicated Revolving Credit Facility $ 400,000 $ 33,100 (A) $ 366,900 August 2022 Revolving Credit Facility 50,000 50,000 — September 2019 Total SJI 450,000 83,100 366,900 SJG: Commercial Paper Program/Revolving Credit Facility 200,000 108,300 (B) 91,700 August 2022 Uncommitted Bank Line 10,000 10,000 August 2019 Total SJG 210,000 108,300 101,700 ETG/ELK: ETG/ELK Revolving Credit Facility 200,000 86,000 114,000 June 2020 Total $ 860,000 $ 277,400 $ 582,600 (A) Includes letters of credit outstanding in the amount of $6.1 million . (B) Includes letters of credit outstanding in the amount of $0.8 million .

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Schedule of Long-term Debt	Outstanding Long-Term Debt at December 31 consisted of the following: 2018 2017 Long-Term Debt (A): SJG: First Mortgage Bonds: (B) 7.97% Series due 2018 (C) — 10,000 7.125% Series due 2018 (C) — 20,000 5.587% Series due 2019 10,000 10,000 3.00% Series due 2024 (D) 50,000 50,000 3.03% Series due 2024 (E) 35,000 35,000 3.63% Series due 2025 (F) 6,364 7,273 4.84% Series due 2026 (G) 15,000 15,000 4.93% Series due 2026 (H) 45,000 45,000 4.03% Series due 2027 (H) 45,000 45,000 4.01% Series due 2030 (I) 42,000 50,000 4.23% Series due 2030 30,000 30,000 3.74% Series due 2032 (J) 35,000 35,000 5.55% Series due 2033 32,000 32,000 6.213% Series due 2034 10,000 10,000 5.45% Series due 2035 10,000 10,000 3.00% Series due 2047 200,000 200,000 Series A 2006 Bonds at variable rates due 2036 (K) 24,900 24,900 SJG Term Facility (L) — 200,000 SJG Term Loan (L) 310,000 — Total SJG Long-Term Debt Outstanding (S) $ 900,264 $ 829,173 Less SJG Current Maturities (18,909 ) (63,809 ) Total SJG Long-Term Debt (S) $ 881,355 $ 765,364 SJI: 3.30% Series due 2019 (T) 60,000 60,000 3.30% Series due 2019 (T) 30,000 30,000 3.30% Series due 2019 (T) 50,000 50,000 3.71% Series C 2012 Notes due 2022 (T) 35,000 35,000 3.47% Series due 2024 (T) 25,000 25,000 3.71% Series due 2027 (T) 25,000 25,000 3.57% Series 2017A-2 due 2025 (T) 25,000 — 3.81% Series 2017B-2 due 2028 (T) 25,000 — 3.43% Series 2018A due 2021 (M) (T) 90,000 — 4.07% Series 2018B due 2028 (M) (T) 80,000 — 4.17% Series 2018C due 2030 (M) (T) 80,000 — Series Notes at variable rates due 2019 (N) 40,000 40,000 Series Notes at variable rates due 2019 (N) 60,000 60,000 South Jersey Industries Term Loan at variable rates due 2020 (O) 50,000 50,000 Convertible Equity Units (M, P) 287,500 — Series 2018D Notes at variable rates due 2019 (M, Q) 475,000 — ETG: First Mortgage Bonds, Series 2018A: (R) 4.02% Series 2018A-1 due 2028 50,000 — 4.22% Series 2018A-2 due 2033 55,000 — 4.29% Series 2018A-3 due 2038 150,000 — 4.37% Series 2018A-4 due 2048 200,000 — 4.52% Series 2018A-5 due 2058 75,000 — Total SJI Consolidated Long-Term Debt Outstanding (S) $ 2,867,764 $ 1,204,173 Less SJI Consolidated Current Maturities (733,909 ) (63,809 ) Total SJI Consolidated Long-Term Debt (S) $ 2,133,855 $ 1,140,364 (A) Long-term debt maturities for SJI for the succeeding five years are as follows (in thousands): 2019: $733,909 ; 2020: $377,909 ; 2021: $405,409 ; 2022: $66,084 ; and 2023: $40,084 . Long-term debt maturities for SJG for the succeeding five years are as follows (in thousands): 2019: $18,909 ; 2020: $327,909 ; 2021: $27,909 ; 2022: $31,084 ; and 2023: $40,084 . Regarding the debt that is due within one year at SJI, the Company has intentions to either pay down or refinance this debt, see Note 1. (B) In January 2017, SJG entered into a First Mortgage Indenture, which provides for the issuance by SJG of bonds, notes or other securities that are secured by a lien on substantially all of the operating properties and franchises of SJG. (C) In 2018, SJG retired $10.0 million of 7.97% MTN's, along with $20.0 million of 7.125% MTN's. (D) SJG has $50.0 million of 3.00% MTN's, with $10.0 million due annually beginning September 2020 with the final payment due September 2024. (E) SJG has $35.0 million of 3.03% MTN's, with $7.0 million due annually beginning November 2020 with the final payment due November 2024. (F) SJG pays $0.9 million annually toward the principal amount of 3.63% MTN's, with the final payment to be made December 2025. As such, $0.9 million of the total outstanding amount on this debt is classified in current portion of long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets as it is due within one year. (G) SJG has $15.0 million of 4.84% MTN's, with $2.5 million due annually beginning March 2021 with the final payment due March 2026. (H) SJG has $45.0 million of 4.93% MTN's, with $7.5 million due annually beginning June 2021 with the final payment due June 2026. SJG also has $45.0 million of 4.03% MTN's, with $9.0 million due annually beginning in December 2023 with the final payment due in December 2027. (I) SJG has $42.0 million of 4.01% MTN's with several due dates, as follows: $8.0 million due November 2019; $2.0 million due November 2025; $3.0 million due November 2026; $8.0 million due November 2027; and $7.0 million each due November 2028, 2029 and 2030. (J) SJG has $35.0 million of 3.74% MTN's, with $3.175 million due annually beginning April 2022 with final payment due April 2032. (K) These variable rate demand bonds bear interest at a floating rate that resets weekly. The interest rate as of December 31, 2018 was 1.78% . Liquidity support on these bonds is provided under a separate letter of credit facility that expires in August 2021; as such, these bonds are recorded in current portion of long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets. These bonds contain no financial covenants. (L) In January 2017, SJG entered into an unsecured, $200.0 million multiple-draw term loan credit agreement, on which SJG had borrowed the full $200.0 million as of December 31, 2017. In 2018, this was paid down, and in October 2018, SJG entered into an unsecured, $400.0 million term loan credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), which is syndicated among eight banks. Under the Credit Agreement, the Company can borrow up to an aggregate of $400.0 million from time to time until October 26, 2019. All loans under the Credit Agreement become due and payable on April 26, 2020. As of December 31, 2018, SJG borrowed $310.0 million . (M) Proceeds from these debt issuances, which occurred in the second quarter of 2018, were used to fund the Acquisition (see Notes 1 and 20). (N) At December 31, 2018 , the floating rate on these Senior Notes was 4.38% . (O) At December 31, 2018 , the floating rate on this Term Loan was 3.67% . (P) In April 2018, SJI completed a public offering of Equity Units for gross proceeds of $287.5 million (see Note 6). As of December 31, 2018 , these Equity Units were not converted into equity. (Q) At December 31, 2018 , the floating rate on these Senior Notes was 3.76% . (R) In December 2018, ETG issued $530.0 million aggregate principal amount of its First Mortgage Bonds, Series 2018A, which were issued in five Tranches as shown in the table above. These bonds were issued under that First Mortgage Indenture dated as of July 2, 2018 between ETG and a Trustee, as supplemented by that First Supplement dated as of December 20, 2018, pursuant to a BPA dated as of December 20, 2018 between ETG and the purchasers named therein. The proceeds from the sale of these bonds were used to repay short-term indebtedness under a previous $530.0 million , 364 -day term loan credit agreement dated as of June 26, 2018 among ETG (Borrower), SJI (Guarantor), the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent. Prior to repayment, the term loans bore interest at a variable base rate or a variable LIBOR at the election of the Company. (S) Total SJI consolidated Long-Term Debt in the table above does not include unamortized debt issuance costs of $27.0 million and $17.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Total SJG Long-Term Debt in the table above does not include unamortized debt issuance costs of $6.8 million and $7.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. (T) In July 2018, the interest rates on these senior notes increased 25 basis points per annum due to a rating fee provision included in the respective note purchase agreements. This rating fee provision was triggered upon the S&P downgrading SJI from BBB+ to BBB.
South Jersey Gas Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Schedule of Long-term Debt	Outstanding Long-Term Debt at December 31 consisted of the following: 2018 2017 Long-Term Debt (A): SJG: First Mortgage Bonds: (B) 7.97% Series due 2018 (C) — 10,000 7.125% Series due 2018 (C) — 20,000 5.587% Series due 2019 10,000 10,000 3.00% Series due 2024 (D) 50,000 50,000 3.03% Series due 2024 (E) 35,000 35,000 3.63% Series due 2025 (F) 6,364 7,273 4.84% Series due 2026 (G) 15,000 15,000 4.93% Series due 2026 (H) 45,000 45,000 4.03% Series due 2027 (H) 45,000 45,000 4.01% Series due 2030 (I) 42,000 50,000 4.23% Series due 2030 30,000 30,000 3.74% Series due 2032 (J) 35,000 35,000 5.55% Series due 2033 32,000 32,000 6.213% Series due 2034 10,000 10,000 5.45% Series due 2035 10,000 10,000 3.00% Series due 2047 200,000 200,000 Series A 2006 Bonds at variable rates due 2036 (K) 24,900 24,900 SJG Term Facility (L) — 200,000 SJG Term Loan (L) 310,000 — Total SJG Long-Term Debt Outstanding (S) $ 900,264 $ 829,173 Less SJG Current Maturities (18,909 ) (63,809 ) Total SJG Long-Term Debt (S) $ 881,355 $ 765,364 SJI: 3.30% Series due 2019 (T) 60,000 60,000 3.30% Series due 2019 (T) 30,000 30,000 3.30% Series due 2019 (T) 50,000 50,000 3.71% Series C 2012 Notes due 2022 (T) 35,000 35,000 3.47% Series due 2024 (T) 25,000 25,000 3.71% Series due 2027 (T) 25,000 25,000 3.57% Series 2017A-2 due 2025 (T) 25,000 — 3.81% Series 2017B-2 due 2028 (T) 25,000 — 3.43% Series 2018A due 2021 (M) (T) 90,000 — 4.07% Series 2018B due 2028 (M) (T) 80,000 — 4.17% Series 2018C due 2030 (M) (T) 80,000 — Series Notes at variable rates due 2019 (N) 40,000 40,000 Series Notes at variable rates due 2019 (N) 60,000 60,000 South Jersey Industries Term Loan at variable rates due 2020 (O) 50,000 50,000 Convertible Equity Units (M, P) 287,500 — Series 2018D Notes at variable rates due 2019 (M, Q) 475,000 — ETG: First Mortgage Bonds, Series 2018A: (R) 4.02% Series 2018A-1 due 2028 50,000 — 4.22% Series 2018A-2 due 2033 55,000 — 4.29% Series 2018A-3 due 2038 150,000 — 4.37% Series 2018A-4 due 2048 200,000 — 4.52% Series 2018A-5 due 2058 75,000 — Total SJI Consolidated Long-Term Debt Outstanding (S) $ 2,867,764 $ 1,204,173 Less SJI Consolidated Current Maturities (733,909 ) (63,809 ) Total SJI Consolidated Long-Term Debt (S) $ 2,133,855 $ 1,140,364 (A) Long-term debt maturities for SJI for the succeeding five years are as follows (in thousands): 2019: $733,909 ; 2020: $377,909 ; 2021: $405,409 ; 2022: $66,084 ; and 2023: $40,084 . Long-term debt maturities for SJG for the succeeding five years are as follows (in thousands): 2019: $18,909 ; 2020: $327,909 ; 2021: $27,909 ; 2022: $31,084 ; and 2023: $40,084 . Regarding the debt that is due within one year at SJI, the Company has intentions to either pay down or refinance this debt, see Note 1. (B) In January 2017, SJG entered into a First Mortgage Indenture, which provides for the issuance by SJG of bonds, notes or other securities that are secured by a lien on substantially all of the operating properties and franchises of SJG. (C) In 2018, SJG retired $10.0 million of 7.97% MTN's, along with $20.0 million of 7.125% MTN's. (D) SJG has $50.0 million of 3.00% MTN's, with $10.0 million due annually beginning September 2020 with the final payment due September 2024. (E) SJG has $35.0 million of 3.03% MTN's, with $7.0 million due annually beginning November 2020 with the final payment due November 2024. (F) SJG pays $0.9 million annually toward the principal amount of 3.63% MTN's, with the final payment to be made December 2025. As such, $0.9 million of the total outstanding amount on this debt is classified in current portion of long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets as it is due within one year. (G) SJG has $15.0 million of 4.84% MTN's, with $2.5 million due annually beginning March 2021 with the final payment due March 2026. (H) SJG has $45.0 million of 4.93% MTN's, with $7.5 million due annually beginning June 2021 with the final payment due June 2026. SJG also has $45.0 million of 4.03% MTN's, with $9.0 million due annually beginning in December 2023 with the final payment due in December 2027. (I) SJG has $42.0 million of 4.01% MTN's with several due dates, as follows: $8.0 million due November 2019; $2.0 million due November 2025; $3.0 million due November 2026; $8.0 million due November 2027; and $7.0 million each due November 2028, 2029 and 2030. (J) SJG has $35.0 million of 3.74% MTN's, with $3.175 million due annually beginning April 2022 with final payment due April 2032. (K) These variable rate demand bonds bear interest at a floating rate that resets weekly. The interest rate as of December 31, 2018 was 1.78% . Liquidity support on these bonds is provided under a separate letter of credit facility that expires in August 2021; as such, these bonds are recorded in current portion of long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets. These bonds contain no financial covenants. (L) In January 2017, SJG entered into an unsecured, $200.0 million multiple-draw term loan credit agreement, on which SJG had borrowed the full $200.0 million as of December 31, 2017. In 2018, this was paid down, and in October 2018, SJG entered into an unsecured, $400.0 million term loan credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), which is syndicated among eight banks. Under the Credit Agreement, the Company can borrow up to an aggregate of $400.0 million from time to time until October 26, 2019. All loans under the Credit Agreement become due and payable on April 26, 2020. As of December 31, 2018, SJG borrowed $310.0 million . (M) Proceeds from these debt issuances, which occurred in the second quarter of 2018, were used to fund the Acquisition (see Notes 1 and 20). (N) At December 31, 2018 , the floating rate on these Senior Notes was 4.38% . (O) At December 31, 2018 , the floating rate on this Term Loan was 3.67% . (P) In April 2018, SJI completed a public offering of Equity Units for gross proceeds of $287.5 million (see Note 6). As of December 31, 2018 , these Equity Units were not converted into equity. (Q) At December 31, 2018 , the floating rate on these Senior Notes was 3.76% . (R) In December 2018, ETG issued $530.0 million aggregate principal amount of its First Mortgage Bonds, Series 2018A, which were issued in five Tranches as shown in the table above. These bonds were issued under that First Mortgage Indenture dated as of July 2, 2018 between ETG and a Trustee, as supplemented by that First Supplement dated as of December 20, 2018, pursuant to a BPA dated as of December 20, 2018 between ETG and the purchasers named therein. The proceeds from the sale of these bonds were used to repay short-term indebtedness under a previous $530.0 million , 364 -day term loan credit agreement dated as of June 26, 2018 among ETG (Borrower), SJI (Guarantor), the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent. Prior to repayment, the term loans bore interest at a variable base rate or a variable LIBOR at the election of the Company. (S) Total SJI consolidated Long-Term Debt in the table above does not include unamortized debt issuance costs of $27.0 million and $17.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Total SJG Long-Term Debt in the table above does not include unamortized debt issuance costs of $6.8 million and $7.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. (T) In July 2018, the interest rates on these senior notes increased 25 basis points per annum due to a rating fee provision included in the respective note purchase agreements. This rating fee provision was triggered upon the S&P downgrading SJI from BBB+ to BBB.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Schedule of Environmental Loss Contingencies	The following table details the amounts expended and accrued for SJI's and SJG's environmental remediation during the last two years (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): 2018 2017 Beginning of Year $ 172,855 $ 155,013 Accruals 58,706 56,405 Expenditures (51,176 ) (38,563 ) Opening Balance Sheet Adjustment (See Note 20) 73,265 — End of Year $ 253,650 $ 172,855
South Jersey Gas Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Schedule of Environmental Loss Contingencies	SJG: 2018 2017 Beginning of Year $ 171,696 $ 153,047 Accruals 21,695 55,814 Expenditures (45,320 ) (37,165 ) End of Year $ 148,071 $ 171,696

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Tables)

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative [Line Items]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments	As of December 31, 2018 , SJI and SJG had outstanding derivative contracts as follows: SJI Consolidated SJG Derivative contracts intended to limit exposure to market risk to: Expected future purchases of natural gas (in MMdts) 88.6 8.6 Expected future sales of natural gas (in MMdts) 71.6 0.7 Expected future purchases of electricity (in MMmWh) 1.7 — Expected future sales of electricity (in MMmWh) 1.3 — Basis and Index related net purchase/(sale) contracts (in MMdts) 54.9 (1.1 )
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments	The fair values of all derivative instruments, as reflected in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, are as follows (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities Energy-related commodity contracts: Derivatives - Energy Related - Current $ 54,021 $ 24,134 $ 42,139 $ 46,938 Derivatives - Energy Related - Non-Current 7,169 7,256 5,988 6,025 Interest rate contracts: Derivatives - Other - Current — 588 — 748 Derivatives - Other - Noncurrent — 7,285 — 9,622 Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP $ 61,190 $ 39,263 $ 48,127 $ 63,333 Total Derivatives $ 61,190 $ 39,263 $ 48,127 $ 63,333
Summary of Interest Rate Swaps	As of December 31, 2018 , 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
Offsetting Arrangements	As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , information related to these offsetting arrangements were as follows (in thousands): As of December 31, 2018 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 $ 61,190 $ — $ 61,190 $ (21,045 ) (A) $ (7,252 ) $ 32,893 Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities $ (31,390 ) $ — $ (31,390 ) $ 21,045 (B) $ — $ (10,345 ) Derivatives - Other $ (7,873 ) $ — $ (7,873 ) $ — $ — $ (7,873 ) SJG: Derivatives - Energy Related Assets $ 5,479 $ — $ 5,479 $ (347 ) (A) $ 688 $ 5,820 Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities $ (2,189 ) $ — $ (2,189 ) $ 347 (B) $ — $ (1,842 ) Derivatives - Other $ (5,867 ) $ — $ (5,867 ) $ — $ — $ (5,867 ) As of December 31, 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 $ 48,127 $ — $ 48,127 $ (24,849 ) (A) $ — $ 23,278 Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities $ (52,963 ) $ — $ (52,963 ) $ 24,849 (B) $ 8,832 $ (19,282 ) Derivatives - Other $ (10,370 ) $ — $ (10,370 ) $ — $ — $ (10,370 ) SJG: Derivatives - Energy Related Assets $ 7,332 $ — $ 7,332 $ (208 ) (A) $ — $ 7,124 Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities $ (9,440 ) $ — $ (9,440 ) $ 208 (B) $ 1,543 $ (7,689 ) Derivatives - Other $ (7,028 ) $ — $ (7,028 ) $ — $ — $ (7,028 ) (A) The balances at December 31, 2018 and 2017 were related to derivative liabilities which can be net settled against derivative assets. (B) The balances at December 31, 2018 and 2017 were related to derivative assets which can be net settled against derivative liabilities.
Effect of Derivatives on Income	The effect of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31 is as follows (in thousands): Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships under GAAP 2018 2017 2016 SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Interest Rate Contracts: Losses reclassified from AOCL into income (a) $ (46 ) $ (2,524 ) $ (333 ) SJG: Interest Rate Contracts: Losses reclassified from AOCL into income (a) $ (46 ) $ (46 ) (46 ) (a) Included in Interest Charges Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under GAAP 2018 2017 2016 SJI (no balances for SJG; includes all other consolidated subsidiaries): Gains (losses) on energy-related commodity contracts (a) $ 34,509 $ (13,667 ) $ 26,935 Gains (losses) on interest rate contracts (b) 1,337 (677 ) 647 Total $ 35,846 $ (14,344 ) $ 27,582 (a) Included in Operating Revenues - Nonutility (b) Included in Interest Charges
South Jersey Gas Company
Derivative [Line Items]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments	As of December 31, 2018 , SJI and SJG had outstanding derivative contracts as follows: SJI Consolidated SJG Derivative contracts intended to limit exposure to market risk to: Expected future purchases of natural gas (in MMdts) 88.6 8.6 Expected future sales of natural gas (in MMdts) 71.6 0.7 Expected future purchases of electricity (in MMmWh) 1.7 — Expected future sales of electricity (in MMmWh) 1.3 — Basis and Index related net purchase/(sale) contracts (in MMdts) 54.9 (1.1 )
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments	SJG: Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities Energy-related commodity contracts: Derivatives – Energy Related – Current $ 5,464 $ 2,146 $ 7,327 $ 9,270 Derivatives – Energy Related – Non-Current 15 43 5 170 Interest rate contracts: Derivatives - Other - Current — 343 — 389 Derivatives - Other - Non-Current — 5,524 — 6,639 Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP 5,479 8,056 7,332 16,468 Total Derivatives $ 5,479 $ 8,056 $ 7,332 $ 16,468
Offsetting Arrangements	As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , information related to these offsetting arrangements were as follows (in thousands): As of December 31, 2018 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 $ 61,190 $ — $ 61,190 $ (21,045 ) (A) $ (7,252 ) $ 32,893 Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities $ (31,390 ) $ — $ (31,390 ) $ 21,045 (B) $ — $ (10,345 ) Derivatives - Other $ (7,873 ) $ — $ (7,873 ) $ — $ — $ (7,873 ) SJG: Derivatives - Energy Related Assets $ 5,479 $ — $ 5,479 $ (347 ) (A) $ 688 $ 5,820 Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities $ (2,189 ) $ — $ (2,189 ) $ 347 (B) $ — $ (1,842 ) Derivatives - Other $ (5,867 ) $ — $ (5,867 ) $ — $ — $ (5,867 ) As of December 31, 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 $ 48,127 $ — $ 48,127 $ (24,849 ) (A) $ — $ 23,278 Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities $ (52,963 ) $ — $ (52,963 ) $ 24,849 (B) $ 8,832 $ (19,282 ) Derivatives - Other $ (10,370 ) $ — $ (10,370 ) $ — $ — $ (10,370 ) SJG: Derivatives - Energy Related Assets $ 7,332 $ — $ 7,332 $ (208 ) (A) $ — $ 7,124 Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities $ (9,440 ) $ — $ (9,440 ) $ 208 (B) $ 1,543 $ (7,689 ) Derivatives - Other $ (7,028 ) $ — $ (7,028 ) $ — $ — $ (7,028 ) (A) The balances at December 31, 2018 and 2017 were related to derivative liabilities which can be net settled against derivative assets. (B) The balances at December 31, 2018 and 2017 were related to derivative assets which can be net settled against derivative liabilities.
Effect of Derivatives on Income	The effect of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31 is as follows (in thousands): Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships under GAAP 2018 2017 2016 SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Interest Rate Contracts: Losses reclassified from AOCL into income (a) $ (46 ) $ (2,524 ) $ (333 ) SJG: Interest Rate Contracts: Losses reclassified from AOCL into income (a) $ (46 ) $ (46 ) (46 ) (a) Included in Interest Charges Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under GAAP 2018 2017 2016 SJI (no balances for SJG; includes all other consolidated subsidiaries): Gains (losses) on energy-related commodity contracts (a) $ 34,509 $ (13,667 ) $ 26,935 Gains (losses) on interest rate contracts (b) 1,337 (677 ) 647 Total $ 35,846 $ (14,344 ) $ 27,582 (a) Included in Operating Revenues - Nonutility (b) Included in Interest Charges

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSET_2

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Summary of Financial Assets and Liabilities	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 December 31, 2018 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Available-for-Sale Securities (A) $ 41 $ 41 $ — $ — Derivatives – Energy Related Assets (B) 61,190 9,955 23,429 27,806 $ 61,231 $ 9,996 $ 23,429 $ 27,806 SJG: Assets Derivatives – Energy Related Assets (B) $ 5,479 $ 348 $ 126 $ 5,005 $ 5,479 $ 348 $ 126 $ 5,005 SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Liabilities Derivatives – Energy Related Liabilities (B) $ 31,390 $ 7,291 $ 12,354 $ 11,745 Derivatives – Other (C) 7,873 — 7,873 — $ 39,263 $ 7,291 $ 20,227 $ 11,745 SJG: Liabilities Derivatives – Energy Related Liabilities (B) $ 2,189 $ 1,035 $ 1,077 $ 77 Derivatives – Other (C) 5,867 — 5,867 — $ 8,056 $ 1,035 $ 6,944 $ 77 As of December 31, 2017 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Available-for-Sale Securities (A) $ 36 $ 36 $ — $ — Derivatives – Energy Related Assets (B) 48,127 5,155 21,869 21,103 $ 48,163 $ 5,191 $ 21,869 $ 21,103 SJG: Assets Derivatives – Energy Related Assets (B) $ 7,332 $ 208 $ 230 $ 6,894 $ 7,332 $ 208 $ 230 $ 6,894 SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Liabilities Derivatives – Energy Related Liabilities (B) $ 52,963 $ 10,687 $ 24,283 $ 17,993 Derivatives – Other (C) 10,370 — 10,370 — $ 63,333 $ 10,687 $ 34,653 $ 17,993 SJG: Liabilities Derivatives – Energy Related Liabilities (B) $ 9,440 $ 1,750 $ 2,848 $ 4,842 Derivatives – Other (C) 7,028 — 7,028 — $ 16,468 $ 1,750 $ 9,876 $ 4,842 (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. The remaining securities consist of funds that are not publicly traded. These funds, which consist of stocks and bonds that are traded individually in active markets, are valued using quoted prices for similar assets and are categorized in Level 2 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.
Quantitative Information Regarding Significant Unobservable Inputs	The following table provides quantitative information regarding significant unobservable inputs in Level 3 fair value measurements (in thousands, except for ranges): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Type Fair Value at December 31, 2018 Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Input Range [Weighted Average] Assets Liabilities Forward Contract - Natural Gas $ 20,706 $ 8,976 Discounted Cash Flow Forward price (per dt) $1.56 - $9.00 [$3.12] (A) Forward Contract - Electric $ 7,100 $ 2,769 Discounted Cash Flow Fixed electric load profile (on-peak) 0.00% - 100.00% [54.55%] (B) Fixed electric load profile (off-peak) 0.00% - 100.00% [45.45%] (B) Type Fair Value at December 31, 2017 Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Input Range [Weighted Average] Assets Liabilities Forward Contract - Natural Gas $ 13,519 $ 15,686 Discounted Cash Flow Forward price (per dt) $1.79 - $12.09 [$3.01] (A) Forward Contract - Electric $ 7,584 $ 2,307 Discounted Cash Flow Fixed electric load profile (on-peak) 36.36% - 100.00% [53.39%] (B) Fixed electric load profile (off-peak) 0.00% - 63.64% [46.61%] (B) SJG: Type Fair Value at December 31, 2018 Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Input Range [Weighted Average] Assets Liabilities Forward Contract - Natural Gas $ 5,005 $ 77 Discounted Cash Flow Forward price (per dt) $3.13 - $6.00 [$4.53] (A) Type Fair Value at December 31, 2017 Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Input Range [Weighted Average] Assets Liabilities Forward Contract - Natural Gas $ 6,894 $ 4,842 Discounted Cash Flow Forward price (per dt) $2.42 - $6.67 [$5.25] (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.
Changes in Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs	The changes in fair value measurements of Derivatives – Energy Related Assets and Liabilities at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), are as follows (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Year Ended December 31, 2018 Balance at January 1, 2018 $ 3,110 Other changes in fair value from continuing and new contracts, net 14,418 Settlements (1,467 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 16,061 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Balance at January 1, 2017 $ 9,035 Other changes in fair value from continuing and new contracts, net 1,857 Transfers in to/(out of) of Level 3 (A) (954 ) Settlements (6,828 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 3,110 SJG: Year Ended December 31, 2018 Balance at January 1, 2018 $ 2,052 Other changes in fair value from continuing and new contracts, net 4,928 Settlements (2,052 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 4,928 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Balance at January 1, 2017 $ 926 Other changes in fair value from continuing and new contracts, net 2,258 Transfers in to/(out of) of Level 3 (A) (206 ) Settlements (926 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 2,052 (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, and are assessed quarterly by management. No transfers in or out of Level 3 occurred in 2018. During the year ended December 31, 2017, $1.0 million and $0.2 million of SJI's and SJG's net derivative assets, respectively, were transferred from Level 3 to Level 2, due to increased observability of market data.
South Jersey Gas Company
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Summary of Financial Assets and Liabilities	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 December 31, 2018 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Available-for-Sale Securities (A) $ 41 $ 41 $ — $ — Derivatives – Energy Related Assets (B) 61,190 9,955 23,429 27,806 $ 61,231 $ 9,996 $ 23,429 $ 27,806 SJG: Assets Derivatives – Energy Related Assets (B) $ 5,479 $ 348 $ 126 $ 5,005 $ 5,479 $ 348 $ 126 $ 5,005 SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Liabilities Derivatives – Energy Related Liabilities (B) $ 31,390 $ 7,291 $ 12,354 $ 11,745 Derivatives – Other (C) 7,873 — 7,873 — $ 39,263 $ 7,291 $ 20,227 $ 11,745 SJG: Liabilities Derivatives – Energy Related Liabilities (B) $ 2,189 $ 1,035 $ 1,077 $ 77 Derivatives – Other (C) 5,867 — 5,867 — $ 8,056 $ 1,035 $ 6,944 $ 77 As of December 31, 2017 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Available-for-Sale Securities (A) $ 36 $ 36 $ — $ — Derivatives – Energy Related Assets (B) 48,127 5,155 21,869 21,103 $ 48,163 $ 5,191 $ 21,869 $ 21,103 SJG: Assets Derivatives – Energy Related Assets (B) $ 7,332 $ 208 $ 230 $ 6,894 $ 7,332 $ 208 $ 230 $ 6,894 SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Liabilities Derivatives – Energy Related Liabilities (B) $ 52,963 $ 10,687 $ 24,283 $ 17,993 Derivatives – Other (C) 10,370 — 10,370 — $ 63,333 $ 10,687 $ 34,653 $ 17,993 SJG: Liabilities Derivatives – Energy Related Liabilities (B) $ 9,440 $ 1,750 $ 2,848 $ 4,842 Derivatives – Other (C) 7,028 — 7,028 — $ 16,468 $ 1,750 $ 9,876 $ 4,842 (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. The remaining securities consist of funds that are not publicly traded. These funds, which consist of stocks and bonds that are traded individually in active markets, are valued using quoted prices for similar assets and are categorized in Level 2 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.
Quantitative Information Regarding Significant Unobservable Inputs	SJG: Type Fair Value at December 31, 2018 Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Input Range [Weighted Average] Assets Liabilities Forward Contract - Natural Gas $ 5,005 $ 77 Discounted Cash Flow Forward price (per dt) $3.13 - $6.00 [$4.53] (A) Type Fair Value at December 31, 2017 Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Input Range [Weighted Average] Assets Liabilities Forward Contract - Natural Gas $ 6,894 $ 4,842 Discounted Cash Flow Forward price (per dt) $2.42 - $6.67 [$5.25] (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.
Changes in Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs	SJG: Year Ended December 31, 2018 Balance at January 1, 2018 $ 2,052 Other changes in fair value from continuing and new contracts, net 4,928 Settlements (2,052 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 4,928 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Balance at January 1, 2017 $ 926 Other changes in fair value from continuing and new contracts, net 2,258 Transfers in to/(out of) of Level 3 (A) (206 ) Settlements (926 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 2,052 (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, and are assessed quarterly by management. No transfers in or out of Level 3 occurred in 2018. During the year ended December 31, 2017, $1.0 million and $0.2 million of SJI's and SJG's net derivative assets, respectively, were transferred from Level 3 to Level 2, due to increased observability of market data.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (AOCL) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Summary of Changes	The following table summarizes the changes in SJI's AOCL for the year ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands): Postretirement Liability Adjustment (A) Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives-Other (A) Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available-for-Sale Securities (A) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) of Affiliated Companies (A) Total Balance at January 1, 2018 $ (36,262 ) $ (396 ) $ (10 ) $ (97 ) $ (36,765 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 10,636 — — — 10,636 Amounts reclassified from AOCL (B) — 34 — — 34 Net current period other comprehensive income 10,636 34 — — 10,670 Balance at December 31, 2018 $ (25,626 ) $ (362 ) $ (10 ) $ (97 ) $ (26,095 ) (A) Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of 25% for 2018. (B) See table below. The following table provides details about reclassifications out of SJI's AOCL for the year ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands): Amounts Reclassified from AOCL Affected Line Item in the Statements of Consolidated Income For the Year Ended December 31, 2018 Unrealized Loss on Derivatives-Other - interest rate contracts designated as cash flow hedges $ 46 Interest Charges Income Taxes (12 ) Income Taxes (a) $ 34 (a) Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of 25% .
South Jersey Gas Company
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Summary of Changes	The following table summarizes the changes in SJG's AOCL for the year ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands): Postretirement Liability Adjustment (A) Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives-Other (A) Total Balance at January 1, 2018 (25,507 ) (490 ) $ (25,997 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications 3,606 — 3,606 Amounts reclassified from AOCL (B) — 34 34 Net current period other comprehensive loss 3,606 34 3,640 Balance at December 31, 2018 $ (21,901 ) $ (456 ) $ (22,357 ) (A) Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of 25% for 2018. (B) See table below. The following table provides details about reclassifications out of SJG's AOCL for the year ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands): Components of AOCL Amounts Reclassified from AOCL Affected Line Item in the Statements of Income For the Year Ended December 31, 2018 Unrealized Loss on Derivatives-Other - Interest Rate Contracts designated as cash flow hedges $ 46 Interest Charges Income Taxes (12 ) Income Taxes (a) $ 34 (a) Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of 25% .

REVENUE (Tables)

REVENUE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction	Below is a listing of all performance obligations that arise from contracts with customers, along with details on the satisfaction of each performance obligation, the significant payment terms, and the nature of the goods and services being transferred: Revenue Recognized Over Time: Reportable Segment Performance Obligation Description SJG Utility Operations; ETG Gas Utility Operations; ELK Gas Utility Operations; Wholesale Energy Operations; Retail Gas and Other Operations Natural Gas SJG, ETG and ELK sell natural gas to residential, commercial and industrial customers, and price is based on regulated tariff rates which are established by the BPU or the MPSC, as applicable. There is an implied contract with a customer for the purchase, delivery, and sale of gas, and the customer is billed monthly, with payment due within 30 days. SJRG sells natural gas to commercial customers at either a fixed quantity or at variable quantities based on a customer's needs. Payment is due on the 25th of each month for the previous month's deliveries. SJE previously sold natural gas to commercial, industrial and residential customers at fixed prices throughout the life of the contract, with the customer billed monthly and payment due within 30 days (SJE sold its Retail Gas Operations in November 2018; see Note 1). For all listed segments, revenue is currently being recognized over time based upon volumes delivered (i.e., unit of output) or through the passage of time ratably as the customer uses natural gas, which represents satisfaction of the performance obligation. SJG Utility Operations; Wholesale Energy Operations Pipeline transportation capacity SJG and SJRG sell pipeline transportation capacity on a wholesale basis to various customers on the interstate pipeline system and transport natural gas purchased directly from producers or suppliers to their customers. These contracts to sell this capacity are at a price, quantity and time period agreed to by both parties determined on a contract by contract basis. Payment is due on the 25th of each month for the previous month's deliveries. Revenue is currently being recognized over time based upon volumes delivered (i.e., unit of output) or through the passage of time ratably coinciding with the delivery of gas and the customer obtaining control, which represents satisfaction of the performance obligation. Wholesale Energy Operations Fuel Management Services SJRG currently has eleven fuel supply management contracts where SJRG has acquired pipeline transportation capacity that allows SJRG to match end users, many of which are merchant generators, with producers looking to find a long-term solution for their supply. Natural gas is sold to the merchant generator daily based on its needs, with payment made either weekly or biweekly depending on the contract. Revenue is currently being recognized over time based upon volumes delivered (i.e., unit of output) coinciding with the delivery of gas and the customer obtaining control, which represents satisfaction of the performance obligation. Retail Electric Operations Electricity SJE sells electricity to commercial, industrial and residential customers at fixed prices throughout the life of the contract, with the customer billed monthly and payment due within 30 days. Revenue is currently being recognized over time based upon volumes delivered (i.e., unit of output) or through the passage of time ratably coinciding with the delivery of electricity and the customer obtaining control, which represents satisfaction of the performance obligation. On-Site Energy Production Solar Marina has several wholly-owned solar projects that earn revenue based on electricity generated. The customer pays monthly as electricity is being generated, with payment due within 30 days. The performance obligation is satisfied as kwh's of energy are generated (i.e., unit of output), which is when revenue is recognized. As disclosed in Note 1, the majority of Marina's solar assets were sold as of December 31, 2018. On-Site Energy Production Marina Thermal Facility Marina has a contract with a casino and resort in Atlantic City, NJ to provide cooling, heating and emergency power. There are multiple performance obligations with this contract, including electric, chilled water and hot water, and each of these are considered distinct and separately identifiable, and they are all priced separately. These performance obligations are satisfied over time ratably as they are used by the customer, who is billed monthly. Payment is due within 30 days. Table of Contents Revenue Recognized at a Point in Time: Reportable Segment Performance Obligation Description On-Site Energy Production SREC's The customer is billed based on a contracted amount of SREC's to be sold, with the price based on the market price of the SRECs at the time of generation. This does not represent variable consideration as the price is known and established at the time of generation and delivery to the customer. The performance obligation is satisfied at the point in time the SREC is delivered to the customer, which is when revenue is recognized. Payment terms are approximately 10 days subsequent to delivery. As disclosed in Note 1, SJI has entered into an agreement to sell SREC's generated to a third party; as a result, no revenue with customers from SREC agreements was recorded since this agreement was signed.
Disaggregation of Revenue	Disaggregated revenues from contracts with customers, by both customer type and product line, are disclosed below, by operating segment, for the year ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2018 SJG Utility Operations ETG Utility Operations ELK Utility Operations Wholesale Energy Operations Retail Gas Operations Retail Electric Operations On-site Energy Production Appliance Service Operations Corporate Services and Intersegment Total Customer Type: Residential $ 329,207 $ 82,763 $ 1,482 $ 29,762 — $ 1,957 — $ 445,171 Commercial & Industrial 132,055 42,935 1,815 652,833 75,651 94,483 72,374 — (24,392 ) 1,047,754 OSS & Capacity Release 11,536 — — — — 11,536 Other 2,699 2,949 65 — — — 5,713 $ 475,497 $ 128,647 $ 3,362 $ 652,833 $ 75,651 $ 124,245 $ 72,374 $ 1,957 $ (24,392 ) $ 1,510,174 Product Line: Gas $ 475,497 $ 128,647 $ 3,362 $ 652,833 $ 75,651 — $ (10,181 ) $ 1,325,809 Electric 124,245 — (7,904 ) 116,341 Solar 35,444 — (6,307 ) 29,137 CHP 30,473 — — 30,473 Landfills 6,457 — — 6,457 Other 1,957 — 1,957 $ 475,497 $ 128,647 $ 3,362 $ 652,833 $ 75,651 $ 124,245 $ 72,374 $ 1,957 $ (24,392 ) $ 1,510,174
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability	The following table provides information about SJI's and SJG's receivables and unbilled revenue from contracts with customers (in thousands): Accounts Receivable (1) Unbilled Revenue (2) SJI (including SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Beginning balance as of 1/1/18 202,379 73,377 Ending balance as of 12/31/2018 337,502 79,538 Increase (Decrease) 135,123 6,161 SJG: Beginning balance as of 1/1/18 78,571 54,980 Ending balance as of 12/31/2018 101,572 43,271 Increase (Decrease) 23,001 (11,709 ) (1) Included in Accounts Receivable in the consolidated balance sheets. A receivable is SJI's and SJG's right to consideration that is unconditional, as only the passage of time is required before payment is expected from the customer. All of SJI's and SJG's Accounts Receivable arise from contracts with customers. The large increase in SJI's Accounts Receivable is due to the Acquisition. (2) Included in Unbilled Revenues in the consolidated balance sheets. All unbilled revenue for SJI and SJG arises from contracts with customers. Unbilled revenue relates to SJI's and SJG's right to receive payment for commodity delivered but not yet billed. This represents contract assets that arise from contracts with customers, which is defined in ASC 606 as the right to payment in exchange for goods already transferred to a customer, excluding any amounts presented as a receivable. The unbilled revenue is transferred to accounts receivable when billing occurs and the rights to collection become unconditional. The change in unbilled revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018 is due primarily to the timing difference between SJI and SJG delivering the commodity to the customer and the customer actually receiving the bill for payment.

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (Tables)

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed	The preliminary purchase price for the Acquisition has been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date and is as follows: (in thousands) ETG and ELK Property, Plant and Equipment $ 1,089,342 Accounts Receivable 45,875 Provision for Uncollectibles (6,579 ) Natural Gas in Storage 12,204 Materials and Supplies 345 Other Prepayments and Current Assets 200 Deferred Income Taxes 21,024 Regulatory Assets 136,213 Goodwill 731,029 Total assets acquired 2,029,653 Accounts Payable 13,089 Other Current Liabilities 9,185 Environmental Remediation Costs - Current 7,100 Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits 3,213 Environmental Remediation Costs - Non Current 66,165 Regulatory Liabilities 189,509 Other 1,107 Total liabilities assumed 289,368 Total net assets acquired $ 1,740,285
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	The pro forma results include adjustments for the financing impact of the Acquisition, along with the tax-related impacts. Other material non-recurring adjustments are reflected in the pro forma and described below: (In thousands, except per share data) Year Ended December 31 2018 2017 Revenues $ 1,829,823 $ 1,555,124 Net (loss) income $ 74,770 $ (9,824 ) Earnings (loss) per share $ 0.89 $ (0.11 )

GOODWILL AND IDENTIFIABLE INT_2

GOODWILL AND IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of changes in goodwill	The following table summarizes the changes in goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively (in thousands): 2018 2017 Beginning Balance, January 1 $ 3,578 $ 4,838 Impairment of Goodwill — (1,260 ) Goodwill from Acquisition 756,247 — Fair Value Adjustments During Measurement Period (25,218 ) — Ending Balance, December 31 $ 734,607 $ 3,578

Quarterly Financial Data (Una_2

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Summary of Quarterly Results	2018 Quarter Ended 2017 Quarter Ended SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): March 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31 March 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31 Operating Revenues $ 521,945 $ 227,330 $ 302,480 $ 589,583 $ 425,829 $ 244,374 $ 227,127 $ 345,738 Expenses: Cost of Sales - (Excluding depreciation) 283,068 145,796 233,112 393,432 287,143 179,684 168,815 210,585 Operations, Impairment Charges, Net Gains on Sale of Assets, Depreciation and Maintenance Including Fixed Charges (See Note 1) 92,540 208,384 131,899 133,121 84,496 77,504 121,439 152,091 Income Taxes 36,415 (31,972 ) (16,649 ) 12,767 21,870 (5,544 ) (24,765 ) (16,498 ) Energy and Other Taxes 2,439 1,243 2,595 3,260 2,071 1,551 1,517 1,348 Total Expenses 414,462 323,451 350,957 542,580 395,580 253,195 267,006 347,526 Other Income and Expense (See Note 1) 3,823 2,328 2,835 (971 ) 7,498 1,209 2,331 5,797 Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations 111,306 (93,793 ) (45,642 ) 46,032 37,747 (7,612 ) (37,548 ) 4,009 Loss from Discontinued Operations - (Net of tax benefit) (66 ) (26 ) (43 ) (105 ) (30 ) (47 ) (45 ) 36 Net Income (Loss) $ 111,240 $ (93,819 ) $ (45,685 ) $ 45,927 $ 37,717 $ (7,659 ) $ (37,593 ) $ 4,045 Basic Earnings Per Common Share: Continuing Operations $ 1.40 $ (1.12 ) $ (0.53 ) $ 0.54 $ 0.47 $ (0.10 ) $ (0.47 ) $ 0.05 Discontinued Operations — — — — — — — — Basic Earnings Per Common Share $ 1.40 $ (1.12 ) $ (0.53 ) $ 0.54 $ 0.47 $ (0.10 ) $ (0.47 ) $ 0.05 Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding - Basic 79,595 84,080 85,506 85,506 79,519 79,549 79,549 79,549 Diluted Earnings Per Common Share: Continuing Operations $ 1.40 $ (1.12 ) $ (0.53 ) $ 0.53 $ 0.47 $ (0.10 ) $ (0.47 ) $ 0.05 Discontinued Operations — — — — — — — — Diluted Earnings Per Common Share $ 1.40 $ (1.12 ) $ (0.53 ) $ 0.53 $ 0.47 $ (0.10 ) $ (0.47 ) $ 0.05 Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding - Diluted 79,724 84,080 85,506 86,389 79,641 79,549 79,549 79,705 2018 Quarter Ended 2017 Quarter Ended SJG: March 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31 March 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31 Operating Revenues $ 234,459 $ 76,801 $ 56,371 $ 180,369 $ 196,814 $ 83,251 $ 66,755 $ 170,434 Expenses: Cost of Sales (excluding depreciation) 89,808 19,379 16,079 84,383 72,424 33,644 29,499 68,865 Operations, Depreciation and Maintenance Including Fixed Charges (See Note 1) 57,323 55,480 53,239 63,386 47,748 46,077 46,877 54,221 Income Taxes 21,836 482 (2,818 ) 6,913 29,911 1,431 (3,688 ) 18,046 Energy and Other Taxes 1,255 498 988 1,505 1,295 872 865 697 Total Expenses 170,222 75,839 67,488 156,187 151,378 82,024 73,553 141,829 Other Income and Expense (See Note 1) 2,510 607 2,141 (573 ) 1,042 1,039 1,027 979 Net Income (Loss) $ 66,747 $ 1,569 $ (8,976 ) $ 23,609 $ 46,478 $ 2,266 $ (5,771 ) $ 29,584
South Jersey Gas Company
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Summary of Quarterly Results	(Summarized quarterly results of SJI's and SJG's operations, in thousands except for per share amounts) 2018 Quarter Ended 2017 Quarter Ended SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): March 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31 March 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31 Operating Revenues $ 521,945 $ 227,330 $ 302,480 $ 589,583 $ 425,829 $ 244,374 $ 227,127 $ 345,738 Expenses: Cost of Sales - (Excluding depreciation) 283,068 145,796 233,112 393,432 287,143 179,684 168,815 210,585 Operations, Impairment Charges, Net Gains on Sale of Assets, Depreciation and Maintenance Including Fixed Charges (See Note 1) 92,540 208,384 131,899 133,121 84,496 77,504 121,439 152,091 Income Taxes 36,415 (31,972 ) (16,649 ) 12,767 21,870 (5,544 ) (24,765 ) (16,498 ) Energy and Other Taxes 2,439 1,243 2,595 3,260 2,071 1,551 1,517 1,348 Total Expenses 414,462 323,451 350,957 542,580 395,580 253,195 267,006 347,526 Other Income and Expense (See Note 1) 3,823 2,328 2,835 (971 ) 7,498 1,209 2,331 5,797 Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations 111,306 (93,793 ) (45,642 ) 46,032 37,747 (7,612 ) (37,548 ) 4,009 Loss from Discontinued Operations - (Net of tax benefit) (66 ) (26 ) (43 ) (105 ) (30 ) (47 ) (45 ) 36 Net Income (Loss) $ 111,240 $ (93,819 ) $ (45,685 ) $ 45,927 $ 37,717 $ (7,659 ) $ (37,593 ) $ 4,045 Basic Earnings Per Common Share: Continuing Operations $ 1.40 $ (1.12 ) $ (0.53 ) $ 0.54 $ 0.47 $ (0.10 ) $ (0.47 ) $ 0.05 Discontinued Operations — — — — — — — — Basic Earnings Per Common Share $ 1.40 $ (1.12 ) $ (0.53 ) $ 0.54 $ 0.47 $ (0.10 ) $ (0.47 ) $ 0.05 Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding - Basic 79,595 84,080 85,506 85,506 79,519 79,549 79,549 79,549 Diluted Earnings Per Common Share: Continuing Operations $ 1.40 $ (1.12 ) $ (0.53 ) $ 0.53 $ 0.47 $ (0.10 ) $ (0.47 ) $ 0.05 Discontinued Operations — — — — — — — — Diluted Earnings Per Common Share $ 1.40 $ (1.12 ) $ (0.53 ) $ 0.53 $ 0.47 $ (0.10 ) $ (0.47 ) $ 0.05 Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding - Diluted 79,724 84,080 85,506 86,389 79,641 79,549 79,549 79,705 2018 Quarter Ended 2017 Quarter Ended SJG: March 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31 March 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31 Operating Revenues $ 234,459 $ 76,801 $ 56,371 $ 180,369 $ 196,814 $ 83,251 $ 66,755 $ 170,434 Expenses: Cost of Sales (excluding depreciation) 89,808 19,379 16,079 84,383 72,424 33,644 29,499 68,865 Operations, Depreciation and Maintenance Including Fixed Charges (See Note 1) 57,323 55,480 53,239 63,386 47,748 46,077 46,877 54,221 Income Taxes 21,836 482 (2,818 ) 6,913 29,911 1,431 (3,688 ) 18,046 Energy and Other Taxes 1,255 498 988 1,505 1,295 872 865 697 Total Expenses 170,222 75,839 67,488 156,187 151,378 82,024 73,553 141,829 Other Income and Expense (See Note 1) 2,510 607 2,141 (573 ) 1,042 1,039 1,027 979 Net Income (Loss) $ 66,747 $ 1,569 $ (8,976 ) $ 23,609 $ 46,478 $ 2,266 $ (5,771 ) $ 29,584

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details)	Jul. 01, 2018USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)countymishares	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)countymishares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 27, 2018MW
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Length of natural gas pipeline (in miles) | mi			118	118
Payments to acquire businesses	$ 1,740,000,000
Composite annual rate for all depreciable utility property				2.30%	2.20%	2.20%
Useful life				50 years
Accumulated depreciation			$ 787,243,000	$ 787,243,000	$ 498,161,000
Accumulated depreciation			52,629,000	52,629,000	194,913,000
Interest capitalized				2,500,000	2,000,000	$ 6,600,000
Impairment charges			6,100,000	105,300,000	87,800,000	0
Impairment of nonutility property and equipment and other noncurrent assets				0	0	0
Amount of costs related to interests in proved and unproved properties in Pennsylvania, net of amortization			$ 8,600,000	$ 8,600,000	$ 8,700,000
Treasury stock held (in shares) | shares			233,482	233,482	216,642
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]
AROs as of January 1,				$ 59,497,000	$ 59,427,000
Accretion				1,909,000	1,955,000
Additions				297,000	1,008,000
Settlements				(3,402,000)	(2,893,000)
Revisions in Estimated Cash Flows				21,862,000	0
ARO's as of December 31,			$ 80,163,000	80,163,000	59,497,000	59,427,000
Increase in contract retirement costs				31,500,000
Change in discount and inflation rates				9,600,000
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets				$ 15,379,000	0	0
South Jersey Gas Company
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of counties in which entity operates | county			7	7
Accumulated depreciation			$ 523,743,000	$ 523,743,000	498,161,000
Interest capitalized				2,200,000	1,600,000	5,300,000
Impairment charges				0	0	0
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]
AROs as of January 1,				58,714,000	58,674,000
Accretion				1,880,000	1,925,000
Additions				297,000	1,008,000
Settlements				(2,863,000)	(2,893,000)
Revisions in Estimated Cash Flows				21,862,000	0
ARO's as of December 31,			$ 79,890,000	$ 79,890,000	58,714,000	$ 58,674,000
Maryland Solar Assets
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Impairment charges					43,900,000
Solar Assets
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Impairment charges					27,400,000
Landfill
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Impairment charges					$ 16,500,000
ETG Utility Operations
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of counties in which entity operates | county			7	7
Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets				$ 17,600,000
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Consideration received on sales or projects			$ 228,100,000
Fair value of assets held for sale			59,600,000	59,600,000
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations | Solar Assets
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Consideration received on sales or projects				4,800,000
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations | Retail Gas Assets
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Consideration received on sales or projects		$ 15,000,000
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets		(2,200,000)
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations | Marina Energy LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Capacity of solar energy projects | MW								204
Equity interests								100.00%
Cash payment for sale							$ 62,500,000
SJE - Retail Gas Assets | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Total consideration		$ 15,000,000
Renewable Energy Program | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Amount of impairment to solar assets			$ 99,200,000	$ 99,200,000

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_5

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - PPE Utility (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Production Plant	$ 1,281	$ 296
Storage Plant	92,769	61,909
Transmission Plant	326,906	258,598
Distribution Plant	3,466,101	2,044,421
General Plant	303,219	175,599
Other Plant	1,964	1,855
Utility Plant In Service	4,192,240	2,542,678
Construction Work In Progress	148,873	109,566
Total Utility Plant	4,341,113	2,652,244
Nonutility Property and Equipment	152,232	741,027
Solar Assets (A)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Nonutility Property and Equipment	0	582,379
Cogeneration Assets
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Nonutility Property and Equipment	126,228	125,614
Other Assets
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Nonutility Property and Equipment	26,004	33,034
South Jersey Gas Company
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Production Plant	296	296
Storage Plant	61,996	61,909
Transmission Plant	306,654	258,598
Distribution Plant	2,212,831	2,044,421
General Plant	241,095	175,599
Other Plant	1,855	1,855
Utility Plant In Service	2,824,727	2,542,678
Construction Work In Progress	82,475	109,566
Total Utility Plant	2,907,202	2,652,244
Nonutility Property and Equipment	0	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Solar Assets (A)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Nonutility Property and Equipment	0	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Cogeneration Assets
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Nonutility Property and Equipment	0	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Other Assets
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Nonutility Property and Equipment	$ 0	$ 0

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_6

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Asset Management Agreement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Payments to purchase asset management agreement	$ 11,300	$ 11,339	$ 0	$ 0
Natural Gas in Storage	9,685
Intangible Asset	19,200	16,600
Profit Sharing - Other Liabilities	(17,546)	(17,000)
Total Consideration	$ 11,339
ERIP costs expensed		3,300	$ 2,600	$ 2,300
Expected debt refinancing		500,000
ERIP
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
ERIP total costs		13,400
ERIP costs expensed		8,300
ERIP costs capitalized		$ 5,100

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN_2

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Vesting period of shares			3 years
Service period of shares	3 years
Fair Value Per Share (in USD per share)	$ 28.60	$ 28.60				$ 28.60
Expected volatility, measurement period	3 years
Stock based compensation	$ 4,144	$ 4,254	$ 3,892
Capitalized	(386)	(288)	(385)
Net Expense	$ 3,758	$ 3,966	3,507
Unrecognized compensation cost of awards granted under the plan					$ 5,100
Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation cost is to be recognized (in years)	1 year 8 months 12 days
Weighted Average Fair Value
Nonvested Shares Outstanding, beginning balance (in USD per share)	$ 28.60
Granted (in USD per share)	31.17
Vested (in USD per share)	26.24
Cancelled/Forfeited (in USD per share)	28.75
Nonvested Shares Outstanding, ending balance (in USD per share)		$ 28.60
Share based compensation capitalized	65.00%
South Jersey Gas Company
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Net Expense	$ 600	$ 400	600
EPS
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Net Expense	$ (300)	$ (1,100)	$ (100)
Officers and other key employees
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Number of awards granted (in shares)	201,858	167,734	194,347
Actual amount of shares that ultimately vest of the original share units granted, minimum	0.00%
Actual amount of shares that ultimately vest of the original share units granted, maximum	200.00%
Shares Outstanding (in shares)	342,793	342,793			411,809	342,793
Stock based compensation	$ 3,321	$ 3,232	$ 3,051
Restricted stock award activity, excluding accrued dividend equivalents [Roll Forward}
Nonvested Shares Outstanding, beginning balance (in shares)	342,793
Granted (in shares)	201,858	167,734	194,347
Vested (in shares)	(44,902)
Cancelled/Forfeited (in shares)	(87,940)
Nonvested Shares Outstanding, ending balance (in shares)	411,809	342,793
Weighted Average Fair Value
Number of shares awarded during the period (in shares)	67,130	65,628	13,247
Market value of shares awarded (in shares)	$ 2,000	$ 2,200	$ 300
Officers and other key employees | South Jersey Gas Company
Weighted Average Fair Value
Number of shares awarded during the period (in shares)	32,924	24,001	33,218
Officers and other key employees | 2016 - TSR
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Shares Outstanding (in shares)	50,531				50,531
Fair Value Per Share (in USD per share)	$ 22.53				$ 22.53
Expected Volatility	18.10%
Risk-Free Interest Rate	1.31%
Restricted stock award activity, excluding accrued dividend equivalents [Roll Forward}
Nonvested Shares Outstanding, ending balance (in shares)	50,531
Weighted Average Fair Value
Nonvested Shares Outstanding, ending balance (in USD per share)	$ 22.53
Officers and other key employees | 2016 - CEGR, Time
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Shares Outstanding (in shares)	63,747				63,747
Fair Value Per Share (in USD per share)	$ 23.52				$ 23.52
Restricted stock award activity, excluding accrued dividend equivalents [Roll Forward}
Nonvested Shares Outstanding, ending balance (in shares)	63,747
Weighted Average Fair Value
Nonvested Shares Outstanding, ending balance (in USD per share)	$ 23.52
Officers and other key employees | 2017 - TSR
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Shares Outstanding (in shares)	43,615				43,615
Fair Value Per Share (in USD per share)	$ 32.17				$ 32.17
Expected Volatility	20.80%
Risk-Free Interest Rate	1.47%
Restricted stock award activity, excluding accrued dividend equivalents [Roll Forward}
Nonvested Shares Outstanding, ending balance (in shares)	43,615
Weighted Average Fair Value
Nonvested Shares Outstanding, ending balance (in USD per share)	$ 32.17
Officers and other key employees | 2017 - CEGR, Time
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Shares Outstanding (in shares)	71,796				71,796
Fair Value Per Share (in USD per share)	$ 33.69				$ 33.69
Restricted stock award activity, excluding accrued dividend equivalents [Roll Forward}
Nonvested Shares Outstanding, ending balance (in shares)	71,796
Weighted Average Fair Value
Nonvested Shares Outstanding, ending balance (in USD per share)	$ 33.69
Officers and other key employees | 2018 - TSR
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Shares Outstanding (in shares)	59,973				59,973
Fair Value Per Share (in USD per share)	$ 31.05				$ 31.05
Expected Volatility	21.90%
Risk-Free Interest Rate	2.00%
Restricted stock award activity, excluding accrued dividend equivalents [Roll Forward}
Nonvested Shares Outstanding, ending balance (in shares)	59,973
Weighted Average Fair Value
Nonvested Shares Outstanding, ending balance (in USD per share)	$ 31.05
Officers and other key employees | 2018 - CEGR, Time
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Shares Outstanding (in shares)	122,147				122,147
Fair Value Per Share (in USD per share)	$ 31.23				$ 31.23
Restricted stock award activity, excluding accrued dividend equivalents [Roll Forward}
Nonvested Shares Outstanding, ending balance (in shares)	122,147
Weighted Average Fair Value
Nonvested Shares Outstanding, ending balance (in USD per share)	$ 31.23
Directors
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Number of awards granted (in shares)	26,416
Vesting period of shares	12 months
Shares Outstanding (in shares)	30,394	30,394			26,416	30,394
Stock based compensation	$ 823	$ 1,022	$ 841
Restricted stock award activity, excluding accrued dividend equivalents [Roll Forward}
Nonvested Shares Outstanding, beginning balance (in shares)	30,394
Granted (in shares)	26,416
Vested (in shares)	(30,394)
Cancelled/Forfeited (in shares)	0
Nonvested Shares Outstanding, ending balance (in shares)	26,416	30,394
Weighted Average Fair Value
Market value of shares awarded (in shares)	$ 800	$ 1,000	$ 800
Directors | 2018
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Shares Outstanding (in shares)	26,416				26,416
Fair Value Per Share (in USD per share)	$ 31.16				$ 31.16
Restricted stock award activity, excluding accrued dividend equivalents [Roll Forward}
Nonvested Shares Outstanding, ending balance (in shares)	26,416
Weighted Average Fair Value
Nonvested Shares Outstanding, ending balance (in USD per share)	$ 31.16
Stock appreciation rights
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Number of awards granted (in shares)	0	0	0
Restricted stock award activity, excluding accrued dividend equivalents [Roll Forward}
Granted (in shares)	0	0	0
Performance-based restricted shares
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Return on equity award threshold	7.00%
Performance-based restricted shares | Officers and other key employees
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Vesting period of shares	3 years
Performance-based restricted shares | Officers and other key employees | Tranche One
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Vesting percentage				33.33%
Performance-based restricted shares | Officers and other key employees | Tranche Two
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Vesting percentage				33.33%
Performance-based restricted shares | Officers and other key employees | Tranche Three
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Vesting percentage				33.33%
Restricted stock
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Return on equity award threshold	7.00%
Restricted stock | Tranche One
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Service period of shares	1 year
Restricted stock | Tranche Two
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Service period of shares	2 years
Restricted stock | Tranche Three
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Service period of shares	3 years
Restricted stock | Officers and other key employees
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Number of awards granted (in shares)	67,479	53,058	58,304
Vesting period of shares	3 years
Payout limit, percentage	100.00%
Restricted stock award activity, excluding accrued dividend equivalents [Roll Forward}
Granted (in shares)	67,479	53,058	58,304
Restricted stock | Directors
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Number of awards granted (in shares)	26,416	30,394	35,197
Percent of shares granted that generally vest					100.00%
Restricted stock award activity, excluding accrued dividend equivalents [Roll Forward}
Granted (in shares)	26,416	30,394	35,197
Performance shares
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Vesting period of shares	3 years
2015 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Number of options granted (in shares)	0	0	0
Number of options outstanding (in shares)			0		0	0

AFFILIATIONS, DISCONTINUED OP_3

AFFILIATIONS, DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS - AFFILIATIONS (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)mi	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017
Affiliations [Abstract]
Notes receivable from affiliate	$ 15.2	$ 18.2
Length of natural gas pipeline (in miles) | mi	118
Net investments in unconsolidated affiliates	$ 6.6	32.1
Notes receivable secured by property, plant, and equipment of affiliates	$ 13.6
Interest accrual on secured notes receivable	7.50%
Unsecured notes receivable	$ 1.6
Net asset - included in investment in affiliates and other noncurrent liabilities	76.1
Combined equity contributions and the notes receivable - affiliate	$ 91.3
Potato Creek
Affiliations [Abstract]
Equity interest	30.00%
PennEast
Affiliations [Abstract]
Length of natural gas pipeline (in miles) | mi	118
Millennium Account Services, LLC
Affiliations [Abstract]
Equity interest				50.00%
EnerConnex, LLC
Affiliations [Abstract]
Equity interest	25.00%
SJRG | EnergyMark
Affiliations [Abstract]
Total Operating Revenues/Affiliates	$ 41.6	$ 37.5	$ 31.4
Marina Energy LLC | Energenic
Affiliations [Abstract]
Equity interest	50.00%
Midstream | PennEast
Affiliations [Abstract]
Equity interest	20.00%
South Jersey Energy Company | EnergyMark
Affiliations [Abstract]
Equity interest	33.00%

AFFILIATIONS, DISCONTINUED OP_4

AFFILIATIONS, DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS - OPERATING RESULTS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Loss before Income Taxes:
Income Tax Benefits	$ 62	$ 173	$ 133
Loss from Discontinued Operations - (Net of tax benefit)	$ (240)	$ (86)	$ (251)
Earnings Per Common Share from Discontinued Operations - Net
Basic and Diluted (in USD per share)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Sand Mining
Loss before Income Taxes:
Loss before Income Taxes	$ (118)	$ (84)	$ (205)
Fuel Oil
Loss before Income Taxes:
Loss before Income Taxes	$ (184)	$ (175)	$ (179)

AFFILIATIONS, DISCONTINUED OP_5

AFFILIATIONS, DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
South Jersey Gas Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total Operating Revenues/Affiliates	$ 6,283	$ 4,858	$ 7,319
Total Operations Expense/Affiliates	34,091	24,357	22,901
South Jersey Gas Company | SJRG
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total Operating Revenues/Affiliates	5,813	4,458	6,934
Cost of Sales/Affiliates	33,313	24,337	16,306
South Jersey Gas Company | Marina
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total Operating Revenues/Affiliates	379	314	302
South Jersey Gas Company | Other
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total Operating Revenues/Affiliates	91	86	83
Total Operations Expense/Affiliates	(569)	(653)	(198)
South Jersey Gas Company | SJI
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total Operations Expense/Affiliates	31,740	22,154	20,296
South Jersey Gas Company | Millennium
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total Operations Expense/Affiliates	2,920	2,856	2,803
EnergyMark | SJRG
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total Operating Revenues/Affiliates	$ 41,600	$ 37,500	$ 31,400

INCOME TAXES (Details)

INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
Tax at Statutory Rate									$ 3,877,000	$ (9,915,000)	$ 60,624,000
Increase (Decrease) Resulting from:
State Income Taxes									622,000	2,778,000	6,438,000
ESOP Dividend									(791,000)	(1,314,000)	(1,300,000)
Tax Reform Adjustments									(588,000)	(13,521,000)	0
AFUDC									(1,835,000)	(3,094,000)	(900,000)
Amortization of Excess Deferred Taxes									(893,000)	0	0
Investment and Other Tax Credits									(93,000)	(666,000)	(10,706,000)
Other - Net									262,000	795,000	(5,000)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Continuing Operations	$ 12,767,000	$ (16,649,000)	$ (31,972,000)	$ 36,415,000	$ (16,498,000)	$ (24,765,000)	$ (5,544,000)	$ 21,870,000	561,000	(24,937,000)	54,151,000
Discontinued Operations									(62,000)	(173,000)	(133,000)
Total Income Tax (Benefit) Expense									499,000	(25,110,000)	54,018,000
Current:
Federal									(13,790,000)	(34,971,000)	0
State									3,959,000	(48,000)	(1,638,000)
Total Current									(9,831,000)	(35,019,000)	(1,638,000)
Deferred:
Federal									13,564,000	5,761,000	44,246,000
State									(3,172,000)	4,321,000	11,543,000
Total Deferred									10,392,000	10,082,000	55,789,000
Continuing Operations	12,767,000	(16,649,000)	(31,972,000)	36,415,000	(16,498,000)	(24,765,000)	(5,544,000)	21,870,000	561,000	(24,937,000)	54,151,000
Discontinued Operations									(62,000)	(173,000)	(133,000)
Deferred Tax Assets:
Net Operating Loss Carryforward												$ 125,418,000	$ 152,541,000
Investment and Other Tax Credits												214,698,000	214,605,000
Derivatives / Unrealized Loss												0	2,068,000
Conservation Incentive Program												1,701,000	0
Deferred State Tax												16,087,000	16,905,000
Income Taxes Recoverable Through Rates												103,434,000	76,426,000
Pension & Other Post Retirement Benefits												16,560,000	16,624,000
Deferred Revenues												5,736,000	5,726,000
Provision for Uncollectibles												5,319,000	3,854,000
Other												4,639,000	1,949,000
Total Deferred Tax Asset												493,592,000	490,698,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Book versus Tax Basis of Property												458,772,000	486,854,000
Deferred Gas Costs - Net												25,812,000	10,254,000
Derivatives / Unrealized Gain												4,463,000	0
Environmental Remediation												20,250,000	31,393,000
Deferred Regulatory Costs												14,351,000	3,554,000
Budget Billing - Customer Accounts												4,550,000	4,043,000
Deferred Pension & Other Post Retirement Benefits												34,095,000	21,349,000
Conservation Incentive Program												0	7,721,000
Equity In Loss Of Affiliated Companies												1,417,000	1,377,000
Other												15,718,000	11,037,000
Total Deferred Tax Liability												579,428,000	577,582,000
Deferred Tax Liability - Net												85,836,000	86,884,000
Research and development credits												3,200,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	1,147,000			1,445,000	1,445,000			1,445,000	1,445,000	1,445,000	559,000	1,147,000	1,445,000	$ 1,445,000
Accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits												800,000	800,000	700,000
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance (beginning)				1,445,000				1,445,000	1,445,000	1,445,000	559,000
Increase as a result of tax positions taken in prior years									0	0	886,000
Decrease in prior year positions									(298,000)	0	0
Balance (ending)	1,147,000				1,445,000				1,147,000	1,445,000	1,445,000
Provisional income tax benefit									14,100,000
Federal
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards												442,489,000
Investment Tax Credit Carryforward												210,106,000
Alternative minimum tax credits												1,200,000
Federal | 2030
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Investment Tax Credit Carryforward												11,628,000
Federal | 2031
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards												36,126,000
Investment Tax Credit Carryforward												25,664,000
Federal | 2032
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards												42,988,000
Investment Tax Credit Carryforward												32,031,000
Federal | 2033
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards												57,363,000
Investment Tax Credit Carryforward												45,606,000
Federal | 2034
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards												106,899,000
Investment Tax Credit Carryforward												37,699,000
Federal | 2035
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards												51,308,000
Investment Tax Credit Carryforward												45,005,000
Federal | 2036
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards												72,199,000
Investment Tax Credit Carryforward												11,744,000
Federal | 2037
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards												75,606,000
Investment Tax Credit Carryforward												636,000
Federal | 2038
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards												0
Investment Tax Credit Carryforward												93,000
State
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards												424,241,000
State | 2031
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards												3,142,000
State | 2032
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards												17,982,000
State | 2033
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards												35,232,000
State | 2034
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards												28,853,000
State | 2035
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards												9,956,000
State | 2036
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards												170,497,000
State | 2037
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards												89,714,000
State | 2038
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards												68,865,000
South Jersey Gas Company
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
Tax at Statutory Rate									22,966,000	41,390,000	37,944,000
Increase (Decrease) Resulting from:
State Income Taxes									5,220,000	5,955,000	4,096,000
ESOP Dividend									(712,000)	(1,182,000)	(1,170,000)
AFUDC									(1,126,000)	(1,446,000)	(900,000)
Research and Development Credits									0	0	(613,000)
Other - Net									65,000	983,000	9,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Continuing Operations	6,913,000	(2,818,000)	482,000	21,836,000	18,046,000	(3,688,000)	1,431,000	29,911,000	26,413,000	45,700,000	39,366,000
Current:
Federal									(12,766,000)	(33,012,000)	0
State									0	0	(1,614,000)
Total Current									(12,766,000)	(33,012,000)	(1,614,000)
Deferred:
Federal									32,571,000	69,550,000	33,064,000
State									6,608,000	9,162,000	7,916,000
Total Deferred									39,179,000	78,712,000	40,980,000
Continuing Operations	6,913,000	$ (2,818,000)	$ 482,000	21,836,000	18,046,000	$ (3,688,000)	$ 1,431,000	29,911,000	26,413,000	45,700,000	39,366,000
Deferred Tax Assets:
Conservation Incentive Program												1,701,000	0
Net Operating Loss and Tax Credits												60,986,000	73,785,000
Deferred State Tax												16,754,000	14,688,000
Income Taxes Recoverable Through Rates												67,372,000	76,426,000
Pension & Other Post Retirement Benefits												16,699,000	15,031,000
Deferred Revenues												5,906,000	6,066,000
Provision for Uncollectibles												3,776,000	3,811,000
Other												2,599,000	2,413,000
Total Deferred Tax Asset												175,793,000	192,220,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Book versus Tax Basis of Property												395,371,000	386,642,000
Deferred Gas Costs - Net												23,642,000	10,254,000
Environmental Remediation												40,753,000	31,637,000
Deferred Regulatory Costs												5,061,000	3,554,000
Budget Billing - Customer Accounts												4,550,000	4,043,000
Deferred Pension & Other Post Retirement Benefits												21,870,000	21,349,000
Section 461 Prepayments												1,081,000	866,000
Conservation Incentive Program												0	7,721,000
Other												9,351,000	6,900,000
Total Deferred Tax Liability												501,679,000	472,966,000
Deferred Tax Liability - Net												325,886,000	280,746,000
Income taxes due to or from related party												0	0
Research and development credits												2,700,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	1,063,000			1,361,000	1,361,000			1,361,000	1,361,000	1,361,000	559,000	1,063,000	1,361,000	1,361,000
Accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits												800,000	700,000	$ 700,000
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance (beginning)				$ 1,361,000				$ 1,361,000	1,361,000	1,361,000	559,000
Increase as a result of tax positions taken in prior years									0	0	802,000
Decrease in prior year positions									(298,000)	0	0
Balance (ending)	$ 1,063,000				$ 1,361,000				$ 1,063,000	1,361,000	$ 1,361,000
Provisional decrease in net deferred tax liabilities										$ 260,500,000
South Jersey Gas Company | Federal
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards												200,000,000	261,100,000
South Jersey Gas Company | State
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards												$ 207,900,000	$ 208,800,000

PREFERRED STOCK (Details)

PREFERRED STOCK (Details)	Dec. 31, 2018shares
Equity [Abstract]
Number of authorized shares of Preference Stock (in shares)	2,500,000

COMMON STOCK (Details)

COMMON STOCK (Details) - USD ($)	Jan. 15, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Par value of common stock (in USD per share)						$ 1.25	$ 1.25
Net excess over par value recorded in premium on common stock			$ 133,600,000
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)			79,549,080	79,478,055	79,478,055	85,506,218	79,549,080	70,965,622
Quarterly contract adjustment payments on par value of preferred stock (in percentage)		3.55%
Dividend per share (in USD per share)			$ 1.13	$ 1.10	$ 1.07
Incremental shares included in diluted earnings per share (in shares)			141,750	777,603	112,590
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning of Year (in shares)			79,549,080	79,478,055
New Issuances During Year:
Dividend Reinvestment Plan (in shares)			0	0	417,095
Stock-Based Compensation Plan (in shares)			67,308	71,025	45,338
Public Equity Offering (in shares)			5,889,830	0	8,050,000
End of Year (in shares)			85,506,218	79,549,080	79,478,055
Series 2018A, Due 2031
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		3.70%
Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Par value of common stock (in USD per share)		$ 1.25
Stock issued in sale		12,669,491
Public offering price (in USD per share)		$ 29.50
Shares issued at closing (in shares)		5,889,830
Gross proceeds from shares		$ 173,700,000
Net proceeds from shares		$ 167,700,000
Capital Units
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issued at closing (in shares)		5,750,000
Gross proceeds from shares		$ 287,500,000
Net proceeds from shares		$ 278,900,000
Par value of preferred shares (in USD per share)		$ 50
Capital Units | Series 2018A, Due 2031
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Undivided beneficial ownership interest		5.00%
Over-Allotment Option | Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issued at closing (in shares)		1,652,542
Over-Allotment Option | Capital Units
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issued at closing (in shares)		750,000
South Jersey Gas Company
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Par value of common stock (in USD per share)						$ 2.50	$ 2.50
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)			2,339,139	2,339,139		2,339,139	2,339,139
Cash dividends paid			$ 0	$ 20,000,000	$ 0
Additional investment by shareholder			$ 0	$ 40,000,000	$ 65,000,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning of Year (in shares)			2,339,139
New Issuances During Year:
End of Year (in shares)			2,339,139	2,339,139
Subsequent Event | Private Placement | Bank of America, N.A. | Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares delivered to settle derivative	6,779,661

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details)

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)counterparty	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Restricted Investments	$ 1,649	$ 31,876
Number of counterparties | counterparty	3
Carrying amount of long-term debt, including current maturities	$ 2,867,764	1,204,173
Unamortized debt issuance costs	27,000	17,400
Derivatives-Energy Related Assets | Supplier concentration risk
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current and noncurrent derivatives	$ 11,700
Percentage of current and noncurrent derivatives	19.10%
Energenic
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes receivable due from Affiliate	$ 13,600
Marina
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Margin accounts with selected counterparties to support risk management activities		300
South Jersey Gas Company
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Margin accounts with selected counterparties to support risk management activities		7,900
Restricted Investments	1,278	2,912
Carrying amount of long-term debt, including current maturities	900,264	829,173
Unamortized debt issuance costs	$ 6,800	7,300
South Jersey Gas Company | Minimum
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Term of loans	5 years
South Jersey Gas Company | Maximum
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Term of loans	10 years
South Jersey Gas Company | Unnamed Counterparty
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Restricted Investments	$ 1,300	2,900
Level 1
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Margin accounts with selected counterparties to support risk management activities	1,600	31,600
Level 2
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities	2,910,000	1,220,000
Carrying amount of long-term debt, including current maturities	2,840,000	1,190,000
Level 2 | South Jersey Gas Company
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities	895,100	838,500
Carrying amount of long-term debt, including current maturities	893,400	821,900
Level 2 | South Jersey Gas Company | Financing receivable
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Long-term receivables, net of unamortized discount	5,300	7,000
Imputed interest on long term receivables	$ (700)	$ (700)

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - RESTRIC

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - RESTRICTED CASH (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$ 30,030	$ 7,819
Restricted Investments	1,649	31,876
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows	31,679	39,695	$ 31,910	$ 52,635
South Jersey Gas Company
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents	1,984	1,707
Restricted Investments	1,278	2,912
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows	$ 3,262	$ 4,619	$ 1,391	$ 7,544

SEGMENTS OF BUSINESS (Details)

SEGMENTS OF BUSINESS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jul. 01, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment												$ 1,089,342
Operating Revenues	$ 589,583	$ 302,480	$ 227,330	$ 521,945	$ 345,738	$ 227,127	$ 244,374	$ 425,829	$ 1,641,338	$ 1,243,068	$ 1,036,500
Operating Income (Loss)									100,745	8,843	194,177
Depreciation and Amortization									132,914	123,486	109,818
Interest Charges									90,296	54,019	31,449
Income Taxes	12,767	(16,649)	(31,972)	36,415	(16,498)	(24,765)	(5,544)	21,870	561	(24,937)	54,151
Property Additions									350,856	269,747	269,689
Identifiable Assets	5,956,577				3,865,086				5,956,577	3,865,086
SJG Utility Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	180,369	56,371	76,801	234,459	170,434	66,755	83,251	196,814	548,000	517,254	461,055
Operating Income (Loss)									132,688	138,875	125,052
Interest Charges									28,011	24,705	17,875
Income Taxes	6,913	$ (2,818)	$ 482	$ 21,836	18,046	$ (3,688)	$ 1,431	$ 29,911	26,413	45,700	39,366
Identifiable Assets	3,118,236				2,865,974				3,118,236	2,865,974
Midstream
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable Assets	72,333				63,112				72,333	63,112
ETG Utility Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment	1,077,000								1,077,000
ELK Utility Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment	12,300								12,300
Intersegment Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues									(75,392)	(68,410)	(57,593)
Interest Charges									(20,121)	(15,728)	(10,855)
Identifiable Assets	(301,735)				(661,363)				(301,735)	(661,363)
Discontinued Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable Assets	1,777				1,757				1,777	1,757
Energy Services | Energy Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable Assets	195,329				583,925				195,329	583,925
Energy Services | Energy Services | On-Site Energy Production
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable Assets	195,329				582,587				195,329	582,587
Energy Services | Energy Services | Appliance Service Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable Assets	0				1,338				0	1,338
Energy Group | Energy Group
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable Assets	318,498				300,643				318,498	300,643
Energy Group | Energy Group | Wholesale Energy Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable Assets	266,417				208,785				266,417	208,785
Energy Group | Energy Group | Retail Gas and Other Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable Assets	12,736				56,935				12,736	56,935
Energy Group | Energy Group | Retail Electric Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable Assets	39,345				34,923				39,345	34,923
Midstream
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)									(292)	0	0
Interest Charges									1,966	985	0
Income Taxes									(190)	(41)	0
Corporate Services and Other Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues									51,000	45,024	35,147
Operating Income (Loss)									(25,962)	(10,932)	1,888
Depreciation and Amortization									12,983	4,303	1,400
Interest Charges									54,107	23,819	12,118
Income Taxes									(16,655)	(17,554)	44
Property Additions									1,826	2,233	636
Identifiable Assets	387,482				711,038				387,482	711,038
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues									1,716,730	1,311,478	1,094,093
Interest Charges									110,417	69,747	42,304
Operating Segments | Midstream
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property Additions									119	218	505
Operating Segments | Energy Group
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues									914,493	643,195	495,618
Operating Income (Loss)									78,815	(35,663)	53,354
Depreciation and Amortization									384	448	821
Interest Charges									487	3,400	350
Income Taxes									20,012	(13,784)	20,862
Property Additions									529	903	1,649
Operating Segments | Energy Group | Wholesale Energy Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues									636,005	352,613	220,707
Operating Income (Loss)									87,895	(36,815)	41,667
Depreciation and Amortization									105	125	484
Interest Charges									0	3,150	0
Income Taxes									22,473	(14,720)	15,882
Property Additions									34	14	7
Operating Segments | Energy Group | Retail Gas and Other Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues									101,543	111,048	92,371
Operating Income (Loss)									(8,721)	(2,468)	4,680
Depreciation and Amortization									279	323	337
Interest Charges									487	250	350
Income Taxes									(2,360)	(544)	2,118
Property Additions									495	889	1,642
Operating Segments | Energy Group | Retail Electric Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues									176,945	179,534	182,540
Operating Income (Loss)									(359)	3,620	7,007
Income Taxes									(101)	1,480	2,862
Operating Segments | Energy Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues									74,331	106,005	102,273
Operating Income (Loss)									(86,412)	(83,437)	13,883
Depreciation and Amortization									23,123	47,081	43,696
Income Taxes									(25,863)	(39,258)	(6,121)
Property Additions									2,686	12,848	38,624
Operating Segments | Energy Services | On-Site Energy Production
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues									72,374	99,517	94,375
Operating Income (Loss)									(88,230)	(83,654)	13,301
Depreciation and Amortization									23,123	46,928	43,395
Interest Charges									15,364	16,838	11,961
Income Taxes									(26,397)	(39,262)	(6,353)
Property Additions									2,686	12,588	38,193
Operating Segments | Energy Services | Appliance Service Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues									1,957	6,488	7,898
Operating Income (Loss)									1,818	217	582
Depreciation and Amortization									0	153	301
Income Taxes									534	4	232
Property Additions									0	260	431
Utility Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable Assets	5,282,893				2,865,974				5,282,893	2,865,974
Utility Operations | SJG Utility Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable Assets	3,118,236				2,865,974				3,118,236	2,865,974
Utility Operations | ETG Utility Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable Assets	2,148,175				0				2,148,175	0
Utility Operations | ELK Utility Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable Assets	$ 16,482				$ 0				16,482	0
Utility Operations | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues									676,906	517,254	461,055
Operating Income (Loss)									134,596	138,875	125,052
Depreciation and Amortization									96,424	71,654	63,901
Interest Income (Expense), Net									38,493	24,705	17,875
Income Taxes									23,257	45,700	39,366
Property Additions									345,696	253,545	228,275
Utility Operations | Operating Segments | SJG Utility Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues									548,000	517,254	461,055
Operating Income (Loss)									132,688	138,875	125,052
Depreciation and Amortization									82,622	71,654	63,901
Interest Income (Expense), Net									28,011	24,705	17,875
Income Taxes									26,413	45,700	39,366
Property Additions									253,617	253,545	228,275
Utility Operations | Operating Segments | ETG Utility Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues									125,604	0	0
Operating Income (Loss)									2,164	0	0
Depreciation and Amortization									13,580	0	0
Interest Income (Expense), Net									10,478	0	0
Income Taxes									(3,086)	0	0
Property Additions									90,259	0	0
Utility Operations | Operating Segments | ELK Utility Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues									3,302	0	0
Operating Income (Loss)									(256)	0	0
Depreciation and Amortization									222	0	0
Interest Income (Expense), Net									4	0	0
Income Taxes									(70)	0	0
Property Additions									$ 1,820	$ 0	$ 0

LEASES - OPERATING (Details)

LEASES - OPERATING (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract]
2,019	$ 5,396
2,020	5,396
2,021	5,396
2,022	5,396
2,023	5,396
Thereafter	18,438
Total minimum future rentals	45,418
Thermal energy generating property and equipment
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Net [Abstract]
Property and equipment under operating lease	71,500	$ 74,200
Accumulated depreciation of property and equipment under operating lease	$ 37,700	$ 34,500

RATES AND REGULATORY ACTIONS (D

RATES AND REGULATORY ACTIONS (Details) $ in Thousands

Nov. 01, 2017USD ($)

Jul. 01, 2017USD ($)

Oct. 01, 2016USD ($)

Feb. 29, 2016USD ($)

Jan. 31, 2019USD ($)

Oct. 31, 2018USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)

Aug. 31, 2018USD ($)

Jul. 31, 2018USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)

May 31, 2018USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)

Nov. 30, 2017USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)

Jul. 31, 2017USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)

Apr. 30, 2017USD ($)

Oct. 31, 2016USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)

Jul. 31, 2016USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)

Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)

Feb. 29, 2016USD ($)

Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)

Feb. 28, 2013USD ($)

Jul. 31, 2009USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)sitecustomer

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)sitecustomer

Jan. 31, 2017USD ($)

Jan. 31, 2016USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Public Utilities, Under-Recovered Deferred Balance

$ 53,700

Public Utilities, Funding Level

344,700

Unamortized Remediation Costs

$ 10,900

$ 10,900

Amount of AIRP

$ 141,200

Term of AIRP

4 years

Annual investment amount of AIRP

$ 35,300

Investment amount of SHARP

$ 110,300

$ 103,500

Investment Approved To Be Recovered Through SHARP

$ 100,300

Investment Requested to be Recovered through SHARP, Term

3 years

3 years

Regulatory assets

$ 469,224

Amount of statewide funding approved

$ 344,700

$ 344,700

Regulatory costs entity is expensing

12,700

12,700

Number of customers purchasing energy commodity from another entity | customer

29,141

29,141

Energy Efficiency Tracker

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Requested increase (decrease) in rates

$ 800

Approved request for revenue increase (decrease)

$ (7,900)

$ (7,900)

Regulatory assets

2,094

Environmental Remediation Costs: Expended - Net

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Regulatory assets

100,327

Weather

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Requested increase (decrease) in rates

$ (800)

Public Utilities, Annual Revenue

6,300

New Jersey Board of Public Utilities

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Approved requested rate increase (decrease)

$ (11,000)

Requested increase (decrease) in rates

(1,300)

Public Utilities, Annual Revenue

2,200

Roll of AIRP investments into base rates

80,200

Approved budget

$ 56,000

South Jersey Gas Company

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Approved requested rate increase (decrease)

$ 25,900

Number of sites for environmental cleanup (in sites) | site

12

12

Regulatory assets

$ 492,365

$ 492,365

South Jersey Gas Company | Energy Efficiency Tracker

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Approved requested rate increase (decrease)

1,600

Regulatory assets

2,319

2,319

South Jersey Gas Company | Environmental Remediation Costs: Expended - Net

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Regulatory assets

$ 136,227

$ 136,227

South Jersey Gas Company | Storm Hardening and Reliability Program | Building

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Investments during the period

35,700

$ 33,700

South Jersey Gas Company | New Jersey Board of Public Utilities

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Approved requested rate increase (decrease)

$ (39,500)

Approved rate of return on rate base, percentage

6.80%

Approved return on common equity, percentage

9.60%

Requested increase (decrease) in rates

$ (3,500)

$ (195,400)

Public Utilities Budget

81,300

Authorized replacement investments (up to)

$ 302,500

Roll of AIRP investments into base rates

60,400

Amount of statewide funding approved

3,700

Approved budget

5,600

Increase (decrease) in Universal Service Fund recoveries

$ 1,100

900

South Jersey Gas Company | New Jersey Board of Public Utilities | SHARP Investments

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Approved requested rate increase (decrease)

$ (3,600)

Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

33,300

South Jersey Gas Company | New Jersey Board of Public Utilities | Annual BGSS Filing

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Approved requested rate increase (decrease)

4,700

4,700

Public utilities, bill credit

$ 8,000

Requested increase (decrease) in rates

4,700

South Jersey Gas Company | New Jersey Board of Public Utilities | EET Rate Adjustment Petition

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Approved requested rate increase (decrease)

$ (2,600)

Requested increase (decrease) in rates

(3,000)

South Jersey Gas Company | New Jersey Board of Public Utilities | Storm Hardening and Reliability Program

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Approved requested rate increase (decrease)

(3,900)

Requested increase (decrease) in rates

(3,980)

$ (4,300)

South Jersey Gas Company | New Jersey Board of Public Utilities | AIRP II Investments

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Approved requested rate increase (decrease)

(5,000)

Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

46,100

42,000

South Jersey Gas Company | New Jersey Board of Public Utilities | Annual SBC Filing

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Requested increase (decrease) in rates

$ (8,500)

Accelerated Infrastructure Replacement Program

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Requested increase (decrease) in rates

$ (4,500)

(13,000)

Amount of AIRP

$ 500,000

Extension period of AIRP, requested and then received

7 years

5 years

Accelerated Infrastructure Replacement Program | South Jersey Gas Company

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Requested increase (decrease) in rates

(6,600)

Basic Gas Supply Service | New Jersey Board of Public Utilities

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Approved requested rate increase (decrease)

$ 47,100

Basic Gas Supply Service | South Jersey Gas Company

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Bill credits

10,000

$ 20,000

Basic Gas Supply Service | South Jersey Gas Company | New Jersey Board of Public Utilities

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Requested increase (decrease) in rates

47,100

Annual BGSS Filing | South Jersey Gas Company

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Approved requested rate increase (decrease)

(65,500)

(65,500)

Conservation Incentive Program

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Requested increase (decrease) in rates

(200)

(46,500)

Conservation Incentive Program | Non-weather

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Requested increase (decrease) in rates

(1,100)

(9,900)

Conservation Incentive Program | Weather

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Requested increase (decrease) in rates

900

(36,600)

Annual CIP Filing | South Jersey Gas Company

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Requested increase (decrease) in rates

26,400

Allowance for Funds Used Under Construction

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Approved base rate increase

$ 5,700

Energy Efficiency Tracker

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Amount of regulatory costs available for recovery

$ 17,000

$ 36,300

Contract term

2 years

Energy Efficiency Tracker | South Jersey Gas Company

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Requested increase (decrease) in rates

1,600

Societal Benefits Clause

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Requested increase (decrease) in rates

$ (16,000)

Societal Benefits Clause | South Jersey Gas Company

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Requested increase (decrease) in rates

$ 3,400

Remediation Adjustment Clause

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Requested increase (decrease) in rates

(6,900)

Number of sites for environmental cleanup (in sites) | site

12

12

Amortization period

7 years

Regulated costs recovered

$ 137,200

Remediation Adjustment Clause | Environmental Remediation Costs: Expended - Net

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Regulatory assets

$ 136,200

$ 100,300

136,200

New Jersey Clean Energy Program

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Amount of statewide funding approved

344,700

344,700

$ 345,000

Regulatory costs entity is expensing

12,700

12,700

$ 14,600

Universal Service Fund

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Amount of statewide funding approved

38,300

Amount of statewide costs proposed

16,300

56,000

16,300

56,000

Universal Service Fund | South Jersey Gas Company

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Amount of increase (decrease) in regulatory costs approved

3,200

Amount of statewide funding approved

10,400

Amount of proposed impact of annual costs

900

$ (2,200)

$ (2,000)

$ 1,100

(2,000)

$ 1,100

OSMC Rate Adjustment

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Requested increase (decrease) in rates

(1,100)

State Gas Utilities

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Public Utilities Budget

45,500

Over Collected Tax

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Customer Refundable Fees, Refund Payments

5,200

Over Collected Tax | South Jersey Gas Company

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Credits due to customers under conditions of approval

13,800

Unprotected Excess Deferred Income Tax | South Jersey Gas Company

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Credits due to customers under conditions of approval

$ 27,500

Public Utilities, Customer Refund Term

5 years

ETG Utility Operations

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Approved return on common equity, percentage

9.60%

Requested increase (decrease) in rates

(1,200)

$ (13,300)

Public Utilities, Rate Base

$ 720,000

$ 720,000

Public Utilities, After Tax Rate Of Return

5.80%

Public Utilities, Funding Level

10,600

Public Utilities, Annual Revenue

$ 2,200

Public Utilities Budget

3,000

3,000

Regulatory assets

169,921

169,921

ETG Utility Operations | Energy Efficiency Tracker

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Regulatory assets

0

0

ETG Utility Operations | Environmental Remediation Costs: Expended - Net

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Regulatory assets

10,875

10,875

ETG Utility Operations | Annual BGSS Filing

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Requested increase (decrease) in rates

$ (7,100)

ETG Utility Operations | New Jersey Board of Public Utilities

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Approved requested rate increase (decrease)

$ (12,100)

$ (10,900)

Investment Requested To Be Recovered Through Rider Recovery Mechanism, Amount of IIP

$ 518,000

ETG Utility Operations | CEP Rate Adjustment

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Requested increase (decrease) in rates

1,600

Public Utilities, Annual Revenue

$ 10,000

ETG Utility Operations | USF Filing

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Public Utilities, Annual Revenue

800

Amount of statewide funding approved

$ 7,200

ETG Utility Operations | State Gas Utilities

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Requested increase (decrease) in rates

(800)

Public Utilities Budget

4,800

ETG Utility Operations

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Credits due to customers under conditions of approval

15,000

15,000

Business Combination, Customer Bill Credit Applied

15,000

ELK Utility Operations

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Credits due to customers under conditions of approval

$ 300

$ 300

Business Combination, Customer Bill Credit Applied

$ 300

Subsequent Event

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Approved rate of return on rate base, percentage

6.98%

Approved return on common equity, percentage

9.80%

Requested increase (decrease) in rates

$ (90)

Public Utilities Budget

3,000

Subsequent Event | South Jersey Gas Company | New Jersey Board of Public Utilities

Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]

Requested increase (decrease) in rates

$ 1,600

REGULATORY ASSETS & REGULATOR_3

REGULATORY ASSETS & REGULATORY LIABILITIES - ASSETS (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)siteasset	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets		$ 469,224
Environmental Remediation Costs: Expended - Net
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets		100,327
Environmental Restoration Costs: Liability for Future Expenditures
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets		171,696
Deferred Asset Retirement Obligation Costs
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets		42,368
Deferred Pension Costs, Amortization [Member]
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets		0
Deferred Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets		78,211
Deferred Gas Costs - Net
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets		16,838
CIP Receivable
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets		26,652
Societal Benefit Costs Receivable
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets		2,484
Deferred Interest Rate Contracts
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets		7,028
Energy Efficiency Tracker
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets		2,094
Pipeline Supplier Service Charges
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets		708
Pipeline Integrity Cost
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets		5,280
AFUDC - Equity Related Deferrals
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets		12,785
Weather Normalization
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	$ 0
Other Regulatory Assets
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets		$ 2,753
South Jersey Gas Company
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	$ 492,365
Number regulatory assets associated with environmental costs related to the cleanup of 12 sites where SJG or their predecessors previously operated gas manufacturing plants (in regulatory assets) | asset	2
Number of sites where SJG or their predecessors previously operated gas manufacturing plants (in sites) | site	12
Number of sites for environmental cleanup (in sites) | site	12
South Jersey Gas Company | Environmental Remediation Costs: Expended - Net
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	$ 136,227
South Jersey Gas Company | Environmental Restoration Costs: Liability for Future Expenditures
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	148,071
South Jersey Gas Company | Deferred Asset Retirement Obligation Costs
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	31,096
South Jersey Gas Company | Deferred Pension Costs, Amortization [Member]
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Deferred Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	80,121
South Jersey Gas Company | Deferred Gas Costs - Net
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	57,889
South Jersey Gas Company | CIP Receivable
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Societal Benefit Costs Receivable
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	2,173
South Jersey Gas Company | Deferred Interest Rate Contracts
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	5,867
South Jersey Gas Company | Energy Efficiency Tracker
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	2,319
South Jersey Gas Company | Pipeline Supplier Service Charges
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	617
South Jersey Gas Company | Pipeline Integrity Cost
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	5,140
South Jersey Gas Company | AFUDC - Equity Related Deferrals
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	13,914
South Jersey Gas Company | Weather Normalization
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Other Regulatory Assets
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	$ 8,931
South Jersey Gas Company | Environmental restoration costs
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Regulatory costs, original recovery period of expenditures	7 years
SJI
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	$ 662,969
SJI | Environmental Remediation Costs: Expended - Net
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	147,102
SJI | Environmental Restoration Costs: Liability for Future Expenditures
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	252,665
SJI | Deferred Asset Retirement Obligation Costs
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	31,096
SJI | Deferred Pension Costs, Amortization [Member]
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	40,626
SJI | Deferred Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	82,758
SJI | Deferred Gas Costs - Net
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	58,178
SJI | CIP Receivable
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0
SJI | Societal Benefit Costs Receivable
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	2,173
SJI | Deferred Interest Rate Contracts
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	5,867
SJI | Energy Efficiency Tracker
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	2,319
SJI | Pipeline Supplier Service Charges
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	617
SJI | Pipeline Integrity Cost
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	5,140
SJI | AFUDC - Equity Related Deferrals
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	13,914
SJI | Weather Normalization
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	3,349
SJI | Other Regulatory Assets
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	17,165
ETG Utility Operations
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	169,921
ETG Utility Operations | Environmental Remediation Costs: Expended - Net
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	10,875
ETG Utility Operations | Environmental Restoration Costs: Liability for Future Expenditures
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	104,594
ETG Utility Operations | Deferred Asset Retirement Obligation Costs
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0
ETG Utility Operations | Deferred Pension Costs, Amortization [Member]
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	40,612
ETG Utility Operations | Deferred Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	$ 2,607
Regulatory Asset, Amortization Period	13 years 6 months
ETG Utility Operations | Deferred Gas Costs - Net
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	$ 0
ETG Utility Operations | CIP Receivable
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0
ETG Utility Operations | Societal Benefit Costs Receivable
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0
ETG Utility Operations | Deferred Interest Rate Contracts
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0
ETG Utility Operations | Energy Efficiency Tracker
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0
ETG Utility Operations | Pipeline Supplier Service Charges
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0
ETG Utility Operations | Pipeline Integrity Cost
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0
ETG Utility Operations | AFUDC - Equity Related Deferrals
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0
ETG Utility Operations | Weather Normalization
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	3,210
ETG Utility Operations | Other Regulatory Assets
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	$ 8,023
ETG Utility Operations | Environmental restoration costs
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Number of sites for environmental cleanup (in sites) | site	6
ETG Utility Operations | Other Postretirement Benefits Plan
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Regulatory Asset, Amortization Period	7 years 8 months 12 days
ELK Utility Operations
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	$ 683
ELK Utility Operations | Environmental Remediation Costs: Expended - Net
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0
ELK Utility Operations | Environmental Restoration Costs: Liability for Future Expenditures
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0
ELK Utility Operations | Deferred Asset Retirement Obligation Costs
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0
ELK Utility Operations | Deferred Pension Costs, Amortization [Member]
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	14
ELK Utility Operations | Deferred Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	30
ELK Utility Operations | Deferred Gas Costs - Net
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	289
ELK Utility Operations | CIP Receivable
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0
ELK Utility Operations | Societal Benefit Costs Receivable
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0
ELK Utility Operations | Deferred Interest Rate Contracts
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0
ELK Utility Operations | Energy Efficiency Tracker
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0
ELK Utility Operations | Pipeline Supplier Service Charges
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0
ELK Utility Operations | Pipeline Integrity Cost
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0
ELK Utility Operations | AFUDC - Equity Related Deferrals
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0
ELK Utility Operations | Weather Normalization
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	139
ELK Utility Operations | Other Regulatory Assets
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	211
Deferred Revenues - Net | South Jersey Gas Company
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in Regulatory Assets and Liabilities	41,000
Deferred Revenues - Net | SJI
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in Regulatory Assets and Liabilities	41,300
Tax Reform
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in Regulatory Assets and Liabilities	$ 116,000

REGULATORY ASSETS & REGULATOR_4

REGULATORY ASSETS & REGULATORY LIABILITIES - LIABILITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory Liability, Noncurrent	$ 478,499	$ 287,105
Decrease in Deferred ARO costs	11,300
Total Regulatory Liabilities		287,105
Regulatory assets		469,224
Excess Plant Removal Costs
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities		23,295
Tax Reform
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities		263,810
Deferred Revenue [Domain]
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities		0
Conservation Incentive Program
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities		0
Revenue Subject to Refund
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities		0
Other Regulatory Liabilities
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities		0
South Jersey Gas Company
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory Liability, Noncurrent	286,539	$ 287,105
Total Regulatory Liabilities	286,539
Regulatory assets	492,365
South Jersey Gas Company | Excess Plant Removal Costs
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	20,805
South Jersey Gas Company | Tax Reform
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in Regulatory Liabilities	3,900
Total Regulatory Liabilities	259,863
South Jersey Gas Company | Deferred Revenue [Domain]
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Conservation Incentive Program
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	5,871
South Jersey Gas Company | Revenue Subject to Refund
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Other Regulatory Liabilities
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Unprotected Excess Deferred Income Tax
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	$ 26,100
Regulatory Liability, Refund Period	5 years
SJI
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	$ 478,499
Regulatory assets	662,969
SJI | Excess Plant Removal Costs
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	70,107
SJI | Tax Reform
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	379,851
SJI | Deferred Revenue [Domain]
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	3,188
SJI | Conservation Incentive Program
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	5,871
SJI | Revenue Subject to Refund
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	17,039
SJI | Other Regulatory Liabilities
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	2,443
ETG Utility Operations
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	189,336
Regulatory assets	169,921
ETG Utility Operations | Excess Plant Removal Costs
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	47,909
ETG Utility Operations | Tax Reform
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	118,757
ETG Utility Operations | Deferred Revenue [Domain]
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	3,188
ETG Utility Operations | Conservation Incentive Program
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	0
ETG Utility Operations | Revenue Subject to Refund
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	17,039
ETG Utility Operations | Other Regulatory Liabilities
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	2,443
ELK Utility Operations
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	2,624
Regulatory assets	683
ELK Utility Operations | Excess Plant Removal Costs
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	1,393
ELK Utility Operations | Tax Reform
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	1,231
ELK Utility Operations | Deferred Revenue [Domain]
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	0
ELK Utility Operations | Conservation Incentive Program
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	0
ELK Utility Operations | Revenue Subject to Refund
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	0
ELK Utility Operations | Other Regulatory Liabilities
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	$ 0

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM_3

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COST (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Pension Benefits
Net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service Cost	$ 6,442	$ 4,989	$ 4,843
Interest Cost	13,778	11,772	12,125
Expected Return on Plan Assets	(18,672)	(14,105)	(13,508)
Amortizations:
Prior Service Credits	116	131	212
Actuarial Loss	11,528	10,282	9,394
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	13,192	13,069	13,066
Curtailment and Special Termination Costs	7,324	0	0
Capitalized Benefit Costs	(2,243)	(4,723)	(4,645)
Affiliate SERP Allocations	0	0
Deferred Benefit Costs	(1,987)	(527)	(645)
Total Net Periodic Benefit Expense	16,286	7,819	7,776
Other Postretirement Benefits
Net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service Cost	945	910	851
Interest Cost	2,430	2,418	2,615
Expected Return on Plan Assets	(4,286)	(3,411)	(3,104)
Amortizations:
Prior Service Credits	(344)	(344)	(344)
Actuarial Loss	903	1,238	1,109
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	(352)	811	1,127
Curtailment and Special Termination Costs	1,286	(106)	0
Capitalized Benefit Costs	(290)	(46)	(277)
Affiliate SERP Allocations	(265)	(19)
Deferred Benefit Costs	580	0	0
Total Net Periodic Benefit Expense	1,224	659	850
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits
Net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service Cost	5,073	4,303	4,144
Interest Cost	10,010	9,925	10,292
Expected Return on Plan Assets	(12,513)	(11,366)	(11,029)
Amortizations:
Prior Service Credits	112	127	203
Actuarial Loss	10,074	8,692	7,975
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	12,756	11,681	11,585
Capitalized Benefit Costs	(1,943)	(4,723)	(4,645)
Affiliate SERP Allocations	0	0
Deferred Benefit Costs	(1,987)	(527)	(644)
Total Net Periodic Benefit Expense	4,965	4,196	4,336
South Jersey Gas Company | Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan
Amortizations:
Affiliate SERP Allocations	(3,861)	(2,235)	(1,960)
South Jersey Gas Company | Other Postretirement Benefits
Net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service Cost	583	582	576
Interest Cost	1,698	1,897	2,120
Expected Return on Plan Assets	(3,449)	(3,101)	(2,823)
Amortizations:
Prior Service Credits	(257)	(257)	(257)
Actuarial Loss	695	972	945
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	(730)	93	561
Capitalized Benefit Costs	(257)	(46)	(277)
Affiliate SERP Allocations	(143)	(15)
Deferred Benefit Costs	580	0	0
Total Net Periodic Benefit Expense	$ (407)	$ 47	$ 284

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM_4

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - DETAILS OF ACTIVITY WITHIN THE REGULATORY ASSET AND ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Pension Benefits
Regulatory Assets
Beginning Balance	$ 64,969	$ 68,450
Amounts Arising during the Period: Net Actuarial (Loss) Gain	8,637	2,711
Amounts Arising during the Period: Prior Service Credit	70	0
Amounts Amortized to Net Periodic Costs: Net Actuarial Loss	(6,025)	(6,066)
Amounts Amortized to Net Periodic Costs: Prior Service Cost	(112)	(126)
Ending Balance	67,539	64,969
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (pre-tax)
Beginning Balance	53,932	39,590
Amounts Arising during the Period: Net Actuarial (Loss) Gain	(5,953)	18,506
Amounts Arising during the Period: Prior Service Credit	0	0
Amounts Arising During the Period: Other (Curtailments, Settlements, Special Termination)	0
Amounts Amortized to Net Periodic Costs: Net Actuarial Loss	(5,450)	(4,160)
Amounts Amortized to Net Periodic Costs: Prior Service Cost	(4)	(4)
Ending Balance	42,525	53,932
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Settlement and Curtailment Gain (Loss), after Tax	0
Other Postretirement Benefits
Regulatory Assets
Beginning Balance	13,242	17,243
Amounts Arising during the Period: Net Actuarial (Loss) Gain	5,662	(3,286)
Amounts Arising during the Period: Prior Service Credit	(3,247)	257
Amounts Amortized to Net Periodic Costs: Net Actuarial Loss	(695)	(972)
Amounts Amortized to Net Periodic Costs: Prior Service Cost	257	0
Ending Balance	15,219	13,242
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (pre-tax)
Beginning Balance	3,506	2,821
Amounts Arising during the Period: Net Actuarial (Loss) Gain	(1,819)	1,614
Amounts Arising during the Period: Prior Service Credit	(2,471)	84
Amounts Arising During the Period: Other (Curtailments, Settlements, Special Termination)	0
Amounts Amortized to Net Periodic Costs: Net Actuarial Loss	(199)	(1,013)
Amounts Amortized to Net Periodic Costs: Prior Service Cost	84	0
Ending Balance	687	3,506
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Settlement and Curtailment Gain (Loss), after Tax	1,586
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits
Regulatory Assets
Beginning Balance	64,969	68,450
Amounts Arising during the Period: Net Actuarial (Loss) Gain	6,590	2,711
Amounts Arising during the Period: Prior Service Credit	70	0
Amounts Amortized to Net Periodic Costs: Net Actuarial Loss	(6,025)	(6,066)
Amounts Amortized to Net Periodic Costs: Prior Service Cost	(111)	(126)
Ending Balance	65,493	64,969
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (pre-tax)
Beginning Balance	39,356	24,102
Amounts Arising during the Period: Net Actuarial (Loss) Gain	(911)	17,881
Amounts Arising during the Period: Prior Service Credit	0	0
Amounts Arising During the Period: Other (Curtailments, Settlements, Special Termination)	0
Amounts Amortized to Net Periodic Costs: Net Actuarial Loss	(4,049)	(2,627)
Amounts Amortized to Net Periodic Costs: Prior Service Cost	0	0
Ending Balance	34,396	39,356
South Jersey Gas Company | Other Postretirement Benefits
Regulatory Assets
Beginning Balance	13,242	17,243
Amounts Arising during the Period: Net Actuarial (Loss) Gain	5,071	(3,286)
Amounts Arising during the Period: Prior Service Credit	(3,247)	257
Amounts Amortized to Net Periodic Costs: Net Actuarial Loss	(695)	(972)
Amounts Amortized to Net Periodic Costs: Prior Service Cost	257	0
Ending Balance	14,628	13,242
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (pre-tax)
Beginning Balance	0	0
Amounts Arising during the Period: Net Actuarial (Loss) Gain	0	0
Amounts Arising during the Period: Prior Service Credit	0	0
Amounts Arising During the Period: Other (Curtailments, Settlements, Special Termination)	0
Amounts Amortized to Net Periodic Costs: Net Actuarial Loss	0	0
Amounts Amortized to Net Periodic Costs: Prior Service Cost	0	0
Ending Balance	$ 0	$ 0

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM_5

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - ESTIMATED COSTS THAT WILL BE AMORTIZED (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Pension Benefits
Regulatory Assets into Net Periodic Benefit Costs
Prior Service Cost/(Credit)	$ 101
Net Actuarial Loss	5,837
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Net Periodic Benefit Costs
Prior Service Cost/(Credit)	4
Net Actuarial Loss	3,801
Other Postretirement Benefits
Regulatory Assets into Net Periodic Benefit Costs
Prior Service Cost/(Credit)	(474)
Net Actuarial Loss	965
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Net Periodic Benefit Costs
Prior Service Cost/(Credit)	(102)
Net Actuarial Loss	120
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Net Periodic Benefit Costs
Prior Service Cost/(Credit)	0
Net Actuarial Loss	2,579
South Jersey Gas Company | Other Postretirement Benefits
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Net Periodic Benefit Costs
Prior Service Cost/(Credit)	0
Net Actuarial Loss	$ 0

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM_6

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - RECONCILIATIONS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Amounts Recognized in the Statement of Financial Position Consist of:
Current Liabilities	$ (3,631)	$ (2,388)
Noncurrent Liabilities	(110,112)	(101,544)
South Jersey Gas Company
Amounts Recognized in the Statement of Financial Position Consist of:
Current Liabilities	(3,597)	(2,353)
Noncurrent Liabilities	(96,053)	(88,871)
Pension Benefits
Change in Benefit Obligations:
Benefit Obligation at Beginning of Year	316,289	278,288
Acquisition Opening Obligation	100,362	0
Service Cost	6,442	4,989	$ 4,843
Interest Cost	13,778	11,772	12,125
Actuarial Loss (Gain)	(26,274)	32,893
Retiree Contributions	0	0
Plan Amendments	7,394	0
Benefit Obligation at End of Year	402,156	316,289	278,288
Change in Plan Assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	216,065	189,542
Acquisition Beginning Fair Value	94,685	0
Actual Return on Plan Assets	(10,399)	25,807
Employer Contributions	2,704	12,369
Retiree Contributions	0	0
Benefits Paid	(15,835)	(11,653)
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	287,220	216,065	189,542
Funded Status at End of Year	(114,936)	(100,224)
Accrued Net Benefit Cost at End of Year	(115,083)	(100,089)
Amounts Recognized in the Statement of Financial Position Consist of:
Current Liabilities	(3,631)	(2,388)
Noncurrent Liabilities	(111,452)	(97,701)
Net Amount Recognized at End of Year	(115,083)	(100,089)
Amounts Recognized in Regulatory Assets Consist of:
Prior Service Costs	162	428
Net Actuarial Loss	67,377	64,541
Amount Recognized in Regulatory Assets	67,539	64,969	68,450
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Consist of (pre-tax):
Prior Service Costs	268	47
Net Actuarial Loss	42,257	53,885
Amount Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	42,525	53,932	39,590
Projected benefit obligation	329,200	243,900
Accumulated benefit obligation	309,400	227,300
Benefits Paid	(15,835)	(11,653)
Pension Benefits | South Jersey Gas Company
Change in Benefit Obligations:
Benefit Obligation at Beginning of Year	269,066	236,356
Service Cost	5,073	4,303	4,144
Interest Cost	10,010	9,925	10,292
Actuarial Loss (Gain)	(13,009)	27,892
Retiree Contributions	0	0
Plan Amendments	4,169	0
Benefit Obligation at End of Year	264,823	269,066	236,356
Change in Plan Assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	174,277	154,729
Actual Return on Plan Assets	(6,175)	18,666
Employer Contributions	2,669	10,292
Retiree Contributions	0	0
Benefits Paid	(10,486)	(9,410)
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	160,285	174,277	154,729
Funded Status at End of Year	(104,538)	(94,789)
Amounts Recognized in the Statement of Financial Position Consist of:
Current Liabilities	(3,597)	(2,353)
Noncurrent Liabilities	(100,941)	(92,436)
Net Amount Recognized at End of Year	(104,538)	(94,789)
Amounts Recognized in Regulatory Assets Consist of:
Prior Service Costs	163	428
Net Actuarial Loss	65,330	64,541
Amount Recognized in Regulatory Assets	65,493	64,969	68,450
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Consist of (pre-tax):
Net Actuarial Loss	34,396	39,356
Amount Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	34,396	39,356	24,102
Projected benefit obligation	188,100	197,000
Accumulated benefit obligation	176,800	183,500
Benefits Paid	(10,486)	(9,410)
Pension Benefits | Amounts Related to Unconsolidated Affiliate
Change in Plan Assets:
Funded Status at End of Year	(147)	135
Other Postretirement Benefits
Change in Benefit Obligations:
Benefit Obligation at Beginning of Year	62,283	60,350
Acquisition Opening Obligation	13,195	0
Service Cost	945	910	851
Interest Cost	2,430	2,418	2,615
Actuarial Loss (Gain)	(3,534)	1,411
Retiree Contributions	265	19
Plan Amendments	(3,012)	0
Benefit Obligation at End of Year	69,511	62,283	60,350
Change in Plan Assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	57,922	50,532
Acquisition Beginning Fair Value	15,659	0
Actual Return on Plan Assets	(3,050)	7,390
Employer Contributions	2,796	2,806
Retiree Contributions	265	19
Benefits Paid	(3,061)	(2,825)
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	70,531	57,922	50,532
Funded Status at End of Year	1,020	(4,361)
Accrued Net Benefit Cost at End of Year	1,340	(3,843)
Amounts Recognized in the Statement of Financial Position Consist of:
Current Liabilities	0	0
Noncurrent Liabilities	1,340	(3,843)
Net Amount Recognized at End of Year	1,340	(3,843)
Amounts Recognized in Regulatory Assets Consist of:
Prior Service Costs	(5,765)	(2,775)
Net Actuarial Loss	20,984	16,017
Amount Recognized in Regulatory Assets	15,219	13,242	17,243
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Consist of (pre-tax):
Prior Service Costs	(1,707)	(906)
Net Actuarial Loss	2,394	4,412
Amount Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	687	3,506	2,821
Benefits Paid	(3,061)	(2,825)
Other Postretirement Benefits | South Jersey Gas Company
Change in Benefit Obligations:
Benefit Obligation at Beginning of Year	49,098	48,549
Service Cost	583	582	576
Interest Cost	1,698	1,897	2,120
Actuarial Loss (Gain)	(1,271)	328
Retiree Contributions	143	15
Plan Amendments	(3,247)	0
Benefit Obligation at End of Year	44,882	49,098	48,549
Change in Plan Assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	52,663	45,948
Actual Return on Plan Assets	(2,893)	6,715
Employer Contributions	1,979	2,259
Retiree Contributions	143	14
Benefits Paid	(2,122)	(2,273)
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	49,770	52,663	45,948
Funded Status at End of Year	4,888	3,565
Amounts Recognized in the Statement of Financial Position Consist of:
Current Liabilities	0	0
Noncurrent Liabilities	4,888	3,565
Net Amount Recognized at End of Year	4,888	3,565
Amounts Recognized in Regulatory Assets Consist of:
Prior Service Costs	(5,765)	(2,775)
Net Actuarial Loss	20,393	16,017
Amount Recognized in Regulatory Assets	14,628	13,242	17,243
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Consist of (pre-tax):
Net Actuarial Loss	0	0
Amount Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	0	0	0
Benefits Paid	(2,122)	(2,273)
Other Postretirement Benefits | Amounts Related to Unconsolidated Affiliate
Change in Plan Assets:
Funded Status at End of Year	320	518
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan
Change in Plan Assets:
Employer Contributions	2,700	2,400	2,300
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Consist of (pre-tax):
Projected benefit obligation	73,000	72,400
Accumulated benefit obligation	69,500	63,900
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan | South Jersey Gas Company
Change in Benefit Obligations:
Retiree Contributions	3,861	2,235	$ 1,960
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Consist of (pre-tax):
Projected benefit obligation	72,600	72,000
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 69,100	$ 63,600

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM_7

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - WEIGHTED-AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount Rate	4.39%	3.73%
Rate of Compensation Increase	3.50%	3.50%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount Rate	3.73%	4.30%	4.83%
Expected Long-Term Return on Plan Assets	7.25%	7.25%	7.50%
Rate of Compensation Increase	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%
Other Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount Rate	3.63%	3.63%
Rate of Compensation Increase	3.50%	3.50%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount Rate	4.13%	4.13%	4.73%
Expected Long-Term Return on Plan Assets	6.75%	6.50%	6.50%
Rate of Compensation Increase	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM_8

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - PLAN ASSETS (Details) - Pension Benefits	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Required capitalization for plan asset allocation (less than)	$ 250,000,000
Required capitalization for plan asset allocation, small cap (as low as)	$ 50,000,000
Minimum | U.S. equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan allocation	40.00%
Minimum | International equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan allocation	10.00%
Minimum | Fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan allocation	25.00%
Minimum | Other investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan allocation	0.00%
Maximum | U.S. equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan allocation	70.00%
Maximum | International equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan allocation	25.00%
Maximum | Fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan allocation	60.00%
Maximum | Other investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan allocation	20.00%

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM_9

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - FAIR VALUE OF PLAN ASSETS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 216,065	$ 189,542	$ 287,220
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	216,065	189,542
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	$ 287,220	216,065
Pension Benefits | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fund Valuations Lag Period	90 days
Pension Benefits | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fund Valuations Lag Period	120 days
Pension Benefits | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 29,782	29,782	119,843
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	29,782
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	119,843	29,782
Pension Benefits | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	19,049	19,049	109,737
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	19,049
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	109,737	19,049
Pension Benefits | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,522	1,522	1,653
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	1,522
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	1,653	1,522
Pension Benefits | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	9,211	9,714	8,453
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	9,211	9,714
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	(53)	245
Relating to assets sold during the period	13	12
Purchases, Sales and Settlements	(718)	(760)
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	8,453	9,211
Pension Benefits | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	186,283	186,283	167,377
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	186,283
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	167,377	186,283
Pension Benefits | Cash | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	72	72	92,224
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	72
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	92,224	72
Pension Benefits | Cash | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	72	72	92,224
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	72
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	92,224	72
Pension Benefits | Cash | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
Pension Benefits | Cash | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
Pension Benefits | STIF-Type Instrument | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,522	1,522	1,653
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	1,522
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	1,653	1,522
Pension Benefits | STIF-Type Instrument | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
Pension Benefits | STIF-Type Instrument | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,522	1,522	1,653
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	1,522
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	1,653	1,522
Pension Benefits | STIF-Type Instrument | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	$ 0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
Pension Benefits | U.S. equity securities | Minimum
Actual return on plan assets:
Target plan allocation			40.00%
Pension Benefits | U.S. equity securities | Maximum
Actual return on plan assets:
Target plan allocation			70.00%
Pension Benefits | U.S. Large-Cap | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	13,526	13,526	$ 13,684
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	13,526
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	13,684	13,526
Pension Benefits | U.S. Large-Cap | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	13,526	13,526	13,684
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	13,526
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	13,684	13,526
Pension Benefits | U.S. Large-Cap | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
Pension Benefits | U.S. Large-Cap | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
Pension Benefits | U.S. Mid-Cap | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,701	1,701	1,502
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	1,701
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	1,502	1,701
Pension Benefits | U.S. Mid-Cap | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,701	1,701	1,502
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	1,701
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	1,502	1,701
Pension Benefits | U.S. Mid-Cap | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
Pension Benefits | U.S. Mid-Cap | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	$ 0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
Pension Benefits | Small Cap | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	490	490
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	490
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year		490
Pension Benefits | Small Cap | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	490	490
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	490
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year		490
Pension Benefits | Small Cap | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year		0
Pension Benefits | Small Cap | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year		0
Pension Benefits | International equity securities | Minimum
Actual return on plan assets:
Target plan allocation			10.00%
Pension Benefits | International equity securities | Maximum
Actual return on plan assets:
Target plan allocation			25.00%
Pension Benefits | International equity securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	3,260	3,260	$ 2,327
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	3,260
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	2,327	3,260
Pension Benefits | International equity securities | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	3,260	3,260	2,327
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	3,260
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	2,327	3,260
Pension Benefits | International equity securities | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
Pension Benefits | International equity securities | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
Pension Benefits | Guaranteed Insurance Contract | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	9,211	9,211	8,453
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	9,211
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	8,453	9,211
Pension Benefits | Guaranteed Insurance Contract | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
Pension Benefits | Guaranteed Insurance Contract | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
Pension Benefits | Guaranteed Insurance Contract | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	9,211	9,714	$ 8,453
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	9,211	9,714
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	(53)	245
Relating to assets sold during the period	13	12
Purchases, Sales and Settlements	(718)	(760)
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	8,453	9,211
Pension Benefits | Other investments | Minimum
Actual return on plan assets:
Target plan allocation			0.00%
Pension Benefits | Other investments | Maximum
Actual return on plan assets:
Target plan allocation			20.00%
Pension Benefits | Private Equity Funds and Common or Collective Trust Funds, Real Estate [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	16,924	16,924	$ 18,604
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	16,924
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	18,604	16,924
Pension Benefits | Private Equity Funds | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	0	0
Relating to assets sold during the period	0	0
Purchases, Sales and Settlements	0	0
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
Pension Benefits | Private Equity Funds | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	7,111	7,111	8,867
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	7,111
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	8,867	7,111
Pension Benefits | Real Estate | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	0	0
Relating to assets sold during the period	0	0
Purchases, Sales and Settlements	0	0
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
Pension Benefits | Real Estate | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	9,813	9,813	9,737
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	9,813
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	9,737	9,813
Pension Benefits | Other Common or Collective Trust Funds [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	169,359	169,359	148,773
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	169,359
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	148,773	169,359
Pension Benefits | Common/Collective Trust Funds | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	477	477	696
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	477
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	696	477
Pension Benefits | Common/Collective Trust Funds - U.S. | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	75,699	75,699	63,418
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	75,699
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	63,418	75,699
Pension Benefits | Common/Collective Trust Funds - International | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	39,077	39,077	33,391
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	39,077
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	33,391	39,077
Pension Benefits | Common/Collective Trust Funds | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	54,106	54,106	51,268
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	54,106
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	51,268	54,106
Other Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	57,922	50,532	70,531
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	57,922	50,532
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	70,531	57,922
Other Postretirement Benefits | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	864	864	17,542
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	864
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	17,542	864
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	864	864	17,542
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	864
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	17,542	864
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	57,058	57,058	52,989
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	57,058
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	52,989	57,058
Other Postretirement Benefits | Cash | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	16,720		16,720
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	16,720
Other Postretirement Benefits | Cash | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	16,720		16,720
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	16,720
Other Postretirement Benefits | Cash | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0
Other Postretirement Benefits | Cash | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		$ 0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0
Other Postretirement Benefits | U.S. equity securities | Minimum
Actual return on plan assets:
Target plan allocation			55.00%
Other Postretirement Benefits | U.S. equity securities | Maximum
Actual return on plan assets:
Target plan allocation			75.00%
Other Postretirement Benefits | International equity securities | Minimum
Actual return on plan assets:
Target plan allocation			10.00%
Other Postretirement Benefits | International equity securities | Maximum
Actual return on plan assets:
Target plan allocation			20.00%
Other Postretirement Benefits | Fixed income investments | Minimum
Actual return on plan assets:
Target plan allocation			25.00%
Other Postretirement Benefits | Fixed income investments | Maximum
Actual return on plan assets:
Target plan allocation			45.00%
Other Postretirement Benefits | Other investments | Minimum
Actual return on plan assets:
Target plan allocation			0.00%
Other Postretirement Benefits | Other investments | Maximum
Actual return on plan assets:
Target plan allocation			7.00%
Other Postretirement Benefits | Mutual Funds - REITS | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	864	864	$ 822
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	864
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	822	864
Other Postretirement Benefits | Mutual Funds - REITS | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	864	864	822
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	864
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	822	864
Other Postretirement Benefits | Mutual Funds - REITS | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits | Mutual Funds - REITS | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits | Company Owned Life Insurance | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	15,307	15,307	13,885
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	15,307
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	13,885	15,307
Other Postretirement Benefits | Common/Collective Trust Funds - U.S. | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	15,101	15,101	14,069
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	15,101
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	14,069	15,101
Other Postretirement Benefits | Common/Collective Trust Funds - International | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	11,378	11,378	9,720
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	11,378
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	9,720	11,378
Other Postretirement Benefits | Common/Collective Trust Funds | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	15,272	15,272	15,315
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	15,272
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	15,315	15,272
South Jersey Gas Company | U.S. Small-Cap | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year		0
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	174,277	154,729	160,285
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	174,277	154,729
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	160,285	174,277
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	24,021	24,021	22,718
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	24,021
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	22,718	24,021
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	15,364	15,364	14,412
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	15,364
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	14,412	15,364
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,228	1,228	1,359
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	1,228
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	1,359	1,228
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	7,429	7,930	6,947
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	7,429	7,930
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	98	103
Relating to assets sold during the period	11	9
Purchases, Sales and Settlements	(591)	(613)
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	6,947	7,429
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	150,256	150,256	137,567
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	150,256
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	137,567	150,256
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | Cash | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	58	58	19
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	58
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	19	58
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | Cash | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	58	58	19
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	58
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	19	58
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | Cash | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | Cash | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | STIF-Type Instrument | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,228	1,228	1,359
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	1,228
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	1,359	1,228
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | STIF-Type Instrument | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | STIF-Type Instrument | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,228	1,228	1,359
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	1,228
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	1,359	1,228
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | STIF-Type Instrument | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | U.S. Large-Cap | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	10,910	10,910	11,247
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	10,910
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	11,247	10,910
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | U.S. Large-Cap | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	10,910	10,910	11,247
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	10,910
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	11,247	10,910
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | U.S. Large-Cap | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | U.S. Large-Cap | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | U.S. Mid-Cap | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,372	1,372	1,234
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	1,372
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	1,234	1,372
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | U.S. Mid-Cap | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,372	1,372	1,234
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	1,372
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	1,234	1,372
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | U.S. Mid-Cap | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | U.S. Mid-Cap | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | U.S. Small-Cap | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	2,629	2,629
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	2,629
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year		2,629
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | U.S. Small-Cap | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	2,629	2,629
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	2,629
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year		2,629
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | U.S. Small-Cap | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year		0
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | Small Cap | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	395	395
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	395
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year		395
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | Small Cap | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	395	395
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	395
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year		395
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | Small Cap | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year		0
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | Small Cap | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year		0
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | International equity securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,912		1,912
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	1,912
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | International equity securities | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,912		1,912
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	1,912
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | International equity securities | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | International equity securities | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | Guaranteed Insurance Contract | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	7,429	7,429	6,947
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	7,429
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	6,947	7,429
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | Guaranteed Insurance Contract | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | Guaranteed Insurance Contract | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | Guaranteed Insurance Contract | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	7,429	7,930	6,947
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	7,429	7,930
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	98	103
Relating to assets sold during the period	11	9
Purchases, Sales and Settlements	(591)	(613)
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	6,947	7,429
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | Private Equity Funds and Common or Collective Trust Funds, Real Estate [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	13,655	13,655	15,291
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	13,655
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	15,291	13,655
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | Private Equity Funds | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	0	0
Relating to assets sold during the period	0	0
Purchases, Sales and Settlements	0	0
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | Private Equity Funds | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	5,735	5,735	7,288
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	5,735
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	7,288	5,735
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | Real Estate | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	0	0
Relating to assets sold during the period	0	0
Purchases, Sales and Settlements	0	0
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | Real Estate | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	7,920	7,920	8,003
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	7,920
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	8,003	7,920
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | Other Common or Collective Trust Funds [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	136,601	136,601	122,276
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	136,601
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	122,276	136,601
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | Common/Collective Trust Funds | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	385	385	572
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	385
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	572	385
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | Common/Collective Trust Funds - U.S. | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	61,057	61,057	52,123
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	61,057
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	52,123	61,057
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | Common/Collective Trust Funds - International | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	31,519	31,519	27,444
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	31,519
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	27,444	31,519
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | Common/Collective Trust Funds | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	43,640	43,640	42,137
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	43,640
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	42,137	43,640
South Jersey Gas Company | Other Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	52,663	45,948	49,770
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	52,663	45,948
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	49,770	52,663
South Jersey Gas Company | Other Postretirement Benefits | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	777	777	1,599
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	777
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	1,599	777
South Jersey Gas Company | Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	777	777	1,599
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	777
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	1,599	777
South Jersey Gas Company | Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Other Postretirement Benefits | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	51,886	51,886	48,171
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	51,886
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	48,171	51,886
South Jersey Gas Company | Other Postretirement Benefits | Cash | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	859		859
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	859
South Jersey Gas Company | Other Postretirement Benefits | Cash | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	859		859
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	859
South Jersey Gas Company | Other Postretirement Benefits | Cash | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Other Postretirement Benefits | Cash | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Other Postretirement Benefits | Mutual Funds - REITS | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	777	777	740
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	777
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	740	777
South Jersey Gas Company | Other Postretirement Benefits | Mutual Funds - REITS | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	777	777	740
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	777
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	740	777
South Jersey Gas Company | Other Postretirement Benefits | Mutual Funds - REITS | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Other Postretirement Benefits | Mutual Funds - REITS | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	0	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Other Postretirement Benefits | Company Owned Life Insurance | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	14,362	14,362	13,027
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	14,362
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	13,027	14,362
South Jersey Gas Company | Other Postretirement Benefits | Common/Collective Trust Funds - U.S. | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	13,572	13,572	12,645
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	13,572
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	12,645	13,572
South Jersey Gas Company | Other Postretirement Benefits | Common/Collective Trust Funds - International | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	10,226	10,226	8,735
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	10,226
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	8,735	10,226
South Jersey Gas Company | Other Postretirement Benefits | Corporate Debt Securities | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	13,726	13,726	$ 13,764
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	13,726
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	13,764	13,726
Investments Classified As Level 2 And 3 Should Have Been Excluded | Pension Benefits | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	169,400	169,400
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	169,400
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year		169,400
Investments Classified As Level 2 And 3 Should Have Been Excluded | Pension Benefits | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	17,100	17,100
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	17,100
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year		17,100
Investments Classified As Level 2 And 3 Should Have Been Excluded | Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	57,100	57,100
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	57,100
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year		57,100
Investments Classified As Level 2 And 3 Should Have Been Excluded | South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	136,600	136,600
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	136,600
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year		136,600
Investments Classified As Level 2 And 3 Should Have Been Excluded | South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	13,700	13,700
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	13,700
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year		13,700
Investments Classified As Level 2 And 3 Should Have Been Excluded | South Jersey Gas Company | Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	51,900	51,900
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	$ 51,900
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year		$ 51,900

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIRE_10

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - CONTRIBUTIONS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment [Abstract]
Increase (Decrease) in Obligation, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits		$ 3,200
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions To Defined Pension Plan	$ 10,000	0		$ 0
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment [Abstract]
2,019		21,690
2,020		22,382
2,021		22,517
2,022		23,108
2,023		23,883
2024- 2028		122,192
Employer contributions		2,704	$ 12,369
Other Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment [Abstract]
2,019		5,873
2,020		5,853
2,021		5,811
2,022		5,728
2,023		5,561
2024- 2028		24,069
Employer contributions		2,796	2,806
Expected contribution to plan		3,600
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment [Abstract]
Employer contributions		2,700	2,400	2,300
Expected contribution to plan		3,600
South Jersey Gas Company | Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions To Defined Pension Plan	$ 8,000	0		$ 0
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment [Abstract]
2,019		12,777
2,020		13,265
2,021		13,674
2,022		14,207
2,023		14,788
2024- 2028		79,003
Employer contributions		2,669	10,292
South Jersey Gas Company | Other Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment [Abstract]
2,019		3,879
2,020		3,888
2,021		3,817
2,022		3,739
2,023		3,639
2024- 2028		15,444
Employer contributions		1,979	$ 2,259
ETG Utility Operations And ELK Utility Operations
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment [Abstract]
Liability, Pension and Other Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits, Noncurrent		$ 5,100

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIRE_11

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)$ / employees	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated percent of employees who will be entitled to annuity payments	42.00%
Amount expensed and contributed for matching provision of Savings Plan | $	$ 3.3	$ 2.6	$ 2.3
Employees eligible for defined benefit pension plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Matching percentage of participants' contributions	50.00%
Percentage of base compensation (up to)	6.00%
Employees ineligible for defined benefit pension plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Matching percentage of participants' contributions	50.00%
Percentage of base compensation (up to)	8.00%
Year-end contribution (in dollars per employee) | $ / employees	1,500
Service threshold to determine year-end contribution (up to, more than)	10 years
Year-end contribution (in dollars per employee) | $ / employees	2,000
South Jersey Gas Company
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated percent of employees who will be entitled to annuity payments	38.00%
Amount expensed and contributed for matching provision of Savings Plan | $	$ 1.8	$ 1.6	$ 1.3

LINES OF CREDIT (Details)

LINES OF CREDIT (Details)	Jun. 26, 2018USD ($)Covenant	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total Facility			$ 860,000,000
Usage			277,400,000
Available Liquidity			$ 582,600,000
Weighted average borrowing cost			3.32%	2.46%	1.47%
Average borrowings outstanding			$ 265,500,000	$ 276,700,000
Maximum amounts outstanding			497,000,000	$ 373,800,000
Term facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity		$ 500,000,000
Financial covenant, ratio of indebtedness to consolidated total capitalization (not more than)		0.75
Financial covenant, ratio of indebtedness to total capitalization, syndicate maximum		0.70
SJI Syndicated Revolving Credit Facility | Term facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum aggregate amount of letters of credit	$ 50,000,000
Letters of credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total Facility			6,100,000
South Jersey Gas Company
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total Facility			210,000,000
Usage			108,300,000
Available Liquidity			101,700,000
Letters of credit outstanding			$ 800,000
Weighted average interest rate			2.96%	1.88%	0.97%
Average borrowings outstanding			$ 86,000,000	$ 17,600,000
Maximum amounts outstanding			177,000,000	$ 110,100,000
South Jersey Gas Company | Term facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Financial covenant, ratio of indebtedness to consolidated total capitalization (not more than)		0.65
South Jersey Gas Company | Letters of credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding			6,100,000
SJI
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total Facility			450,000,000
Usage			83,100,000
Available Liquidity			366,900,000
Elizabethtown Gas and Elkton Gas | Swingline Loan | Term facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Aggregate borrowing capacity of line of credit agreement	$ 20,000,000
Elizabethtown Gas and Elkton Gas | SJI Syndicated Revolving Credit Facility | Term facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Number of Financial Covenants | Covenant	1
Total Facility	$ 200,000,000		200,000,000
Usage			86,000,000
Available Liquidity			114,000,000
Term of agreement	2 years
Aggregate borrowing capacity of line of credit agreement	$ 200,000,000
ETG Utility Operations | SJI Syndicated Revolving Credit Facility | Term facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total Facility	250,000,000
Aggregate borrowing capacity of line of credit agreement	175,000,000
Maximum aggregate amount of letters of credit	50,000,000
ELK Utility Operations | SJI Syndicated Revolving Credit Facility | Term facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Aggregate borrowing capacity of line of credit agreement	$ 25,000,000
Term facility | South Jersey Gas Company
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total Facility			10,000,000
Usage
Available Liquidity			10,000,000
SJI Syndicated Revolving Credit Facility | South Jersey Gas Company
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total Facility			200,000,000
Usage			108,300,000
Available Liquidity			91,700,000
SJI Syndicated Revolving Credit Facility | SJI
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total Facility			400,000,000
Usage			33,100,000
Available Liquidity			366,900,000
Revolving Credit Facility | SJI
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total Facility			50,000,000
Usage			50,000,000
Available Liquidity			0
South Jersey Gas commercial paper program | South Jersey Gas Company
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total Facility			$ 200,000,000
Fixed maturities of notes, which may not exceed specified number of days			270 days

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details)

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details)	Jul. 01, 2018	Jun. 26, 2018USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2018USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)Tranche	Oct. 31, 2018USD ($)bank	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2017USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 2,867,764,000		$ 1,204,173,000
Less SJI Consolidated Current Maturities					(733,909,000)		(63,809,000)
Total Long-Term Debt					2,133,855,000		1,140,364,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,019					733,909,000
2,020					377,909,000
2,021					405,409,000
2,022					66,084,000
2,023					40,084,000
Amount of facility					860,000,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs					27,000,000		17,400,000
Term loan
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Private placement		$ 530,000,000			$ 530,000,000
Term of agreement		364 days			364 days
Senior notes | Series Notes at variable rates due 2019
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Interest rate at period end					4.38%
South Jersey Gas Company
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 900,264,000		829,173,000
Less SJI Consolidated Current Maturities					(18,909,000)		(63,809,000)
Total Long-Term Debt					881,355,000		765,364,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,019					18,909,000
2,020					327,909,000
2,021					27,909,000
2,022					31,084,000
2,023					40,084,000
Amount of facility					210,000,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs					6,800,000		7,300,000
South Jersey Gas Company | Term facility
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Amount of facility					10,000,000
South Jersey Gas Company | Unsecured term loan
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Line of credit balance					$ 200,000,000
South Jersey Gas Company | Maximum borrowing capacity | Unsecured term loan
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Number of banks | bank						8
Amount of facility						$ 400,000,000		$ 200,000,000
South Jersey Gas Company | First Mortgage Bonds | Series Due 2023, 4.03 Percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					4.03%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 45,000,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Annual payment					$ 9,000,000
South Jersey Gas Company | First Mortgage Bonds | Series due 2018, 7.97 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			7.97%		7.97%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 0		10,000,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Amount of debt retired					$ 10,000,000
South Jersey Gas Company | First Mortgage Bonds | Series due 2018, 7.125 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			7.125%		7.125%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 0		20,000,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Amount of debt retired			$ 20,000,000
South Jersey Gas Company | First Mortgage Bonds | Series due 2019, 5.587 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					5.587%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 10,000,000		10,000,000
South Jersey Gas Company | First Mortgage Bonds | Series due 2024, 3.00 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					3.00%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 50,000,000		50,000,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Annual payment					$ 10,000,000
South Jersey Gas Company | First Mortgage Bonds | Series due 2024, 3.03 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					3.03%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 35,000,000		35,000,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Annual payment					$ 7,000,000
South Jersey Gas Company | First Mortgage Bonds | Series due 2025, 3.63 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					3.63%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 6,364,000		7,273,000
Less SJI Consolidated Current Maturities					(900,000)
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Payment towards principal					$ 900,000
South Jersey Gas Company | First Mortgage Bonds | Series due 2026, 4.84 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					4.84%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 15,000,000		15,000,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Annual payment					$ 2,500,000
South Jersey Gas Company | First Mortgage Bonds | Series due 2026, 4.93 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					4.93%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 45,000,000		45,000,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Annual payment					$ 7,500,000
South Jersey Gas Company | First Mortgage Bonds | Series due 2027, 4.03 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					4.03%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 45,000,000		45,000,000
South Jersey Gas Company | First Mortgage Bonds | Series due 2030, 4.01 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					4.01%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 42,000,000		50,000,000
South Jersey Gas Company | First Mortgage Bonds | Series due 2030, 4.23 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					4.23%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 30,000,000		30,000,000
South Jersey Gas Company | First Mortgage Bonds | Series due 2032, 3.74 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					3.74%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 35,000,000		35,000,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Annual payment					$ 3,175,000
South Jersey Gas Company | First Mortgage Bonds | Series due 2033, 5.55 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					5.55%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 32,000,000		32,000,000
South Jersey Gas Company | First Mortgage Bonds | Series due 2034, 6.213 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					6.213%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 10,000,000		10,000,000
South Jersey Gas Company | First Mortgage Bonds | Series due 2035, 5.45 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					5.45%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 10,000,000		10,000,000
South Jersey Gas Company | First Mortgage Bonds | Series due 2047, 3.00 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					3.00%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 200,000,000		200,000,000
South Jersey Gas Company | First Mortgage Bonds | Medium-Term Note, 4.01%, Due November 2018 and November 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					8,000,000
South Jersey Gas Company | First Mortgage Bonds | Medium-Term Note, 4.01%, Due November 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					2,000,000
South Jersey Gas Company | First Mortgage Bonds | Medium-Term Note, 4.01%, Due November 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					3,000,000
South Jersey Gas Company | First Mortgage Bonds | Medium-Term Note, 4.01%, Due November 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					8,000,000
South Jersey Gas Company | First Mortgage Bonds | Medium-Term Note, 4.01%, Due November 2028, November 2029 and November 2030
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					7,000,000
South Jersey Gas Company | Unsecured debt | Series A 2006 Bonds at variable rates due 2036
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 24,900,000		24,900,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Interest rate at period end					1.78%
South Jersey Gas Company | Loans payable | Unsecured term loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 310,000,000		0
South Jersey Gas Company | Loans payable | Term facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 0		200,000,000
ETG Utility Operations | First Mortgage Bonds | Series 2018A-1 due 2028, 4.02 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					4.02%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 50,000,000		0
ETG Utility Operations | First Mortgage Bonds | Series 2018A-2 due 2033, 4.22 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					4.22%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 55,000,000		0
ETG Utility Operations | First Mortgage Bonds | Series 2018A-3 due 2038, 4.29 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					4.29%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 150,000,000		0
ETG Utility Operations | First Mortgage Bonds | Series 2018A-4 due 2048, 4.37 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					4.37%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 200,000,000		0
ETG Utility Operations | First Mortgage Bonds | Series 2018A-5 due 2058, 4.52 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					4.52%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 75,000,000		0
ETG Utility Operations | First Mortgage Bonds | Series 2018A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 530,000,000
Long Term Debt, Number of Tranches | Tranche					5
South Jersey Industries Inc.
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Amount of facility					$ 450,000,000
South Jersey Industries Inc. | Unsecured debt | South Jersey Industries Term Loan at variable rates due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 50,000,000		50,000,000
South Jersey Industries Inc. | Unsecured debt | South Jersey Industries Term Loan at variable rates due 2020 | Term facility
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Interest rate at period end					3.67%
South Jersey Industries Inc. | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long Term Debt, Interest Rate Increase	25.00%
South Jersey Industries Inc. | Senior notes | Series due 2019, 3.30 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					3.30%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 60,000,000		60,000,000
South Jersey Industries Inc. | Senior notes | Series due 2019, 3.30 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					3.30%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 30,000,000		30,000,000
South Jersey Industries Inc. | Senior notes | Series due 2019, 3.30 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					3.30%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 50,000,000		50,000,000
South Jersey Industries Inc. | Senior notes | Series C 2012 Notes due 2022, 3.71 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					3.71%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 35,000,000		35,000,000
South Jersey Industries Inc. | Senior notes | Series due 2024, 3.47 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					3.47%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 25,000,000		25,000,000
South Jersey Industries Inc. | Senior notes | Series due 2027, 3.71 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					3.71%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 25,000,000		25,000,000
South Jersey Industries Inc. | Senior notes | Series 2017A-2 due 2025, 3.57 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					3.57%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 25,000,000		0
South Jersey Industries Inc. | Senior notes | Series 2017B-2 due 2028, 3.81 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					3.81%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 25,000,000		0
South Jersey Industries Inc. | Senior notes | Series 2018A due 2021, 3.42 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					3.43%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 90,000,000		0
South Jersey Industries Inc. | Senior notes | Series 2018B due 2028, 4.07 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					4.07%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 80,000,000		0
South Jersey Industries Inc. | Senior notes | Series 2018C due 2030, 4.17 percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					4.17%
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 80,000,000		0
South Jersey Industries Inc. | Senior notes | Series Notes at variable rates due 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					40,000,000		40,000,000
South Jersey Industries Inc. | Senior notes | Series Notes at variable rates due 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					60,000,000		60,000,000
South Jersey Industries Inc. | Senior notes | Convertible Equity Units
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					287,500,000		0
South Jersey Industries Inc. | Senior notes | Series 2018D Notes at variable rates due 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Long-Term Debt Outstanding					$ 475,000,000		$ 0
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Interest rate at period end					3.76%
Capital Units
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Sale of stock, equity units				$ 287,500,000

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES_2

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details)	Jul. 01, 2018USD ($)	May 08, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)sitedecatherm / daycontract	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)sitedecatherm / daycontract	Dec. 31, 2012USD ($)	Dec. 31, 1996USD ($)
Commitment and Contingencies [Line Items]
Maximum purchase amount under contract (in dts/d) | decatherm / day			832,500			832,500
Minimum length of contract term			4 years
Maximum length of contract term			10 years
Interest Charges			$ 90,296,000	$ 54,019,000	$ 31,449,000
Accrual for pending litigation			$ 3,200,000	3,000,000		$ 3,200,000
Percentage of workforce that is unionized			45.00%			45.00%
Guarantor obligations			$ 134,600,000			$ 134,600,000
Letter of credit provided			860,000,000			860,000,000
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Beginning of Year			172,855,000	155,013,000
Accruals			58,706,000	56,405,000		627,100,000
Expenditures			(51,176,000)	(38,563,000)		(373,500,000)
Opening Balance Sheet Adjustment (See Note 20)			73,265,000	0
End of Year			253,650,000	172,855,000	155,013,000	253,650,000
Minimum
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Environmental remediation costs to clean up SJG's sights			104,600,000
Maximum
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Environmental remediation costs to clean up SJG's sights			189,800,000
Letters of credit
Commitment and Contingencies [Line Items]
Letter of credit provided			$ 6,100,000			$ 6,100,000
Environmental restoration costs
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
EMI's assumed responsibility for environment liabilities, minimum								$ 500,000
EMI's assumed responsibility for environment liabilities, maximum								$ 900,000
Environmental restoration costs | Fuel Oil
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Number of sites affected by environmental remediation | site			5			5
Environmental restoration costs | Minimum | Fuel Oil
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Estimates of undiscounted future costs			$ 500,000			$ 500,000
Environmental restoration costs | Maximum | Fuel Oil
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Estimates of undiscounted future costs			900,000			900,000
Parental guarantee
Commitment and Contingencies [Line Items]
Guaranteed Amount			$ 8,600,000			$ 8,600,000
Contract term			2 years
Pricing dispute, long-term gas supply contract
Commitment and Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of long-term gas supply contracts | contract			2			2
South Jersey Resources Group, LLC
Commitment and Contingencies [Line Items]
Amount of monthly fees paid to supplier			$ 5,700,000
South Jersey Resources Group, LLC | Judicial ruling | Pricing dispute, long-term gas supply contract
Commitment and Contingencies [Line Items]
Amount awarded to plaintiff in litigation settlement		$ 57,700,000
Interest Charges			1,000,000
South Jersey Resources Group, LLC | Judicial ruling | Pricing dispute, long-term gas supply contract | Cost of Sales - Nonutility
Commitment and Contingencies [Line Items]
Charges to cost of sales			4,100,000
ETG Utility Operations
Commitment and Contingencies [Line Items]
Amount of monthly fees paid to supplier			4,100,000
South Jersey Gas Company
Commitment and Contingencies [Line Items]
Amount of monthly fees paid to supplier			1,300,000
Interest Charges			28,011,000	24,705,000	17,875,000
Accrual for pending litigation			$ 900,000	700,000		$ 900,000
Percentage of workforce that is unionized			58.00%			58.00%
Letter of credit provided			$ 210,000,000			$ 210,000,000
Letters of credit outstanding			$ 800,000			$ 800,000
Number of sites for environmental cleanup (in number of sites) | site			12			12
Number of sites covered by insurance | site			11			11
Insurance policy limit							$ 50,000,000
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Beginning of Year			$ 171,696,000	153,047,000
Accruals			21,695,000	55,814,000		$ 499,400,000
Expenditures			(45,320,000)	(37,165,000)		(351,400,000)
End of Year			148,071,000	$ 171,696,000	$ 153,047,000	148,071,000
South Jersey Gas Company | Letters of credit
Commitment and Contingencies [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding			6,100,000			6,100,000
South Jersey Gas Company | Variable-rate demand bonds
Commitment and Contingencies [Line Items]
Letter of credit provided			$ 25,100,000			$ 25,100,000
South Jersey Gas Company | Environmental restoration costs | Majority of the environmental remediation
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Number of sites affected by environmental remediation | site			6			6
South Jersey Gas Company | Environmental restoration costs | Minimum
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Estimates of undiscounted future costs			$ 148,100,000			$ 148,100,000
South Jersey Gas Company | Environmental restoration costs | Minimum | Majority of the environmental remediation
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Estimates of undiscounted future costs			140,000,000			140,000,000
South Jersey Gas Company | Environmental restoration costs | Maximum
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Estimates of undiscounted future costs			253,700,000			253,700,000
South Jersey Gas Company | Environmental restoration costs | Maximum | Majority of the environmental remediation
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Estimates of undiscounted future costs			246,300,000			$ 246,300,000
South Jersey Gas Company | Judicial ruling | Pricing dispute, long-term gas supply contract
Commitment and Contingencies [Line Items]
Amount awarded to plaintiff in litigation settlement		$ 22,100,000
ETG Utility Operations
Commitment and Contingencies [Line Items]
Minimal annual fee for AMA contract	$ 4,250,000
Regulatory Asset | South Jersey Resources Group, LLC | Judicial ruling | Pricing dispute, long-term gas supply contract
Commitment and Contingencies [Line Items]
Amount awarded to plaintiff in litigation settlement			57,700,000
Regulatory Asset | South Jersey Gas Company | Judicial ruling | Pricing dispute, long-term gas supply contract
Commitment and Contingencies [Line Items]
Amount awarded to plaintiff in litigation settlement			22,400,000
Accounts Payable | South Jersey Resources Group, LLC | Judicial ruling | Pricing dispute, long-term gas supply contract
Commitment and Contingencies [Line Items]
Amount awarded to plaintiff in litigation settlement			57,700,000
Accounts Payable | South Jersey Gas Company | Judicial ruling | Pricing dispute, long-term gas supply contract
Commitment and Contingencies [Line Items]
Amount awarded to plaintiff in litigation settlement			$ 22,100,000
Environmental restoration costs | ETG Utility Operations
Commitment and Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of sites for environmental cleanup (in number of sites) | site			6			6

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - OUTSTA

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - OUTSTANDING CONTRACTS (Details) $ in Thousands, MWh in Millions, MMBTU in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018MMBTU	Dec. 31, 2018MWh	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on energy-related commodity contracts	$ 34,509			$ (13,667)	$ 26,935
Unrealized gain (loss) on energy-related commodity contracts	1,337			(677)	647
Unrealized losses in AOCL reclassified to interest charges	(2,400)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on energy-related commodity contracts	34,500			(13,700)	$ 26,900
Expected future purchases
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional derivative amount		88.6	1.7
Expected future purchases | South Jersey Gas Company
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional derivative amount		8.6	0
Expected future sales
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional derivative amount		71.6	1.3
Expected future sales | South Jersey Gas Company
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional derivative amount		0.7	0
Basis and index related purchase and sales contracts | South Jersey Gas Company
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional derivative amount | MMBTU		(1.1)
Basis and index related purchase and sales contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional derivative amount | MMBTU		54.9
Energy Related Derivative [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Unrealized gain (loss) on energy-related commodity contracts	4,100			(2,100)
Energy Related Derivative [Member] | South Jersey Gas Company
Derivative [Line Items]
Unrealized gain (loss) on energy-related commodity contracts	$ 3,300			$ (2,100)

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Details

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Details)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
South Jersey Industries Inc. | Interest Rate Swap, 20,000,000 Contract 1
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 20,000,000
Fixed Interest Rate	3.049%
South Jersey Industries Inc. | Interest Rate Swap, 20,000,000 Contract 2
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 20,000,000
Fixed Interest Rate	3.049%
South Jersey Industries Inc. | Interest Rate Swap, 10,000,000
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 10,000,000
Fixed Interest Rate	3.049%
South Jersey Gas Company | Interest Rate Swap, 12,500,000, Contract 1
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 12,500,000
Fixed Interest Rate	3.53%
South Jersey Gas Company | Interest Rate Swap, 12,500,000, Contract 2
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 12,500,000
Fixed Interest Rate	3.43%

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - FAIR V

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - FAIR VALUES OF ALL DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Commodity contract
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	$ 61,190	$ 48,127
Liabilities	0	0
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	61,190	48,127
Liabilities	39,263	63,333
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP | Commodity contract | Derivatives – Energy Related – Current
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	54,021	42,139
Liabilities	24,134	46,938
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP | Commodity contract | Derivatives – Energy Related – Non-Current
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	7,169	5,988
Liabilities	7,256	6,025
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP | Interest rate contract | Derivatives - Other - Current
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Liabilities	588	748
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP | Interest rate contract | Derivatives - Other - Non-Current
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Liabilities	7,285	9,622
South Jersey Gas Company | Commodity contract
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	5,479	7,332
Liabilities	0	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	5,479	7,332
Liabilities	8,056	16,468
South Jersey Gas Company | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP | Commodity contract | Derivatives – Energy Related – Current
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	5,464	7,327
Liabilities	2,146	9,270
South Jersey Gas Company | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP | Commodity contract | Derivatives – Energy Related – Non-Current
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	15	5
Liabilities	43	170
South Jersey Gas Company | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP | Interest rate contract | Derivatives - Other - Current
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Liabilities	343	389
South Jersey Gas Company | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP | Interest rate contract | Derivatives - Other - Non-Current
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Liabilities	$ 5,524	$ 6,639

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - OFFSET

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - OFFSETTING ARRANGEMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Commodity contract
Offsetting Derivative Assets [Abstract]
Assets	$ 61,190	$ 48,127
Net amounts of assets/liabilities in balance sheet	61,190	48,127
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet, Financial Instruments	(21,045)	(24,849)
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet, Cash Collateral Posted	(7,252)	0
Net amount	32,893	23,278
Offsetting Derivative Liabilities [Abstract]
Net amounts of assets/liabilities in balance sheet	(31,390)	(52,963)
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet, Financial Instruments	21,045	24,849
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet, Cash Collateral Posted	0	8,832
Net amount	(10,345)	(19,282)
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(31,390)	(52,963)
Liabilities	0	0
Other Contract
Offsetting Derivative Liabilities [Abstract]
Net amounts of assets/liabilities in balance sheet	(7,873)	(10,370)
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet, Financial Instruments	0	0
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet, Cash Collateral Posted	0	0
Net amount	(7,873)	(10,370)
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(7,873)	(10,370)
Liabilities	0	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Commodity contract
Offsetting Derivative Assets [Abstract]
Assets	5,479	7,332
Net amounts of assets/liabilities in balance sheet	5,479	7,332
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet, Financial Instruments	(347)	(208)
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet, Cash Collateral Posted	688	0
Net amount	5,820	7,124
Offsetting Derivative Liabilities [Abstract]
Net amounts of assets/liabilities in balance sheet	(2,189)	(9,440)
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet, Financial Instruments	347	208
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet, Cash Collateral Posted	0	1,543
Net amount	(1,842)	(7,689)
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(2,189)	(9,440)
Liabilities	0	0
South Jersey Gas Company | Other Contract
Offsetting Derivative Liabilities [Abstract]
Net amounts of assets/liabilities in balance sheet	(5,867)	(7,028)
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet, Financial Instruments	0	0
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet, Cash Collateral Posted	0	0
Net amount	(5,867)	(7,028)
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(5,867)	(7,028)
Liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - EFFECT

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - EFFECTS OF DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Interest Rate Contracts [Abstract]
Gains (losses) on energy-related commodity contracts	$ 34,509	$ (13,667)	$ 26,935
Gains (losses) on interest rate contracts	1,337	(677)	647
Total	35,846	(14,344)	27,582
Fair value derivative instruments with credit-risk-related features	1,000
Additional collateral, aggregate fair value	200
Designated as Hedging Instrument
Interest Rate Contracts [Abstract]
Losses reclassified from AOCL into income	(46)	(2,524)	(333)
South Jersey Gas Company | Designated as Hedging Instrument
Interest Rate Contracts [Abstract]
Losses reclassified from AOCL into income	$ (46)	$ (46)	$ (46)

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSET_3

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)$ / decatherm	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / decatherm
Changes in significant unobservable inputs [Roll forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 3,110	$ 9,035
Other changes in fair value from continuing and new contracts, net	14,418	1,857
Transfers in to/(out of) of Level 3		(954)
Settlements	(1,467)	(6,828)
Balance at end of period	16,061	$ 3,110
Level 3 | Forward Contract | Minimum
Liabilities
Forward price (in USD per dt) | $ / decatherm		1.79
Level 3 | Forward Contract | Maximum
Liabilities
Forward price (in USD per dt) | $ / decatherm		12.09
Level 3 | Forward Contract | Weighted Average
Liabilities
Forward price (in USD per dt) | $ / decatherm		3.01
Measurement at fair value on recurring basis
Assets
Available-for-Sale Securities	41	$ 36
Derivatives - Energy Related Assets	61,190	48,127
Assets	61,231	48,163
Liabilities
Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities	31,390	52,963
Derivatives - Other	7,873	10,370
Liabilities	39,263	63,333
Measurement at fair value on recurring basis | Level 1
Assets
Available-for-Sale Securities	41	36
Derivatives - Energy Related Assets	9,955	5,155
Assets	9,996	5,191
Liabilities
Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities	7,291	10,687
Derivatives - Other	0	0
Liabilities	7,291	10,687
Measurement at fair value on recurring basis | Level 2
Assets
Available-for-Sale Securities	0	0
Derivatives - Energy Related Assets	23,429	21,869
Assets	23,429	21,869
Liabilities
Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities	12,354	24,283
Derivatives - Other	7,873	10,370
Liabilities	20,227	34,653
Measurement at fair value on recurring basis | Level 3
Assets
Available-for-Sale Securities	0	0
Derivatives - Energy Related Assets	27,806	21,103
Assets	27,806	21,103
Liabilities
Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities	11,745	17,993
Derivatives - Other	0	0
Liabilities	11,745	17,993
South Jersey Gas Company
Changes in significant unobservable inputs [Roll forward]
Balance at beginning of period	2,052	926
Other changes in fair value from continuing and new contracts, net	4,928	2,258
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Transfers, Net		(206)
Transfers in to/(out of) of Level 3		(200)
Settlements	(2,052)	(926)
Balance at end of period	$ 4,928	$ 2,052
South Jersey Gas Company | Level 3 | Forward Contract | Minimum
Liabilities
Forward price (in USD per dt) | $ / decatherm	3.13	2.42
South Jersey Gas Company | Level 3 | Forward Contract | Maximum
Liabilities
Forward price (in USD per dt) | $ / decatherm	6	6.67
South Jersey Gas Company | Level 3 | Forward Contract | Weighted Average
Liabilities
Forward price (in USD per dt) | $ / decatherm	4.53	5.25
South Jersey Gas Company | Measurement at fair value on recurring basis
Assets
Derivatives - Energy Related Assets	$ 5,479	$ 7,332
Assets	5,479	7,332
Liabilities
Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities	2,189	9,440
Derivatives - Other	5,867	7,028
Liabilities	8,056	16,468
South Jersey Gas Company | Measurement at fair value on recurring basis | Level 1
Assets
Derivatives - Energy Related Assets	348	208
Assets	348	208
Liabilities
Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities	1,035	1,750
Derivatives - Other	0	0
Liabilities	1,035	1,750
South Jersey Gas Company | Measurement at fair value on recurring basis | Level 2
Assets
Derivatives - Energy Related Assets	126	230
Assets	126	230
Liabilities
Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities	1,077	2,848
Derivatives - Other	5,867	7,028
Liabilities	6,944	9,876
South Jersey Gas Company | Measurement at fair value on recurring basis | Level 3
Assets
Derivatives - Energy Related Assets	5,005	6,894
Assets	5,005	6,894
Liabilities
Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities	77	4,842
Derivatives - Other	0	0
Liabilities	$ 77	4,842
Natural Gas [Member] | Level 3 | Forward Contract | Minimum
Liabilities
Forward price (in USD per dt) | $ / decatherm	1.56
Natural Gas [Member] | Level 3 | Forward Contract | Maximum
Liabilities
Forward price (in USD per dt) | $ / decatherm	9
Natural Gas [Member] | Level 3 | Forward Contract | Weighted Average
Liabilities
Forward price (in USD per dt) | $ / decatherm	3.12
Natural Gas (in MMdts) | Level 3 | Forward Contract
Liabilities
Assets	$ 20,706	13,519
Liabilities	8,976	15,686
Natural Gas (in MMdts) | South Jersey Gas Company | Level 3 | Forward Contract
Liabilities
Assets	5,005	6,894
Liabilities	77	4,842
Electricity (in MMmwh) | Level 3 | Forward Contract
Liabilities
Assets	7,100	7,584
Liabilities	$ 2,769	$ 2,307
Electricity (in MMmwh) | Level 3 | Forward Contract | Minimum | On-peak
Liabilities
Fixed electric load profile	0.00%	36.36%
Electricity (in MMmwh) | Level 3 | Forward Contract | Minimum | Off-peak
Liabilities
Fixed electric load profile	0.00%	0.00%
Electricity (in MMmwh) | Level 3 | Forward Contract | Maximum | On-peak
Liabilities
Fixed electric load profile	100.00%	100.00%
Electricity (in MMmwh) | Level 3 | Forward Contract | Maximum | Off-peak
Liabilities
Fixed electric load profile	100.00%	63.64%
Electricity (in MMmwh) | Level 3 | Forward Contract | Weighted Average | On-peak
Liabilities
Fixed electric load profile	54.55%	53.39%
Electricity (in MMmwh) | Level 3 | Forward Contract | Weighted Average | Off-peak
Liabilities
Fixed electric load profile	45.45%	46.61%

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_3

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (AOCL) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		$ 1,192,409	$ 1,289,240	$ 1,037,539
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		10,636
Amounts reclassified from AOCL		34
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax		10,670	(9,384)	(2,882)
Ending balance		1,267,022	1,192,409	1,289,240
Postretirement Liability Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	[1]	(36,262)	(25,342)	(22,145)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		10,636
Amounts reclassified from AOCL		0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax	[1]	10,636	(10,920)	(3,197)
Ending balance	[1]	(25,626)	(36,262)	(25,342)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives-Other
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(396)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		0
Amounts reclassified from AOCL		34
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax		34
Ending balance		(362)	(396)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available- for-Sale Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(10)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		0
Amounts reclassified from AOCL		0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax		0
Ending balance		(10)	(10)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) of Affiliated Companies
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(97)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		0
Amounts reclassified from AOCL		0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax		0
Ending balance		(97)	(97)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(36,765)	(27,381)	(24,499)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax		10,670	(9,384)	(2,882)
Ending balance		(26,095)	(36,765)	(27,381)
South Jersey Gas Company
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		921,433	839,900	707,927
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		3,606
Amounts reclassified from AOCL		34
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax		3,640	(11,063)	(2,072)
Ending balance		1,008,022	921,433	839,900
South Jersey Gas Company | Postretirement Liability Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	[1]	(25,507)	(14,417)	(12,220)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		3,606
Amounts reclassified from AOCL		0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax	[1]	3,606	(11,090)	(2,197)
Ending balance	[1]	(21,901)	(25,507)	(14,417)
South Jersey Gas Company | Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives-Other
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(490)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		0
Amounts reclassified from AOCL		34
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax		34
Ending balance		(456)	(490)
South Jersey Gas Company | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(25,997)	(14,934)	(12,862)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax		3,640	(11,063)	(2,072)
Ending balance		$ (22,357)	$ (25,997)	$ (14,934)
Postretirement Liability
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Combined average statutory tax rate		25.00%	27.00%	40.00%
Postretirement Liability | South Jersey Gas Company
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Combined average statutory tax rate		25.00%	27.00%	40.00%
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Combined average statutory tax rate		25.00%	39.00%	40.00%
Unrealized Gain (Loss) | South Jersey Gas Company
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Combined average statutory tax rate		25.00%	39.00%	40.00%
[1]	Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of 25% in 2018; 27% for 2017; and 40% for 2016.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_4

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (AOCL) - RECLASSIFICATIONS OUT OF AOCL (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income Taxes	$ 12,767	$ (16,649)	$ (31,972)	$ 36,415	$ (16,498)	$ (24,765)	$ (5,544)	$ 21,870	$ 561	$ (24,937)	$ 54,151
Net Income	(45,927)	45,685	93,819	(111,240)	(4,045)	37,593	7,659	(37,717)	(17,663)	3,490	(118,810)
Amounts Reclassified from AOCL | Unrealized Loss on Derivatives-Other - interest rate contracts designated as cash flow hedges
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income Taxes									(12)
Net Income									34
Amounts Reclassified from AOCL | Interest rate contract | Unrealized Loss on Derivatives-Other - interest rate contracts designated as cash flow hedges
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest Charges									46
South Jersey Gas Company
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income Taxes	6,913	(2,818)	482	21,836	18,046	(3,688)	1,431	29,911	26,413	45,700	39,366
Net Income	$ (23,609)	$ 8,976	$ (1,569)	$ (66,747)	$ (29,584)	$ 5,771	$ (2,266)	$ (46,478)	(82,949)	$ (72,557)	$ (69,045)
South Jersey Gas Company | Amounts Reclassified from AOCL | Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives-Other
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income Taxes									(12)
South Jersey Gas Company | Amounts Reclassified from AOCL | Unrealized Loss on Derivatives-Other - interest rate contracts designated as cash flow hedges
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net Income									34
South Jersey Gas Company | Amounts Reclassified from AOCL | Interest rate contract | Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives-Other
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest Charges									$ 46
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Combined average statutory tax rate									25.00%	39.00%	40.00%
Unrealized Gain (Loss) | South Jersey Gas Company
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Combined average statutory tax rate									25.00%	39.00%	40.00%
Postretirement Liability
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Combined average statutory tax rate									25.00%	27.00%	40.00%
Postretirement Liability | South Jersey Gas Company
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Combined average statutory tax rate									25.00%	27.00%	40.00%

REVENUE - (Details)

REVENUE - (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 1,510,174
SJG Utility Operations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 475,500

REVENUE - Disaggregated Revenue

REVENUE - Disaggregated Revenue (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 1,510,174
Utility	1,510,174
Residential
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	445,171
Commercial & Industrial
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,047,754
OSS & Capacity Release
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	11,536
Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	5,713
Gas
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	1,325,809
Electric
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	116,341
Solar
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	29,137
CHP
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	30,473
Landfills
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	6,457
Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	1,957
Wholesale Energy Operations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	652,833
Utility	652,833
Wholesale Energy Operations | Commercial & Industrial
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	652,833
Wholesale Energy Operations | Gas
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	652,833
Retail Gas and Other Operations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	75,651
Utility	75,651
Retail Gas and Other Operations | Commercial & Industrial
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	75,651
Retail Gas and Other Operations | Gas
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	75,651
Retail Electric Operations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	124,245
Utility	124,245
Retail Electric Operations | Residential
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	29,762
Retail Electric Operations | Commercial & Industrial
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	94,483
Retail Electric Operations | Electric
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	124,245
On-Site Energy Production
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	72,374
Utility	72,374
On-Site Energy Production | Commercial & Industrial
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	72,374
On-Site Energy Production | Solar
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	35,444
On-Site Energy Production | CHP
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	30,473
On-Site Energy Production | Landfills
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	6,457
Appliance Service Operations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,957
Utility	1,957
Appliance Service Operations | Residential
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,957
Appliance Service Operations | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	1,957
Corporate Services and Other Operations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	(24,392)
Utility	(24,392)
Corporate Services and Other Operations | Commercial & Industrial
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	(24,392)
Corporate Services and Other Operations | Gas
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	(10,181)
Corporate Services and Other Operations | Electric
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	(7,904)
Corporate Services and Other Operations | Solar
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	(6,307)
SJG Utility Operations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	475,500
SJG Utility Operations | Utility Operations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	475,497
Utility	475,497
SJG Utility Operations | Utility Operations | Residential
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	329,207
SJG Utility Operations | Utility Operations | Commercial & Industrial
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	132,055
SJG Utility Operations | Utility Operations | OSS & Capacity Release
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	11,536
SJG Utility Operations | Utility Operations | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,699
SJG Utility Operations | Utility Operations | Gas
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	475,497
ETG Utility Operations | Utility Operations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	128,647
Utility	128,647
ETG Utility Operations | Utility Operations | Residential
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	82,763
ETG Utility Operations | Utility Operations | Commercial & Industrial
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	42,935
ETG Utility Operations | Utility Operations | OSS & Capacity Release
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax
ETG Utility Operations | Utility Operations | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,949
ETG Utility Operations | Utility Operations | Gas
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	128,647
ELK Utility Operations | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility
ELK Utility Operations | Utility Operations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	3,362
Utility	3,362
ELK Utility Operations | Utility Operations | Residential
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,482
ELK Utility Operations | Utility Operations | Commercial & Industrial
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,815
ELK Utility Operations | Utility Operations | OSS & Capacity Release
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0
ELK Utility Operations | Utility Operations | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	65
ELK Utility Operations | Utility Operations | Gas
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	$ 3,362

REVENUE - Receivables and Unbil

REVENUE - Receivables and Unbilled Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable	$ 337,502	$ 202,379
Long-Term Receivables	79,538	73,377
Increase (Decrease) In Noncurrent Receivables	6,161
SJG Utility Operations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable	101,572	78,571
Long-Term Receivables	43,271	$ 54,980
Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable	135,123
Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | SJG Utility Operations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable	23,001
Increase (Decrease) In Noncurrent Receivables	$ (11,709)

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (Details)

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (Details) - USD ($)	Jul. 01, 2018	Jun. 26, 2018	Oct. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire businesses	$ 1,740,000,000
Working capital adjustment	40,300,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	1,089,342,000
Accounts Receivable	45,875,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Provision For Accounts Receivable	(6,579,000)
Natural Gas in Storage	12,204,000
Materials and Supplies	345,000
Other Prepayments and Current Assets	200,000
Deferred Income Taxes	21,024,000
Regulatory Assets	136,213,000
Goodwill	731,029,000				$ 734,607,000	$ 3,578,000	$ 4,838,000
Total assets acquired	2,029,653,000
Accounts Payable	13,089,000
Other Current Liabilities	9,185,000
Environmental Remediation Costs - Current	7,100,000
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	3,213,000
Environmental Remediation Costs - Non Current	66,165,000
Regulatory Liabilities	189,509,000
Other	1,107,000
Total liabilities assumed	289,368,000
Total net assets acquired	1,740,285,000
Goodwill deductible for tax purposes	$ 677,600,000
Common Equity Percentage Required, Excluding Goodwill	46.00%
ETG and ELK revenues included in the Company's unaudited consolidated statements of income				$ 128,900,000
ETG and ELK earnings included in the Company's unaudited consolidated statements of income				5,200,000
Payments to customers					15,300,000
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Revenues					1,829,823,000	1,555,124,000
Net (loss) income					$ 74,770,000	$ (9,824,000)
Earnings (loss) per share					$ 0.89	$ (0.11)
Acquisition and regulatory approval costs					$ 34,100,000
Acquisition related expenses				$ 49,400,000		$ 34,100,000
ETG Utility Operations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire businesses	$ 1,730,000,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Credits due to customers under conditions of approval					15,000,000
Elkton Gas
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire businesses	$ 10,900,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Credits due to customers under conditions of approval					300,000
Term loan
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Principal amount issued		$ 530,000,000			$ 530,000,000
Debt instrument term		364 days			364 days
ETG Utility Operations
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment					$ 1,077,000,000
ETG Utility Operations | New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Investment Requested To Be Recovered Through Rider Recovery Mechanism, Amount of IIP			$ 518,000,000

GOODWILL AND IDENTIFIABLE INT_3

GOODWILL AND IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jul. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 734,607,000	$ 3,578,000	$ 731,029,000	$ 4,838,000
Impairment of goodwill	0	1,260,000
Intangible assets	28,100,000	12,500,000
Impairment of intangible assets	0	$ 2,200,000
ETG Utility Operations
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	730,900,000
On-site Energy Production
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	3,600,000
ELK Utility Operations
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 100,000
Minimum
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite lived useful life	2 years
Maximum
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite lived useful life	20 years

GOODWILL AND IDENTIFIABLE INT_4

GOODWILL AND IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS - SUMMARY OF CHANGES IN GOODWILL (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance, January 1	$ 3,578	$ 4,838
Impairment of Goodwill	0	(1,260)
Goodwill from Acquisition	756,247	0
Fair Value Adjustments During Measurement Period	(25,218)	0
Ending Balance, December 31	$ 734,607	$ 3,578

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details)

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 22, 2019	Jan. 31, 2019	Jan. 15, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Long-term debt				$ 2,867,764	$ 1,204,173
Repayments of debt				768,909	293,309	$ 49,366
Bank of America, N.A. | Common Stock | Private Placement | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Shares delivered to settle derivative			6,779,661
Proceeds from derivatives			$ 189,000
Series 2018D Notes at variable rates due 2019 | Senior notes | South Jersey Industries Inc.
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Long-term debt				$ 475,000	$ 0
Series 2018D Notes at variable rates due 2019 | Senior notes | South Jersey Industries Inc. | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Repayments of debt	$ 125,000	$ 150,000

Quarterly Financial Data (Una_3

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Operating Revenues	$ 589,583	$ 302,480	$ 227,330	$ 521,945	$ 345,738	$ 227,127	$ 244,374	$ 425,829	$ 1,641,338	$ 1,243,068	$ 1,036,500
Expenses:
Cost of Sales - (Excluding depreciation and amortization)	393,432	233,112	145,796	283,068	210,585	168,815	179,684	287,143
Operations, Impairment Charges, Net Gains on Sale of Assets, Depreciation and Maintenance Including Fixed Charges (See Note 1)	133,121	131,899	208,384	92,540	152,091	121,439	77,504	84,496
Income Taxes	12,767	(16,649)	(31,972)	36,415	(16,498)	(24,765)	(5,544)	21,870	561	(24,937)	54,151
Energy and Other Taxes	3,260	2,595	1,243	2,439	1,348	1,517	1,551	2,071	9,537	6,487	6,342
Total Expenses	542,580	350,957	323,451	414,462	347,526	267,006	253,195	395,580
Other Income and Expense (See Note 1)	(971)	2,835	2,328	3,823	5,797	2,331	1,209	7,498
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations	46,032	(45,642)	(93,793)	111,306	4,009	(37,548)	(7,612)	37,747	17,903	(3,404)	119,061
Loss from Discontinued Operations - (Net of tax benefit)	(105)	(43)	(26)	(66)	36	(45)	(47)	(30)	(240)	(86)	(251)
Net Income (Loss)	$ 45,927	$ (45,685)	$ (93,819)	$ 111,240	$ 4,045	$ (37,593)	$ (7,659)	$ 37,717	$ 17,663	$ (3,490)	$ 118,810
Basic Earnings Per Common Share:
Continuing Operations (in USD per share)	$ 0.54	$ (0.53)	$ (1.12)	$ 1.40	$ 0.05	$ (0.47)	$ (0.10)	$ 0.47	$ 0.21	$ (0.04)	$ 1.56
Discontinued Operations (in USD per share)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Basic Earnings (Loss) per Common Share (in USD per share)	$ 0.54	$ (0.53)	$ (1.12)	$ 1.40	$ 0.05	$ (0.47)	$ (0.10)	$ 0.47	$ 0.21	$ (0.04)	$ 1.56
Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding - Basic (in shares)	85,506	85,506	84,080	79,595	79,549	79,549	79,549	79,519	83,693	79,541	76,362
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
Continuing Operations (in USD per share)	$ 0.53	$ (0.53)	$ (1.12)	$ 1.40	$ 0.05	$ (0.47)	$ (0.10)	$ 0.47	$ 0.21	$ (0.04)	$ 1.56
Discontinued Operations (in USD per share)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share (in USD per share)	$ 0.53	$ (0.53)	$ (1.12)	$ 1.40	$ 0.05	$ (0.47)	$ (0.10)	$ 0.47	$ 0.21	$ (0.04)	$ 1.56
Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding - Diluted (in shares)	86,389	85,506	84,080	79,724	79,705	79,549	79,549	79,641	84,471	79,541	76,475
South Jersey Gas Company
Operating Revenues	$ 180,369	$ 56,371	$ 76,801	$ 234,459	$ 170,434	$ 66,755	$ 83,251	$ 196,814	$ 548,000	$ 517,254	$ 461,055
Expenses:
Cost of Sales - (Excluding depreciation and amortization)	84,383	16,079	19,379	89,808	68,865	29,499	33,644	72,424	209,649	204,432	174,390
Operations, Impairment Charges, Net Gains on Sale of Assets, Depreciation and Maintenance Including Fixed Charges (See Note 1)	63,386	53,239	55,480	57,323	54,221	46,877	46,077	47,748
Income Taxes	6,913	(2,818)	482	21,836	18,046	(3,688)	1,431	29,911	26,413	45,700	39,366
Energy and Other Taxes	1,505	988	498	1,255	697	865	872	1,295	4,246	3,729	3,620
Total Expenses	156,187	67,488	75,839	170,222	141,829	73,553	82,024	151,378
Other Income and Expense (See Note 1)	(573)	2,141	607	2,510	979	1,027	1,039	1,042
Net Income (Loss)	$ 23,609	$ (8,976)	$ 1,569	$ 66,747	$ 29,584	$ (5,771)	$ 2,266	$ 46,478	$ 82,949	$ 72,557	$ 69,045

Schedule I (Details)

Schedule I (Details) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Operating Revenues		$ 589,583,000	$ 302,480,000	$ 227,330,000	$ 521,945,000	$ 345,738,000	$ 227,127,000	$ 244,374,000	$ 425,829,000	$ 1,641,338,000	$ 1,243,068,000	$ 1,036,500,000
Operating Expenses:
Operations										256,862,000	169,767,000	147,056,000
Depreciation										96,723,000	100,718,000	90,389,000
Energy and Other Taxes		3,260,000	2,595,000	1,243,000	2,439,000	1,348,000	1,517,000	1,551,000	2,071,000	9,537,000	6,487,000	6,342,000
Total Operating Expenses										1,540,593,000	1,234,225,000	842,323,000
Operating Income (See Note 1)										100,745,000	8,843,000	194,177,000
Other Income:
Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Subsidiaries (See Note 1)										5,611,000	5,794,000	5,396,000
Total Other Income										2,404,000	11,041,000	5,088,000
Interest Charges										90,296,000	54,019,000	31,449,000
Income Taxes		12,767,000	(16,649,000)	(31,972,000)	36,415,000	(16,498,000)	(24,765,000)	(5,544,000)	21,870,000	561,000	(24,937,000)	54,151,000
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations		46,032,000	(45,642,000)	(93,793,000)	111,306,000	4,009,000	(37,548,000)	(7,612,000)	37,747,000	17,903,000	(3,404,000)	119,061,000
Equity in Undistributed Earnings of Discontinued Operations										(240,000)	(86,000)	(251,000)
Net Income (Loss)		45,927,000	(45,685,000)	(93,819,000)	111,240,000	4,045,000	(37,593,000)	(7,659,000)	37,717,000	17,663,000	(3,490,000)	118,810,000
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Net Income		45,927,000	(45,685,000)	(93,819,000)	111,240,000	4,045,000	(37,593,000)	(7,659,000)	37,717,000	17,663,000	(3,490,000)	118,810,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax
Postretirement Liability Adjustment	[1]									10,636,000	(10,920,000)	(3,197,000)
Unrealized Gain on Available-for-Sale Securities	[2]									0	0	118,000
Unrealized Gain on Derivatives - Other	[2]									34,000	1,536,000	197,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax										10,670,000	(9,384,000)	(2,882,000)
Comprehensive Income										28,333,000	(12,874,000)	115,928,000
Retained Earnings [Roll Forward]
Retained Earnings - Beginning					420,351,000					420,351,000
Net Income		45,927,000	$ (45,685,000)	$ (93,819,000)	111,240,000	4,045,000	$ (37,593,000)	$ (7,659,000)	37,717,000	17,663,000	(3,490,000)	118,810,000
Dividends Declared - Common Stock										(94,756,000)	(87,308,000)	(82,380,000)
Retained Earnings - Ending		343,258,000				420,351,000				343,258,000	420,351,000
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital Expenditures										(341,120,000)	(272,965,000)	(279,423,000)
Cash Paid for Acquisition										(1,740,285,000)	0	0
Proceeds from Sale of PPE										310,644,000	3,547,000	0
Purchase of Company-Owned Life Insurance										(1,298,000)	(9,180,000)	(2,398,000)
Investment in Affiliate										(9,524,000)	(29,636,000)	(12,943,000)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities										(1,788,785,000)	(287,264,000)	(280,298,000)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from Issuance of Long Term Debt										2,432,500,000	450,000,000	61,000,000
Principal Repayments of Long Term Debt										(768,909,000)	(293,309,000)	(49,366,000)
Payments for Issuance of Long Term Debt										(21,574,000)	(14,204,000)	(147,000)
Net Borrowings from (Repayments of) Short-Term Credit Facilities										(75,900,000)	50,300,000	(135,600,000)
Dividends on Common Stock										(94,756,000)	(87,308,000)	(82,380,000)
Net Settlement of Restricted Stock										(776,000)	(751,000)	(387,000)
Proceeds from Sale of Common Stock										173,750,000	0	214,426,000
Payments for the Issuance of Common Stock										(7,149,000)	0	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities										1,637,186,000	104,728,000	(3,054,000)
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash										(8,016,000)	7,785,000	(20,725,000)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Year					39,695,000				31,910,000	39,695,000	31,910,000	52,635,000
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Year		31,679,000				39,695,000				31,679,000	39,695,000	31,910,000
Property Plant and Equipment:
Nonutility Property, Plant and Equipment, at cost													$ 152,232,000	$ 741,027,000
Accumulated Depreciation													(52,629,000)	(194,913,000)
Property, Plant and Equipment - Net													3,653,473,000	2,700,197,000
Investments:
Available-for-Sale Securities													41,000	36,000
Total Investments													77,812,000	94,204,000
Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents													30,030,000	7,819,000
Accounts Receivable													337,502,000	202,379,000
Other													26,548,000	28,247,000
Total Current Assets													663,192,000	438,993,000
Other Noncurrent Assets													116,119,000	110,906,000
Total Assets													5,956,577,000	3,865,086,000
Equity:
Common Stock													106,883,000	99,436,000	$ 99,347,000
Premium on Common Stock													843,268,000	709,658,000
Treasury Stock (at par)													(292,000)	(271,000)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss													(26,095,000)	(36,765,000)
Retained Earnings		343,258,000			420,351,000	420,351,000				420,351,000	420,351,000		343,258,000	420,351,000
Total Equity													1,267,022,000	1,192,409,000	$ 1,289,240,000	$ 1,037,539,000
Long-Term Debt													2,106,863,000	1,122,999,000
Current Liabilities:
Notes Payable - Banks													270,500,000	346,400,000
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt													733,909,000	63,809,000
Accounts Payable													410,463,000	284,899,000
Other Current Liabilities													36,102,000	15,860,000
Total Current Liabilities													1,580,838,000	883,082,000
Other Noncurrent Liabilities													26,645,000	9,436,000
Total Capitalization and Liabilities													$ 5,956,577,000	$ 3,865,086,000
Common stock, par value (in USD per share)													$ 1.25	$ 1.25
Common stock, authorized (in shares)													120,000,000	120,000,000
Common Stock, outstanding (in shares)													85,506,218	79,549,080	79,478,055		70,965,622
Equity in Earnings From Subsidiaries [Abstract]
Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Subsidiaries										5,611,000	5,794,000	5,396,000
Impact of Tax Adjustments										(588,000)	(13,521,000)	0
Parent Company
Income Statement [Abstract]
Operating Revenues										42,934,000	34,321,000	25,463,000
Operating Expenses:
Operations										67,869,000	43,513,000	22,194,000
Depreciation										600,000	311,000	377,000
Energy and Other Taxes										1,517,000	1,324,000	1,033,000
Total Operating Expenses										69,986,000	45,148,000	23,604,000
Operating Income (See Note 1)										(27,052,000)	(10,827,000)	1,859,000
Other Income:
Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Subsidiaries (See Note 1)										65,327,000	(2,793,000)	119,061,000
Other										17,608,000	15,083,000	10,295,000
Total Other Income										82,935,000	12,290,000	129,356,000
Interest Charges										54,678,000	23,818,000	12,148,000
Income Taxes										(16,698,000)	(18,951,000)	6,000
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations										17,903,000	(3,404,000)	119,061,000
Equity in Undistributed Earnings of Discontinued Operations										(240,000)	(86,000)	(251,000)
Net Income (Loss)										17,663,000	(3,490,000)	118,810,000
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Net Income										17,663,000	(3,490,000)	118,810,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax
Postretirement Liability Adjustment										10,636,000	(10,920,000)	(3,197,000)
Unrealized Gain on Available-for-Sale Securities										0	0	118,000
Unrealized Gain on Derivatives - Other										34,000	1,536,000	197,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax										10,670,000	(9,384,000)	(2,882,000)
Comprehensive Income										28,333,000	(12,874,000)	115,928,000
Retained Earnings [Roll Forward]
Retained Earnings - Beginning					420,351,000				510,597,000	420,351,000	510,597,000	474,167,000
Net Income										17,663,000	(3,490,000)	118,810,000
Retained Earnings After Net Income Before Dividends Declared													$ 438,014,000	$ 507,107,000	$ 592,977,000
Dividends Declared - Common Stock										(94,756,000)	(87,308,000)	(82,380,000)
Excess Tax Benefit on Restricted Stock										0	552,000	0
Retained Earnings - Ending		343,258,000				420,351,000				343,258,000	420,351,000	510,597,000
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES										(6,447,000)	17,339,000	20,507,000
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Net Repayments from (Advances to) Associated Companies										366,342,000	(16,096,000)	32,300,000
Capital Expenditures										(24,155,000)	(801,000)	(345,000)
Cash Paid for Acquisition										(1,740,291,000)	0	0
Proceeds from Sale of PPE										51,000	0	0
Purchase of Company-Owned Life Insurance										(1,298,000)	(9,180,000)	(2,398,000)
Investment in Affiliate										0	(40,000,000)	(65,000,000)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities										(1,399,351,000)	(66,077,000)	(35,443,000)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from Issuance of Long Term Debt										1,592,500,000	50,000,000	0
Principal Repayments of Long Term Debt										0	(16,000,000)	0
Payments for Issuance of Long Term Debt										(15,513,000)	(12,174,000)	(84,000)
Net Borrowings from (Repayments of) Short-Term Credit Facilities										(217,400,000)	102,600,000	(105,500,000)
Dividends on Common Stock										(94,756,000)	(87,308,000)	(82,380,000)
Net Settlement of Restricted Stock										(776,000)	(751,000)	(387,000)
Proceeds from Sale of Common Stock										173,750,000	0	214,426,000
Payments for the Issuance of Common Stock										(7,149,000)	0	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities										1,430,656,000	36,367,000	26,075,000
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash										24,858,000	(12,371,000)	11,139,000
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Year					476,000				12,847,000	476,000	12,847,000	1,708,000
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Year		25,334,000				476,000				25,334,000	476,000	12,847,000
Property Plant and Equipment:
Nonutility Property, Plant and Equipment, at cost													4,188,000	3,318,000
Accumulated Depreciation													(2,488,000)	(2,194,000)
Property, Plant and Equipment - Net													1,700,000	1,124,000
Investments:
Investments in Subsidiaries													2,458,680,000	1,209,308,000
Available-for-Sale Securities													41,000	36,000
Total Investments													2,458,721,000	1,209,344,000
Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents													25,334,000	476,000
Receivable from Associated Companies													270,478,000	636,327,000
Accounts Receivable													38,000	52,000
Other													19,100,000	5,017,000
Total Current Assets													314,950,000	641,872,000
Other Noncurrent Assets													53,838,000	50,735,000
Total Assets													2,829,209,000	1,903,075,000
Equity:
Common Stock													106,883,000	99,436,000
Premium on Common Stock													843,268,000	709,658,000
Treasury Stock (at par)													(292,000)	(271,000)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss													(26,095,000)	(36,765,000)
Retained Earnings		$ 343,258,000			$ 420,351,000	$ 420,351,000			$ 510,597,000	420,351,000	510,597,000	474,167,000	343,258,000	420,351,000	$ 510,597,000	$ 474,167,000
Total Equity													1,267,022,000	1,192,409,000
Long-Term Debt													708,360,000	364,946,000
Current Liabilities:
Notes Payable - Banks													77,000,000	294,400,000
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt													715,000,000	0
Payable to Associated Companies													899,000	404,000
Accounts Payable													6,378,000	17,316,000
Other Current Liabilities													27,895,000	7,763,000
Total Current Liabilities													827,172,000	319,883,000
Other Noncurrent Liabilities													26,655,000	25,837,000
Total Capitalization and Liabilities													$ 2,829,209,000	$ 1,903,075,000
Common stock, par value (in USD per share)													$ 1.25	$ 1.25
Common stock, authorized (in shares)													120,000,000	120,000,000
Common Stock, outstanding (in shares)													85,506,218	79,549,080
Dividends received from subsidiaries										0	20,000,000	0
Equity in Earnings From Subsidiaries [Abstract]
Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Subsidiaries										65,327,000	(2,793,000)	119,061,000
Acquisition Costs, net of tax										(29,727,000)	(12,031,000)	0
Interest Charges, net of tax										(17,697,000)	0	0
Impact of Tax Adjustments										0	11,420,000	0
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations										$ 17,903,000	$ (3,404,000)	$ 119,061,000
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax
Combined average statutory tax rate										25.00%	39.00%	40.00%
Unrealized Gain (Loss) | Parent Company
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax
Combined average statutory tax rate											39.00%	40.00%
Postretirement Liability
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax
Combined average statutory tax rate										25.00%	27.00%	40.00%
Postretirement Liability | Parent Company
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax
Combined average statutory tax rate										25.00%	27.00%	40.00%
[1]	Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of 25% for 2018; 27% for 2017; and 40% for 2016.
[2]	Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of 25% for 2018; 39% for 2017; and 40% for 2016.

Schedule II - Valuation and Q_2

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - Provision for Uncollectible Accounts - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$ 13,988	$ 12,744	$ 10,252
Charged to Costs and Expenses	7,977	6,949	6,907
Acquisition Adjustments	6,579	0	0
Charged to Other Accounts	(466)	(394)	(47)
Deductions	9,236	5,311	4,368
Balance at End of Period	18,842	13,988	12,744
South Jersey Gas Company
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	13,799	12,570	9,778
Charged to Costs and Expenses	7,997	6,949	6,993
Charged to Other Accounts	(466)	(394)	(47)
Deductions	7,687	5,326	4,154
Balance at End of Period	$ 13,643	$ 13,799	$ 12,570