SOUTH JERSEY GAS 10-Q 6 Nov 19 2019 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Cover page

Cover page - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Nov. 01, 2019
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2019
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-6364
Entity Registrant Name	South Jersey Industries, Inc.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	NJ
Entity Tax Identification Number	22-1901645
Entity Address, Address Line One	1 South Jersey Plaza
Entity Address, City or Town	Folsom
Entity Address, State or Province	NJ
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	08037
City Area Code	(609)
Local Phone Number	561-9000
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		92,392,876
Entity Central Index Key	0000091928
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Common Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock - $1.25 par value per share
Trading Symbol	SJI
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
5.625% Junior Subordinated Notes due 2079
Document Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	5.625% Junior Subordinated Notes due 2079
Trading Symbol	SJIJ
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Capital Units
Document Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	Corporate Units
Trading Symbol	SJIU
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
SJG
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity File Number	000-22211
Entity Registrant Name	South Jersey Gas Co
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	NJ
Entity Tax Identification Number	21-0398330
Entity Address, Address Line One	1 South Jersey Plaza
Entity Address, City or Town	Folsom
Entity Address, State or Province	NJ
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	08037
City Area Code	(609)
Local Phone Number	561-9000
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		2,339,139
Entity Central Index Key	0001035216
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Operating Revenues:
Utility	$ 268,843	$ 314,467	$ 1,107,360	$ 960,300
Nonutility	168,826	217,002	551,880	658,906
Total Operating Revenues	261,203	302,480	1,165,435	1,051,755
Operating Expenses:
Operations	54,169	74,413	173,603	179,464
Impairment Charges	1,296	0	1,296	99,233
Maintenance	9,081	8,602	27,984	22,276
Depreciation	24,945	22,350	72,759	71,783
Energy and Other Taxes	2,663	2,595	9,597	6,277
Total Operating Expenses	280,228	341,072	1,040,087	1,041,009
Operating Income	(19,025)	(38,592)	125,348	10,746
Other Income	618	1,406	2,268	5,141
Interest Charges	(28,857)	(26,534)	(85,944)	(60,067)
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	(47,264)	(63,720)	41,672	(44,180)
Income Taxes	10,925	16,649	(9,378)	12,206
Equity in Earnings of Affiliated Companies	1,593	1,429	5,355	3,845
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations	(34,746)	(45,642)	37,649	(28,129)
Loss from Discontinued Operations - (Net of tax benefit)	(59)	(43)	(216)	(135)
Net Income (Loss)	$ (34,805)	$ (45,685)	$ 37,433	$ (28,264)
Basic Earnings Per Common Share:
Basic Earnings Per Common Share, Continuing Operations (in dollars per share)	$ (0.38)	$ (0.53)	$ 0.41	$ (0.34)
Basic Earnings Per Common Share, Discontinued Operations (in dollars per share)	0	0	0	0
Basic Earnings Per Common Share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.38)	$ (0.53)	$ 0.41	$ (0.34)
Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding, Basic (in shares)	92,392	85,506	92,041	83,082
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share, Continuing Operations (in dollars per share)	$ (0.38)	$ (0.53)	$ 0.41	$ (0.34)
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share, Continuing Operations (in dollars per share)	0	0	0	0
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (in dollars per common share)	$ (0.38)	$ (0.53)	$ 0.41	$ (0.34)
Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding, Diluted (in shares)	92,392	85,506	92,158	83,082
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets	$ (2,292)	$ 0	$ (3,246)	$ 0
SJG
Operating Revenues:
Utility	55,200	49,500	335,200	307,500
Total Operating Revenues		56,371	396,505	367,631
Operating Expenses:
Cost of Sales - (Excluding depreciation and amortization)	19,268	16,079	140,802	125,266
Operations	25,855	24,536	80,146	81,174
Maintenance	7,678	6,892	22,827	20,566
Depreciation	16,398	14,703	48,187	43,467
Energy and Other Taxes	1,159	988	4,302	2,741
Total Operating Expenses	70,358	63,198	296,264	273,214
Operating Income	(8,319)	(6,827)	100,241	94,417
Other Income	808	2,141	3,067	5,258
Interest Charges	(7,840)	(7,108)	(23,584)	(20,835)
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	(15,351)	(11,794)	79,724	78,840
Income Taxes	3,747	2,818	(20,620)	(19,500)
Net Income (Loss)	(11,604)	(8,976)	59,104	59,340
Utility
Operating Revenues:
Utility	92,377	85,478	613,555	392,849
Energy Commodities and Service
Operating Expenses:
Cost of Sales - (Excluding depreciation and amortization)	26,452	23,238	231,622	128,536
Nonutility Operations
Operating Expenses:
Cost of Sales - (Excluding depreciation and amortization)	$ 163,914	$ 209,874	$ 526,472	$ 533,440

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Net Income (Loss)		$ (34,805)	$ (45,685)	$ 37,433	$ (28,264)
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax:*
Unrealized Gain on Derivatives - Other	[1]	9		25
Unrealized Gain on Derivatives - Other	[1]		8		25
Other Comprehensive Income - Net of Tax*	[1]	9	8	25	25
Comprehensive Income (Loss)		(34,796)	(45,677)	$ 37,458	$ (28,239)
Combined average statutory tax rate				27.00%	27.00%
SJG
Net Income (Loss)		(11,604)	(8,976)	$ 59,104	$ 59,340
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax:*
Unrealized Gain on Derivatives - Other	[2]	9		25
Unrealized Gain on Derivatives - Other	[2]		8		25
Other Comprehensive Income - Net of Tax*	[2]	9	8	25	25
Comprehensive Income (Loss)		$ (11,595)	$ (8,968)	$ 59,129	$ 59,365
Combined average statutory tax rate				27.00%	27.00%
[1]	Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of approximately 27% in each of 2019 and 2018.
[2]	Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of approximately 27% for both 2019 and 2018.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	$ 121,416	$ 173,396
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital Expenditures	(357,844)	(200,770)
Acquisition-related Working Capital Settlement	15,600	0
Cash Paid for Acquisition, Net of Cash Acquired	(3,952)	(1,740,375)
Cash Paid for Purchase of New Contract	0	(11,389)
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant & Equipment	26,360	51
Investment in Long-Term Receivables	(10,939)	(6,167)
Proceeds from Long-Term Receivables	7,604	7,414
Investment in Affiliates	(4,102)	(9,524)
Advances to Affiliates	(1,902)	0
Net Repayment of Notes Receivable - Affiliates	0	1,360
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(327,481)	(1,960,548)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net Borrowings from Short-Term Credit Facilities	541,800	75,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt	244,657	1,592,500
Principal Repayments of Long-Term Debt	(725,000)	(10,000)
Payments for Issuance of Long-Term Debt	(2,106)	(16,914)
Net Settlement of Restricted Stock	0	(776)
Dividends on Common Stock	(53,124)	(46,233)
Proceeds from Sale of Common Stock	189,032	173,750
Payments for the Issuance of Common Stock	0	(6,554)
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities	195,259	1,760,773
Net Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	(10,806)	(26,379)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period	31,679	39,695
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period	20,873	13,316
Payments for (Proceeds from) Life Insurance Policies	(1,694)	1,148
SJG
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	114,482	86,788
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital Expenditures	(178,666)	(168,654)
Investment in Long-Term Receivables	(10,939)	(6,167)
Proceeds from Long-Term Receivables	7,604	7,414
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(182,001)	(167,407)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net Borrowings from Short-Term Credit Facilities	67,700	88,200
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt	10,000	0
Principal Repayments of Long-Term Debt	(10,000)	(10,000)
Payments from Issuance of Long-Term Debt	(12)	(21)
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities	67,688	78,179
Net Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	169	(2,440)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period	3,262	4,619
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period	$ 3,431	$ 2,179

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Utility Plant, at original cost	$ 4,776,014	$ 4,341,113
Accumulated Depreciation	(842,918)	(787,243)
Nonutility Property and Equipment, at cost	151,826	152,232
Accumulated Depreciation	(56,037)	(52,629)
Property, Plant and Equipment - Net	4,028,885	3,653,473
Investments:
Available-for-Sale Securities	41	41
Restricted	16,271	1,649
Investment in Affiliates	84,162	76,122
Total Investments	100,474	77,812
Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	4,602	30,030
Accounts Receivable	179,108	337,502
Unbilled Revenues	18,714	79,538
Provision for Uncollectibles	(20,954)	(18,842)
Notes Receivable - Affiliate	3,847	1,945
Natural Gas in Storage, average cost	64,404	60,425
Materials and Supplies, average cost	1,798	1,743
Prepaid Taxes	35,887	30,694
Derivatives - Energy Related Assets	46,708	54,021
Assets Held For Sale	27,830	59,588
Other Prepayments and Current Assets	43,152	26,548
Total Current Assets	405,096	663,192
Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets:
Regulatory Assets	719,426	662,969
Derivatives - Energy Related Assets	9,606	7,169
Notes Receivable - Affiliate	13,275	13,275
Contract Receivables	30,747	27,961
Goodwill	705,707	734,607
Other	116,837	116,119
Total Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets	1,595,598	1,562,100
Total Assets	6,130,053	5,956,577
Equity:
Common Stock	115,491	106,883
Premium on Common Stock	1,026,643	843,268
Treasury Stock (at par)	(284)	(292)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	(26,070)	(26,095)
Retained Earnings	301,007	343,258
Total Equity	1,416,787	1,267,022
Long-Term Debt	2,022,780	2,106,863
Total Capitalization	3,439,567	3,373,885
Current Liabilities:
Notes Payable	812,300	270,500
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt	338,909	733,909
Accounts Payable	245,813	410,463
Customer Deposits and Credit Balances	37,975	32,058
Environmental Remediation Costs	50,220	47,592
Taxes Accrued	2,567	5,881
Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities	40,653	24,134
Deferred Contract Revenues	0	1,772
Derivatives - Other Current	1,352	588
Dividends Payable	26,563	0
Interest Accrued	18,242	14,208
Pension Benefits	3,632	3,631
Other Current Liabilities	29,524	36,102
Total Current Liabilities	1,607,750	1,580,838
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities:
Deferred Income Taxes - Net	80,736	85,836
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	112,061	110,112
Environmental Remediation Costs	198,558	206,058
Asset Retirement Obligations	208,430	80,163
Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities	7,812	7,256
Derivatives - Other Noncurrent	13,621	7,285
Regulatory Liabilities	442,164	478,499
Other	19,354	26,645
Total Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities	1,082,736	1,001,854
Commitments and Contingencies  (Note 11)
Total Capitalization and Liabilities	6,130,053	5,956,577
SJG
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Utility Plant, at original cost	3,087,846	2,907,202
Accumulated Depreciation	(556,725)	(523,743)
Property, Plant and Equipment - Net	2,531,121	2,383,459
Investments:
Restricted	2,084	1,278
Total Investments	2,084	1,278
Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	1,347	1,984
Accounts Receivable	65,511	101,572
Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current	1,921	2,442
Unbilled Revenues	7,831	43,271
Provision for Uncollectibles	(14,812)	(13,643)
Natural Gas in Storage, average cost	20,232	16,336
Materials and Supplies, average cost	619	619
Prepaid Taxes	26,590	28,772
Derivatives - Energy Related Assets	13,878	5,464
Other Prepayments and Current Assets	24,550	11,280
Total Current Assets	147,667	198,097
Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets:
Regulatory Assets	521,016	492,365
Accounts and Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	28,668	25,531
Derivatives - Energy Related Assets	15	15
Other	23,705	17,491
Total Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets	573,404	535,402
Total Assets	3,254,276	3,118,236
Equity:
Common Stock	5,848	5,848
Premium on Common Stock	355,744	355,744
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	(22,332)	(22,357)
Retained Earnings	727,890	668,787
Total Equity	1,067,150	1,008,022
Long-Term Debt	554,950	874,507
Total Capitalization	1,622,100	1,882,529
Current Liabilities:
Notes Payable	175,200	107,500
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt	338,909	18,909
Accounts Payable - Commodity	33,587	48,490
Accounts Payable - Other	61,380	52,966
Accounts Payable - Related Parties	9,703	12,563
Customer Deposits and Credit Balances	25,206	23,862
Environmental Remediation Costs	38,079	33,022
Taxes Accrued	1,835	1,891
Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities	7,742	2,146
Derivatives - Other Current	551	343
Interest Accrued	4,770	7,134
Pension Benefits	3,597	3,597
Other Current Liabilities	10,918	9,444
Total Current Liabilities	711,477	321,867
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities:
Deferred Income Taxes - Net	346,930	325,886
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	99,321	96,053
Environmental Remediation Costs	106,464	115,049
Asset Retirement Obligations	82,502	79,890
Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities	244	43
Derivatives - Other Noncurrent	8,445	5,524
Regulatory Liabilities	272,531	286,539
Other	4,262	4,856
Total Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities	920,699	913,840
Total Capitalization and Liabilities	$ 3,254,276	$ 3,118,236

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total		SJG		Common Stock	Common StockSJG	Premium on Common Stock	Premium on Common StockSJG	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Other Comprehensive LossSJG	Retained Earnings	Retained EarningsSJG	Postretirement Liability Adjustment	Postretirement Liability AdjustmentSJG	Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives - Other		Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives - OtherSJG		Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available- for-Sale Securities	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) of Affiliated Companies
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 1,192,409		$ 921,433		$ 99,436	$ 5,848	$ 709,658	$ 355,744	$ (271)	$ (36,765)	$ (25,997)	$ 420,351	$ 585,838	$ (36,262)	$ (25,507)	$ (396)	[1]	$ (490)	[2]	$ (10)	$ (97)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	111,240		66,747									111,240	66,747
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	9		9							9	9			0	0	9	[1]	9	[2]	0	0
Common Stock Issued or Granted Through Equity Offering or Stock Plans	175				80		98		(3)
Cash dividends	(22,336)											(22,336)
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2018	1,281,497		988,189		99,516	5,848	709,756	355,744	(274)	(36,756)	(25,988)	509,255	652,585	(36,262)	(25,507)	(387)	[1]	(481)	[2]	(10)	(97)
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	1,192,409		921,433		99,436	5,848	709,658	355,744	(271)	(36,765)	(25,997)	420,351	585,838	(36,262)	(25,507)	(396)	[1]	(490)	[2]	(10)	(97)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	9		9							9	9			0	0	9	[1]	9	[2]	0	0
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2018	1,281,497		988,189		99,516	5,848	709,756	355,744	(274)	(36,756)	(25,988)	509,255	652,585	(36,262)	(25,507)	(387)	[1]	(481)	[2]	(10)	(97)
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	1,192,409		921,433		99,436	5,848	709,658	355,744	(271)	(36,765)	(25,997)	420,351	585,838	(36,262)	(25,507)	(396)	[1]	(490)	[2]	(10)	(97)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	25	[3]	25	[4]
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2018	1,234,832		980,798		106,883	5,848	843,064	355,744	(287)	(36,740)	(25,972)	321,912	645,178	(36,262)	(25,507)	(371)	[1]	(465)	[2]	(10)	(97)
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	1,192,409		921,433		99,436	5,848	709,658	355,744	(271)	(36,765)	(25,997)	420,351	585,838	(36,262)	(25,507)	(396)	[1]	(490)	[2]	(10)	(97)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	25	[3]	25	[4]
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2018	$ 1,234,832		$ 980,798		106,883	5,848	843,064	355,744	(287)	(36,740)	(25,972)	321,912	645,178	(36,262)	(25,507)	(371)	[1]	(465)	[2]	(10)	(97)
Additional Statement Information [Abstract]
Combined average statutory tax rate	27.00%		27.00%
Beginning Balance at Mar. 31, 2018	$ 1,281,497		$ 988,189		99,516	5,848	709,756	355,744	(274)	(36,756)	(25,988)	509,255	652,585	(36,262)	(25,507)	(387)	[1]	(481)	[2]	(10)	(97)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	(93,819)		1,569									(93,819)	1,569
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	8		8							8	8			0	0	8	[1]	8	[2]	0	0
Common Stock Issued or Granted Through Equity Offering or Stock Plans	139,929				7,366		132,571		(8)
Cash dividends	(23,898)											(23,898)
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2018	1,303,717		989,766		106,882	5,848	842,327	355,744	(282)	(36,748)	(25,980)	391,538	654,154	(36,262)	(25,507)	(379)		(473)		(10)	(97)
Beginning Balance at Mar. 31, 2018	1,281,497		988,189		99,516	5,848	709,756	355,744	(274)	(36,756)	(25,988)	509,255	652,585	(36,262)	(25,507)	(387)	[1]	(481)	[2]	(10)	(97)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	8		8							8	8			0	0	8	[1]	8	[2]	0	0
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2018	1,303,717		989,766		106,882	5,848	842,327	355,744	(282)	(36,748)	(25,980)	391,538	654,154	(36,262)	(25,507)	(379)		(473)		(10)	(97)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	(45,685)		(8,976)									(45,685)	(8,976)
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	8	[3]	8	[4]						8	8			0	0	8		8		0	0
Common Stock Issued or Granted Through Equity Offering or Stock Plans	733				1		737		(5)
Cash dividends	(23,941)											(23,941)
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2018	1,234,832		980,798		106,883	5,848	843,064	355,744	(287)	(36,740)	(25,972)	321,912	645,178	(36,262)	(25,507)	(371)	[1]	(465)	[2]	(10)	(97)
Beginning Balance at Jun. 30, 2018	1,303,717		989,766		106,882	5,848	842,327	355,744	(282)	(36,748)	(25,980)	391,538	654,154	(36,262)	(25,507)	(379)		(473)		(10)	(97)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	8	[3]	8	[4]						8	8			0	0	8		8		0	0
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2018	1,234,832		980,798		106,883	5,848	843,064	355,744	(287)	(36,740)	(25,972)	321,912	645,178	(36,262)	(25,507)	(371)	[1]	(465)	[2]	(10)	(97)
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	1,267,022		1,008,022		106,883	5,848	843,268	355,744	(292)	(26,095)	(22,357)	343,258	668,787	(25,626)	(21,901)	(362)	[1]	(456)	[2]	(10)	(97)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	85,637		68,731									85,637	68,731
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	8		8							8	8			0	0	8	[1]	8	[2]	0	0
Common Stock Issued or Granted Through Equity Offering or Stock Plans	188,449				8,603		179,829		17
Cash dividends	(26,562)											(26,562)
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	1,514,554		1,076,761		115,486	5,848	1,023,097	355,744	(275)	(26,087)	(22,349)	402,333	737,518	(25,626)	(21,901)	(354)	[1]	(448)	[2]	(10)	(97)
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	1,267,022		1,008,022		106,883	5,848	843,268	355,744	(292)	(26,095)	(22,357)	343,258	668,787	(25,626)	(21,901)	(362)	[1]	(456)	[2]	(10)	(97)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	8		8							8	8			0	0	8	[1]	8	[2]	0	0
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	1,514,554		1,076,761		115,486	5,848	1,023,097	355,744	(275)	(26,087)	(22,349)	402,333	737,518	(25,626)	(21,901)	(354)	[1]	(448)	[2]	(10)	(97)
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	1,267,022		1,008,022		106,883	5,848	843,268	355,744	(292)	(26,095)	(22,357)	343,258	668,787	(25,626)	(21,901)	(362)	[1]	(456)	[2]	(10)	(97)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	25	[3]	25	[4]										0	0					0
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2019	1,416,787		1,067,150		115,491	5,848	1,026,643	355,744	(284)	(26,070)	(22,332)	301,007	727,890	(25,626)	(21,901)	(337)	[1]	(431)	[2]	(10)	(97)
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	1,267,022		1,008,022		106,883	5,848	843,268	355,744	(292)	(26,095)	(22,357)	343,258	668,787	(25,626)	(21,901)	(362)	[1]	(456)	[2]	(10)	(97)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	25	[3]	25	[4]										0	0					0
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2019	$ 1,416,787		$ 1,067,150		115,491	5,848	1,026,643	355,744	(284)	(26,070)	(22,332)	301,007	727,890	(25,626)	(21,901)	$ (337)	[1]	(431)	[2]	(10)	(97)
Additional Statement Information [Abstract]
Combined average statutory tax rate	27.00%		27.00%													27.00%
Beginning Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	$ 1,514,554		$ 1,076,761		115,486	5,848	1,023,097	355,744	(275)	(26,087)	(22,349)	402,333	737,518	(25,626)	(21,901)	$ (354)	[1]	(448)	[2]	(10)	(97)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	(13,399)		1,976									(13,399)	1,976
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	8		8							8	8			0	0	8	[1]	8	[2]	0	0
Common Stock Issued or Granted Through Equity Offering or Stock Plans	1,871				2		1,877		(8)
Cash dividends	(26,562)											(26,562)
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2019	1,476,472		1,078,745		115,488	5,848	1,024,974	355,744	(283)	(26,079)	(22,341)	362,372	739,494	(25,626)	(21,901)	(346)		(440)		(10)	(97)
Beginning Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	1,514,554		1,076,761		115,486	5,848	1,023,097	355,744	(275)	(26,087)	(22,349)	402,333	737,518	(25,626)	(21,901)	(354)	[1]	(448)	[2]	(10)	(97)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	8		8							8	8			0	0	8	[1]	8	[2]	0	0
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2019	1,476,472		1,078,745		115,488	5,848	1,024,974	355,744	(283)	(26,079)	(22,341)	362,372	739,494	(25,626)	(21,901)	(346)		(440)		(10)	(97)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	(34,805)		(11,604)									(34,805)	(11,604)
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	9	[3]	9	[4]						9	9			0	0	9		9		0	0
Common Stock Issued or Granted Through Equity Offering or Stock Plans	1,671				3		1,669		(1)
Cash dividends	(26,560)											(26,560)
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2019	1,416,787		1,067,150		115,491	5,848	1,026,643	355,744	(284)	(26,070)	(22,332)	301,007	727,890	(25,626)	(21,901)	(337)	[1]	(431)	[2]	(10)	(97)
Beginning Balance at Jun. 30, 2019	1,476,472		1,078,745		115,488	5,848	1,024,974	355,744	(283)	(26,079)	(22,341)	362,372	739,494	(25,626)	(21,901)	(346)		(440)		(10)	(97)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	9	[3]	9	[4]						9	9			0	0	9		9		0	0
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2019	$ 1,416,787		$ 1,067,150		$ 115,491	$ 5,848	$ 1,026,643	$ 355,744	$ (284)	$ (26,070)	$ (22,332)	$ 301,007	$ 727,890	$ (25,626)	$ (21,901)	$ (337)	[1]	$ (431)	[2]	$ (10)	$ (97)
[1]	(A) Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of approximately 27% for both 2019 and 2018.
[2]	(A) Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of approximately 27% for both 2019 and 2018.
[3]	Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of approximately 27% in each of 2019 and 2018.
[4]	Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of approximately 27% for both 2019 and 2018.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (UNAUDITED) - Parenthetical - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash Dividends Declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.29	$ 0.29	$ 0.29	$ 0.28	$ 0.28	$ 0.28

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTI

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
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. 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 own and operate landfill gas-to-energy production facilities in Atlantic, Burlington, Salem and Sussex Counties located in New Jersey. ▪ 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. See Note 3. ▪ AEP was acquired in August 2019. AEP serves as an aggregator, broker and consultant in the retail energy markets. BASIS OF PRESENTATION - SJI's condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SJI, its direct and indirect 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 also reporting on a consolidated basis the combined operations of ETG and ELK. In addition, SJI is reporting on a consolidated basis the operations of AEP as of the date of its acquisition, August 31, 2019. As permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of SJI and SJG contain certain condensed financial information and exclude certain footnote disclosures normally included in annual audited consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with SJI’s and SJG's Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. In management’s opinion, the condensed consolidated financial statements of SJI and SJG reflect all normal recurring adjustments needed to fairly present their respective financial positions, operating results and cash flows at the dates and for the periods presented. SJI’s and SJG's businesses are subject to seasonal fluctuations and, accordingly, this interim financial information should not be the basis for estimating the full year’s operating results. ACQUISITIONS - 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 $1.72 billion. On August 31, 2019, SJI, through its wholly-owned subsidiary SJEI, completed its acquisition of AEP for $4.0 million in total consideration. See Note 17. 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 across New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts and Vermont (the “Projects”), along with the assets comprising the Projects. The sale of individual Projects is occurring on a rolling basis as the conditions precedent to each closing are satisfied. Also in connection with the Transaction, Marina is leasing 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. During the first nine months of 2019, 7 projects were sold for total consideration of $24.3 million. The Company currently has one other project that is part of the Transaction and has not yet closed, but is expected to close in 2019. The Company also has two projects that are not part of the Transaction but are also expected to be sold in 2019. The value of all unsold solar assets is $27.8 million and is recorded as Assets Held For Sale on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2019, where they will remain until they are transferred to a buyer. The Company also closed in the third quarter of 2019 on the sale of a separate solar project for total consideration of $2.1 million. 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 Operating Income on the condensed consolidated statements of income. Fair values can be determined by a variety of valuation methods, including third-party appraisals, sales prices of similar assets, and present value techniques. An impairment charge of $1.3 million (pre-tax) was recorded within the on-site energy production segment at SJI for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, which was recorded in Impairment Charges on the condensed consolidated statements of income. This impairment charge was related to the expected purchase price of one of the unsold solar sites discussed in "Agreement to Sell Solar Assets" being less than its carrying value. SJI recorded an impairment charge within the on-site energy production segment of $99.2 million (pre-tax) during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 (recorded in the second quarter of 2018), which was recorded in Impairment Charges on the condensed consolidated statements of income. This impairment charge was the result of the transaction described above under "Agreement to Sell Solar Assets" triggering an indicator of impairment as the purchase price was less than the carrying amount for several of the assets being sold (but not all of them) and, as a result, several assets were considered to be impaired. No impairments were identified during the three months ended September 30, 2018. No impairments were identified at SJG for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. 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 properties during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 or 2018. As of both September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, $8.6 million 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 condensed consolidated balance sheets. TREASURY STOCK - SJI uses the par value method of accounting for treasury stock. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, SJI held 227,426 and 233,482 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 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.” 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. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS - 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 or assumed 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 17). GOODWILL - See Note 18. AMA - On July 1, 2018, SJRG purchased from a third party an AMA whereby SJRG manages the pipeline capacity of ETG. Total cash payment was $11.3 million. The AMA expires on March 31, 2022. Under the AMA, SJRG pays ETG an annual fee of $4.25 million, plus additional profit sharing as defined in the AMA. The amounts received by ETG are 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 September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the balance of the intangible asset is $12.8 million and $16.6 million, respectively, and is recorded to Other Current and Noncurrent Assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets of SJI, with the reduction being due to amortization. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the balance in the liability is $11.7 million and $17.0 million and is recorded to Regulatory Liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets of SJI, with the change resulting from profit sharing earned. CURRENT PORTION OF LONG-TERM DEBT - As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, SJI had $338.9 million and $733.9 million, respectively, of long-term debt that is due within one year. The decrease is due to $725.0 million of long-term debt that was paid down in 2019 (see Note 14), partially offset by $320.0 million becoming due in 2020 and classified as current on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, including SJG's term loan of $310.0 million which becomes due in April 2020, along with the issuance of $10.0 million of additional debt at SJG due April 2020 (see Note 14). SJI expects to further reduce its debt over the next twelve months using cash provided from the sale of the remaining solar assets, along with the sale of other assets considered non-core to its business. The remaining long-term debt that is due within one year is expected to be paid by utilizing funds provided from refinancing activity and from the Company's revolving credit facilities. AOCL - SJI and SJG release income tax effects from AOCL on an individual unit of account basis. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS - Other than as described below, no new accounting pronouncement had, or is expected to have, a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements of SJI, or the condensed financial statements of 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 accounted for as operating leases. Topic 842 also resulted 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 (ASU 2018-01) 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 ASUs 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. • In March 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-01, Leases (Topic 842) Codification Improvements . The amendments in this ASU reinstate a Topic 840 explicit exception for lessors that are not manufacturers or dealers for determining fair value of the leased property in Topic 842. This exception specifies that such lessors will use their cost, reflecting any volume or trade discounts that may apply, as the fair value of the underlying asset. However, if significant time lapses between the acquisition of the underlying asset and lease commencement, those lessors will be required to apply the definition of fair value (exit price) in Topic 820. Lastly, the amendments in this ASU added an explicit exception to the Topic 250, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections , paragraph 250-10-50-3 interim disclosure requirements in the Topic 842 transition disclosure requirements. The new guidance in ASU 2016-02, as well as all amendments discussed above, was effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2019. The impact of adopting Topic 842 did not result in an adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2019. As of January 1, 2019, the Company designed the necessary changes to its existing processes and configured all system requirements to adopt the new standard and applied its provisions to all contracts using the optional transition method discussed above, and by applying certain transition practical expedients. The Company elected the “package of practical expedients,” which permits the Company to not reassess under Topic 842 the Company’s prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. The Company also elected the expedient not to evaluate existing or expired land easements under Topic 842 that were not previously accounted for as leases. The Company has elected not to use hindsight when determining the lease term at the effective date. The Company elected the short-term lease recognition exemption for all leases that qualify. For the leases that qualify, including leases effective at adoption, the Company will not recognize right-of-use assets or lease liabilities. The Company has elected the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components for all leases. The Company’s non-lease components are primarily related to property maintenance on real estate leases, which varies based on future outcomes, and thus is recognized in rent expense when incurred. Additionally, the Company elected to apply a portfolio approach when establishing the discount rate for certain of its leases. The Company has leases for the following classes of underlying assets: equipment, real estate (land and building), and fleet vehicles. After adopting Topic 842, SJI and SJG had operating right-of-use assets of approximately $3.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively, as of January 1, 2019, with operating lease liabilities of the same amounts. The Company did not have any finance leases. The Company determines the initial classification and measurement of its right-of-use assets and lease liabilities at the lease commencement date and thereafter if modified. The lease term includes any renewal options that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise. The present value of lease payments is determined by using the interest rate implicit in the lease, if that rate is readily determinable. Otherwise, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate, which is determined by using a portfolio approach based on the rate of interest in its existing collateralized term loan facility adjusted for lease term. Rent expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the reasonably certain lease term based on the total lease payments and is included in Operations Expense in the condensed consolidated statements of income. For all leases, rent payments that are based on a fixed index or rate are included in the measurement of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities using the index or rate at the lease commencement date. Rent payments that vary based on changes in future indexes or rates are expensed in the period incurred. For more information on the Company's leases, see Note 19. 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 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 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 April 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments . The amendments in this ASU provide codification improvements and further clarification on several topics, including ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities , as well as ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10) . Since SJI and SJG have adopted the amendments in ASU 2017-12 (with no impact to the financial statements results of SJI or SJG) as of April 25, 2019 (the issuance date of ASU 2019-04), the effective date for the amendments to Topic 815 contained in ASU 2019-04 is as of the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning after April 25, 2019. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption on any date on or after April 25, 2019. The amendments are effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption in any interim period is permitted. SJI and SJG do not plan to early adopt ASU 2019-04. Management is currently determining the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on the financial statements of SJI and SJG. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments , as amended. The amendments in this update replace the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to develop credit loss estimates. An entity will apply the amendment through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-05, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) . The amendments in this ASU provide optional targeted transition relief for entities adopting the provisions of ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) , which introduced the expected credit losses methodology for the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost basis, replacing the previous incurred loss methodology. The amendments in ASU 2019-05 provide entities that have certain instruments within the scope of Subtopic 326-20, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses - Measured at Amortized Cost , with an option to irrevocably elect the fair value option in Subtopic 825-10, Financial Instruments - Overall , applied on an instrument-by-instrument basis for eligible instruments, upon adoption of Topic 326. The fair value option election does not apply to held-to-maturity debt securities. An entity that elects the fair value option should subsequently apply the guidance in Subtopics 820-10, Fair Value Measurement - Overall , and 825-10. The amendments in ASU 2019-05, along with ASU 2016-13, are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted as of the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. SJI and SJG do not plan to early adopt ASU 2016-03 or ASU 2019-05. Management has formed an implementation team that is currently evaluating the impact that adoption of ASU 2016-13 and ASU 2019-05 will have on the financial statements of SJI and SJG. We are in the process of assessing the impact of the guidance on SJI's and SJG's reserve methodologies and credit policies and procedures for any assets that could be impacted, including (but not limited to) Accounts Receivable, Unbilled Revenues, Notes Receivable, and Contract Receivable balances that are recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. We are continuing with our implementation plan and expect to transition to the new guidance beginning in 2020, including, if necessary, any cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective per the requirements of ASU 2016-13.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [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 nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018. No stock appreciation rights have been issued under the Plan. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, SJI granted 184,791 and 201,858 restricted shares, respectively, to Officers and other key employees under the Plan. Performance-based restricted shares vest over a three-year period and are subject to SJI achieving certain market and earnings-based performance targets, which can cause the actual amount of shares that ultimately vest to range from 0% to 200% of the original shares granted. SJI grants time-based shares of restricted stock, one-third of which vest annually over a three-year period and which are limited to a 100% payout. Vesting of time-based grants is contingent upon SJI achieving an 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 requirement being met in years one, two, and three of the grant. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, Officers and other key employees were granted 88,550 and 67,479 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. 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. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, SJI granted 30,961 and 26,416 restricted shares, respectively, to Directors. Shares issued to Directors vest over twelve months and contain no performance conditions. As a result, 100% of the shares granted generally vest. The following table summarizes the nonvested restricted stock awards outstanding for SJI at September 30, 2019 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 - 2017 - TSR 40,819 $ 32.17 20.8 % 1.47 % 2017 - CEGR, Time 54,135 $ 33.69 N/A N/A 2018 - TSR 50,991 $ 31.05 21.9 % 2.00 % 2018 - CEGR, Time 83,989 $ 31.23 N/A N/A 2019 - TSR 38,934 $ 32.88 23.2 % 2.40 % 2019 - CEGR, Time 139,863 $ 31.38 N/A N/A Directors - 2019 30,961 $ 27.07 N/A N/A Expected volatility is based on the actual volatility of SJI’s share price over the preceding three-year period as of the valuation date. The risk-free interest rate is based on the zero-coupon U.S. Treasury Bond, with a term equal to the three-year term of the Officers’ and other key employees’ restricted shares. As notional dividend equivalents are credited to the holders during the three-year service period, no reduction to the fair value of the award is required. As the Directors’ restricted stock awards contain no performance conditions and dividends are paid or credited to the holder during the requisite service period, the fair value of these awards are equal to the market value of the shares on the date of grant. The following table summarizes the total stock-based compensation cost to SJI for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Officers & Key Employees $ 1,071 $ 549 $ 3,355 $ 2,739 Directors 209 206 613 617 Total Cost 1,280 755 3,968 3,356 Capitalized (119) (101) (153) (303) Net Expense $ 1,161 $ 654 $ 3,815 $ 3,053 As of September 30, 2019, there was $7.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock-based compensation awards granted under the Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years. The following table summarizes information regarding restricted stock award activity for SJI during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, excluding accrued dividend equivalents: Officers and Other Key Employees Directors Weighted Nonvested Shares Outstanding, January 1, 2019 411,809 26,416 $ 29.57 Granted 184,791 30,961 $ 31.03 Cancelled/Forfeited (38,788) — $ 31.58 Vested (149,082) (26,416) $ 26.09 Nonvested Shares Outstanding, September 30, 2019 408,730 30,961 $ 31.50 During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, SJI awarded 125,288 shares to its Officers and other key employees at a market value of $3.7 million, and 67,130 shares at a market value of $2.0 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, SJI also awarded 26,416 and 30,394 shares to its Directors at a market value of $0.8 million and $1.0 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 non-forfeitable or immediately payable in cash. At the discretion of the Officers, Directors and other key employees, the receipt of vested shares can be deferred until future periods. These deferred shares are included in Treasury Stock on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

AFFILIATIONS, DISCONTINUED OPER

AFFILIATIONS, DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
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: 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. On September 10, 2019, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit ruled that PennEast does not have eminent domain authority over NJ state-owned lands. In October 2019, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection denied and closed PennEast’s application for several permits without prejudice, citing the Third Circuit Court decision. On November 5, 2019, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit denied PennEast's petition for rehearing en banc. PennEast management remains committed to pursuing the project and intends to pursue all available options to challenge the court’s decision. SJI, along with the other partners, are intending to contribute to the project. Our investment in PennEast totaled $80.4 million as of September 30, 2019. As a result of the court decision, we evaluated our investment in the PennEast project for an other-than-temporary impairment. Our impairment assessment used a discounted cash flow income approach, including consideration of the severity and duration of any decline in fair value of our investment in the project. Our key inputs involve significant management judgments and estimates, including projections of the project’s cash flows, selection of a discount rate and probability weighting of potential outcomes of legal proceedings. At this time, we believe we do not have an other-than-temporary impairment and have not recorded any impairment charge to reduce the carrying value of our investment. Our evaluation considered that the pending legal proceedings are at very early stages, and the intent is to move forward with all potential legal proceedings and other options available. However, to the extent that the legal proceedings have unfavorable outcomes, or if PennEast concludes that the project is not viable or does not go forward as actions progress, our conclusions with respect to other-than-temporary impairment could change and may require that we recognize an impairment charge of up to our recorded investment in the project, net of any cash and working capital. We will continue to monitor and update this analysis as required. Different assumptions could affect the timing and amount of any charge recorded in a period. 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. Millennium - SJI and a joint venture partner formed Millennium, in which SJI has a 50% equity interest. Millennium reads utility customers’ meters on a monthly basis for a fee. Potato Creek - 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. EnergyMark - SJE has a 33% investment in EnergyMark, an entity that acquires and markets natural gas to retail end users. SJRG had net sales to EnergyMark of $3.4 million and $7.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $22.6 million and $29.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. EnerConnex - SJEI has 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. During the first nine months of 2019 and 2018, SJI made net investments in unconsolidated affiliates of $6.0 million and $8.2 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the outstanding balance of Notes Receivable – Affiliate was $17.1 million and $15.2 million, respectively. As of both September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, $13.6 million of these notes were secured by property, plant and equipment of the affiliates, accrue interest at 7.5% and are to be repaid through 2025. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the remaining $3.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively, 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 September 30, 2019, SJI had a net asset of approximately $84.2 million included in Investment in Affiliates on the condensed consolidated balance sheets related to equity method investees, in addition to Notes Receivable – Affiliate as discussed above. SJI’s maximum exposure to loss from these entities as of September 30, 2019, is limited to its combined investments in these entities and the Notes Receivable-Affiliate in the aggregate amount of $101.3 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 11). Summarized operating results of the discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, were (in thousands, except per share amounts): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Loss before Income Taxes: Sand Mining $ (16) $ 3 $ (60) $ (30) Fuel Oil (59) (57) (212) (139) Income Tax Benefits 16 11 56 34 Loss from Discontinued Operations — Net $ (59) $ (43) $ (216) $ (135) Earnings Per Common Share from Discontinued Operations — Net: Basic and Diluted $ — $ — $ — $ — SJG RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS - There have been no significant changes in the nature of SJG’s related-party transactions since December 31, 2018. See Note 3 to the Financial Statements in Item 8 of SJI's and SJG’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 for a detailed description of the related parties and their associated transactions. A summary of related-party transactions involving SJG, excluding pass-through items, included in SJG's Operating Revenues were as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Operating Revenues/Affiliates: SJRG $ 1,092 $ 691 $ 3,518 $ 4,388 Marina 82 89 290 281 Other 20 23 60 69 Total Operating Revenue/Affiliates $ 1,194 $ 803 $ 3,868 $ 4,738 Related-party transactions involving SJG, excluding pass-through items, included in SJG's Cost of Sales and Operating Expenses were as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Costs of Sales/Affiliates (Excluding depreciation and amortization) SJRG* $ 2,326 $ 1,094 $ 8,908 $ 28,525 Operations Expense/Affiliates: SJI $ 5,087 $ 6,148 $ 15,507 $ 19,899 SJIU 630 — 1,971 — Millennium 794 750 2,118 2,191 Other 340 (112) 6,790 (344) Total Operations Expense/Affiliates $ 6,851 $ 6,786 $ 26,386 $ 21,746 *These costs are included in either SJG's Cost of Sales on the condensed statements of income, or Regulatory Assets on the condensed balance sheets. As discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of SJI’s and SJG's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, revenues and expenses related to the energy trading activities of the wholesale energy operations at SJRG are presented on a net basis in Operating Revenues – Nonutility on the condensed consolidated income statement.

COMMON STOCK

COMMON STOCK	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
COMMON STOCK	COMMON STOCK: The following shares were issued and outstanding for SJI: 2019 Beginning Balance, January 1 85,506,218 New Issuances During the Period: Settlement of Equity Forward Sale Agreement 6,779,661 Stock-Based Compensation Plan 106,997 Ending Balance, September 30 92,392,876 The par value ($1.25 per share) of stock issued was recorded in Common Stock and the net excess over par value of approximately $183.4 million was recorded in Premium on Common Stock. The increase is discussed under "Forward Shares" below. There were 2,339,139 shares of SJG's common stock (par value $2.50 per share) outstanding as of September 30, 2019. SJG did not issue any new shares during the period. SJIU owns all of the outstanding common stock of SJG. FORWARD SHARES - In the second quarter of 2018, 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. On January 15, 2019, SJI settled its equity forward sale agreement by physically delivering the remaining 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. CONVERTIBLE UNITS - In 2018, 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. The net proceeds, after amortization of the underwriting discounts, are recorded as Long-Term Debt on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. 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 116,904 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, incremental shares of 742,313 were not included in the denominator for the diluted EPS calculation because they would have an antidilutive effect on EPS. For the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, incremental shares of 129,979 and 1,245,564, respectively, were not included in the denominator for the diluted EPS calculation because they would have an antidilutive effect on EPS. These additional shares relate to SJI's restricted stock as discussed in Note 2, along with the impact of the Equity Units discussed above, accounted for under the treasury stock method. DIVIDENDS PER SHARE — SJI's dividends per share were $0.29 and $0.28 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $0.87 and $0.84 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Cash dividends were not declared or paid by the Utilities to SJI during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 or 2018.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Financial Instruments, Owned, at Fair Value [Abstract]
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS: RESTRICTED INVESTMENTS — SJI and SJG maintain margin accounts with certain counterparties to support their risk management activities associated with hedging commodities. The balances required to be held in these margin accounts increase as the net value of the outstanding energy-related contracts with the respective counterparties decrease. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, SJI's balances (including SJG) in these accounts totaled $16.3 million and $1.6 million, respectively, held by the counterparties, which is recorded in Restricted Investments on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, SJG's balance held by the counterparties totaled $2.1 million and $1.3 million and was recorded in Restricted Investments on the condensed balance sheets. The carrying amounts of the Restricted Investments for both SJI and SJG approximate their fair values at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, which would be included in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy (see Note 13). The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the condensed consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands): As of September 30, 2019 Balance Sheet Line Item SJI SJG Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 4,602 $ 1,347 Restricted Investments 16,271 2,084 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows $ 20,873 $ 3,431 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 NOTES RECEIVABLE-AFFILIATES - As of September 30, 2019, SJI had approximately $13.6 million included in Notes Receivable - Affiliate on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, due from Energenic, which is secured by its cogeneration assets for energy service projects. This note is subject to a reimbursement agreement that secures reimbursement for SJI, from its joint venture partner, of a proportionate share of any amounts that are not repaid. 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 $4.1 million and $5.3 million as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The current portion of these receivables is reflected in Accounts Receivable and the non-current portion is reflected in Contract Receivables on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The carrying amounts noted above are net of unamortized discounts resulting from imputed interest in the amount of $0.5 million and $0.7 million as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The annualized amortization to interest is not material to SJI’s or SJG's condensed consolidated financial statements. The carrying amounts of these receivables approximate their fair value at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, which would be included in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy (see Note 13). CREDIT RISK - As of September 30, 2019, SJI had approximately $17.3 million, or 30.7%, of the current and noncurrent Derivatives – Energy Related Assets transacted with two 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 September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, except as noted below. • For Long-Term Debt, in estimating the fair value, SJI and SJG use the present value of remaining cash flows at the balance sheet date. SJI and SJG based the estimates on interest rates available at the end of each period for debt with similar terms and maturities (Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy, see Note 13). • The estimated fair values of SJI's long-term debt (which includes SJG and all consolidated subsidiaries), including current maturities, as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, were $2.69 billion and $2.91 billion, respectively. The carrying amounts of SJI's long-term debt, including current maturities, as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, were $2.36 billion and $2.84 billion, respectively. SJI's carrying amounts as of September 30, 2019 are net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $25.7 million and unamortized debt discounts of $5.3 million. SJI's carrying amounts as of December 31, 2018 are net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $27.0 million. • The estimated fair values of SJG's long-term debt, including current maturities, as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, were $934.2 million and $895.1 million, respectively. The carrying amounts of SJG's long-term debt, including current maturities, as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, were $893.9 million and $893.4 million, respectively. The carrying amounts as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $6.4 million and $6.8 million, respectively.

SEGMENTS OF BUSINESS

SEGMENTS OF BUSINESS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
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 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. • 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 and SXLE. • 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. Also included in this segment are the results of AEP. • Intersegment represents intercompany transactions among 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): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Operating Revenues: SJI Utilities: SJG Utility Operations 62,039 $ 56,371 $ 396,505 $ 367,631 ETG Utility Operations 30,619 29,117 215,647 29,117 ELK Utility Operations 892 770 5,210 770 Subtotal SJI Utilities 93,550 86,258 617,362 397,518 Energy Group: Wholesale Energy Operations 135,856 134,867 452,346 392,430 Retail Gas and Other Operations — 18,292 — 81,661 Retail Electric Operations 22,395 51,269 65,617 137,966 Subtotal Energy Group 158,251 204,428 517,963 612,057 Energy Services: On-Site Energy Production 11,980 15,317 38,098 61,208 Appliance Service Operations 514 509 1,529 1,480 Subtotal Energy Services 12,494 15,826 39,627 62,688 Corporate and Services 10,252 9,126 31,438 33,208 Subtotal 274,547 315,638 1,206,390 1,105,471 Intersegment Sales (13,344) (13,158) (40,955) (53,716) Total Operating Revenues $ 261,203 $ 302,480 $ 1,165,435 $ 1,051,755 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Operating (Loss) Income: SJI Utilities: SJG Utility Operations $ (8,319) $ (6,827) $ 100,241 $ 94,417 ETG Utility Operations (5,112) (19,808) 41,088 (19,808) ELK Utility Operations (197) (518) 401 (518) Subtotal SJI Utilities (13,628) (27,153) 141,730 74,091 Energy Group: Wholesale Energy Operations (8,371) (11,992) (13,263) 53,193 Retail Gas and Other Operations — 590 — (3,509) Retail Electric Operations (3) 557 (3,972) 1,443 Subtotal Energy Group (8,374) (10,845) (17,235) 51,127 Energy Services: On-Site Energy Production 2,634 2,966 5,049 (98,023) Appliance Service Operations 468 (322) 1,484 623 Subtotal Energy Services 3,102 2,644 6,533 (97,400) Corporate and Services (125) (3,238) (5,680) (17,072) Total Operating (Loss) Income $ (19,025) $ (38,592) $ 125,348 $ 10,746 Depreciation and Amortization: SJI Utilities: SJG Utility Operations $ 23,564 $ 20,427 $ 69,349 $ 61,016 ETG Utility Operations 7,461 6,403 20,932 6,403 ELK Utility Operations 158 94 383 94 Subtotal SJI Utilities 31,183 26,924 90,664 67,513 Energy Group: Wholesale Energy Operations 22 36 70 88 Retail Gas and Other Operations — 75 — 228 Subtotal Energy Group 22 111 70 316 Energy Services: On-Site Energy Production 1,248 1,210 3,756 21,805 Appliance Service Operations — — — — Subtotal Energy Services 1,248 1,210 3,756 21,805 Corporate and Services 1,094 2,651 4,092 11,816 Total Depreciation and Amortization $ 33,547 $ 30,896 $ 98,582 $ 101,450 Interest Charges: SJI Utilities: SJG Utility Operations $ 7,840 $ 7,108 $ 23,584 $ 20,835 ETG Utility Operations 7,165 4,835 20,106 4,835 ELK Utility Operations 4 3 15 3 Subtotal SJI Utilities 15,009 11,946 43,705 25,673 Energy Group: Retail Gas and Other Operations — 141 — 392 Subtotal Energy Group — 141 — 392 Energy Services: On-Site Energy Production 2,097 4,115 6,520 12,060 Midstream 573 541 1,672 1,446 Corporate and Services 14,433 15,303 44,496 36,141 Subtotal 32,112 32,046 96,393 75,712 Intersegment Borrowings (3,255) (5,512) (10,449) (15,645) Total Interest Charges $ 28,857 $ 26,534 $ 85,944 $ 60,067 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Income Taxes: SJI Utilities: SJG Utility Operations $ (3,747) $ (2,818) $ 20,620 $ 19,500 ETG Utility Operations (2,065) (6,866) 4,028 (6,866) ELK Utility Operations (54) (143) 100 (143) Subtotal SJI Utilities (5,866) (9,827) 24,748 12,491 Energy Group: Wholesale Energy Operations (2,130) (3,036) (3,088) 13,613 Retail Gas and Other Operations — 144 — (916) Retail Electric Operations 4 157 (814) 406 Subtotal Energy Group (2,126) (2,735) (3,902) 13,103 Energy Services: On-Site Energy Production 242 (331) (115) (27,977) Appliance Service Operations 142 171 445 408 Subtotal Energy Services 384 (160) 330 (27,569) Midstream (18) (100) (83) (60) Corporate and Services (3,299) (3,827) (11,715) (10,171) Total Income Taxes $ (10,925) $ (16,649) $ 9,378 $ (12,206) Property Additions: SJI Utilities: SJG Utility Operations $ 73,059 $ 63,342 $ 195,621 $ 178,727 ETG Utility Operations 50,426 18,637 142,388 18,637 ELK Utility Operations 468 129 2,096 129 Subtotal SJI Utilities 123,953 82,108 340,105 197,493 Energy Group: Wholesale Energy Operations 1 — 1 32 Retail Gas and Other Operations — 186 — 495 Subtotal Energy Group 1 186 1 527 Energy Services: On-Site Energy Production — 696 164 2,379 Subtotal Energy Services — 696 164 2,379 Midstream 16 (279) 35 31 Corporate and Services 368 — 954 11,549 Total Property Additions $ 124,338 $ 82,711 $ 341,259 $ 211,979 September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Identifiable Assets: SJI Utilities: SJG Utility Operations $ 3,254,276 $ 3,118,236 ETG Utility Operations 2,335,164 2,148,175 ELK Utility Operations 19,808 16,482 Subtotal SJI Utilities 5,609,248 5,282,893 Energy Group: Wholesale Energy Operations 173,252 266,417 Retail Gas and Other Operations (A) 120 12,736 Retail Electric Operations 29,572 39,345 Subtotal Energy Group 202,944 318,498 Energy Services: On-Site Energy Production 163,716 195,329 Appliance Service Operations — — Subtotal Energy Services 163,716 195,329 Midstream 81,099 72,333 Discontinued Operations 1,778 1,777 Corporate and Services 394,897 387,482 Intersegment Assets (323,629) (301,735) Total Identifiable Assets $ 6,130,053 $ 5,956,577 (A) As of September 30, 2019, the remaining $0.1 million of assets in the retail gas and other operations segment represents outstanding accounts receivable balances.

RATES AND REGULATORY ACTIONS

RATES AND REGULATORY ACTIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
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 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. Also, in 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; that adjustment took effect on February 1, 2019. In May 2019, the BPU issued an Order authorizing SJG to spread the $65.5 million recovery of gas costs over a two-year period, resulting in a reduction in the BGSS rate effective May 15, 2019, and a one-time bill credit of approximately $24.0 million. In June 2019, SJG filed its annual EET rate adjustment petition, requesting a $1.3 million increase in revenues to continue recovering the costs of, and the allowed return on, investments associated with its EEPs. The matter is currently pending BPU approval. In June 2019, SJG filed its first annual Tax Act Rider petition, requesting a rate adjustment to refund approximately $6.8 million related to SJG’s excess deferred income taxes, resulting from the change in the Federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% associated with the Tax Reform. The matter is currently pending BPU approval. In July 2019, SJG filed its annual SBC petition, requesting a net $3.9 million increase, including tax, in SBC-related revenues. The SBC is comprised of three sub-components: the RAC, the CLEP, and the TIC. The matter is currently pending BPU approval. In September 2019, the BPU approved the following SJG requests: • A $27.6 million decrease in BGSS annual revenues and a $7.6 million decrease in CIP annual revenues, both effective October 1, 2019, on a provisional basis, associated with the 2019-2020 BGSS/CIP year, which runs from October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020. • An increase in annual revenues from base rates of $6.7 million to reflect the roll-in of $64.5 million of AIRP II investments made from July 2018 through June 2019, effective October 1, 2019. • An increase in annual revenues from base rates of $2.9 million to reflect the roll-in of $27.4 million of SHARP II investments made from June 2018 through June 2019, effective October 1, 2019. • The Statewide USF annual 2019-2020 budget for all the State’s gas utilities, which included an increase of approximately $1.0 million in SJG’s USF recoveries, effective October 1, 2019. 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. ETG: In April 2019, ETG filed a petition with the BPU requesting a base rate revenue increase of approximately $65.0 million to recognize the infrastructure investments made to maintain the safety and reliability of its natural gas system. The petition reflects approximately $346.0 million in net plant additions not reflected in ETG’s current rates. The matter is currently pending BPU approval. In April 2019, the BPU issued an Order approving a revenue increase of $1.3 million associated with ETG’s annual EEP rate adjustment filing, effective May 1, 2019. In May 2019, the BPU issued an Order approving a revenue increase of $6.9 million associated with ETG’s annual RAC rate adjustment filing, effective June 1, 2019. In June 2019, the BPU issued an Order approving a $300.0 million IIP effective July 1, 2019. The Order authorized the recovery of costs associated with ETG’s investments of approximately $300.0 million between 2019-2024 to replace its cast-iron and bare steel vintage main and related services. The Order provides for annual recovery of ETG's investments through a separate rate mechanism. In July 2019, ETG filed its annual RAC rate adjustment petition, requesting a $6.1 million increase in revenues to continue recovering the costs of remediation. This matter is currently pending BPU approval. In July 2019, ETG filed its annual EEP rate adjustment petition, requesting a $1.0 million increase in revenues to continue recovering the costs of, and the allowed return on, investments associated with its EEPs. This matter is currently pending BPU approval. In July 2019, ETG filed its annual WNC/CEP/OSMC rate adjustment petition, requesting a $1.9 million decrease in revenues to return an over collection in each of these riders. This matter is currently pending BPU approval. In September 2019, the BPU issued an order approving the Statewide USF annual 2019-2020 budget for all the State’s gas utilities, which included an increase of approximately $0.8 million in ETG’s USF recoveries, effective October 1, 2019. There have been no other significant regulatory actions or changes to the Utilities' rate structure since December 31, 2018. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of SJI's and SJG's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

REGULATORY ASSETS AND REGULATOR

REGULATORY ASSETS AND REGULATORY LIABILITIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
REGULATORY ASSETS AND REGULATORY LIABILITIES	REGULATORY ASSETS AND REGULATORY LIABILITIES: There have been no significant changes to the nature of the Utilities' regulatory assets and liabilities since December 31, 2018, which are described in Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of SJI’s and SJG's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. The Utilities' Regulatory Assets as of September 30, 2019 consisted of the following items (in thousands): September 30, 2019 SJG ETG ELK Total SJI Environmental Remediation Costs: Expended - Net $ 149,402 $ 16,809 $ — $ 166,211 Liability for Future Expenditures 144,543 103,332 — 247,875 Deferred ARO Costs 34,941 13,176 143 48,260 Deferred Pension Costs - Unrecognized Prior Service Cost — 38,183 14 38,197 Deferred Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs 79,466 2,607 30 82,103 Deferred Gas Costs - Net 66,265 12,929 924 80,118 SBC Receivable 1,159 — — 1,159 Deferred Interest Rate Contracts 8,996 — — 8,996 Energy Efficiency Tracker 9,322 — — 9,322 Pipeline Supplier Service Charges 548 — — 548 Pipeline Integrity Cost 5,923 — — 5,923 AFUDC - Equity Related Deferrals 10,397 — — 10,397 Other Regulatory Assets 10,054 9,817 446 20,317 Total Regulatory Assets $ 521,016 $ 196,853 $ 1,557 $ 719,426 The Utilities' Regulatory Assets as of December 31, 2018 consisted of the following items (in thousands): December 31, 2018 SJG ETG ELK Total SJI Environmental Remediation Costs: Expended - Net $ 136,227 $ 10,875 $ — $ 147,102 Liability for Future Expenditures 148,071 104,594 — 252,665 Deferred ARO Costs 31,096 — — 31,096 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 Deferred Gas Costs - Net 57,889 — 289 58,178 SBC Receivable 2,173 — — 2,173 Deferred Interest Rate Contracts 5,867 — — 5,867 Energy Efficiency Tracker 2,319 — — 2,319 Pipeline Supplier Service Charges 617 — — 617 Pipeline Integrity Cost 5,140 — — 5,140 AFUDC - Equity Related Deferrals 13,914 — — 13,914 Weather Normalization — 3,210 139 3,349 Other Regulatory Assets 8,931 8,023 211 17,165 Total Regulatory Assets $ 492,365 $ 169,921 $ 683 $ 662,969 Except where noted below, all regulatory assets are or are expected to 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, EET 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 condensed consolidated balance sheets under the captions "Current Liabilities" (SJI and SJG), "Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities" (SJI) and "Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Liabilities" (SJG). The BPU allows SJG to recover the deferred costs over seven year periods after they are incurred. Accrued environmental remediation costs at ETG are recoverable from customers through rate mechanisms approved by the BPU. 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. Derivative contracts used to hedge natural gas purchases are also included in the BGSS, subject to BPU approval. The BGSS regulatory assets of SJI and SJG increased $21.9 million and $8.4 million, respectively, from December 31, 2018 to September 30, 2019, primarily due to gas commodity costs exceeding recoveries from customers and changes in valuations of hedged natural gas positions from prior periods. DEFERRED ARO COSTS - The Utilities record 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. The Deferred ARO Costs regulatory asset increased $17.2 million from December 31, 2018 to September 30, 2019, due to revisions to the settlement timing, retirement costs, and changes to inflation and discount rates used to measure the expected retirement costs combined with the addition of ETG's ARO liability recorded through purchase accounting (see Note 17). Corresponding decreases are made to the ARO liability, thus having no impact on earnings. EET - The EET Regulatory Asset increased $7.0 million from December 31, 2018 to September 30, 2019 due to excess program expenditures incurred net of recoveries. 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 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of SJI’s and SJG's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. The Utilities Regulatory Liabilities as of September 30, 2019 consisted of the following items (in thousands): September 30, 2019 SJG ETG ELK Total SJI Excess Plant Removal Costs $ 17,088 $ 34,761 $ 1,419 $ 53,268 Excess Deferred Taxes 252,499 118,459 1,233 372,191 Deferred Revenues - Net — 13 — 13 CIP Payable 2,944 — — 2,944 Weather Normalization — 1,646 — 1,646 Amounts to be Refunded to Customers — 11,687 — 11,687 Other Regulatory Liabilities — 415 — 415 Total Regulatory Liabilities $ 272,531 $ 166,981 $ 2,652 $ 442,164 The Utilities Regulatory Liabilities as of December 31, 2018 consisted of the following items (in thousands): December 31, 2018 SJG ETG ELK Total SJI Excess Plant Removal Costs $ 20,805 $ 47,909 $ 1,393 $ 70,107 Excess Deferred Taxes 259,863 118,757 1,231 379,851 Deferred Gas Costs - 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 EXCESS DEFERRED TAXES - This liability is recognized as a result of Tax Reform (see Notes 1 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of SJI’s and SJG's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018). The decrease in this liability from December 31, 2018 to September 30, 2019 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. 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. The overall reduction of ETG's weather normalization from a $3.2 million regulatory asset at December 31, 2018 to a $1.6 million regulatory liability at September 30, 2019, was due to timing of collections from customers and colder than normal weather during the first three months of the year. 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 decreased from December 31, 2018 primarily related to removal costs incurred by the Utilities. AMOUNTS TO BE REFUNDED TO CUSTOMERS - See "AMA" section in Note 1.

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMEN

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS: For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, net periodic benefit cost related to the employee and officer pension and other postretirement benefit plans for SJI consisted of the following components (in thousands): Pension Benefits Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Service Cost $ 1,387 $ 1,875 $ 4,187 $ 4,691 Interest Cost 4,307 3,818 12,971 9,642 Expected Return on Plan Assets (5,077) (5,256) (15,213) (12,908) Amortizations: Prior Service Cost 26 26 79 84 Actuarial Loss 2,398 2,878 7,195 8,642 Net Periodic Benefit Cost 3,041 3,341 9,219 10,151 Capitalized Benefit Cost (454) (762) (1,423) (1,799) Deferred Benefit Cost (516) (594) (1,710) (1,719) Total Net Periodic Benefit Expense $ 2,071 $ 1,985 $ 6,086 $ 6,633 Other Postretirement Benefits Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Service Cost $ 129 $ 251 $ 400 $ 692 Interest Cost 729 644 2,163 1,720 Expected Return on Plan Assets (1,147) (1,129) (3,428) (3,012) Amortizations: Prior Service Cost (144) (74) (432) (246) Actuarial Loss 292 223 876 674 Net Periodic Benefit Cost (141) (85) (421) (172) Capitalized Benefit Cost (115) 263 (270) 258 Deferred Benefit Cost 118 — 352 — Total Net Periodic Benefit Expense $ (138) $ 178 $ (339) $ 86 The Pension Benefits Net Periodic Benefit Cost incurred by SJG was approximately $1.9 million and $2.3 million of the totals presented in the table above for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $6.3 million and $6.7 million of the totals presented in the table above for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, the Other Postretirement Benefits Net Periodic Benefit Cost incurred by SJG was $(0.1) million and $(0.5) million, respectively, of the totals presented in the table above, and, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, $(0.3) million and $(0.5) million, respectively, of the totals presented in the table above. Capitalized benefit costs reflected in the table above relate to the Utilities' construction programs. 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 AOCL; however, since the Utilities recover all prudently incurred pension and postretirement benefit costs from their ratepayers, a significant portion of the changes resulting from the recording of additional liabilities under this requirement is reported as regulatory assets. No contributions were made to the pension plans by either SJI or SJG during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 or 2018. SJI and SJG do not expect to make any contributions to the pension plans during the remainder of 2019; however, changes in future investment performance and discount rates may ultimately result in a contribution. Payments related to the unfunded SERP are expected to be approximately $3.3 million in 2019. As part of the Acquisition, SJI acquired ETG's and ELK's existing pension and other post-employment benefit plans. The plans include a qualified defined benefit, trusteed, pension plan covering most eligible employees. The qualified pension plan is funded in accordance with requirements of the ERISA. The Company also provides certain non-qualified defined benefit and defined contribution pension 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, the entities have a postretirement benefit plan, which provides certain medical care and life insurance benefits for eligible retired employees through a postretirement benefit plan. See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of SJI’s and SJG's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 for additional information related to SJI’s and SJG's pension and other postretirement benefits.

LINES OF CREDIT

LINES OF CREDIT	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
LINES OF CREDIT	LINES OF CREDIT: Credit facilities and available liquidity as of September 30, 2019 were as follows (in thousands): Company Total Facility Usage Available Liquidity Expiration Date SJI: SJI Syndicated Revolving Credit Facility $ 500,000 $ 352,400 (A) $ 147,600 August 2022 Revolving Credit Facility 50,000 50,000 — September 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement 100,000 100,000 — September 2020 Total SJI 650,000 502,400 147,600 SJG: Commercial Paper Program/Revolving Credit Facility 200,000 176,000 (B) 24,000 August 2022 Uncommitted Bank Line 10,000 — 10,000 September 2020 Total SJG 210,000 176,000 34,000 ETG/ELK: ETG/ELK Revolving Credit Facility 200,000 145,300 (C) 54,700 June 2021 Total $ 1,060,000 $ 823,700 $ 236,300 (A) Includes letters of credit outstanding in the amount of $9.6 million. (B) Includes letters of credit outstanding in the amount of $0.8 million. (C) Includes letters of credit outstanding in the amount of $1.0 million. In June 2019, SJI entered into an amendment to its Five Year Revolving Credit Agreement ("Credit Agreement"), expiring in August 2022, that increased by $100.0 million the amount SJI can borrow under the Credit Agreement in the form of revolving loans from a total aggregate amount of $400.0 million to $500.0 million. In addition, as part of the total $500.0 million extension of credit, the Credit Agreement provides for swingline loans (in an amount not to exceed an aggregate of $50.0 million) and letters of credit (in an amount not to exceed an aggregate of $200.0 million), each at the applicable interest rates specified in the Credit Agreement. Subject to certain conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement, the Company may increase the revolving credit facility up to a maximum aggregate amount of $100.0 million (for a total facility of up to $600.0 million), although no lender is obligated to increase its commitment. On September 23, 2019, SJI entered into an unsecured $100.0 million term loan credit agreement. The entire amount was borrowed on September 23, 2019. The maturity date of the term loan is September 18, 2020. Any amounts repaid prior to the maturity date cannot be reborrowed. The term loan bears interest at a variable base rate or a variable LIBOR rate, at the Company’s election. SJI (as a guarantor to ELK's obligation under this revolving credit agreement), ETG and ELK (as Borrowers) have a $200.0 million 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 September 30, 2019. In June 2019, this revolving credit agreement was amended to add SJIU as an additional Borrower and to extend the termination date from June 2020 to June 2021. The Utilities' facilities are restricted as to use and availability specifically to the respective Utilities; however, if necessary, the SJI facilities can also be used to support the liquidity needs of the Utilities. 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 and the Utilities were in compliance with these covenants as of September 30, 2019. Borrowings under these credit facilities are at market rates. SJI's weighted average interest rate on these borrowings (inclusive of SJG, ETG, and ELK), which changes daily, was 3.00% and 2.68% at September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. SJG's weighted average interest rate on these borrowings, which changes daily, was 2.39% and 2.42% at September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. SJI's average borrowings outstanding under these credit facilities (inclusive of SJG, ETG, and ELK), not including letters of credit, during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 were $487.8 million and $258.8 million, respectively. The maximum amounts outstanding under these credit facilities, not including letters of credit, during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 were $882.7 million and $516.9 million, respectively. SJG's average borrowings outstanding under its credit facilities during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 were $96.2 million and $67.9 million, respectively. The maximum amounts outstanding under its credit facilities during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 were $175.3 million and $141.1 million, respectively. The SJI, SJG and ETG/ELK principal credit facilities are provided by a syndicate of banks. The NPA for Senior Unsecured Notes issued by SJI contains 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 condensed consolidated balance sheet, as long-term debt) for purposes of the covenant calculation. SJI and SJG were in compliance with this covenant as of September 30, 2019. 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 September 30, 2019. SJG has a commercial paper program under which SJG may issue short-term, unsecured promissory notes to qualified investors up to a maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any time of $200.0 million. The notes have fixed maturities which vary by note, but may not exceed 270 days from the date of issue. Proceeds from the notes are used for general corporate purposes. SJG uses the commercial paper program in tandem with its $200.0 million revolving credit facility and does not expect the principal amount of borrowings outstanding under the commercial paper program and the credit facility at any time to exceed an aggregate of $200.0 million. In June 2019, the revolving credit agreement was amended to add SJIU as an additional Borrower.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENT AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES: GUARANTEES — As of September 30, 2019, SJI had issued $10.6 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. 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 and ETG's cumulative obligation for gas supply-related demand charges and reservation fees paid to suppliers for these services averages approximately $6.9 million and $5.1 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 4 to 10 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). TSA - 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. COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS — Unionized personnel represent approximately 45% and 69% of SJI's and SJG's workforce at September 30, 2019, 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 2020. STANDBY LETTERS OF CREDIT — As of September 30, 2019, SJI provided $9.6 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. ETG provided a $1.0 million letter of credit under its revolving credit facility to support commodity trading activity. 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. EQUITY AND CORPORATE UNITS - The Company has a contract obligating the holder of the units to purchase from the Company, and for the Company to sell to the holder for a price in cash of $50, a certain number of shares of common stock. See Note 4. PENDING LITIGATION — SJI and SJG are subject to claims, actions and other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Neither SJI nor SJG can make any assurance as to the outcome of any of these actions but, based on an analysis of these claims and consultation with outside counsel, we do not believe that any of these claims, other than described below, will have a material impact on the business or financial statements of SJI or SJG. SJI was 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, $22.9 million and $59.3 million, respectively, from the first quarter of 2017 through September 30, 2019. 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 $22.9 million associated with SJG was recorded as both an Accounts Payable and an increase in Regulatory Assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets of both SJI and SJG as of September 30, 2019. The $59.3 million associated with SJRG was also recorded as an Accounts Payable on the condensed consolidated balance sheets of SJI as of September 30, 2019. Charges recorded to Cost of Sales - Nonutility on the condensed consolidated statements of income of SJI were $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, and $1.4 million and $2.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. There were no charges recorded to Cost of Sales - Nonutility on the condensed consolidated statement of income of SJI for the three months ended September 30, 2019. SJI also recorded to Interest Charges on the condensed consolidated statements of income $0.4 million and $1.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, and $0.3 million and $0.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. In April 2018, SJI filed an appeal of this judgment which was heard by the Tenth Circuit on January 22, 2019. On August 6, 2019, the Tenth Circuit issued its decision affirming the lower court’s decision and finding that SJG and SJRG breached the contracts and the plaintiff is entitled to damages. SJI established a reserve to reflect the differences between the invoices and paid amounts, as noted above. 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 sought 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 decision in the first lawsuit is prejudicial to this second lawsuit and SJI is similarly obligated to pay damages related to this breach of contract claim as well. All reserves related to this second lawsuit are recorded as part of the accrued amounts disclosed above. As a result of these judgments, SJRG paid $59.3 million in September 2019 and SJG paid $22.9 million in October 2019 to the plaintiff supplier (see Note 20). These cases are now concluded. 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 has been working with a licensed state remediation professional to remediate the site and is currently evaluating the merits of the State of New Jersey's allegations. At this time, SJG cannot reasonably estimate nor provide an assessment of the claim or any 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 noted above, SJI has accrued approximately $2.8 million and $3.2 million related to all claims in the aggregate as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, of which SJG has accrued approximately $0.6 million and $0.9 million as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. 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 six 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. There have been no significant changes to the status of SJI’s environmental remediation efforts since December 31, 2018, as described in Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of SJI’s and SJG's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
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 September 30, 2019, 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) 112.8 42.1 Expected future sales of natural gas (in MMdts) 116.8 29.6 Expected future purchases of electricity (in MMmWh) 0.8 — Expected future sales of electricity (in MMmWh) 0.7 — Basis and Index related net purchase (sale) contracts (in MMdts) 32.1 0.1 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 condensed consolidated balance sheets of SJI and SJG. For SJE and SJRG contracts, the net unrealized pre-tax gains (losses) for these energy-related commodity contracts are included with realized gains (losses) in Operating Revenues – Nonutility on the condensed consolidated statements of income for SJI. These unrealized pre-tax (losses) gains were $(6.2) million and $(11.2) million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $(18.4) million and $6.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, 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 SJG and ETG energy-related commodity contracts are included with realized gains and losses in Regulatory Assets or Regulatory Liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets of SJI (ETG and SJG) and SJG. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, SJI had $0.6 million and $4.1 million, respectively, and SJG had $5.9 million and $3.3 million, respectively, of unrealized gains included in its BGSS related to energy-related commodity contracts. SJI, including SJG, has also entered into interest rate derivatives to mitigate exposure to increasing interest rates and the impact of those rates on cash flows of variable-rate debt. These interest rate derivatives are measured at fair value and recorded in Derivatives - Other on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Any unrealized gains and losses on these derivatives are being recorded in earnings over the remaining life of the derivative. For SJI and SJG interest rate derivatives, the fair value represents the amount SJI and SJG would have to pay the counterparty to terminate these contracts as of those dates. As of September 30, 2019, 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 in the condensed consolidated statements of income. However, for selected interest rate derivatives at SJG, management believes that, subject to BPU approval, the market value upon termination can be recovered in rates and, therefore, these unrealized losses have been included in Other Regulatory Assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The fair values of all derivative instruments, as reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, are as follows (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities Energy-related commodity contracts: Derivatives - Energy Related - Current $ 46,708 $ 40,653 $ 54,021 $ 24,134 Derivatives - Energy Related - Non-Current 9,606 7,812 7,169 7,256 Interest rate contracts: Derivatives - Other - Current — 1,352 — 588 Derivatives - Other - Noncurrent — 13,621 — 7,285 Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP $ 56,314 $ 63,438 $ 61,190 $ 39,263 Total Derivatives $ 56,314 $ 63,438 $ 61,190 $ 39,263 SJG: Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities Energy-related commodity contracts: Derivatives – Energy Related – Current $ 13,878 $ 7,742 $ 5,464 $ 2,146 Derivatives – Energy Related – Non-Current 15 244 15 43 Interest rate contracts: Derivatives – Other - Current — 551 — 343 Derivatives – Other - Noncurrent — 8,445 — 5,524 Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP $ 13,893 $ 16,982 $ 5,479 $ 8,056 Total Derivatives $ 13,893 $ 16,982 $ 5,479 $ 8,056 SJI and SJG enter into derivative contracts with counterparties, some of which are subject to master netting arrangements, which allow net settlements under certain conditions. These derivatives are presented at gross fair values on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, information related to these offsetting arrangements were as follows (in thousands): As of September 30, 2019 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 $ 56,314 $ — $ 56,314 $ (35,430) (A) $ — $ 20,884 Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities $ (48,465) $ — $ (48,465) $ 35,430 (B) $ 7,814 $ (5,221) Derivatives - Other $ (14,973) $ — $ (14,973) $ — $ — $ (14,973) SJG: Derivatives - Energy Related Assets $ 13,893 $ — $ 13,893 $ (4,929) (A) $ — $ 8,964 Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities $ (7,986) $ — $ (7,986) $ 4,929 (B) $ 995 $ (2,062) Derivatives - Other $ (8,996) $ — $ (8,996) $ — $ — $ (8,996) 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) (A) The balances at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were related to derivative liabilities which can be net settled against derivative assets. (B) The balances at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were related to derivative assets which can be net settled against derivative liabilities. The effect of derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 are as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships under GAAP 2019 2018 2019 2018 SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Interest Rate Contracts: Losses reclassified from AOCL into income (a) $ (12) $ (11) $ (35) $ (35) SJG: Interest Rate Contracts: Losses reclassified from AOCL into income (a) $ (12) $ (11) (35) (35) (a) Included in Interest Charges Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under GAAP 2019 2018 2019 2018 SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): (Losses) Gains on energy-related commodity contracts (a) $ (6,187) $ (11,225) $ (18,390) $ 5,950 (Losses) Gains on interest rate contracts (b) (1,137) 673 (3,972) 2,921 Total $ (7,324) $ (10,552) $ (22,362) $ 8,871 (a) Included in Operating Revenues - Nonutility (b) Included in Interest Charges Certain of SJI’s derivative instruments contain provisions that require immediate payment or demand immediate and ongoing collateralization on derivative instruments in net liability positions in the event of a material adverse change in the credit standing of SJI. The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that are in a liability position on September 30, 2019, is approximately $0.2 million. If the credit-risk-related contingent features underlying these agreements were triggered on September 30, 2019, SJI would have been required to settle the instruments immediately or post collateral to its counterparties of approximately $0.1 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
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 September 30, 2019 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Assets Available-for-Sale Securities (A) $ 41 $ 41 $ — $ — Derivatives – Energy Related Assets (B) 56,314 10,262 20,230 25,822 $ 56,355 $ 10,303 $ 20,230 $ 25,822 SJG: Assets Derivatives – Energy Related Assets (B) $ 13,893 $ 4,929 $ 17 $ 8,947 $ 13,893 $ 4,929 $ 17 $ 8,947 SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Liabilities Derivatives – Energy Related Liabilities (B) $ 48,465 $ 22,365 $ 12,139 $ 13,961 Derivatives – Other (C) 14,973 — 14,973 — $ 63,438 $ 22,365 $ 27,112 $ 13,961 SJG: Liabilities Derivatives – Energy Related Liabilities (B) $ 7,986 $ 5,924 $ 1,356 $ 706 Derivatives – Other (C) 8,996 — 8,996 — $ 16,982 $ 5,924 $ 10,352 $ 706 As of December 31, 2018 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Assets 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 (A) Available-for-Sale Securities include securities that are traded in active markets and securities that are not traded publicly. The securities traded in active markets are valued using the quoted principal market close prices that are provided by the trustees and are categorized in Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. (B) Derivatives – Energy Related Assets and Liabilities are traded in both exchange-based and non-exchange-based markets. Exchange-based contracts are valued using unadjusted quoted market sources in active markets and are categorized in Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. Certain non-exchange-based contracts are valued using indicative price quotations available through brokers or over-the-counter, on-line exchanges and are categorized in Level 2. These price quotations reflect the average of the bid-ask mid-point prices and are obtained from sources that management believes provide the most liquid market. For non-exchange-based derivatives that trade in less liquid markets with limited pricing information, model inputs generally would include both observable and unobservable inputs. In instances where observable data is unavailable, management considers the assumptions that market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability. This includes assumptions about market risks such as liquidity, volatility and contract duration. Such instruments are categorized in Level 3 as the model inputs generally are not observable. Significant Unobservable Inputs - Management uses the discounted cash flow model to value Level 3 physical and financial forward contracts, which calculates mark-to-market valuations based on forward market prices, original transaction prices, volumes, risk-free rate of return and credit spreads. Inputs to the valuation model are reviewed and revised as needed, based on historical information, updated market data, market liquidity and relationships, and changes in third party pricing sources. The validity of the mark-to-market valuations and changes in mark-to-market valuations from period to period are examined and qualified against historical expectations by the risk management function. If any discrepancies are identified during this process, the mark-to-market valuations or the market pricing information is evaluated further and adjusted, if necessary. Level 3 valuation methods for natural gas derivative contracts include utilizing another location in close proximity adjusted for certain pipeline charges to derive a basis value. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of certain natural gas contracts consist of forward prices developed based on industry-standard methodologies. Significant increases (decreases) in these forward prices for purchases of natural gas would result in a directionally similar impact to the fair value measurement and for sales of natural gas would result in a directionally opposite impact to the fair value measurement. Level 3 valuation methods for electric represent the value of the contract marked to the forward wholesale curve, as provided by daily exchange quotes for delivered electricity. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of electric contracts consist of fixed contracted electric load profiles; therefore, no change in unobservable inputs would occur. Unobservable inputs are updated daily using industry-standard techniques. Management reviews and corroborates the price quotations to ensure the prices are observable which includes consideration of actual transaction volumes, market delivery points, bid-ask spreads and contract duration. (C) Derivatives – Other are valued using quoted prices on commonly quoted intervals, which are interpolated for periods different than the quoted intervals, as inputs to a market valuation model. Market inputs can generally be verified and model selection does not involve significant management judgment. The following table provides quantitative information regarding significant unobservable inputs in Level 3 fair value measurements (in thousands, except for ranges): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries) : Type Fair Value at September 30, 2019 Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Input Range Assets Liabilities Forward Contract - Natural Gas $23,490 $12,719 Discounted Cash Flow Forward price (per dt) $1.28 - $8.32 [$2.74] (A) Forward Contract - Electric $2,332 $1,242 Discounted Cash Flow Fixed electric load profile (on-peak) 0.00% - 100.00% [54.83%] (B) Fixed electric load profile (off-peak) 0.00% - 100.00% [45.17%] (B) Type Fair Value at December 31, 2018 Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Input Range 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) SJG: Type Fair Value at September 30, 2019 Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Input Range Assets Liabilities Forward Contract - Natural Gas $ 8,947 $ 706 Discounted Cash Flow Forward price (per dt) $1.18 - $6.24 [$3.94] (A) Type Fair Value at December 31, 2018 Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Input Range Assets Liabilities Forward Contract - Natural Gas $ 5,005 $ 77 Discounted Cash Flow Forward price (per dt) $3.13 - $6.00 [$4.53] (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 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), are as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Balance at beginning of period $ 9,959 $ 16,061 Other Changes in Fair Value from Continuing and New Contracts, Net (A) 6,046 10,331 Settlements (4,144) (14,531) Balance at end of period $ 11,861 $ 11,861 SJG: Balance at beginning of period $ 1,708 $ 4,928 Other Changes in Fair Value from Continuing and New Contracts, Net (A) 6,533 8,241 Settlements — (4,928) Balance at end of period $ 8,241 $ 8,241 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Balance at beginning of period $ 18,361 $ 3,110 Other Changes in Fair Value from Continuing and New Contracts, Net (A) (4,426) 5,778 Settlements (3,631) 1,416 Balance at end of period $ 10,304 $ 10,304 SJG: Balance at beginning of period $ 5,997 $ 2,052 Other Changes in Fair Value from Continuing and New Contracts, Net (A) 619 6,616 Settlements — (2,052) Balance at end of period $ 6,616 $ 6,616 (A) Represents total gains (losses) included in earnings for SJI and SJG for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 that are attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to those assets and liabilities included in Level 3 still held as of September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. These gains (losses) are included in Operating Revenues-Nonutility on the condensed consolidated statements of income.

LONG-TERM DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]
LONG-TERM DEBT	LONG-TERM DEBT: SJI and SJG had the following long-term debt-related activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2019: 2019 Issuances • SJI offered and sold $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Company's 5.625% Junior Subordinated Notes due 2079. The total net cash proceeds, inclusive of a debt discount of $5.3 million, were $194.7 million. • ETG entered into a Bond Purchase Agreement and issued 2.84% First Mortgage Bonds, Series 2019A-1, due September 27, 2029 in the aggregate principal amount of $40.0 million. • SJG issued $10.0 million of debt by drawing on its $400.0 million term loan credit agreement. All loans under this credit agreement are due and payable in April 2020; as such, the issuance amount is recorded in current portion of long-term debt on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. 2019 Pay downs • SJI provided four 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 the $475.0 million aggregate principal amount outstanding. As a result of these notices, the Company has repaid the $475.0 million aggregate principal amount in full. • SJI paid off the $60.0 million principal amount outstanding on its 3.30% Senior Notes, Series 2014A-1, due June 26, 2019, and paid off the $40.0 million principal amount outstanding on its Floating Rate Senior Notes, Series 2014B-1, due June 26, 2019. • SJI paid off the $30.0 million principal amount outstanding on its 3.30% Senior Notes, Series 2014A-2, due August 15, 2019. • SJI paid off the $50.0 million principal amount outstanding on its 3.30% Senior Notes, Series 2014A-3, due September 26, 2019, and paid off the $60.0 million principal amount outstanding on its Floating Rate Senior Notes, Series 2014B-2, due September 26, 2019. • SJG paid off the $10.0 million principal amount outstanding on its 5.587% First Mortgage Bond due August 1, 2019.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	COMMON STOCK: The following shares were issued and outstanding for SJI: 2019 Beginning Balance, January 1 85,506,218 New Issuances During the Period: Settlement of Equity Forward Sale Agreement 6,779,661 Stock-Based Compensation Plan 106,997 Ending Balance, September 30 92,392,876 The par value ($1.25 per share) of stock issued was recorded in Common Stock and the net excess over par value of approximately $183.4 million was recorded in Premium on Common Stock. The increase is discussed under "Forward Shares" below. There were 2,339,139 shares of SJG's common stock (par value $2.50 per share) outstanding as of September 30, 2019. SJG did not issue any new shares during the period. SJIU owns all of the outstanding common stock of SJG. FORWARD SHARES - In the second quarter of 2018, 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. On January 15, 2019, SJI settled its equity forward sale agreement by physically delivering the remaining 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. CONVERTIBLE UNITS - In 2018, 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. The net proceeds, after amortization of the underwriting discounts, are recorded as Long-Term Debt on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. 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 116,904 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, incremental shares of 742,313 were not included in the denominator for the diluted EPS calculation because they would have an antidilutive effect on EPS. For the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, incremental shares of 129,979 and 1,245,564, respectively, were not included in the denominator for the diluted EPS calculation because they would have an antidilutive effect on EPS. These additional shares relate to SJI's restricted stock as discussed in Note 2, along with the impact of the Equity Units discussed above, accounted for under the treasury stock method. DIVIDENDS PER SHARE — SJI's dividends per share were $0.29 and $0.28 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $0.87 and $0.84 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Cash dividends were not declared or paid by the Utilities to SJI during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 or 2018.
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS: The following table summarizes the changes in SJI's AOCL for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 (in thousands): Postretirement Liability Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives-Other Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available-for-Sale Securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) of Affiliated Companies Total Balance at July 1, 2019 (a) $ (25,626) $ (346) $ (10) $ (97) $ (26,079) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — — — — — Amounts reclassified from AOCL (b) — 9 — — 9 Net current period other comprehensive income — 9 — — 9 Balance at September 30, 2019 (a) $ (25,626) $ (337) $ (10) $ (97) $ (26,070) Postretirement Liability Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives-Other Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available-for-Sale Securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) of Affiliated Companies Total Balance at January 1, 2019 (a) $ (25,626) $ (362) $ (10) $ (97) $ (26,095) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — — — — — Amounts reclassified from AOCL (b) — 25 — — 25 Net current period other comprehensive income — 25 — — 25 Balance at September 30, 2019 (a) $ (25,626) $ (337) $ (10) $ (97) $ (26,070) (a) Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of approximately 27%. (b) See table below. The following table provides details about reclassifications out of SJI's AOCL for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 (in thousands): Components of AOCL Amounts Reclassified from AOCL Affected Line Item in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Unrealized Loss on Derivatives-Other - interest rate contracts designated as cash flow hedges $ 12 $ 35 Interest Charges Income Taxes (3) (10) Income Taxes (a) Losses from reclassifications for the period net of tax $ 9 $ 25 (a) Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of approximately 27%. The following table summarizes the changes in SJG's AOCL for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 (in thousands): Postretirement Liability Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives-Other Total Balance at July 1, 2019 (a) $ (21,901) $ (440) $ (22,341) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications — — — Amounts reclassified from AOCL (b) — 9 9 Net current period other comprehensive income — 9 9 Balance at September 30, 2019 (a) $ (21,901) $ (431) $ (22,332) Postretirement Liability Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives-Other Total Balance at January 1, 2019 (a) $ (21,901) $ (456) $ (22,357) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications — — — Amounts reclassified from AOCL (b) — 25 25 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) — 25 25 Balance at September 30, 2019 (a) $ (21,901) $ (431) $ (22,332) (a) Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of approximately 27%. (b) See table below. The reclassifications out of SJG's AOCL during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 are as follows (in thousands): Components of AOCL Amounts Reclassified from AOCL Affected Line Item in the Condensed Statements of Income Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Unrealized Loss in on Derivatives - Other - Interest Rate Contracts designated as cash flow hedges $ 12 $ 35 Interest Charges Income Taxes (3) (10) Income Taxes (a) Losses from reclassifications for the period net of tax $ 9 $ 25 (a) Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of approximately 27%.

REVENUE

REVENUE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
REVENUE	REVENUE: At contract inception, SJI and SJG assess the goods and services promised in all of its contracts with customers, and identify a performance obligation for each promise to transfer to a customer a distinct good or service. SJI revenues from contracts with customers totaled $268.8 million and $314.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $1,107.4 million and $960.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. SJG revenues from contracts with customers totaled $55.2 million and $49.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $335.2 million and $307.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The SJG balance is a part of the SJG utility operating segment, and is before intercompany eliminations with other SJI entities. Revenues on the condensed 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 gas 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 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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 (in thousands): Three Months Ended SJG Utility Operations ETG Utility Operations ELK Utility Operations Wholesale Energy Operations Retail Electric Operations On-Site Energy Production Appliance Service Operations Corporate Services and Intersegment Total Customer Type: Residential $ 31,256 $ 16,092 $ 243 $ — $ 4,205 $ — $ 514 $ — $ 52,310 Commercial & Industrial 21,164 12,799 629 158,244 10,275 11,980 — (3,092) 211,999 OSS & Capacity Release 2,234 — — — — — — — 2,234 Other 544 1,733 23 — — — — — 2,300 $ 55,198 $ 30,624 $ 895 $ 158,244 $ 14,480 $ 11,980 $ 514 $ (3,092) $ 268,843 Product Line: Gas $ 55,198 $ 30,624 $ 895 $ 158,244 $ — $ — $ — $ (1,173) $ 243,788 Electric — — — — 14,480 — — (2,184) 12,296 Solar — — — — — 3,429 — — 3,429 CHP — — — — — 7,218 — — 7,218 Landfills — — — — — 1,333 — — 1,333 Other — — — — — — 514 265 779 $ 55,198 $ 30,624 $ 895 $ 158,244 $ 14,480 $ 11,980 $ 514 $ (3,092) $ 268,843 Nine Months Ended SJG Utility Operations ETG Utility Operations ELK Utility Operations Wholesale Energy Operations Retail Electric Operations On-Site Energy Production Appliance Service Operations Corporate Services and Intersegment Total Customer Type: Residential $ 244,889 $ 143,584 $ 2,204 $ — $ 10,966 $ — $ 1,529 $ — $ 403,172 Commercial & Industrial 82,255 71,013 2,769 469,805 35,697 38,098 — (9,517) 690,120 OSS & Capacity Release 6,248 — — — — — — — 6,248 Other 1,787 5,906 127 — — — — — 7,820 $ 335,179 $ 220,503 $ 5,100 $ 469,805 $ 46,663 $ 38,098 $ 1,529 $ (9,517) $ 1,107,360 Product Line: Gas $ 335,179 $ 220,503 $ 5,100 $ 469,805 $ — $ — $ — $ (3,807) $ 1,026,780 Electric — — — — 46,663 — — (5,975) 40,688 Solar — — — — — 12,443 — — 12,443 CHP — — — — — 21,371 — — 21,371 Landfills — — — — — 4,284 — — 4,284 Other — — — — — — 1,529 265 1,794 $ 335,179 $ 220,503 $ 5,100 $ 469,805 $ 46,663 $ 38,098 $ 1,529 $ (9,517) $ 1,107,360 Disaggregated revenues from contracts with customers, by both customer type and product line, are disclosed below, by operating segment, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 (in thousands): Three Months Ended SJG Utility Operations ETG Utility Operations ELK Utility Operations Wholesale Energy Operations Retail Gas and Other Operations Retail Electric Operations On-Site Energy Production Appliance Service Operations Corporate Services and Intersegment Total Customer Type: Residential $ 26,683 $ 16,193 $ 222 $ — $ — $ 9,691 $ — $ 509 $ — $ 53,298 Commercial & Industrial 19,109 11,946 496 173,363 12,487 27,755 15,317 — (4,032) 256,441 OSS & Capacity Release 3,066 — — — — — — — — 3,066 Other 658 978 26 — — — — — — 1,662 $ 49,516 $ 29,117 $ 744 $ 173,363 $ 12,487 $ 37,446 $ 15,317 $ 509 $ (4,032) $ 314,467 Product Line: Gas $ 49,516 $ 29,117 $ 718 $ 173,363 $ 12,487 $ — $ — $ — $ (1,579) $ 263,622 Electric — — — — — 37,446 — — (2,453) 34,993 Solar — — — — — — 5,392 — — 5,392 CHP — — — — — — 8,151 — — 8,151 Landfills — — — — — — 1,774 — — 1,774 Other — — 26 — — — — 509 — 535 $ 49,516 $ 29,117 $ 744 $ 173,363 $ 12,487 $ 37,446 $ 15,317 $ 509 $ (4,032) $ 314,467 Nine Months Ended SJG Utility Operations ETG Utility Operations ELK Utility Operations Wholesale Energy Operations Retail Gas and Other Operations Retail Electric Operations On-Site Energy Production Appliance Service Operations Corporate Services and Intersegment Total Customer Type: Residential $ 217,927 $ 16,193 $ 222 — — $ 24,178 — $ 1,480 — $ 260,000 Commercial & Industrial 78,478 11,946 496 423,585 60,854 72,135 61,208 — (20,508) 688,194 OSS & Capacity Release 9,242 — — — — — — — — 9,242 Other 1,860 978 26 — — — — — — 2,864 $ 307,507 $ 29,117 $ 744 $ 423,585 $ 60,854 $ 96,313 $ 61,208 $ 1,480 $ (20,508) $ 960,300 Product Line: Gas $ 307,507 $ 29,117 $ 718 $ 423,585 $ 60,854 — — — $ (8,067) $ 813,714 Electric — — — — — 96,313 — — (6,134) 90,179 Solar — — — — — — 33,133 — (6,307) 26,826 CHP — — — — — — 23,165 — — 23,165 Landfills — — — — — — 4,910 — — 4,910 Other — — 26 — — — — 1,480 — 1,506 $ 307,507 $ 29,117 $ 744 $ 423,585 $ 60,854 $ 96,313 $ 61,208 $ 1,480 $ (20,508) $ 960,300 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 1/1/19 $ 337,502 $ 79,538 Ending balance as of 9/30/19 179,108 18,714 Increase (Decrease) $ (158,394) $ (60,824) Beginning balance as of 1/1/18 $ 202,379 $ 73,377 Ending balance as of 9/30/18 220,561 29,313 Increase (Decrease) $ 18,182 $ (44,064) SJG: Beginning balance as of 1/1/19 $ 101,572 $ 43,271 Ending balance as of 9/30/19 65,511 7,831 Increase (Decrease) $ (36,061) $ (35,440) Beginning balance as of 1/1/18 $ 78,571 $ 54,980 Ending balance as of 9/30/18 72,010 7,995 Increase (Decrease) $ (6,561) $ (46,985) (1) Included in Accounts Receivable in the condensed 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. (2) Included in Unbilled Revenues in the condensed 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 nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 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 COMBINATION

BUSINESS COMBINATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
BUSINESS COMBINATION	BUSINESS COMBINATIONS: ETG and ELK Acquisition On July 1, 2018, the Company completed the Acquisition of ETG and ELK. The Company completed the Acquisition for total consideration of $1.72 billion in cash, inclusive of $24.7 million of certain net working capital adjustments. Of the total, $1.71 billion relates to the acquisition of ETG, while $10.9 million relates to the acquisition of ELK. 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. 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 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 $ 1,202,435 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 39,470 Regulatory Assets 136,212 Goodwill 700,286 Total assets acquired 2,130,448 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 192,811 Asset Retirement Obligation 113,093 Other 1,107 Total liabilities assumed 405,763 Total net assets acquired $ 1,724,685 Goodwill of $700.3 million arising from the Acquisition includes the potential synergies between ETG, ELK and the Company. The goodwill, of which $599.7 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 ELK, the MPSC mandated that the Company pay $0.3 million to existing ELK customers in the form of a one-time payout. 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, which ETG accomplished with its April 2019 base rate case filing (see Note 7). 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 June 2019, the BPU issued an Order approving a $300.0 million IIP effective July 1, 2019. The Order authorized the recovery of costs associated with ETG’s investments of approximately $300.0 million between 2019-2023 to replace its cast-iron and bare steel vintage main and related services. The Order provides for annual recovery of ETG's investments through a separate rate mechanism. Supplemental 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 pro forma information has been prepared for comparative purposes and does not purport to be indicative of what would have occurred had the Acquisition been made 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: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Revenues $ 261,203 $ 302,480 $ 1,165,435 $ 1,240,240 Net income (loss) $ (34,805) $ (25,116) $ 37,433 $ 38,307 Earnings (loss) per share $ (0.38) $ (0.29) $ 0.41 $ 0.46 The supplemental unaudited pro forma net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 were adjusted to exclude $18.9 million and $32.1 million, respectively, of acquisition-related costs, which includes one-time regulatory approval costs, but excludes financing adjustments and recurring charges. Financial information of the acquirees The amount of ETG and ELK revenues included in the Company's condensed consolidated statement of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 is $31.5 million and $220.9 million, respectively. The amount of ETG and ELK net income (loss) included in the Company's condensed consolidated statement of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 is $(10.0) million and $17.4 million, respectively. AEP Acquisition On August 31, 2019, SJI, through its wholly-owned subsidiary SJEI, completed its acquisition of AEP for $4.0 million in total consideration, inclusive of certain working capital and other closing adjustments. The acquisition of AEP was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with GAAP. 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. AEP does not have any regulated operations. The Company has not finalized its valuation of certain assets and liabilities in connection with the acquisition of AEP. As such, the estimated measurements recorded to date are subject to change. 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 purchase price for the AEP acquisition has been allocated, on a preliminary basis, to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date and is as follows: (in thousands) AEP Cash $ 43 Accounts Receivable 116 Other Prepayments and Current Assets 53 Goodwill 1,843 Other Noncurrent Assets 2,400 Total assets acquired 4,455 Accounts Payable 11 Other Current Liabilities 449 Total liabilities assumed 460 Total net assets acquired $ 3,995 All assets and financial results of AEP are included in the Corporate & Services segment. The amount of AEP revenues and net income included in the Company's condensed consolidated statement of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 is approximately $0.1 million and less than $0.1 million, respectively.

GOODWILL AND IDENTIFIABLE INTAN

GOODWILL AND IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
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. No such events have occurred during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. 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 $705.7 million and $734.6 million was recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. As of September 30, 2019, $700.2 million was included in the ETG Utility Operations segment, $3.6 million was included in the On-Site Energy Production segment, $1.8 million was included in the Corporate & Services segment and $0.1 million was included in the ELK Utility Operations segment. As of December 31, 2018, $730.9 million was included in the ETG Utility Operations segment, $3.6 million was included in the On-Site Energy Production segment, and $0.1 million was included in the ELK Utility Operations segment. SJG does not have any goodwill. A rollforward of the Company's goodwill is as follows (in thousands): 2019 Beginning Balance, January 1 $ 734,607 Goodwill from AEP Acquisition 1,843 ETG and ELK Acquisition-related Working Capital Settlement (15,600) ETG and ELK Fair Value Adjustments During Measurement Period (15,143) Ending Balance, September 30 $ 705,707 IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS - The primary identifiable intangible assets of the Company are customer relationships, including those obtained in the acquisition of AEP (see Note 17), along with 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 (less accumulated amortization) of identifiable intangible assets of $26.0 million and $28.1 million are included in Other Noncurrent Assets on the consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The decrease from the prior year is due to amortization recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, partially offset by $2.4 million of customer relationship intangible assets recorded in connection with the AEP acquisition during the third quarter of 2019. No impairment charges were recorded on identifiable intangible assets during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 or 2018. SJG does not have any identifiable intangible assets.

LEASES

LEASES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
LEASES	LEASES: SJI and SJG (collectively, the "Company" for purposes of Note 19) is a lessee for the following classes of underlying assets: equipment, real estate (land and building), and fleet vehicles. The Company determines if it is considered a lessee in an arrangement that qualifies as a lease at its inception based on whether or not the contract grants the Company the use of a specifically identified asset for a period of time, as well as both the right to direct the use of that asset and receive the significant economic benefits of the asset. SJI's and SJG's real estate leases, which are comprised primarily of office space and payment centers, represent approximately 64% and 38%, respectively, of operating lease liabilities and generally have a lease term between 5 and 15 years. The remaining operating leases primarily consist of fleet vehicles (SJI only), communication towers, and general office equipment, each with various lease terms ranging between 3 and 25 years. The majority of our leases are comprised of fixed lease payments, with a portion of the Company’s real estate, fleet vehicles, and office equipment leases including lease payments tied to levels of production, maintenance and property taxes, which may be subject to variability. The Company does not have any finance leases. The Company also evaluates contracts in which it is the owner of an underlying asset in the same manner as if it is a lessee, to determine if it should be considered the lessor of that asset. SJI has one contract where it is considered the lessor, see "Thermal Facility" below; SJG is not considered the lessor of any assets. As a practical expedient permitted under Topic 842, the Company has elected to account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component for all leases. Lease payments, which may include lease components, non-lease components and non-components, are included in the measurement of the Company’s lease liabilities to the extent that such payments are either fixed amounts or variable amounts that depend on a rate or index as stipulated in the lease contract. The Company discounts its lease liability using an estimated incremental borrowing rate computed based on its existing term loan facility adjusted for lease term. On January 1, 2019, the discount rate used on existing leases at adoption was determined using the remaining lease term and available data as of that date based on the Company's collateralized incremental interest rate to borrow over a comparable term. For new or modified leases starting in 2019, the discount rate is determined using available data at lease commencement and is based on its collateralized incremental interest rate to borrow over the lease term, including any reasonably certain renewal periods. Some of its lease agreements, primarily related to real estate, include Company options to either extend and/or early terminate the lease, the costs of which are included in our lease liability to the extent that such options are reasonably certain of being exercised. Leases with renewal options allow the Company to extend the lease term typically between 1 and 5 years. When determining the lease term, renewal options reasonably certain of being exercised are included in the lease term. When determining if a renewal option is reasonably certain of being exercised, the Company considers several economic factors, including the significance of leasehold improvements incurred on the property, whether the asset is difficult to replace, underlying contractual obligations, or specific characteristics unique to that particular lease that would make it reasonably certain that we would exercise such option. Renewal options were generally not included in the lease term for the Company’s existing leases. The Company does not generally enter into leases involving the construction or design of the underlying asset, and nearly all of the assets we lease are not specialized in nature. Our lease agreements generally do not include restrictions, financial covenants or residual value guarantees. As stated in Note 1, SJI and SJG had $3.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively, of right-of-use assets upon adoption of Topic 842 on January 1, 2019, with lease liabilities of the same amount. As of September 30, 2019, SJI recognized right-of-use assets and lease liabilities of $1.9 million and $2.1 million, respectively, for operating leases, with the reduction being amortization. The lease liability is comprised of approximately $1.3 million of real estate leases, $0.7 million of equipment leases and $0.1 million of fleet vehicle leases. As of September 30, 2019, SJG recognized right-of-use assets and lease liabilities of $0.4 million each for operating leases, with the difference also being amortization. The lease liability is comprised of approximately $0.2 million of equipment leases and $0.1 million of real estate leases. SJI and SJG recorded the right-of-use assets in Other Noncurrent Assets and the lease liabilities in Other Current and Noncurrent Liabilities (as shown in the table below) on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2019. The maturity of the Company’s operating lease liabilities as of September 30, 2019 is as follows (in thousands): As of September 30, 2019 SJI Consolidated SJG 2019 (excluding the nine months ended September 30, 2019) $ 414 $ 43 2020 1,075 150 2021 233 39 2022 65 21 2023 34 19 Thereafter 114 114 Total future minimum lease payments 1,935 386 Less imputed interest 64 32 Total lease payments $ 1,871 $ 354 Included in the condensed consolidated balance sheet Current lease liabilities (included in Other Current Liabilities) $ 1,326 $ 166 Long-term lease liabilities (included in Other Noncurrent Liabilities) 545 188 Total lease liabilities $ 1,871 $ 354 The total operating lease cost for SJI was $0.7 million and $2.3 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. The total operating lease cost for SJG was $0.1 million and $0.3 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. Short-term lease costs were immaterial for both SJI and SJG. Neither SJI nor SJG had any sublease income during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. Operating cash flows from operating leases for SJI were $0.4 million and $1.2 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. Operating cash flows from operating leases for SJG were $0.1 million and $0.3 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. Neither SJI nor SJG have leases with related parties or leverage lease arrangements. There are no leases that have not yet commenced but that create significant rights and obligations. SJI had $0.3 million and $1.1 million of variable lease payments pertaining to leased back assets during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. As discussed in Note 1 under "Agreement to Sell Solar Assets," SJI has solar assets that are being leased back from the buyer; however these assets were leased back in 2018 and are treated as operating leases. As per the "package of expedients" discussed in Note 1, SJI is not required to reassess under Topic 842 the Company’s prior conclusions about lease identification or classification. The following summarizes our contractual obligations for operating leases and their applicable payment due dates, as of December 31, 2018 under ASC Topic 840, prior to the implementation of ASC 842: Total Up to 1 year Years 2&3 Years 4&5 More than 5 years SJI Consolidated 1,885 838 916 131 — SJG 175 56 112 7 — Supplemental Non-Cash Disclosures SJI and SJG did not record any new leases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. The weighted average remaining lease term for SJI's operating leases is 2.6 years at a weighted average discount rate of 3.0%. The weighted average remaining lease term for SJG's operating leases is 6.9 years at a weighted average discount rate of 3.0%. Thermal Facility 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 September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the carrying costs of this property and equipment under operating lease was $69.1 million and $71.5 million, respectively (net of accumulated depreciation of $40.1 million and $37.7 million, respectively), and is included in Nonutility Property and Equipment in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Minimum future rentals to be received on this operating lease of property and equipment as of September 30, 2019 for the remainder of 2019 and each of the next five fiscal years and in the aggregate are (in thousands): 2019 (remaining three months) $ 1,349 2020 5,396 2021 5,396 2022 5,396 2023 5,396 2024 5,396 Thereafter 13,042 Total minimum future rentals $ 41,371 Minimum future rentals do not include additional amounts to be received based on actual use of the leased property.
LEASES	LEASES: SJI and SJG (collectively, the "Company" for purposes of Note 19) is a lessee for the following classes of underlying assets: equipment, real estate (land and building), and fleet vehicles. The Company determines if it is considered a lessee in an arrangement that qualifies as a lease at its inception based on whether or not the contract grants the Company the use of a specifically identified asset for a period of time, as well as both the right to direct the use of that asset and receive the significant economic benefits of the asset. SJI's and SJG's real estate leases, which are comprised primarily of office space and payment centers, represent approximately 64% and 38%, respectively, of operating lease liabilities and generally have a lease term between 5 and 15 years. The remaining operating leases primarily consist of fleet vehicles (SJI only), communication towers, and general office equipment, each with various lease terms ranging between 3 and 25 years. The majority of our leases are comprised of fixed lease payments, with a portion of the Company’s real estate, fleet vehicles, and office equipment leases including lease payments tied to levels of production, maintenance and property taxes, which may be subject to variability. The Company does not have any finance leases. The Company also evaluates contracts in which it is the owner of an underlying asset in the same manner as if it is a lessee, to determine if it should be considered the lessor of that asset. SJI has one contract where it is considered the lessor, see "Thermal Facility" below; SJG is not considered the lessor of any assets. As a practical expedient permitted under Topic 842, the Company has elected to account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component for all leases. Lease payments, which may include lease components, non-lease components and non-components, are included in the measurement of the Company’s lease liabilities to the extent that such payments are either fixed amounts or variable amounts that depend on a rate or index as stipulated in the lease contract. The Company discounts its lease liability using an estimated incremental borrowing rate computed based on its existing term loan facility adjusted for lease term. On January 1, 2019, the discount rate used on existing leases at adoption was determined using the remaining lease term and available data as of that date based on the Company's collateralized incremental interest rate to borrow over a comparable term. For new or modified leases starting in 2019, the discount rate is determined using available data at lease commencement and is based on its collateralized incremental interest rate to borrow over the lease term, including any reasonably certain renewal periods. Some of its lease agreements, primarily related to real estate, include Company options to either extend and/or early terminate the lease, the costs of which are included in our lease liability to the extent that such options are reasonably certain of being exercised. Leases with renewal options allow the Company to extend the lease term typically between 1 and 5 years. When determining the lease term, renewal options reasonably certain of being exercised are included in the lease term. When determining if a renewal option is reasonably certain of being exercised, the Company considers several economic factors, including the significance of leasehold improvements incurred on the property, whether the asset is difficult to replace, underlying contractual obligations, or specific characteristics unique to that particular lease that would make it reasonably certain that we would exercise such option. Renewal options were generally not included in the lease term for the Company’s existing leases. The Company does not generally enter into leases involving the construction or design of the underlying asset, and nearly all of the assets we lease are not specialized in nature. Our lease agreements generally do not include restrictions, financial covenants or residual value guarantees. As stated in Note 1, SJI and SJG had $3.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively, of right-of-use assets upon adoption of Topic 842 on January 1, 2019, with lease liabilities of the same amount. As of September 30, 2019, SJI recognized right-of-use assets and lease liabilities of $1.9 million and $2.1 million, respectively, for operating leases, with the reduction being amortization. The lease liability is comprised of approximately $1.3 million of real estate leases, $0.7 million of equipment leases and $0.1 million of fleet vehicle leases. As of September 30, 2019, SJG recognized right-of-use assets and lease liabilities of $0.4 million each for operating leases, with the difference also being amortization. The lease liability is comprised of approximately $0.2 million of equipment leases and $0.1 million of real estate leases. SJI and SJG recorded the right-of-use assets in Other Noncurrent Assets and the lease liabilities in Other Current and Noncurrent Liabilities (as shown in the table below) on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2019. The maturity of the Company’s operating lease liabilities as of September 30, 2019 is as follows (in thousands): As of September 30, 2019 SJI Consolidated SJG 2019 (excluding the nine months ended September 30, 2019) $ 414 $ 43 2020 1,075 150 2021 233 39 2022 65 21 2023 34 19 Thereafter 114 114 Total future minimum lease payments 1,935 386 Less imputed interest 64 32 Total lease payments $ 1,871 $ 354 Included in the condensed consolidated balance sheet Current lease liabilities (included in Other Current Liabilities) $ 1,326 $ 166 Long-term lease liabilities (included in Other Noncurrent Liabilities) 545 188 Total lease liabilities $ 1,871 $ 354 The total operating lease cost for SJI was $0.7 million and $2.3 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. The total operating lease cost for SJG was $0.1 million and $0.3 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. Short-term lease costs were immaterial for both SJI and SJG. Neither SJI nor SJG had any sublease income during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. Operating cash flows from operating leases for SJI were $0.4 million and $1.2 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. Operating cash flows from operating leases for SJG were $0.1 million and $0.3 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. Neither SJI nor SJG have leases with related parties or leverage lease arrangements. There are no leases that have not yet commenced but that create significant rights and obligations. SJI had $0.3 million and $1.1 million of variable lease payments pertaining to leased back assets during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. As discussed in Note 1 under "Agreement to Sell Solar Assets," SJI has solar assets that are being leased back from the buyer; however these assets were leased back in 2018 and are treated as operating leases. As per the "package of expedients" discussed in Note 1, SJI is not required to reassess under Topic 842 the Company’s prior conclusions about lease identification or classification. The following summarizes our contractual obligations for operating leases and their applicable payment due dates, as of December 31, 2018 under ASC Topic 840, prior to the implementation of ASC 842: Total Up to 1 year Years 2&3 Years 4&5 More than 5 years SJI Consolidated 1,885 838 916 131 — SJG 175 56 112 7 — Supplemental Non-Cash Disclosures SJI and SJG did not record any new leases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. The weighted average remaining lease term for SJI's operating leases is 2.6 years at a weighted average discount rate of 3.0%. The weighted average remaining lease term for SJG's operating leases is 6.9 years at a weighted average discount rate of 3.0%. Thermal Facility 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 September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the carrying costs of this property and equipment under operating lease was $69.1 million and $71.5 million, respectively (net of accumulated depreciation of $40.1 million and $37.7 million, respectively), and is included in Nonutility Property and Equipment in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Minimum future rentals to be received on this operating lease of property and equipment as of September 30, 2019 for the remainder of 2019 and each of the next five fiscal years and in the aggregate are (in thousands): 2019 (remaining three months) $ 1,349 2020 5,396 2021 5,396 2022 5,396 2023 5,396 2024 5,396 Thereafter 13,042 Total minimum future rentals $ 41,371 Minimum future rentals do not include additional amounts to be received based on actual use of the leased property.

SUBSEQUENT EVENT

SUBSEQUENT EVENT	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS: See Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies, Pending Litigation for information related to an August 2019 court decision issued against SJG and SJRG related to a pricing dispute related to two long-term gas supply contracts. As a result of this judgment, SJG paid $22.9 million in October 2019 to the plaintiff supplier. On October 29, 2019, ETG issued 2.84% First Mortgage Bonds, Series 2019A-2, due October 29, 2029 in the aggregate principal amount of $35.0 million. In October 2019, SJG issued $80.0 million of debt by drawing on the remaining portion of its $400.0 million term loan credit agreement. See Note 3 - Affiliations, Discontinued Operations and Related-Party Transactions for information on developments with PennEast.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
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. 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 own and operate landfill gas-to-energy production facilities in Atlantic, Burlington, Salem and Sussex Counties located in New Jersey. ▪ 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. See Note 3. ▪ AEP was acquired in August 2019. AEP serves as an aggregator, broker and consultant in the retail energy markets.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION	BASIS OF PRESENTATION - SJI's condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SJI, its direct and indirect 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 also reporting on a consolidated basis the combined operations of ETG and ELK. In addition, SJI is reporting on a consolidated basis the operations of AEP as of the date of its acquisition, August 31, 2019.As permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of SJI and SJG contain certain condensed financial information and exclude certain footnote disclosures normally included in annual audited consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with SJI’s and SJG's Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. In management’s opinion, the condensed consolidated financial statements of SJI and SJG reflect all normal recurring adjustments needed to fairly present their respective financial positions, operating results and cash flows at the dates and for the periods presented. SJI’s and SJG's businesses are subject to seasonal fluctuations and, accordingly, this interim financial information should not be the basis for estimating the full year’s operating results.
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 Operating Income on the condensed consolidated statements of income. Fair values can be determined by a variety of valuation methods, including third-party appraisals, sales prices of similar assets, and present value techniques.
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.
ALLOWANCE FOR FUNDS USED DURING CONSTRUCTION (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 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.” 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.
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS	BUSINESS COMBINATIONS - 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 or assumed 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 17).
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 condensed consolidated financial statements of SJI, or the condensed financial statements of 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 accounted for as operating leases. Topic 842 also resulted 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 (ASU 2018-01) 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 ASUs 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. • In March 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-01, Leases (Topic 842) Codification Improvements . The amendments in this ASU reinstate a Topic 840 explicit exception for lessors that are not manufacturers or dealers for determining fair value of the leased property in Topic 842. This exception specifies that such lessors will use their cost, reflecting any volume or trade discounts that may apply, as the fair value of the underlying asset. However, if significant time lapses between the acquisition of the underlying asset and lease commencement, those lessors will be required to apply the definition of fair value (exit price) in Topic 820. Lastly, the amendments in this ASU added an explicit exception to the Topic 250, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections , paragraph 250-10-50-3 interim disclosure requirements in the Topic 842 transition disclosure requirements. The new guidance in ASU 2016-02, as well as all amendments discussed above, was effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2019. The impact of adopting Topic 842 did not result in an adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2019. As of January 1, 2019, the Company designed the necessary changes to its existing processes and configured all system requirements to adopt the new standard and applied its provisions to all contracts using the optional transition method discussed above, and by applying certain transition practical expedients. The Company elected the “package of practical expedients,” which permits the Company to not reassess under Topic 842 the Company’s prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. The Company also elected the expedient not to evaluate existing or expired land easements under Topic 842 that were not previously accounted for as leases. The Company has elected not to use hindsight when determining the lease term at the effective date. The Company elected the short-term lease recognition exemption for all leases that qualify. For the leases that qualify, including leases effective at adoption, the Company will not recognize right-of-use assets or lease liabilities. The Company has elected the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components for all leases. The Company’s non-lease components are primarily related to property maintenance on real estate leases, which varies based on future outcomes, and thus is recognized in rent expense when incurred. Additionally, the Company elected to apply a portfolio approach when establishing the discount rate for certain of its leases. The Company has leases for the following classes of underlying assets: equipment, real estate (land and building), and fleet vehicles. After adopting Topic 842, SJI and SJG had operating right-of-use assets of approximately $3.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively, as of January 1, 2019, with operating lease liabilities of the same amounts. The Company did not have any finance leases. The Company determines the initial classification and measurement of its right-of-use assets and lease liabilities at the lease commencement date and thereafter if modified. The lease term includes any renewal options that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise. The present value of lease payments is determined by using the interest rate implicit in the lease, if that rate is readily determinable. Otherwise, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate, which is determined by using a portfolio approach based on the rate of interest in its existing collateralized term loan facility adjusted for lease term. Rent expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the reasonably certain lease term based on the total lease payments and is included in Operations Expense in the condensed consolidated statements of income. For all leases, rent payments that are based on a fixed index or rate are included in the measurement of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities using the index or rate at the lease commencement date. Rent payments that vary based on changes in future indexes or rates are expensed in the period incurred. For more information on the Company's leases, see Note 19. 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 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 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 April 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments . The amendments in this ASU provide codification improvements and further clarification on several topics, including ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities , as well as ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10) . Since SJI and SJG have adopted the amendments in ASU 2017-12 (with no impact to the financial statements results of SJI or SJG) as of April 25, 2019 (the issuance date of ASU 2019-04), the effective date for the amendments to Topic 815 contained in ASU 2019-04 is as of the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning after April 25, 2019. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption on any date on or after April 25, 2019. The amendments are effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption in any interim period is permitted. SJI and SJG do not plan to early adopt ASU 2019-04. Management is currently determining the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on the financial statements of SJI and SJG. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments , as amended. The amendments in this update replace the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to develop credit loss estimates. An entity will apply the amendment through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-05, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) . The amendments in this ASU provide optional targeted transition relief for entities adopting the provisions of ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) , which introduced the expected credit losses methodology for the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost basis, replacing the previous incurred loss methodology. The amendments in ASU 2019-05 provide entities that have certain instruments within the scope of Subtopic 326-20, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses - Measured at Amortized Cost , with an option to irrevocably elect the fair value option in Subtopic 825-10, Financial Instruments - Overall , applied on an instrument-by-instrument basis for eligible instruments, upon adoption of Topic 326. The fair value option election does not apply to held-to-maturity debt securities. An entity that elects the fair value option should subsequently apply the guidance in Subtopics 820-10, Fair Value Measurement - Overall , and 825-10. The amendments in ASU 2019-05, along with ASU 2016-13, are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted as of the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. SJI and SJG do not plan to early adopt ASU 2016-03 or ASU 2019-05. Management has formed an implementation team that is currently evaluating the impact that adoption of ASU 2016-13 and ASU 2019-05 will have on the financial statements of SJI and SJG. We are in the process of assessing the impact of the guidance on SJI's and SJG's reserve methodologies and credit policies and procedures for any assets that could be impacted, including (but not limited to) Accounts Receivable, Unbilled Revenues, Notes Receivable, and Contract Receivable balances that are recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. We are continuing with our implementation plan and expect to transition to the new guidance beginning in 2020, including, if necessary, any cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective per the requirements of ASU 2016-13.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES	GAAP establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes fair value measurements based on the types of inputs used for the various valuation techniques. The levels of the hierarchy are described below: • Level 1: Observable inputs, such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. • Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; these include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active. • Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions. Assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation of financial assets and financial liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Asset Management Agreement Contract Purchase	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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [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 for SJI at September 30, 2019 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 - 2017 - TSR 40,819 $ 32.17 20.8 % 1.47 % 2017 - CEGR, Time 54,135 $ 33.69 N/A N/A 2018 - TSR 50,991 $ 31.05 21.9 % 2.00 % 2018 - CEGR, Time 83,989 $ 31.23 N/A N/A 2019 - TSR 38,934 $ 32.88 23.2 % 2.40 % 2019 - CEGR, Time 139,863 $ 31.38 N/A N/A Directors - 2019 30,961 $ 27.07 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 to SJI for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Officers & Key Employees $ 1,071 $ 549 $ 3,355 $ 2,739 Directors 209 206 613 617 Total Cost 1,280 755 3,968 3,356 Capitalized (119) (101) (153) (303) Net Expense $ 1,161 $ 654 $ 3,815 $ 3,053
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 for SJI during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, excluding accrued dividend equivalents: Officers and Other Key Employees Directors Weighted Nonvested Shares Outstanding, January 1, 2019 411,809 26,416 $ 29.57 Granted 184,791 30,961 $ 31.03 Cancelled/Forfeited (38,788) — $ 31.58 Vested (149,082) (26,416) $ 26.09 Nonvested Shares Outstanding, September 30, 2019 408,730 30,961 $ 31.50

AFFILIATIONS, DISCONTINUED OP_2

AFFILIATIONS, DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Summary of operating results of discontinued operations	Summarized operating results of the discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, were (in thousands, except per share amounts): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Loss before Income Taxes: Sand Mining $ (16) $ 3 $ (60) $ (30) Fuel Oil (59) (57) (212) (139) Income Tax Benefits 16 11 56 34 Loss from Discontinued Operations — Net $ (59) $ (43) $ (216) $ (135) Earnings Per Common Share from Discontinued Operations — Net: Basic and Diluted $ — $ — $ — $ —
Summary 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): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Operating Revenues/Affiliates: SJRG $ 1,092 $ 691 $ 3,518 $ 4,388 Marina 82 89 290 281 Other 20 23 60 69 Total Operating Revenue/Affiliates $ 1,194 $ 803 $ 3,868 $ 4,738 Related-party transactions involving SJG, excluding pass-through items, included in SJG's Cost of Sales and Operating Expenses were as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Costs of Sales/Affiliates (Excluding depreciation and amortization) SJRG* $ 2,326 $ 1,094 $ 8,908 $ 28,525 Operations Expense/Affiliates: SJI $ 5,087 $ 6,148 $ 15,507 $ 19,899 SJIU 630 — 1,971 — Millennium 794 750 2,118 2,191 Other 340 (112) 6,790 (344) Total Operations Expense/Affiliates $ 6,851 $ 6,786 $ 26,386 $ 21,746 *These costs are included in either SJG's Cost of Sales on the condensed statements of income, or Regulatory Assets on the condensed balance sheets. As discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of SJI’s and SJG's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, revenues and expenses related to the energy trading activities of the wholesale energy operations at SJRG are presented on a net basis in Operating Revenues – Nonutility on the condensed consolidated income statement.

COMMON STOCK (Tables)

COMMON STOCK (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of common stock shares issued and outstanding	The following shares were issued and outstanding for SJI: 2019 Beginning Balance, January 1 85,506,218 New Issuances During the Period: Settlement of Equity Forward Sale Agreement 6,779,661 Stock-Based Compensation Plan 106,997 Ending Balance, September 30 92,392,876

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Financial Instruments, Owned, at Fair Value [Abstract]
Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents	The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the condensed consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands): As of September 30, 2019 Balance Sheet Line Item SJI SJG Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 4,602 $ 1,347 Restricted Investments 16,271 2,084 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows $ 20,873 $ 3,431 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
Reconciliation of restricted cash	The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the condensed consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands): As of September 30, 2019 Balance Sheet Line Item SJI SJG Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 4,602 $ 1,347 Restricted Investments 16,271 2,084 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows $ 20,873 $ 3,431 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

SEGMENTS OF BUSINESS (Tables)

SEGMENTS OF BUSINESS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segments of Business	Information about SJI’s operations in different reportable operating segments is presented below (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Operating Revenues: SJI Utilities: SJG Utility Operations 62,039 $ 56,371 $ 396,505 $ 367,631 ETG Utility Operations 30,619 29,117 215,647 29,117 ELK Utility Operations 892 770 5,210 770 Subtotal SJI Utilities 93,550 86,258 617,362 397,518 Energy Group: Wholesale Energy Operations 135,856 134,867 452,346 392,430 Retail Gas and Other Operations — 18,292 — 81,661 Retail Electric Operations 22,395 51,269 65,617 137,966 Subtotal Energy Group 158,251 204,428 517,963 612,057 Energy Services: On-Site Energy Production 11,980 15,317 38,098 61,208 Appliance Service Operations 514 509 1,529 1,480 Subtotal Energy Services 12,494 15,826 39,627 62,688 Corporate and Services 10,252 9,126 31,438 33,208 Subtotal 274,547 315,638 1,206,390 1,105,471 Intersegment Sales (13,344) (13,158) (40,955) (53,716) Total Operating Revenues $ 261,203 $ 302,480 $ 1,165,435 $ 1,051,755 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Operating (Loss) Income: SJI Utilities: SJG Utility Operations $ (8,319) $ (6,827) $ 100,241 $ 94,417 ETG Utility Operations (5,112) (19,808) 41,088 (19,808) ELK Utility Operations (197) (518) 401 (518) Subtotal SJI Utilities (13,628) (27,153) 141,730 74,091 Energy Group: Wholesale Energy Operations (8,371) (11,992) (13,263) 53,193 Retail Gas and Other Operations — 590 — (3,509) Retail Electric Operations (3) 557 (3,972) 1,443 Subtotal Energy Group (8,374) (10,845) (17,235) 51,127 Energy Services: On-Site Energy Production 2,634 2,966 5,049 (98,023) Appliance Service Operations 468 (322) 1,484 623 Subtotal Energy Services 3,102 2,644 6,533 (97,400) Corporate and Services (125) (3,238) (5,680) (17,072) Total Operating (Loss) Income $ (19,025) $ (38,592) $ 125,348 $ 10,746 Depreciation and Amortization: SJI Utilities: SJG Utility Operations $ 23,564 $ 20,427 $ 69,349 $ 61,016 ETG Utility Operations 7,461 6,403 20,932 6,403 ELK Utility Operations 158 94 383 94 Subtotal SJI Utilities 31,183 26,924 90,664 67,513 Energy Group: Wholesale Energy Operations 22 36 70 88 Retail Gas and Other Operations — 75 — 228 Subtotal Energy Group 22 111 70 316 Energy Services: On-Site Energy Production 1,248 1,210 3,756 21,805 Appliance Service Operations — — — — Subtotal Energy Services 1,248 1,210 3,756 21,805 Corporate and Services 1,094 2,651 4,092 11,816 Total Depreciation and Amortization $ 33,547 $ 30,896 $ 98,582 $ 101,450 Interest Charges: SJI Utilities: SJG Utility Operations $ 7,840 $ 7,108 $ 23,584 $ 20,835 ETG Utility Operations 7,165 4,835 20,106 4,835 ELK Utility Operations 4 3 15 3 Subtotal SJI Utilities 15,009 11,946 43,705 25,673 Energy Group: Retail Gas and Other Operations — 141 — 392 Subtotal Energy Group — 141 — 392 Energy Services: On-Site Energy Production 2,097 4,115 6,520 12,060 Midstream 573 541 1,672 1,446 Corporate and Services 14,433 15,303 44,496 36,141 Subtotal 32,112 32,046 96,393 75,712 Intersegment Borrowings (3,255) (5,512) (10,449) (15,645) Total Interest Charges $ 28,857 $ 26,534 $ 85,944 $ 60,067 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Income Taxes: SJI Utilities: SJG Utility Operations $ (3,747) $ (2,818) $ 20,620 $ 19,500 ETG Utility Operations (2,065) (6,866) 4,028 (6,866) ELK Utility Operations (54) (143) 100 (143) Subtotal SJI Utilities (5,866) (9,827) 24,748 12,491 Energy Group: Wholesale Energy Operations (2,130) (3,036) (3,088) 13,613 Retail Gas and Other Operations — 144 — (916) Retail Electric Operations 4 157 (814) 406 Subtotal Energy Group (2,126) (2,735) (3,902) 13,103 Energy Services: On-Site Energy Production 242 (331) (115) (27,977) Appliance Service Operations 142 171 445 408 Subtotal Energy Services 384 (160) 330 (27,569) Midstream (18) (100) (83) (60) Corporate and Services (3,299) (3,827) (11,715) (10,171) Total Income Taxes $ (10,925) $ (16,649) $ 9,378 $ (12,206) Property Additions: SJI Utilities: SJG Utility Operations $ 73,059 $ 63,342 $ 195,621 $ 178,727 ETG Utility Operations 50,426 18,637 142,388 18,637 ELK Utility Operations 468 129 2,096 129 Subtotal SJI Utilities 123,953 82,108 340,105 197,493 Energy Group: Wholesale Energy Operations 1 — 1 32 Retail Gas and Other Operations — 186 — 495 Subtotal Energy Group 1 186 1 527 Energy Services: On-Site Energy Production — 696 164 2,379 Subtotal Energy Services — 696 164 2,379 Midstream 16 (279) 35 31 Corporate and Services 368 — 954 11,549 Total Property Additions $ 124,338 $ 82,711 $ 341,259 $ 211,979 September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Identifiable Assets: SJI Utilities: SJG Utility Operations $ 3,254,276 $ 3,118,236 ETG Utility Operations 2,335,164 2,148,175 ELK Utility Operations 19,808 16,482 Subtotal SJI Utilities 5,609,248 5,282,893 Energy Group: Wholesale Energy Operations 173,252 266,417 Retail Gas and Other Operations (A) 120 12,736 Retail Electric Operations 29,572 39,345 Subtotal Energy Group 202,944 318,498 Energy Services: On-Site Energy Production 163,716 195,329 Appliance Service Operations — — Subtotal Energy Services 163,716 195,329 Midstream 81,099 72,333 Discontinued Operations 1,778 1,777 Corporate and Services 394,897 387,482 Intersegment Assets (323,629) (301,735) Total Identifiable Assets $ 6,130,053 $ 5,956,577 (A) As of September 30, 2019, the remaining $0.1 million of assets in the retail gas and other operations segment represents outstanding accounts receivable balances.

REGULATORY ASSETS AND REGULAT_2

REGULATORY ASSETS AND REGULATORY LIABILITIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Regulatory Assets	The Utilities' Regulatory Assets as of September 30, 2019 consisted of the following items (in thousands): September 30, 2019 SJG ETG ELK Total SJI Environmental Remediation Costs: Expended - Net $ 149,402 $ 16,809 $ — $ 166,211 Liability for Future Expenditures 144,543 103,332 — 247,875 Deferred ARO Costs 34,941 13,176 143 48,260 Deferred Pension Costs - Unrecognized Prior Service Cost — 38,183 14 38,197 Deferred Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs 79,466 2,607 30 82,103 Deferred Gas Costs - Net 66,265 12,929 924 80,118 SBC Receivable 1,159 — — 1,159 Deferred Interest Rate Contracts 8,996 — — 8,996 Energy Efficiency Tracker 9,322 — — 9,322 Pipeline Supplier Service Charges 548 — — 548 Pipeline Integrity Cost 5,923 — — 5,923 AFUDC - Equity Related Deferrals 10,397 — — 10,397 Other Regulatory Assets 10,054 9,817 446 20,317 Total Regulatory Assets $ 521,016 $ 196,853 $ 1,557 $ 719,426 The Utilities' Regulatory Assets as of December 31, 2018 consisted of the following items (in thousands): December 31, 2018 SJG ETG ELK Total SJI Environmental Remediation Costs: Expended - Net $ 136,227 $ 10,875 $ — $ 147,102 Liability for Future Expenditures 148,071 104,594 — 252,665 Deferred ARO Costs 31,096 — — 31,096 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 Deferred Gas Costs - Net 57,889 — 289 58,178 SBC Receivable 2,173 — — 2,173 Deferred Interest Rate Contracts 5,867 — — 5,867 Energy Efficiency Tracker 2,319 — — 2,319 Pipeline Supplier Service Charges 617 — — 617 Pipeline Integrity Cost 5,140 — — 5,140 AFUDC - Equity Related Deferrals 13,914 — — 13,914 Weather Normalization — 3,210 139 3,349 Other Regulatory Assets 8,931 8,023 211 17,165 Total Regulatory Assets $ 492,365 $ 169,921 $ 683 $ 662,969
Schedule of Regulatory Liabilities	The Utilities Regulatory Liabilities as of September 30, 2019 consisted of the following items (in thousands): September 30, 2019 SJG ETG ELK Total SJI Excess Plant Removal Costs $ 17,088 $ 34,761 $ 1,419 $ 53,268 Excess Deferred Taxes 252,499 118,459 1,233 372,191 Deferred Revenues - Net — 13 — 13 CIP Payable 2,944 — — 2,944 Weather Normalization — 1,646 — 1,646 Amounts to be Refunded to Customers — 11,687 — 11,687 Other Regulatory Liabilities — 415 — 415 Total Regulatory Liabilities $ 272,531 $ 166,981 $ 2,652 $ 442,164 The Utilities Regulatory Liabilities as of December 31, 2018 consisted of the following items (in thousands): December 31, 2018 SJG ETG ELK Total SJI Excess Plant Removal Costs $ 20,805 $ 47,909 $ 1,393 $ 70,107 Excess Deferred Taxes 259,863 118,757 1,231 379,851 Deferred Gas Costs - 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

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM_2

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Schedule of defined benefit plan disclosures	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, net periodic benefit cost related to the employee and officer pension and other postretirement benefit plans for SJI consisted of the following components (in thousands): Pension Benefits Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Service Cost $ 1,387 $ 1,875 $ 4,187 $ 4,691 Interest Cost 4,307 3,818 12,971 9,642 Expected Return on Plan Assets (5,077) (5,256) (15,213) (12,908) Amortizations: Prior Service Cost 26 26 79 84 Actuarial Loss 2,398 2,878 7,195 8,642 Net Periodic Benefit Cost 3,041 3,341 9,219 10,151 Capitalized Benefit Cost (454) (762) (1,423) (1,799) Deferred Benefit Cost (516) (594) (1,710) (1,719) Total Net Periodic Benefit Expense $ 2,071 $ 1,985 $ 6,086 $ 6,633 Other Postretirement Benefits Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Service Cost $ 129 $ 251 $ 400 $ 692 Interest Cost 729 644 2,163 1,720 Expected Return on Plan Assets (1,147) (1,129) (3,428) (3,012) Amortizations: Prior Service Cost (144) (74) (432) (246) Actuarial Loss 292 223 876 674 Net Periodic Benefit Cost (141) (85) (421) (172) Capitalized Benefit Cost (115) 263 (270) 258 Deferred Benefit Cost 118 — 352 — Total Net Periodic Benefit Expense $ (138) $ 178 $ (339) $ 86

LINES OF CREDIT (Tables)

LINES OF CREDIT (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Schedule of lines of credit	Credit facilities and available liquidity as of September 30, 2019 were as follows (in thousands): Company Total Facility Usage Available Liquidity Expiration Date SJI: SJI Syndicated Revolving Credit Facility $ 500,000 $ 352,400 (A) $ 147,600 August 2022 Revolving Credit Facility 50,000 50,000 — September 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement 100,000 100,000 — September 2020 Total SJI 650,000 502,400 147,600 SJG: Commercial Paper Program/Revolving Credit Facility 200,000 176,000 (B) 24,000 August 2022 Uncommitted Bank Line 10,000 — 10,000 September 2020 Total SJG 210,000 176,000 34,000 ETG/ELK: ETG/ELK Revolving Credit Facility 200,000 145,300 (C) 54,700 June 2021 Total $ 1,060,000 $ 823,700 $ 236,300 (A) Includes letters of credit outstanding in the amount of $9.6 million. (B) Includes letters of credit outstanding in the amount of $0.8 million. (C) Includes letters of credit outstanding in the amount of $1.0 million.

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Tables)

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Outstanding derivative contracts	As of September 30, 2019, 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) 112.8 42.1 Expected future sales of natural gas (in MMdts) 116.8 29.6 Expected future purchases of electricity (in MMmWh) 0.8 — Expected future sales of electricity (in MMmWh) 0.7 — Basis and Index related net purchase (sale) contracts (in MMdts) 32.1 0.1
Schedule of notional amounts of outstanding derivative positions	As of September 30, 2019, 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
Fair value of derivative instruments	The fair values of all derivative instruments, as reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, are as follows (in thousands): SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities Energy-related commodity contracts: Derivatives - Energy Related - Current $ 46,708 $ 40,653 $ 54,021 $ 24,134 Derivatives - Energy Related - Non-Current 9,606 7,812 7,169 7,256 Interest rate contracts: Derivatives - Other - Current — 1,352 — 588 Derivatives - Other - Noncurrent — 13,621 — 7,285 Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP $ 56,314 $ 63,438 $ 61,190 $ 39,263 Total Derivatives $ 56,314 $ 63,438 $ 61,190 $ 39,263 SJG: Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities Energy-related commodity contracts: Derivatives – Energy Related – Current $ 13,878 $ 7,742 $ 5,464 $ 2,146 Derivatives – Energy Related – Non-Current 15 244 15 43 Interest rate contracts: Derivatives – Other - Current — 551 — 343 Derivatives – Other - Noncurrent — 8,445 — 5,524 Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP $ 13,893 $ 16,982 $ 5,479 $ 8,056 Total Derivatives $ 13,893 $ 16,982 $ 5,479 $ 8,056
Offsetting assets	As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, information related to these offsetting arrangements were as follows (in thousands): As of September 30, 2019 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 $ 56,314 $ — $ 56,314 $ (35,430) (A) $ — $ 20,884 Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities $ (48,465) $ — $ (48,465) $ 35,430 (B) $ 7,814 $ (5,221) Derivatives - Other $ (14,973) $ — $ (14,973) $ — $ — $ (14,973) SJG: Derivatives - Energy Related Assets $ 13,893 $ — $ 13,893 $ (4,929) (A) $ — $ 8,964 Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities $ (7,986) $ — $ (7,986) $ 4,929 (B) $ 995 $ (2,062) Derivatives - Other $ (8,996) $ — $ (8,996) $ — $ — $ (8,996) 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) (A) The balances at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were related to derivative liabilities which can be net settled against derivative assets. (B) The balances at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were related to derivative assets which can be net settled against derivative liabilities.
Offsetting liabilities	As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, information related to these offsetting arrangements were as follows (in thousands): As of September 30, 2019 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 $ 56,314 $ — $ 56,314 $ (35,430) (A) $ — $ 20,884 Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities $ (48,465) $ — $ (48,465) $ 35,430 (B) $ 7,814 $ (5,221) Derivatives - Other $ (14,973) $ — $ (14,973) $ — $ — $ (14,973) SJG: Derivatives - Energy Related Assets $ 13,893 $ — $ 13,893 $ (4,929) (A) $ — $ 8,964 Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities $ (7,986) $ — $ (7,986) $ 4,929 (B) $ 995 $ (2,062) Derivatives - Other $ (8,996) $ — $ (8,996) $ — $ — $ (8,996) 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) (A) The balances at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were related to derivative liabilities which can be net settled against derivative assets. (B) The balances at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were related to derivative assets which can be net settled against derivative liabilities.
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships	The effect of derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 are as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships under GAAP 2019 2018 2019 2018 SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Interest Rate Contracts: Losses reclassified from AOCL into income (a) $ (12) $ (11) $ (35) $ (35) SJG: Interest Rate Contracts: Losses reclassified from AOCL into income (a) $ (12) $ (11) (35) (35) (a) Included in Interest Charges Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under GAAP 2019 2018 2019 2018 SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): (Losses) Gains on energy-related commodity contracts (a) $ (6,187) $ (11,225) $ (18,390) $ 5,950 (Losses) Gains on interest rate contracts (b) (1,137) 673 (3,972) 2,921 Total $ (7,324) $ (10,552) $ (22,362) $ 8,871 (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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value of 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 September 30, 2019 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Assets Available-for-Sale Securities (A) $ 41 $ 41 $ — $ — Derivatives – Energy Related Assets (B) 56,314 10,262 20,230 25,822 $ 56,355 $ 10,303 $ 20,230 $ 25,822 SJG: Assets Derivatives – Energy Related Assets (B) $ 13,893 $ 4,929 $ 17 $ 8,947 $ 13,893 $ 4,929 $ 17 $ 8,947 SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Liabilities Derivatives – Energy Related Liabilities (B) $ 48,465 $ 22,365 $ 12,139 $ 13,961 Derivatives – Other (C) 14,973 — 14,973 — $ 63,438 $ 22,365 $ 27,112 $ 13,961 SJG: Liabilities Derivatives – Energy Related Liabilities (B) $ 7,986 $ 5,924 $ 1,356 $ 706 Derivatives – Other (C) 8,996 — 8,996 — $ 16,982 $ 5,924 $ 10,352 $ 706 As of December 31, 2018 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Assets 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 (A) Available-for-Sale Securities include securities that are traded in active markets and securities that are not traded publicly. The securities traded in active markets are valued using the quoted principal market close prices that are provided by the trustees and are categorized in Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. (B) Derivatives – Energy Related Assets and Liabilities are traded in both exchange-based and non-exchange-based markets. Exchange-based contracts are valued using unadjusted quoted market sources in active markets and are categorized in Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. Certain non-exchange-based contracts are valued using indicative price quotations available through brokers or over-the-counter, on-line exchanges and are categorized in Level 2. These price quotations reflect the average of the bid-ask mid-point prices and are obtained from sources that management believes provide the most liquid market. For non-exchange-based derivatives that trade in less liquid markets with limited pricing information, model inputs generally would include both observable and unobservable inputs. In instances where observable data is unavailable, management considers the assumptions that market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability. This includes assumptions about market risks such as liquidity, volatility and contract duration. Such instruments are categorized in Level 3 as the model inputs generally are not observable. Significant Unobservable Inputs - Management uses the discounted cash flow model to value Level 3 physical and financial forward contracts, which calculates mark-to-market valuations based on forward market prices, original transaction prices, volumes, risk-free rate of return and credit spreads. Inputs to the valuation model are reviewed and revised as needed, based on historical information, updated market data, market liquidity and relationships, and changes in third party pricing sources. The validity of the mark-to-market valuations and changes in mark-to-market valuations from period to period are examined and qualified against historical expectations by the risk management function. If any discrepancies are identified during this process, the mark-to-market valuations or the market pricing information is evaluated further and adjusted, if necessary. Level 3 valuation methods for natural gas derivative contracts include utilizing another location in close proximity adjusted for certain pipeline charges to derive a basis value. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of certain natural gas contracts consist of forward prices developed based on industry-standard methodologies. Significant increases (decreases) in these forward prices for purchases of natural gas would result in a directionally similar impact to the fair value measurement and for sales of natural gas would result in a directionally opposite impact to the fair value measurement. Level 3 valuation methods for electric represent the value of the contract marked to the forward wholesale curve, as provided by daily exchange quotes for delivered electricity. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of electric contracts consist of fixed contracted electric load profiles; therefore, no change in unobservable inputs would occur. Unobservable inputs are updated daily using industry-standard techniques. Management reviews and corroborates the price quotations to ensure the prices are observable which includes consideration of actual transaction volumes, market delivery points, bid-ask spreads and contract duration. (C) Derivatives – Other are valued using quoted prices on commonly quoted intervals, which are interpolated for periods different than the quoted intervals, as inputs to a market valuation model. Market inputs can generally be verified and model selection does not involve significant management judgment.
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 September 30, 2019 Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Input Range Assets Liabilities Forward Contract - Natural Gas $23,490 $12,719 Discounted Cash Flow Forward price (per dt) $1.28 - $8.32 [$2.74] (A) Forward Contract - Electric $2,332 $1,242 Discounted Cash Flow Fixed electric load profile (on-peak) 0.00% - 100.00% [54.83%] (B) Fixed electric load profile (off-peak) 0.00% - 100.00% [45.17%] (B) Type Fair Value at December 31, 2018 Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Input Range 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) SJG: Type Fair Value at September 30, 2019 Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Input Range Assets Liabilities Forward Contract - Natural Gas $ 8,947 $ 706 Discounted Cash Flow Forward price (per dt) $1.18 - $6.24 [$3.94] (A) Type Fair Value at December 31, 2018 Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Input Range Assets Liabilities Forward Contract - Natural Gas $ 5,005 $ 77 Discounted Cash Flow Forward price (per dt) $3.13 - $6.00 [$4.53] (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 fair value using significant unobservable inputs	The changes in fair value measurements of Derivatives – Energy Related Assets and Liabilities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), are as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Balance at beginning of period $ 9,959 $ 16,061 Other Changes in Fair Value from Continuing and New Contracts, Net (A) 6,046 10,331 Settlements (4,144) (14,531) Balance at end of period $ 11,861 $ 11,861 SJG: Balance at beginning of period $ 1,708 $ 4,928 Other Changes in Fair Value from Continuing and New Contracts, Net (A) 6,533 8,241 Settlements — (4,928) Balance at end of period $ 8,241 $ 8,241 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended SJI (includes SJG and all other consolidated subsidiaries): Balance at beginning of period $ 18,361 $ 3,110 Other Changes in Fair Value from Continuing and New Contracts, Net (A) (4,426) 5,778 Settlements (3,631) 1,416 Balance at end of period $ 10,304 $ 10,304 SJG: Balance at beginning of period $ 5,997 $ 2,052 Other Changes in Fair Value from Continuing and New Contracts, Net (A) 619 6,616 Settlements — (2,052) Balance at end of period $ 6,616 $ 6,616

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Schedule of changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL)	The following table summarizes the changes in SJI's AOCL for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 (in thousands): Postretirement Liability Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives-Other Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available-for-Sale Securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) of Affiliated Companies Total Balance at July 1, 2019 (a) $ (25,626) $ (346) $ (10) $ (97) $ (26,079) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — — — — — Amounts reclassified from AOCL (b) — 9 — — 9 Net current period other comprehensive income — 9 — — 9 Balance at September 30, 2019 (a) $ (25,626) $ (337) $ (10) $ (97) $ (26,070) Postretirement Liability Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives-Other Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available-for-Sale Securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) of Affiliated Companies Total Balance at January 1, 2019 (a) $ (25,626) $ (362) $ (10) $ (97) $ (26,095) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — — — — — Amounts reclassified from AOCL (b) — 25 — — 25 Net current period other comprehensive income — 25 — — 25 Balance at September 30, 2019 (a) $ (25,626) $ (337) $ (10) $ (97) $ (26,070) (a) Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of approximately 27%. (b) See table below.
Reclassifications out of AOCL	The following table provides details about reclassifications out of SJI's AOCL for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 (in thousands): Components of AOCL Amounts Reclassified from AOCL Affected Line Item in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Unrealized Loss on Derivatives-Other - interest rate contracts designated as cash flow hedges $ 12 $ 35 Interest Charges Income Taxes (3) (10) Income Taxes (a) Losses from reclassifications for the period net of tax $ 9 $ 25 (a) Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of approximately 27%.
SJG
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Schedule of changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL)	The following table summarizes the changes in SJG's AOCL for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 (in thousands): Postretirement Liability Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives-Other Total Balance at July 1, 2019 (a) $ (21,901) $ (440) $ (22,341) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications — — — Amounts reclassified from AOCL (b) — 9 9 Net current period other comprehensive income — 9 9 Balance at September 30, 2019 (a) $ (21,901) $ (431) $ (22,332) Postretirement Liability Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives-Other Total Balance at January 1, 2019 (a) $ (21,901) $ (456) $ (22,357) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications — — — Amounts reclassified from AOCL (b) — 25 25 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) — 25 25 Balance at September 30, 2019 (a) $ (21,901) $ (431) $ (22,332) (a) Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of approximately 27%. (b) See table below.
Reclassifications out of AOCL	The reclassifications out of SJG's AOCL during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 are as follows (in thousands): Components of AOCL Amounts Reclassified from AOCL Affected Line Item in the Condensed Statements of Income Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Unrealized Loss in on Derivatives - Other - Interest Rate Contracts designated as cash flow hedges $ 12 $ 35 Interest Charges Income Taxes (3) (10) Income Taxes (a) Losses from reclassifications for the period net of tax $ 9 $ 25 (a) Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of approximately 27%.

REVENUE (Tables)

REVENUE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	Disaggregated revenues from contracts with customers, by both customer type and product line, are disclosed below, by operating segment, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 (in thousands): Three Months Ended SJG Utility Operations ETG Utility Operations ELK Utility Operations Wholesale Energy Operations Retail Electric Operations On-Site Energy Production Appliance Service Operations Corporate Services and Intersegment Total Customer Type: Residential $ 31,256 $ 16,092 $ 243 $ — $ 4,205 $ — $ 514 $ — $ 52,310 Commercial & Industrial 21,164 12,799 629 158,244 10,275 11,980 — (3,092) 211,999 OSS & Capacity Release 2,234 — — — — — — — 2,234 Other 544 1,733 23 — — — — — 2,300 $ 55,198 $ 30,624 $ 895 $ 158,244 $ 14,480 $ 11,980 $ 514 $ (3,092) $ 268,843 Product Line: Gas $ 55,198 $ 30,624 $ 895 $ 158,244 $ — $ — $ — $ (1,173) $ 243,788 Electric — — — — 14,480 — — (2,184) 12,296 Solar — — — — — 3,429 — — 3,429 CHP — — — — — 7,218 — — 7,218 Landfills — — — — — 1,333 — — 1,333 Other — — — — — — 514 265 779 $ 55,198 $ 30,624 $ 895 $ 158,244 $ 14,480 $ 11,980 $ 514 $ (3,092) $ 268,843 Nine Months Ended SJG Utility Operations ETG Utility Operations ELK Utility Operations Wholesale Energy Operations Retail Electric Operations On-Site Energy Production Appliance Service Operations Corporate Services and Intersegment Total Customer Type: Residential $ 244,889 $ 143,584 $ 2,204 $ — $ 10,966 $ — $ 1,529 $ — $ 403,172 Commercial & Industrial 82,255 71,013 2,769 469,805 35,697 38,098 — (9,517) 690,120 OSS & Capacity Release 6,248 — — — — — — — 6,248 Other 1,787 5,906 127 — — — — — 7,820 $ 335,179 $ 220,503 $ 5,100 $ 469,805 $ 46,663 $ 38,098 $ 1,529 $ (9,517) $ 1,107,360 Product Line: Gas $ 335,179 $ 220,503 $ 5,100 $ 469,805 $ — $ — $ — $ (3,807) $ 1,026,780 Electric — — — — 46,663 — — (5,975) 40,688 Solar — — — — — 12,443 — — 12,443 CHP — — — — — 21,371 — — 21,371 Landfills — — — — — 4,284 — — 4,284 Other — — — — — — 1,529 265 1,794 $ 335,179 $ 220,503 $ 5,100 $ 469,805 $ 46,663 $ 38,098 $ 1,529 $ (9,517) $ 1,107,360 Disaggregated revenues from contracts with customers, by both customer type and product line, are disclosed below, by operating segment, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 (in thousands): Three Months Ended SJG Utility Operations ETG Utility Operations ELK Utility Operations Wholesale Energy Operations Retail Gas and Other Operations Retail Electric Operations On-Site Energy Production Appliance Service Operations Corporate Services and Intersegment Total Customer Type: Residential $ 26,683 $ 16,193 $ 222 $ — $ — $ 9,691 $ — $ 509 $ — $ 53,298 Commercial & Industrial 19,109 11,946 496 173,363 12,487 27,755 15,317 — (4,032) 256,441 OSS & Capacity Release 3,066 — — — — — — — — 3,066 Other 658 978 26 — — — — — — 1,662 $ 49,516 $ 29,117 $ 744 $ 173,363 $ 12,487 $ 37,446 $ 15,317 $ 509 $ (4,032) $ 314,467 Product Line: Gas $ 49,516 $ 29,117 $ 718 $ 173,363 $ 12,487 $ — $ — $ — $ (1,579) $ 263,622 Electric — — — — — 37,446 — — (2,453) 34,993 Solar — — — — — — 5,392 — — 5,392 CHP — — — — — — 8,151 — — 8,151 Landfills — — — — — — 1,774 — — 1,774 Other — — 26 — — — — 509 — 535 $ 49,516 $ 29,117 $ 744 $ 173,363 $ 12,487 $ 37,446 $ 15,317 $ 509 $ (4,032) $ 314,467 Nine Months Ended SJG Utility Operations ETG Utility Operations ELK Utility Operations Wholesale Energy Operations Retail Gas and Other Operations Retail Electric Operations On-Site Energy Production Appliance Service Operations Corporate Services and Intersegment Total Customer Type: Residential $ 217,927 $ 16,193 $ 222 — — $ 24,178 — $ 1,480 — $ 260,000 Commercial & Industrial 78,478 11,946 496 423,585 60,854 72,135 61,208 — (20,508) 688,194 OSS & Capacity Release 9,242 — — — — — — — — 9,242 Other 1,860 978 26 — — — — — — 2,864 $ 307,507 $ 29,117 $ 744 $ 423,585 $ 60,854 $ 96,313 $ 61,208 $ 1,480 $ (20,508) $ 960,300 Product Line: Gas $ 307,507 $ 29,117 $ 718 $ 423,585 $ 60,854 — — — $ (8,067) $ 813,714 Electric — — — — — 96,313 — — (6,134) 90,179 Solar — — — — — — 33,133 — (6,307) 26,826 CHP — — — — — — 23,165 — — 23,165 Landfills — — — — — — 4,910 — — 4,910 Other — — 26 — — — — 1,480 — 1,506 $ 307,507 $ 29,117 $ 744 $ 423,585 $ 60,854 $ 96,313 $ 61,208 $ 1,480 $ (20,508) $ 960,300
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 1/1/19 $ 337,502 $ 79,538 Ending balance as of 9/30/19 179,108 18,714 Increase (Decrease) $ (158,394) $ (60,824) Beginning balance as of 1/1/18 $ 202,379 $ 73,377 Ending balance as of 9/30/18 220,561 29,313 Increase (Decrease) $ 18,182 $ (44,064) SJG: Beginning balance as of 1/1/19 $ 101,572 $ 43,271 Ending balance as of 9/30/19 65,511 7,831 Increase (Decrease) $ (36,061) $ (35,440) Beginning balance as of 1/1/18 $ 78,571 $ 54,980 Ending balance as of 9/30/18 72,010 7,995 Increase (Decrease) $ (6,561) $ (46,985) (1) Included in Accounts Receivable in the condensed 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. (2) Included in Unbilled Revenues in the condensed 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 nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 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 COMBINATION (Tables)

BUSINESS COMBINATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	The 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 $ 1,202,435 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 39,470 Regulatory Assets 136,212 Goodwill 700,286 Total assets acquired 2,130,448 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 192,811 Asset Retirement Obligation 113,093 Other 1,107 Total liabilities assumed 405,763 Total net assets acquired $ 1,724,685
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	Other material non-recurring adjustments are reflected in the pro forma and described below: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Revenues $ 261,203 $ 302,480 $ 1,165,435 $ 1,240,240 Net income (loss) $ (34,805) $ (25,116) $ 37,433 $ 38,307 Earnings (loss) per share $ (0.38) $ (0.29) $ 0.41 $ 0.46
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	The purchase price for the AEP acquisition has been allocated, on a preliminary basis, to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date and is as follows: (in thousands) AEP Cash $ 43 Accounts Receivable 116 Other Prepayments and Current Assets 53 Goodwill 1,843 Other Noncurrent Assets 2,400 Total assets acquired 4,455 Accounts Payable 11 Other Current Liabilities 449 Total liabilities assumed 460 Total net assets acquired $ 3,995

GOODWILL AND IDENTIFIABLE INT_2

GOODWILL AND IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	A rollforward of the Company's goodwill is as follows (in thousands): 2019 Beginning Balance, January 1 $ 734,607 Goodwill from AEP Acquisition 1,843 ETG and ELK Acquisition-related Working Capital Settlement (15,600) ETG and ELK Fair Value Adjustments During Measurement Period (15,143) Ending Balance, September 30 $ 705,707

LEASES (Tables)

LEASES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule operating lease maturity	The maturity of the Company’s operating lease liabilities as of September 30, 2019 is as follows (in thousands): As of September 30, 2019 SJI Consolidated SJG 2019 (excluding the nine months ended September 30, 2019) $ 414 $ 43 2020 1,075 150 2021 233 39 2022 65 21 2023 34 19 Thereafter 114 114 Total future minimum lease payments 1,935 386 Less imputed interest 64 32 Total lease payments $ 1,871 $ 354 Included in the condensed consolidated balance sheet Current lease liabilities (included in Other Current Liabilities) $ 1,326 $ 166 Long-term lease liabilities (included in Other Noncurrent Liabilities) 545 188 Total lease liabilities $ 1,871 $ 354
Contractual obligations for operating leases under previous guidance	The following summarizes our contractual obligations for operating leases and their applicable payment due dates, as of December 31, 2018 under ASC Topic 840, prior to the implementation of ASC 842: Total Up to 1 year Years 2&3 Years 4&5 More than 5 years SJI Consolidated 1,885 838 916 131 — SJG 175 56 112 7 —
Minimum future rentals to be received	Minimum future rentals to be received on this operating lease of property and equipment as of September 30, 2019 for the remainder of 2019 and each of the next five fiscal years and in the aggregate are (in thousands): 2019 (remaining three months) $ 1,349 2020 5,396 2021 5,396 2022 5,396 2023 5,396 2024 5,396 Thereafter 13,042 Total minimum future rentals $ 41,371

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details)	Aug. 31, 2019USD ($)	Jul. 01, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)projectcountymishares	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)projectcountymishares	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019project	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)shares
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]
Length of pipeline (in miles) | mi			118		118
Payments to acquire assets					$ 357,844,000	$ 200,770,000
Number of projects closed | project					7
Number of solar energy sites | project			1		1
Impairment charge			$ 1,300,000		$ 1,300,000	99,200,000
Identified impairments			0	$ 0	0	0
Amount of costs related to interests in proved and unproved properties			$ 8,600,000		$ 8,600,000			$ 8,600,000
Shares of treasury stock held (in shares) | shares			227,426		227,426			233,482
Payments to purchase asset management agreement		$ 11,300,000			$ 0	11,389,000
Minimum annual fee for long-term asset management agreement		4,250,000
Current portion of long-term debt			$ 338,909,000		338,909,000			$ 733,909,000
Current portion of long-term debt due in the next fiscal year								320,000,000
Early repayment of senior debt					725,000,000
Assets held for sale
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of business			2,100,000		24,300,000
Value of unsold solar assets			$ 27,800,000		$ 27,800,000
SJG
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]
Number of counties in which entity operates | county			7		7
Payments to acquire assets					$ 178,666,000	168,654,000
Impairment charge			$ 0	$ 0	0	$ 0
Current portion of long-term debt			$ 338,909,000		$ 338,909,000			$ 18,909,000
ETG Utility Operations
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]
Number of counties in which entity operates | county			7		7
Minimum annual fee for long-term asset management agreement					$ 4,250,000
Series 2018D Senior Notes, Due 2019
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]
Early repayment of senior debt					475,000,000
Forecast
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]
Number of solar energy sites | project							2
Elizabethtown Gas and Elkton Gas
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]
Payments to acquire assets		$ 1,720,000,000
AEP
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]
Consideration paid for AEP	$ 4,000,000
Unsecured Term Loan | Credit Agreement | SJG
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]
Current portion of long-term debt			$ 310,000,000		310,000,000
Draw on term loan					$ 10,000,000

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_5

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Asset Management Agreement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jul. 01, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Natural Gas in Storage			$ 9,685
Intangible Asset	$ 12,800	$ 16,600	19,200
Profit Sharing - Other Liabilities	$ (11,700)	$ (17,000)	(17,546)
Total Consideration			$ 11,339

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN_2

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Number of options granted (in shares)			0	0
Number of options outstanding (in shares)	0	0	0	0
Vesting period of shares					3 years
Return on equity award threshold			3 years
Expected volatility, measurement period			3 years
Unrecognized compensation cost of awards granted under the plan	$ 7,400		$ 7,400
Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation cost is to be recognized.			1 year 7 months 6 days
Net Expense	$ 1,161	$ 654	$ 3,815	$ 3,053
Percentage of cost of outstanding stock awards capitalized	69.00%		69.00%
Officers & Key Employees
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Number of shares granted (in shares)			184,791
Number of shares awarded			125,288	67,130
Fair value of shares awarded			$ 3,700	$ 2,000
Directors
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Number of shares granted (in shares)			30,961	30,394
Vesting period of shares			12 months
Director shares vested	100.00%		100.00%
Fair value of shares awarded			$ 800	$ 1,000
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Number of shares granted (in shares)			0	0
Restricted Stock | Year one
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Vesting period of shares			1 year
Restricted Stock | Year two
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Vesting period of shares			2 years
Return on equity award threshold			2 years
Restricted Stock | Year three
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Vesting period of shares			3 years
Return on equity award threshold			3 years
Restricted Stock | Officers & Key Employees
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Number of shares granted (in shares)			184,791	201,858
Restricted Stock | Officers & Key Employees | Minimum
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Percentage of actual amount of shares that ultimately vest of original share units granted			0.00%
Restricted Stock | Officers & Key Employees | Maximum
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Percentage of actual amount of shares that ultimately vest of original share units granted			200.00%
Restricted Stock | South Jersey Gas Company's Officers and Key Employees
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Number of shares granted (in shares)			6,095	32,924
Net Expense			$ 100
Restricted Stock | South Jersey Gas Company's Officers and Key Employees | SJG
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Net Expense				$ 500
Time-based Restricted Stock | Minimum
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Contingent percentage of ROE for time vesting shares			7.00%
Time-based Restricted Stock | Officers & Key Employees
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Number of shares granted (in shares)			88,550	67,479
Vesting period of shares			3 years
Payout limit of vested shares			100.00%
Time-based Restricted Stock | Officers & Key Employees | Year one
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Percentage of shares vested			33.33%
Time-based Restricted Stock | Officers & Key Employees | Year two
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Percentage of shares vested			33.33%
Time-based Restricted Stock | Officers & Key Employees | Year three
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Percentage of shares vested			33.33%
Performance Shares
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Vesting period of shares			3 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Directors
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Number of shares granted (in shares)			26,416

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN N

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN Nonvested Restricted Stock Awards and Fair Value Assumptions (Details) - $ / shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average fair value nonvested shares - ending balance (in dollars per share)	$ 31.50	$ 29.57
Officers & Key Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares outstanding (in shares)	408,730	411,809
Directors
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares outstanding (in shares)	30,961	26,416
2017 - TSR | Officers & Key Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares outstanding (in shares)	40,819
Weighted average fair value nonvested shares - ending balance (in dollars per share)	$ 32.17
Expected Volatility	20.80%
Risk-Free Interest Rate	1.47%
2017 - CEGR, Time | Officers & Key Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares outstanding (in shares)	54,135
Weighted average fair value nonvested shares - ending balance (in dollars per share)	$ 33.69
2018 - TSR | Officers & Key Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares outstanding (in shares)	50,991
Weighted average fair value nonvested shares - ending balance (in dollars per share)	$ 31.05
Expected Volatility	21.90%
Risk-Free Interest Rate	2.00%
2018 - CEGR, Time | Officers & Key Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares outstanding (in shares)	83,989
Weighted average fair value nonvested shares - ending balance (in dollars per share)	$ 31.23
2019 - TSR | Officers & Key Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares outstanding (in shares)	38,934
Weighted average fair value nonvested shares - ending balance (in dollars per share)	$ 32.88
Expected Volatility	23.20%
Risk-Free Interest Rate	2.40%
2019 - CEGR, Time | Officers & Key Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares outstanding (in shares)	139,863
Weighted average fair value nonvested shares - ending balance (in dollars per share)	$ 31.38
2019 | Directors
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares outstanding (in shares)	30,961
Weighted average fair value nonvested shares - ending balance (in dollars per share)	$ 27.07

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN S

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN Schedule of Stock Based Compensation Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]
Total Cost	$ 1,280	$ 755	$ 3,968	$ 3,356
Capitalized	(119)	(101)	(153)	(303)
Net Expense	1,161	654	3,815	3,053
Officers & Key Employees
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]
Total Cost	1,071	549	3,355	2,739
Directors
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]
Total Cost	$ 209	$ 206	$ 613	$ 617

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN R

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN Restricted Stock Activity (Details) - $ / shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Weighted Average Fair Value
Weighted average fair value nonvested shares-beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$ 29.57
Weighted average fair value nonvested shares - granted during the period (in dollars per share)	31.03
Weighted average fair value nonvested shares - cancelled/forfeited during the period (in dollars per share)	31.58
Weighted average fair value nonvested shares - vested during the period (in dollars per share)	26.09
Weighted average fair value nonvested shares - ending balance (in dollars per share)	$ 31.50
Officers & Key Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested Shares Outstanding, Beginning Balance	411,809
Granted (in shares)	184,791
Cancelled/Forfeited (in shares)	(38,788)
Vested (in shares)	(149,082)
Nonvested Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance	408,730
Directors
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested Shares Outstanding, Beginning Balance	26,416
Granted (in shares)	30,961	30,394
Cancelled/Forfeited (in shares)	0
Vested (in shares)	(26,416)
Nonvested Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance	30,961

AFFILIATIONS, DISCONTINUED OP_3

AFFILIATIONS, DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)mi	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)mi	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Length of pipeline (in miles) | mi	118		118
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates			$ 6	$ 8.2
Notes receivable - affiliate	$ 17.1		$ 17.1		$ 15.2
Interest accrual on secured notes receivable	7.50%		7.50%
Net asset - included in investment in affiliates and other noncurrent liabilities	$ 84.2		$ 84.2
Combined equity contributions and the notes receivable - affiliate			$ 101.3
PennEast Pipeline Company, LLC (PennEast)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity interest	20.00%		20.00%
Energenic US LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity interest	50.00%		50.00%
Millennium Account Services, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity interest	50.00%		50.00%
Potato Creek, LLC (Potato Creek)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity interest	30.00%		30.00%
EnerConnex, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity interest	25.00%		25.00%
Secured Debt
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Notes receivable - affiliate	$ 13.6		$ 13.6		13.6
Unsecured promissory notes
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Notes receivable - affiliate	$ 3.5		$ 3.5		$ 1.6
South Jersey Energy Company | EnergyMark
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity interest	33.00%		33.00%
SJRG | EnergyMark
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Total operating revenue, affiliates	$ 3.4	$ 7.7	$ 22.6	$ 29

AFFILIATIONS, DISCONTINUED OP_4

AFFILIATIONS, DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Summarized Operating Results (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Gain (Loss) before Income Taxes: [Abstract]
Income Tax Benefits	$ 16	$ 11	$ 56	$ 34
Loss from Discontinued Operations — Net	$ (59)	$ (43)	$ (216)	$ (135)
Earnings Per Common Share from
Basic and Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Sand Mining
Gain (Loss) before Income Taxes: [Abstract]
Loss before Income Taxes:	$ (16)	$ 3	$ (60)	$ (30)
Fuel Oil
Gain (Loss) before Income Taxes: [Abstract]
Loss before Income Taxes:	$ (59)	$ (57)	$ (212)	$ (139)

AFFILIATIONS, DISCONTINUED OP_5

AFFILIATIONS, DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Related Party Transactions (Details) - SJG - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Regulated Operating Revenue [Abstract]
Total Operating Revenue/Affiliates	$ 1,194	$ 803	$ 3,868	$ 4,738
Operating Expenses [Abstract]
Total Operations Expense/Affiliates	6,851	6,786	26,386	21,746
SJRG
Regulated Operating Revenue [Abstract]
Total Operating Revenue/Affiliates	1,092	691	3,518	4,388
SJRG*	2,326	1,094	8,908	28,525
Marina
Regulated Operating Revenue [Abstract]
Total Operating Revenue/Affiliates	82	89	290	281
SJI
Operating Expenses [Abstract]
Total Operations Expense/Affiliates	5,087	6,148	15,507	19,899
SJIU
Operating Expenses [Abstract]
Total Operations Expense/Affiliates	630	0	1,971	0
Millennium
Operating Expenses [Abstract]
Total Operations Expense/Affiliates	794	750	2,118	2,191
Other
Regulated Operating Revenue [Abstract]
Total Operating Revenue/Affiliates	20	23	60	69
Operating Expenses [Abstract]
Total Operations Expense/Affiliates	$ 340	$ (112)	$ 6,790	$ (344)

COMMON STOCK - Summary of Share

COMMON STOCK - Summary of Shares Issued and Outstanding (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019shares
Common Stock [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (in shares)	85,506,218
New Issuances During the Period:
Settlement of Equity Forward Sale Agreement	6,779,661
Stock-Based Compensation Plan	106,997
Ending balance (in shares)	92,392,876

COMMON STOCK - Narrative (Detai

COMMON STOCK - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Jan. 15, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Par value of common stock (in dollars per share)		$ 1.25			$ 1.25
Net excess over par value recorded in premium on common stock					$ 183.4
Shares of common stock outstanding (in shares)		92,392,876			92,392,876		85,506,218
Number of shares issued (in shares)					6,779,661
Interest rate		7.50%			7.50%
Quarterly contract adjustment payments, percent							3.55%
Incremental shares included in diluted EPS calculation (in shares)		129,979	1,245,564		116,904	742,313
Dividends per share (in usd per share)		$ 0.29	$ 0.28		$ 0.87	$ 0.84
Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Par value of common stock (in dollars per share)				$ 1.25
Shares available for issuance (in shares)				12,669,491
Price per share (in dollars per share)				$ 29.50
Number of shares issued (in shares)				5,889,830
Consideration received	$ 189
Capital Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares issued (in shares)							5,750,000
Corporate Unit, stated value per share (in dollars per share)							$ 50
Over-Allotment Option | Capital Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares issued (in shares)							750,000
Bank of America, N.A. | Private Placement | Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares held for forward contract (in shares)	6,779,661
Series 2018A, Due 2031
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Interest rate							3.70%
Series 2018A, Due 2031 | Capital Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Interest in notes issued, percent							5.00%
SJG
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Par value of common stock (in dollars per share)		$ 2.50			$ 2.50
Shares of common stock outstanding (in shares)		2,339,139			2,339,139
Interest rate		5.587%			5.587%

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details)

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)counterparty	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Margin accounts with selected counter-parties to support risk management activities	$ 16,300	$ 1,600
Notes Receivable - Affiliate	$ 13,275	13,275
Number of counter parties | counterparty	2
Estimated fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities	$ 2,690,000	2,910,000
Carrying amount of long-term debt, including current maturities	2,360,000	2,840,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs	25,700	27,000
Debt discount	5,300
Supplier Concentration Risk | Derivatives Energy Related Assets
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current and non current derivatives	$ 17,300
Percentage of current and non current derivatives	30.70%
Energenic US LLC
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes Receivable - Affiliate	$ 13,600
SJG
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Margin accounts with selected counter-parties to support risk management activities	2,100	1,300
Estimated fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities	934,200	895,100
Carrying amount of long-term debt, including current maturities	893,900	893,400
Unamortized debt issuance costs	6,400	6,800
SJG | Financing Receivable
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying amount of loans, net of unamortized discounts	4,100	5,300
Imputed interest of loans	$ 500	$ 700
SJG | Financing Receivable | Minimum
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Initial term of note	5 years
SJG | Financing Receivable | Maximum
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Initial term of note	10 years

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Cash, C

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$ 4,602	$ 30,030
Restricted Investments	16,271	1,649
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows	20,873	31,679	$ 13,316	$ 39,695
SJG
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents	1,347	1,984
Restricted Investments	2,084	1,278
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows	$ 3,431	$ 3,262	$ 2,179	$ 4,619

SEGMENTS OF BUSINESS (Details)

SEGMENTS OF BUSINESS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Operating Revenues	$ 261,203	$ 302,480	$ 1,165,435	$ 1,051,755
Total Operating (Loss) Income	(19,025)	(38,592)	125,348	10,746
Total Depreciation and Amortization	33,547	30,896	98,582	101,450
Total Interest Charges	28,857	26,534	85,944	60,067
Total Income Taxes	(10,925)	(16,649)	9,378	(12,206)
Total Property Additions	124,338	82,711	341,259	211,979
Total Identifiable Assets	6,130,053		6,130,053		$ 5,956,577
Discontinued Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable Assets	1,778		1,778		1,777
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Operating Revenues	274,547	315,638	1,206,390	1,105,471
Total Interest Charges	32,112	32,046	96,393	75,712
Operating Segments | SJG Utility Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Operating Revenues	93,550	86,258	617,362	397,518
Total Operating (Loss) Income	(13,628)	(27,153)	141,730	74,091
Total Depreciation and Amortization	31,183	26,924	90,664	67,513
Total Interest Charges	15,009	11,946	43,705	25,673
Total Income Taxes	(5,866)	(9,827)	24,748	12,491
Total Property Additions	123,953	82,108	340,105	197,493
Total Identifiable Assets	5,609,248		5,609,248		5,282,893
Operating Segments | Energy Group
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Operating Revenues	158,251	204,428	517,963	612,057
Total Operating (Loss) Income	(8,374)	(10,845)	(17,235)	51,127
Total Depreciation and Amortization	22	111	70	316
Total Interest Charges	0	141	0	392
Total Income Taxes	(2,126)	(2,735)	(3,902)	13,103
Total Property Additions	1	186	1	527
Total Identifiable Assets	202,944		202,944		318,498
Operating Segments | Energy Group | Wholesale Energy Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Operating Revenues	135,856	134,867	452,346	392,430
Total Operating (Loss) Income	(8,371)	(11,992)	(13,263)	53,193
Total Depreciation and Amortization	22	36	70	88
Total Income Taxes	(2,130)	(3,036)	(3,088)	13,613
Total Property Additions	1	0	1	32
Total Identifiable Assets	173,252		173,252		266,417
Operating Segments | Energy Group | Retail Gas and Other Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Operating Revenues	0	18,292	0	81,661
Total Operating (Loss) Income	0	590	0	(3,509)
Total Depreciation and Amortization	0	75	0	228
Total Interest Charges	0	141	0	392
Total Income Taxes	0	144	0	(916)
Total Property Additions	0	186	0	495
Total Identifiable Assets	120		120		12,736
Operating Segments | Energy Group | Retail Electric Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Operating Revenues	22,395	51,269	65,617	137,966
Total Operating (Loss) Income	(3)	557	(3,972)	1,443
Total Income Taxes	4	157	(814)	406
Total Identifiable Assets	29,572		29,572		39,345
Operating Segments | Energy Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Operating Revenues	12,494	15,826	39,627	62,688
Total Operating (Loss) Income	3,102	2,644	6,533	(97,400)
Total Depreciation and Amortization	1,248	1,210	3,756	21,805
Total Income Taxes	384	(160)	330	(27,569)
Total Property Additions	0	696	164	2,379
Total Identifiable Assets	163,716		163,716		195,329
Operating Segments | Energy Services | On-Site Energy Production
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Operating Revenues	11,980	15,317	38,098	61,208
Total Operating (Loss) Income	2,634	2,966	5,049	(98,023)
Total Depreciation and Amortization	1,248	1,210	3,756	21,805
Total Interest Charges	2,097	4,115	6,520	12,060
Total Income Taxes	242	(331)	(115)	(27,977)
Total Property Additions	0	696	164	2,379
Total Identifiable Assets	163,716		163,716		195,329
Operating Segments | Energy Services | Appliance Service Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Operating Revenues	514	509	1,529	1,480
Total Operating (Loss) Income	468	(322)	1,484	623
Total Depreciation and Amortization	0	0	0	0
Total Income Taxes	142	171	445	408
Total Identifiable Assets	0		0		0
Corporate Services and Intersegment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Operating Revenues	10,252	9,126	31,438	33,208
Total Operating (Loss) Income	(125)	(3,238)	(5,680)	(17,072)
Total Depreciation and Amortization	1,094	2,651	4,092	11,816
Total Interest Charges	14,433	15,303	44,496	36,141
Total Income Taxes	(3,299)	(3,827)	(11,715)	(10,171)
Total Property Additions	368	0	954	11,549
Total Identifiable Assets	394,897		394,897		387,482
Intersegment sales
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Operating Revenues	(13,344)	(13,158)	(40,955)	(53,716)
Total Interest Charges	(3,255)	(5,512)	(10,449)	(15,645)
Total Identifiable Assets	(323,629)		(323,629)		(301,735)
ETG Utility Operations | Operating Segments | SJG Utility Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Operating Revenues	30,619	29,117	215,647	29,117
Total Operating (Loss) Income	(5,112)	(19,808)	41,088	(19,808)
Total Depreciation and Amortization	7,461	6,403	20,932	6,403
Total Interest Charges	7,165	4,835	20,106	4,835
Total Income Taxes	(2,065)	(6,866)	4,028	(6,866)
Total Property Additions	50,426	18,637	142,388	18,637
Total Identifiable Assets	2,335,164		2,335,164		2,148,175
ELK Utility Operations | Operating Segments | SJG Utility Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Operating Revenues	892	770	5,210	770
Total Operating (Loss) Income	(197)	(518)	401	(518)
Total Depreciation and Amortization	158	94	383	94
Total Interest Charges	4	3	15	3
Total Income Taxes	(54)	(143)	100	(143)
Total Property Additions	468	129	2,096	129
Total Identifiable Assets	19,808		19,808		16,482
SJG
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Operating Revenues		56,371	396,505	367,631
Total Operating (Loss) Income	(8,319)	(6,827)	100,241	94,417
Total Income Taxes	(3,747)	(2,818)	20,620	19,500
Total Identifiable Assets	3,254,276		3,254,276		3,118,236
SJG | Operating Segments | SJG Utility Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Operating Revenues	62,039	56,371	396,505	367,631
Total Operating (Loss) Income	(8,319)	(6,827)	100,241	94,417
Total Depreciation and Amortization	23,564	20,427	69,349	61,016
Total Interest Charges	7,840	7,108	23,584	20,835
Total Income Taxes	(3,747)	(2,818)	20,620	19,500
Total Property Additions	73,059	63,342	195,621	178,727
Total Identifiable Assets	3,254,276		3,254,276		3,118,236
SJI Midstream, LLC
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable Assets	81,099		81,099		$ 72,333
SJI Midstream, LLC | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Interest Charges	573	541	1,672	1,446
Total Income Taxes	(18)	(100)	(83)	(60)
Total Property Additions	$ 16	$ (279)	$ 35	$ 31

RATES AND REGULATORY ACTIONS (D

RATES AND REGULATORY ACTIONS (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended						3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jul. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	May 31, 2019	Apr. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Impairment charge							$ 1,300,000		$ 1,300,000	$ 99,200,000
ETG Utility Operations
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Net plant additions not reflected in current rates					$ 346,000,000
SJG
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Requested revenue increase (decrease)								$ 3,900,000
Impairment charge							$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities | ETG Utility Operations
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Requested revenue increase (decrease)					65,000,000
Requested recovery of investment costs not yet approved			$ 300,000,000
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities | SJG
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Investment to be recovered by Sharp II	$ 27,400,000
Annual BGSS Filing | SJG
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Approved rate increase (decrease)						$ 65,500,000
Stipulation of Settlement | SJG
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Approved rate increase (decrease)					$ 65,500,000
Period of gas cost recovery					2 years
Public utilities bill credit					$ 24,000,000
Annual EET Rate Adjustments | SJG
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Requested revenue increase (decrease)			1,300,000
Annual Tax Rider | SJG
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Requested revenue increase (decrease)			6,800,000
Annual BGSS Revenues | SJG
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Approved rate increase (decrease)	27,600,000
Conservation Incentive Program | SJG
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Approved rate increase (decrease)	7,600,000
Accelerated Infrastructure Replacement Program II | SJG
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Approved rate increase (decrease)	6,700,000
Regulatory investment to be recovered By AIRP II	64,500,000
SHARP II | SJG
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Approved rate increase (decrease)	2,900,000
Annual USF Recoveries | SJG
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Approved rate increase (decrease)	$ 1,000,000
Annual EEP Rate Adjustment | ETG Utility Operations
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Approved rate increase (decrease)					$ 1,300,000
Requested revenue increase (decrease)		$ 1,000,000
Annual RAC Rate Adjustment | ETG Utility Operations
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Approved rate increase (decrease)				$ 6,900,000
RAC Rate Adjustment Petition | ETG Utility Operations
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Requested revenue increase (decrease)		6,100,000
WNC/OCP/OSMC Rate Adjustment Petition | ETG Utility Operations
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Requested revenue increase (decrease)		$ 1,900,000
Annual USF Petition | ETG Utility Operations
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Approved rate increase (decrease)			$ 800,000

REGULATORY ASSETS AND REGULAT_3

REGULATORY ASSETS AND REGULATORY LIABILITIES - Regulatory Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
SJG
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	$ 521,016	$ 492,365
SJG | Environmental Remediation Costs: Expended - Net
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	149,402	136,227
SJG | Environmental Remediation Costs: Liability for Future Expenditures
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	144,543	148,071
SJG | Deferred ARO Costs
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	34,941	31,096
SJG | Deferred Pension Costs - Unrecognized Prior Service Cost
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0	0
SJG | Deferred Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	79,466	80,121
SJG | Deferred Gas Costs - Net
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	66,265	57,889
SJG | SBC Receivable
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	1,159	2,173
SJG | Deferred Interest Rate Contracts
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	8,996	5,867
SJG | Energy Efficiency Tracker
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	9,322	2,319
SJG | Pipeline Supplier Service Charges
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	548	617
SJG | Pipeline Integrity Cost
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	5,923	5,140
SJG | AFUDC - Equity Related Deferrals
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	10,397	13,914
SJG | Weather Normalization
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets		0
SJG | Other Regulatory Assets
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	10,054	8,931
SJI
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	719,426	662,969
SJI | Environmental Remediation Costs: Expended - Net
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	166,211	147,102
SJI | Environmental Remediation Costs: Liability for Future Expenditures
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	247,875	252,665
SJI | Deferred ARO Costs
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	48,260	31,096
SJI | Deferred Pension Costs - Unrecognized Prior Service Cost
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	38,197	40,626
SJI | Deferred Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	82,103	82,758
SJI | Deferred Gas Costs - Net
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	80,118	58,178
SJI | SBC Receivable
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	1,159	2,173
SJI | Deferred Interest Rate Contracts
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	8,996	5,867
SJI | Energy Efficiency Tracker
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	9,322	2,319
SJI | Pipeline Supplier Service Charges
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	548	617
SJI | Pipeline Integrity Cost
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	5,923	5,140
SJI | AFUDC - Equity Related Deferrals
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	10,397	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	20,317	17,165
ETG Utility Operations
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	196,853	169,921
ETG Utility Operations | Environmental Remediation Costs: Expended - Net
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	16,809	10,875
ETG Utility Operations | Environmental Remediation Costs: Liability for Future Expenditures
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	103,332	104,594
ETG Utility Operations | Deferred ARO Costs
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	13,176	0
ETG Utility Operations | Deferred Pension Costs - Unrecognized Prior Service Cost
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	38,183	40,612
ETG Utility Operations | Deferred Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	2,607	2,607
ETG Utility Operations | Deferred Gas Costs - Net
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	12,929	0
ETG Utility Operations | SBC Receivable
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0	0
ETG Utility Operations | Deferred Interest Rate Contracts
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0	0
ETG Utility Operations | Energy Efficiency Tracker
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0	0
ETG Utility Operations | Pipeline Supplier Service Charges
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0	0
ETG Utility Operations | Pipeline Integrity Cost
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0	0
ETG Utility Operations | AFUDC - Equity Related Deferrals
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0	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	9,817	8,023
ELK Utility Operations
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	1,557	683
ELK Utility Operations | Environmental Remediation Costs: Expended - Net
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0	0
ELK Utility Operations | Environmental Remediation Costs: Liability for Future Expenditures
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0	0
ELK Utility Operations | Deferred ARO Costs
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	143	0
ELK Utility Operations | Deferred Pension Costs - Unrecognized Prior Service Cost
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	14	14
ELK Utility Operations | Deferred Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	30	30
ELK Utility Operations | Deferred Gas Costs - Net
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	924	289
ELK Utility Operations | SBC Receivable
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0	0
ELK Utility Operations | Deferred Interest Rate Contracts
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0	0
ELK Utility Operations | Energy Efficiency Tracker
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0	0
ELK Utility Operations | Pipeline Supplier Service Charges
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0	0
ELK Utility Operations | Pipeline Integrity Cost
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0	0
ELK Utility Operations | AFUDC - Equity Related Deferrals
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Assets	0	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	$ 446	$ 211

REGULATORY ASSETS AND REGULAT_4

REGULATORY ASSETS AND REGULATORY LIABILITIES - Narrative and Regulatory Liabilities (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)siteasset	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Environmental Remediation
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Number of regulatory assets | asset	2
Original recovery period of expenditures	7 years
SJG
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Regulatory assets	$ 521,016	$ 492,365
Total Regulatory Liabilities	$ 272,531	286,539
SJG | Environmental Remediation
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Number of sites for environmental cleanup | site	12
SJG | Deferred Revenues
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Increase in regulatory assets	$ (8,400)
Total Regulatory Liabilities	0
SJG | Unprotected Excess Deferred Income Tax
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	$ 26,100
Period to refund customers	5 years
SJG | Weather Normalization
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	$ 0
SJI
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Regulatory assets	719,426	662,969
Total Regulatory Liabilities	442,164	478,499
SJI | Deferred Revenues
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Increase in regulatory assets	(21,900)
Total Regulatory Liabilities	13
SJI | Deferred ARO Costs
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Increase in regulatory assets	17,200
SJI | Energy Efficiency Tracker
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Increase in regulatory assets	7,000
SJI | Weather Normalization
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	1,646
ETG Utility Operations
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Regulatory assets	196,853	169,921
Total Regulatory Liabilities	$ 166,981	189,336
ETG Utility Operations | Environmental Remediation
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Number of sites for environmental cleanup | site	6
ETG Utility Operations | Deferred Revenues
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	$ 13
ETG Utility Operations | Weather Normalization
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	1,646
ELK Utility Operations
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Regulatory assets	1,557	683
Total Regulatory Liabilities	2,652	$ 2,624
ELK Utility Operations | Deferred Revenues
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	0
ELK Utility Operations | Weather Normalization
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	$ 0

REGULATORY ASSETS AND REGULAT_5

REGULATORY ASSETS AND REGULATORY LIABILITIES - Regulatory Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
SJG
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	$ 272,531	$ 286,539
SJG | Excess Plant Removal Costs
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	17,088	20,805
SJG | Excess Deferred Taxes
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	252,499	259,863
SJG | Deferred Revenue - Net
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities		0
SJG | CIP Payable
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	2,944	5,871
SJG | Weather Normalization
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	0
SJG | Amounts to be Refunded to Customers
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	0	0
SJG | Other Regulatory Liabilities
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	0	0
SJI
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	442,164	478,499
SJI | Excess Plant Removal Costs
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	53,268	70,107
SJI | Excess Deferred Taxes
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	372,191	379,851
SJI | Deferred Revenue - Net
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities		3,188
SJI | CIP Payable
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	2,944	5,871
SJI | Weather Normalization
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	1,646
SJI | Amounts to be Refunded to Customers
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	11,687	17,039
SJI | Other Regulatory Liabilities
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	415	2,443
ETG Utility Operations
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	166,981	189,336
ETG Utility Operations | Excess Plant Removal Costs
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	34,761	47,909
ETG Utility Operations | Excess Deferred Taxes
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	118,459	118,757
ETG Utility Operations | Deferred Revenue - Net
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities		3,188
ETG Utility Operations | CIP Payable
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	0	0
ETG Utility Operations | Weather Normalization
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	1,646
ETG Utility Operations | Amounts to be Refunded to Customers
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	11,687	17,039
ETG Utility Operations | Other Regulatory Liabilities
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	415	2,443
ELK Utility Operations
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	2,652	2,624
ELK Utility Operations | Excess Plant Removal Costs
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	1,419	1,393
ELK Utility Operations | Excess Deferred Taxes
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	1,233	1,231
ELK Utility Operations | Deferred Revenue - Net
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities		0
ELK Utility Operations | CIP Payable
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	0	0
ELK Utility Operations | Weather Normalization
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	0
ELK Utility Operations | Amounts to be Refunded to Customers
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	0	0
ELK Utility Operations | Other Regulatory Liabilities
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Total Regulatory Liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM_3

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosure (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service Cost	$ 1,387	$ 1,875	$ 4,187	$ 4,691
Interest Cost	4,307	3,818	12,971	9,642
Expected Return on Plan Assets	(5,077)	(5,256)	(15,213)	(12,908)
Amortizations:
Prior Service Cost	26	26	79	84
Actuarial Loss	2,398	2,878	7,195	8,642
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	3,041	3,341	9,219	10,151
Capitalized Benefit Cost	(454)	(762)	(1,423)	(1,799)
Deferred Benefit Cost	(516)	(594)	(1,710)	(1,719)
Total Net Periodic Benefit Expense	2,071	1,985	6,086	6,633
Other Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service Cost	129	251	400	692
Interest Cost	729	644	2,163	1,720
Expected Return on Plan Assets	(1,147)	(1,129)	(3,428)	(3,012)
Amortizations:
Prior Service Cost	(144)	(74)	(432)	(246)
Actuarial Loss	292	223	876	674
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	(141)	(85)	(421)	(172)
Capitalized Benefit Cost	(115)	263	(270)	258
Deferred Benefit Cost	118	0	352	0
Total Net Periodic Benefit Expense	$ (138)	$ 178	$ (339)	$ 86

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM_4

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)	$ 3,041,000	$ 3,341,000	$ 9,219,000	$ 10,151,000
Contributions			0	0
Estimated future contributions	0		0
Pension Benefits | SJG
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)	1,900,000	2,300,000	6,300,000	6,700,000
Contributions			0	0
Estimated future contributions	0		0
Other Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)	(141,000)	(85,000)	(421,000)	(172,000)
Other Postretirement Benefits | SJG
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)	(100,000)	$ (500,000)	(300,000)	$ (500,000)
Supplemental executive retirement plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Estimated future contributions	$ 3,300,000		$ 3,300,000

LINES OF CREDIT - Schedule of L

LINES OF CREDIT - Schedule of Lines of Credit (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019	May 31, 2019
Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total Facility	$ 1,060,000,000
Usage	823,700,000
Available Liquidity	236,300,000
SJI | Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total Facility	650,000,000
Usage	502,400,000
Available Liquidity	147,600,000
SJI | Line of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total Facility	50,000,000
Usage	50,000,000
Available Liquidity	0
SJI | Line of Credit | Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total Facility	500,000,000	$ 400,000,000
Usage	352,400,000
Available Liquidity	147,600,000
Letters of credit outstanding	9,600,000
SJG | Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total Facility	210,000,000
Usage	176,000,000
Available Liquidity	34,000,000
SJG | Line of Credit | Uncommitted Bank Line
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total Facility	10,000,000
Usage	0
Available Liquidity	10,000,000
SJG | Line of Credit | Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding	800,000
SJG | Commercial Paper and Letters of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total Facility	200,000,000
Usage	176,000,000
Available Liquidity	24,000,000
ETG/ELK | Line of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total Facility	200,000,000
Usage	145,300,000
Available Liquidity	54,700,000
ETG/ELK | Line of Credit | Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding	$ 1,000,000

LINES OF CREDIT (Details)

LINES OF CREDIT (Details)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 23, 2019USD ($)	May 31, 2019USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Amount Outstanding During Period		$ 882,700,000	$ 516,900,000
Unsecured Debt
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Principal amount issued				$ 100,000,000
SJI | Unsecured Debt
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Principal amount issued				$ 100,000,000
SJG
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Amount Outstanding During Period		175,300,000	$ 141,100,000
Commercial Paper and Letters of Credit | SJG | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total Facility		200,000,000
Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total Facility		$ 1,060,000,000
Debt covenant, ratio of indebtedness to total capitalization, syndicate		0.70
Weighted average interest rate on borrowings		3.00%	2.68%
Average borrowings outstanding		$ 487,800,000	$ 258,800,000
Line of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum aggregate letters of credit allowed		50,000,000
Line of Credit | SJI
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total Facility		650,000,000
Line of Credit | SJI | Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Increase in borrowing capacity	$ 100,000,000
Total Facility		500,000,000			$ 400,000,000
Maximum aggregate letters of credit allowed		200,000,000
Increase in maximum aggregate facility subject to certain conditions	$ 100,000,000
Maximum aggregate facility, including increase subject to certain conditions		600,000,000
Line of Credit | SJI | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Term (in years)	5 years
Total Facility		50,000,000
Line of Credit | SJI | Swingline Loan
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Additional aggregate borrowing capacity		50,000,000
Line of Credit | SJG
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total Facility		$ 210,000,000
Weighted average interest rate on borrowings		2.39%	2.42%
Average borrowings outstanding		$ 96,200,000	$ 67,900,000
Debt covenant, ratio of indebtedness to total capitalization		0.65
Line of Credit | SJG | Uncommitted Bank Line
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total Facility		$ 10,000,000
Line of Credit | ETG/ELK | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total Facility		200,000,000
Additional aggregate borrowing capacity		200,000,000
Line of Credit | ETG/ELK | Swingline Loan
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Additional aggregate borrowing capacity		20,000,000
Line of Credit | ETG Utility Operations | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total Facility		250,000,000
Additional aggregate borrowing capacity		175,000,000
Increase in maximum aggregate facility subject to certain conditions	$ 50,000,000
Line of Credit | ELK Utility Operations | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Additional aggregate borrowing capacity		25,000,000
Unsecured Debt | South Jersey Gas Commercial Paper Program
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total Facility		$ 200,000,000
Fixed maturities of notes, at maximum number of days		270 days

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details)	Jul. 01, 2018USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)contractsitedecatherm	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)contractsitedecatherm	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)contractsitedecatherm	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)contractsitedecatherm	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)$ / shares
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Minimum annual fee for long-term asset management agreement	$ 4,250,000
Percentage of personnel represented, collective bargaining agreements			45.00%	45.00%		45.00%		45.00%
Interest charges				$ 28,857,000	$ 26,534,000	$ 85,944,000	$ 60,067,000
Litigation expense paid			$ 59,300,000
Approximate amount accrued related to all claims			$ 2,800,000	$ 2,800,000		$ 2,800,000		$ 2,800,000	$ 3,200,000
Subsequent event
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Litigation expense paid		$ 22,900,000
Pricing dispute, long-term gas supply contract
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of long-term gas supply contracts | contract			2	2		2		2
Standby letters of credit
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Total Facility			$ 9,600,000	$ 9,600,000		$ 9,600,000		$ 9,600,000
SJG
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Cumulative obligation for demand charges and reservation fees per month						$ 6,900,000
Percentage of personnel represented, collective bargaining agreements			69.00%	69.00%		69.00%		69.00%
Charges to cost of sales				$ 19,268,000	16,079,000	$ 140,802,000	125,266,000
Interest charges				7,840,000	7,108,000	23,584,000	20,835,000
Approximate amount accrued related to all claims			$ 600,000	600,000		600,000		$ 600,000	$ 900,000
SJG | Pricing dispute, long-term gas supply contract | Judicial Ruling
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Amount to be paid to supplier								22,900,000
SJG | Letter of credit
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Total Facility			800,000	800,000		800,000		800,000
SJG | Letter of credit under separate facility
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Total Facility			25,100,000	25,100,000		25,100,000		25,100,000
ETG Utility Operations | Letter of credit
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Total Facility			$ 1,000,000	$ 1,000,000		1,000,000		$ 1,000,000
South Jersey Resources Group, LLC
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Cumulative obligation for demand charges and reservation fees per month						$ 1,300,000
Maximum purchase commitment (in dts/d) | decatherm			832,500	832,500		832,500		832,500
Minimum length of contract						4 years
Maximum length of contract						10 years
South Jersey Resources Group, LLC | Pricing dispute, long-term gas supply contract | Judicial Ruling
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Amount to be paid to supplier								$ 59,300,000
Interest charges				$ 400,000	300,000	$ 1,100,000	700,000
Accounts Payable | SJG | Pricing dispute, long-term gas supply contract | Judicial Ruling
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Amount to be paid to supplier								22,900,000
Accounts Payable | South Jersey Resources Group, LLC | Pricing dispute, long-term gas supply contract | Judicial Ruling
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Amount to be paid to supplier								59,300,000
Capital Units
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Corporate Unit, stated value per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares									$ 50
Parental Guarantee
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Parental guarantees			$ 10,600,000	$ 10,600,000		$ 10,600,000		$ 10,600,000
Guarantee expiration period						2 years
ETG Utility Operations
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Cumulative obligation for demand charges and reservation fees per month						$ 5,100,000
Minimum annual fee for long-term asset management agreement						$ 4,250,000
ETG Utility Operations | Environmental Remediation
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of sites for environmental cleanup | site			6	6		6		6
Nonutility Operations
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Charges to cost of sales				$ 163,914,000	209,874,000	$ 526,472,000	533,440,000
Nonutility Operations | South Jersey Resources Group, LLC | Pricing dispute, long-term gas supply contract | Judicial Ruling
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Charges to cost of sales					$ 1,400,000	$ 500,000	$ 2,700,000

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - Outsta

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - Outstanding Contracts (Details) MWh in Millions, MMcfe in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)MMcfe	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)MWh	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Unrealized gains (losses)			$ 600,000				$ 4,100,000
Interest Rate Swap, $20,000,00 Contract 1
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 20,000,000		$ 20,000,000	$ 20,000,000	$ 20,000,000
Fixed Interest Rate	3.049%		3.049%	3.049%	3.049%
Interest Rate Swap, $20,000,000 Contract 2
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 20,000,000		$ 20,000,000	$ 20,000,000	$ 20,000,000
Fixed Interest Rate	3.049%		3.049%	3.049%	3.049%
Interest Rate Swap, $10,000,000
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 10,000,000		$ 10,000,000	$ 10,000,000	$ 10,000,000
Fixed Interest Rate	3.049%		3.049%	3.049%	3.049%
Basis and Index related net purchase (sale) contracts (in MMdts)
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount (natural gas in mmcfe and electricity in mwh) | MMcfe				32.1
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on energy related derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments	$ (6,187,000)	$ (11,225,000)	$ (18,390,000)			$ 5,950,000
Expected future purchases
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount (natural gas in mmcfe and electricity in mwh)				112.8	0.8
Expected future sales
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount (natural gas in mmcfe and electricity in mwh)				116.8	0.7
SJG
Derivative [Line Items]
Unrealized gains (losses)			5,900,000				$ 3,300,000
SJG | Interest Rate Swap, $12,500,000 Contract 1
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 12,500,000		$ 12,500,000	$ 12,500,000	$ 12,500,000
Fixed Interest Rate	3.53%		3.53%	3.53%	3.53%
SJG | Interest Rate Swap, $12,500,000 Contract 2
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 12,500,000		$ 12,500,000	$ 12,500,000	$ 12,500,000
Fixed Interest Rate	3.43%		3.43%	3.43%	3.43%
SJG | Expected future purchases
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount (natural gas in mmcfe and electricity in mwh)				42.1	0
SJG | Expected future sales
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount (natural gas in mmcfe and electricity in mwh)				29.6	0
SJG | Basis and Index related net purchase (sale) contracts (in MMdts)
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount (natural gas in mmcfe and electricity in mwh) | MMcfe				0.1

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - Fair V

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - Fair Value of all Derivative Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	$ 56,314	$ 61,190
Liabilities	63,438	39,263
SJG
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	13,893	5,479
Liabilities	16,982	8,056
Energy-related commodity contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	56,314	61,190
Liabilities	0	0
Energy-related commodity contracts | SJG
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	13,893	5,479
Liabilities	0	0
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	56,314	61,190
Liabilities	63,438	39,263
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP | SJG
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	13,893	5,479
Liabilities	16,982	8,056
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP | Energy-related commodity contracts | Derivatives - Energy Related - Current
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	46,708	54,021
Liabilities	40,653	24,134
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP | Energy-related commodity contracts | Derivatives - Energy Related - Current | SJG
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	13,878	5,464
Liabilities	7,742	2,146
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP | Energy-related commodity contracts | Derivatives - Energy Related - Non-Current
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	9,606	7,169
Liabilities	7,812	7,256
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP | Energy-related commodity contracts | Derivatives - Energy Related - Non-Current | SJG
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	15	15
Liabilities	244	43
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP | Interest rate contracts | Derivatives - Other - Current
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Liabilities	1,352	588
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP | Interest rate contracts | Derivatives - Other - Current | SJG
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Liabilities	551	343
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP | Interest rate contracts | Derivatives - Other - Noncurrent
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Liabilities	13,621	7,285
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP | Interest rate contracts | Derivatives - Other - Noncurrent | SJG
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Liabilities	$ 8,445	$ 5,524

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - Offset

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - Offsetting Arrangements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Offsetting Derivative Assets [Abstract]
Gross amounts of recognized assets/liabilities	$ 56,314	$ 61,190
Offsetting Derivative Liabilities [Abstract]
Gross amount offset in the balance sheet	63,438	39,263
SJG
Offsetting Derivative Assets [Abstract]
Gross amounts of recognized assets/liabilities	13,893	5,479
Offsetting Derivative Liabilities [Abstract]
Gross amount offset in the balance sheet	16,982	8,056
Energy-related commodity contracts
Offsetting Derivative Assets [Abstract]
Gross amounts of recognized assets/liabilities	56,314	61,190
Gross amount offset in the balance sheet	0	0
Net amounts of assets/liabilities in balance sheet	56,314	61,190
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet, Financial Instruments	(35,430)	(21,045)
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet, Cash Collateral Posted	0	(7,252)
Net amount	20,884	32,893
Offsetting Derivative Liabilities [Abstract]
Gross amounts of recognized assets/liabilities	(48,465)	(31,390)
Gross amount offset in the balance sheet	0	0
Net amounts of assets/liabilities in balance sheet	(48,465)	(31,390)
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet, Financial Instruments	35,430	21,045
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet, Cash Collateral Posted	7,814	0
Net amount	(5,221)	(10,345)
Energy-related commodity contracts | SJG
Offsetting Derivative Assets [Abstract]
Gross amounts of recognized assets/liabilities	13,893	5,479
Gross amount offset in the balance sheet	0	0
Net amounts of assets/liabilities in balance sheet	13,893	5,479
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet, Financial Instruments	(4,929)	(347)
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet, Cash Collateral Posted	0	688
Net amount	8,964	5,820
Offsetting Derivative Liabilities [Abstract]
Gross amounts of recognized assets/liabilities	(7,986)	(2,189)
Gross amount offset in the balance sheet	0	0
Net amounts of assets/liabilities in balance sheet	(7,986)	(2,189)
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet, Financial Instruments	4,929	347
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet, Cash Collateral Posted	995	0
Net amount	(2,062)	(1,842)
Other
Offsetting Derivative Liabilities [Abstract]
Gross amounts of recognized assets/liabilities	(14,973)	(7,873)
Gross amount offset in the balance sheet	0	0
Net amounts of assets/liabilities in balance sheet	(14,973)	(7,873)
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	(14,973)	(7,873)
Other | SJG
Offsetting Derivative Liabilities [Abstract]
Gross amounts of recognized assets/liabilities	(8,996)	(5,867)
Gross amount offset in the balance sheet	0	0
Net amounts of assets/liabilities in balance sheet	(8,996)	(5,867)
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	$ (8,996)	$ (5,867)

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - Effect

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - Effect of Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract]
Total	$ (7,324)	$ (10,552)	$ (22,362)	$ 8,871
Fair value of derivative instruments with credit-risk-related features	200		200
Additional collateral, aggregate fair value	100		100
Interest rate contracts | Non-Utility Revenue
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Losses reclassified from AOCL into income	(12)		(35)
SJG | Interest rate contracts | Non-Utility Revenue
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Losses reclassified from AOCL into income	(12)		(35)
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships under GAAP
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Losses reclassified from AOCL into income		(11)		(35)
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships under GAAP | SJG
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Losses reclassified from AOCL into income		(11)		(35)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract]
(Losses) gains on energy-related commodity contracts	(6,187)	(11,225)	(18,390)	5,950
(Losses) gains on interest rate contracts	$ (1,137)	$ 673	$ (3,972)	$ 2,921

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSET_3

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES - Measured on a Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities	$ 41	$ 41
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities	41	41
Derivatives - Energy Related Assets	56,314	61,190
Total Assets	56,355	61,231
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities	48,465	31,390
Derivatives - Other	14,973	7,873
Total Liabilities	63,438	39,263
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | SJG
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives - Energy Related Assets	13,893	5,479
Total Assets	13,893	5,479
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities	7,986	2,189
Derivatives - Other	8,996	5,867
Total Liabilities	16,982	8,056
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities	41	41
Derivatives - Energy Related Assets	10,262	9,955
Total Assets	10,303	9,996
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities	22,365	7,291
Derivatives - Other	0	0
Total Liabilities	22,365	7,291
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | SJG
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives - Energy Related Assets	4,929	348
Total Assets	4,929	348
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities	5,924	1,035
Derivatives - Other	0	0
Total Liabilities	5,924	1,035
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities	0	0
Derivatives - Energy Related Assets	20,230	23,429
Total Assets	20,230	23,429
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities	12,139	12,354
Derivatives - Other	14,973	7,873
Total Liabilities	27,112	20,227
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | SJG
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives - Energy Related Assets	17	126
Total Assets	17	126
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities	1,356	1,077
Derivatives - Other	8,996	5,867
Total Liabilities	10,352	6,944
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities	0	0
Derivatives - Energy Related Assets	25,822	27,806
Total Assets	25,822	27,806
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities	13,961	11,745
Derivatives - Other	0	0
Total Liabilities	13,961	11,745
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | SJG
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives - Energy Related Assets	8,947	5,005
Total Assets	8,947	5,005
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities	706	77
Derivatives - Other	0	0
Total Liabilities	$ 706	$ 77

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSET_4

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES - Quantitative Information Regarding Significant Unobservable Inputs (Details) - Forward Contracts - Level 3 $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)$ / decatherm	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)$ / decatherm
Natural Gas | Minimum
Fair Value Inputs, Assets And Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Forward price (in dollars per dt) | $ / decatherm	1.69	1.56
Natural Gas | Minimum | SJG
Fair Value Inputs, Assets And Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Forward price (in dollars per dt) | $ / decatherm	1.78	3.13
Natural Gas | Maximum
Fair Value Inputs, Assets And Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Forward price (in dollars per dt) | $ / decatherm	8.31	9
Natural Gas | Maximum | SJG
Fair Value Inputs, Assets And Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Forward price (in dollars per dt) | $ / decatherm	5.78	6
Natural Gas | Weighted Average
Fair Value Inputs, Assets And Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Forward price (in dollars per dt) | $ / decatherm	2.50	3.12
Natural Gas | Weighted Average | SJG
Fair Value Inputs, Assets And Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Forward price (in dollars per dt) | $ / decatherm	2.66	4.53
Electricity | Minimum | On-Peak
Fair Value Inputs, Assets And Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fixed Electric Load Profile	40.24%	0.00%
Electricity | Minimum | Off-Peak
Fair Value Inputs, Assets And Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fixed Electric Load Profile	0.00%	0.00%
Electricity | Maximum | On-Peak
Fair Value Inputs, Assets And Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fixed Electric Load Profile	100.00%	100.00%
Electricity | Maximum | Off-Peak
Fair Value Inputs, Assets And Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fixed Electric Load Profile	59.76%	100.00%
Electricity | Weighted Average | On-Peak
Fair Value Inputs, Assets And Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fixed Electric Load Profile	54.98%	54.55%
Electricity | Weighted Average | Off-Peak
Fair Value Inputs, Assets And Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fixed Electric Load Profile	45.02%	45.45%
Discounted Cash Flow | Natural Gas
Fair Value Inputs, Assets And Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets | $	$ 23,490	$ 20,706
Liabilities | $	12,719	8,976
Discounted Cash Flow | Natural Gas | SJG
Fair Value Inputs, Assets And Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets | $	8,947	5,005
Liabilities | $	706	77
Discounted Cash Flow | Electricity
Fair Value Inputs, Assets And Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets | $	2,332	7,100
Liabilities | $	$ 1,242	$ 2,769

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSET_5

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES - Changes in Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 9,959	$ 18,361	$ 16,061	$ 3,110
Other Changes in Fair Value from Continuing and New Contracts, Net	6,046	(4,426)	10,331	5,778
Settlements	(4,144)	(3,631)	(14,531)	1,416
Balance at end of period	11,861	10,304	11,861	10,304
SJG
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	1,708	5,997	4,928	2,052
Other Changes in Fair Value from Continuing and New Contracts, Net	6,533	619	8,241	6,616
Settlements	0	0	(4,928)	(2,052)
Balance at end of period	$ 8,241	$ 6,616	$ 8,241	$ 6,616

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details)

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate		7.50%
Debt discount		$ 5,300,000
Early repayment of senior debt		725,000,000
Series 2018D Senior Notes, Due 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount issued		475,000,000
Early repayment of senior debt		$ 475,000,000
Series 2014A-1 Senior Notes, Due 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate		3.30%
Repayments of senior debt		$ 60,000,000
Series 2014B-1 Senior Notes, Due June 26, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of senior debt		40,000,000
Series 2014B-2 Senior Notes, Due 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of senior debt		$ 60,000,000
Junior Subordinated Notes, 5.65%, Due 2079
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate		5.625%
Debt discount		$ 5,300,000
Net cash proceeds from issuance of debt		194,700,000
Principal amount issued		$ 200,000,000
Series 2014A-2 Senior Notes, Due 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate		3.30%
Repayments of senior debt		$ 30,000,000
Series 2014A-3 Senior Notes, Due 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate		3.30%
Repayments of senior debt		$ 50,000,000
SJG
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate		5.587%
Repayments of First Mortgage Bond		$ 10,000,000
ETG Utility Operations | Series 2019A-1, Due 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate		2.84%
First Mortgage bonds	$ 40,000,000
Unsecured Term Loan | SJG | Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Draw on term loan		$ 10,000,000
Total Facility		$ 400,000,000

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_3

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - Summary of Changes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019		Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018		Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019		Sep. 30, 2018
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 1,476,472		$ 1,514,554	$ 1,267,022	$ 1,303,717		$ 1,281,497	$ 1,192,409	$ 1,267,022		$ 1,192,409
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	0								0
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	9								25
Other Comprehensive Income - Net of Tax*	9	[1]	8	8	8	[1]	8	9	25	[1]	25	[1]
Ending Balance	1,416,787		1,476,472	1,514,554	1,234,832		1,303,717	1,281,497	$ 1,416,787		$ 1,234,832
Combined average statutory tax rate									27.00%		27.00%
SJG
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	1,078,745		1,076,761	1,008,022	989,766		988,189	921,433	$ 1,008,022		$ 921,433
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	0								0
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	9								25
Other Comprehensive Income - Net of Tax*	9	[2]	8	8	8	[2]	8	9	25	[2]	25	[2]
Ending Balance	1,067,150		1,078,745	1,076,761	980,798		989,766	988,189	$ 1,067,150		$ 980,798
Combined average statutory tax rate									27.00%		27.00%
Postretirement Liability Adjustment
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(25,626)		(25,626)	(25,626)	(36,262)		(36,262)	(36,262)	$ (25,626)		$ (36,262)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	0								0
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	0								0
Other Comprehensive Income - Net of Tax*	0		0	0	0		0	0	0
Ending Balance	(25,626)		(25,626)	(25,626)	(36,262)		(36,262)	(36,262)	(25,626)		(36,262)
Postretirement Liability Adjustment | SJG
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(21,901)		(21,901)	(21,901)	(25,507)		(25,507)	(25,507)	(21,901)		(25,507)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	0								0
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	0								0
Other Comprehensive Income - Net of Tax*	0		0	0	0		0	0	0
Ending Balance	(21,901)		(21,901)	(21,901)	(25,507)		(25,507)	(25,507)	(21,901)		(25,507)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives-Other
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(346)			(362)					(362)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	0								0
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	9								25
Other Comprehensive Income - Net of Tax*	9								25
Ending Balance	(337)		(346)						(337)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives-Other | SJG
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(440)			(456)					(456)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	0								0
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	9								25
Other Comprehensive Income - Net of Tax*	9								25
Ending Balance	(431)		(440)						(431)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available- for-Sale Securities
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(10)		(10)	(10)	(10)		(10)	(10)	(10)		(10)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	0								0
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	0								0
Other Comprehensive Income - Net of Tax*	0		0	0	0		0	0	0
Ending Balance	(10)		(10)	(10)	(10)		(10)	(10)	(10)		(10)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) of Affiliated Companies
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(97)			(97)					(97)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	0								0
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	0								0
Other Comprehensive Income - Net of Tax*	0								0
Ending Balance	(97)		(97)						(97)
Total
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(26,079)		(26,087)	(26,095)	(36,748)		(36,756)	(36,765)	(26,095)		(36,765)
Other Comprehensive Income - Net of Tax*	9		8	8	8		8	9
Ending Balance	(26,070)		(26,079)	(26,087)	(36,740)		(36,748)	(36,756)	(26,070)		(36,740)
Total | SJG
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(22,341)		(22,349)	(22,357)	(25,980)		(25,988)	(25,997)	(22,357)		(25,997)
Other Comprehensive Income - Net of Tax*	9		8	8	8		8	9
Ending Balance	$ (22,332)		$ (22,341)	$ (22,349)	$ (25,972)		$ (25,980)	$ (25,988)	$ (22,332)		$ (25,972)
[1]	Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of approximately 27% in each of 2019 and 2018.
[2]	Determined using a combined average statutory tax rate of approximately 27% for both 2019 and 2018.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_4

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - Reclassifications out of AOCL (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income Taxes	$ (10,925)	$ (16,649)	$ 9,378	$ (12,206)
Losses from reclassifications for the period net of tax	9		$ 25
Combined average statutory tax rate			27.00%	27.00%
SJG
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income Taxes	(3,747)	$ (2,818)	$ 20,620	$ 19,500
Losses from reclassifications for the period net of tax	9		$ 25
Combined average statutory tax rate			27.00%	27.00%
Postretirement Liability Adjustment
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Losses from reclassifications for the period net of tax	0		$ 0
Postretirement Liability Adjustment | SJG
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Losses from reclassifications for the period net of tax	0		0
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives-Other
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Losses from reclassifications for the period net of tax	9		25
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives-Other | SJG
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Losses from reclassifications for the period net of tax	9		25
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Amounts Reclassified from AOCL
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income Taxes	(3)		(10)
Losses from reclassifications for the period net of tax	9		25
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives-Other | SJG
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income Taxes	(3)		(10)
Losses from reclassifications for the period net of tax	9		25
Interest Charges | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Amounts Reclassified from AOCL
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Unrealized Loss in on Derivatives - Other - Interest Rate Contracts designated as cash flow hedges	12		35
Interest Charges | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives-Other | SJG
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Unrealized Loss in on Derivatives - Other - Interest Rate Contracts designated as cash flow hedges	$ 12		$ 35

REVENUE (Details)

REVENUE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	$ 268,843	$ 314,467	$ 1,107,360	$ 960,300
SJG
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	$ 55,200	$ 49,500	$ 335,200	$ 307,500

REVENUE - Disaggregated Revenue

REVENUE - Disaggregated Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	$ 268,843	$ 314,467	$ 1,107,360	$ 960,300
Corporate Services and Intersegment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	(3,092)	(4,032)	(9,517)	(20,508)
Residential
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	52,310	53,298	403,172	260,000
Commercial and Industrial
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	211,999	256,441	690,120	688,194
Commercial and Industrial | Corporate Services and Intersegment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	(3,092)	(4,032)	(9,517)	(20,508)
OSS and Capacity Release
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	2,234	3,066	6,248	9,242
Other Customer
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	2,300	1,662	7,820	2,864
Gas
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	243,788	263,622	1,026,780	813,714
Gas | Corporate Services and Intersegment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	(1,173)	(1,579)	(3,807)	(8,067)
Electric
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	12,296	34,993	40,688	90,179
Electric | Corporate Services and Intersegment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	(2,184)	(2,453)	(5,975)	(6,134)
Solar
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	3,429	5,392	12,443	26,826
Solar | Corporate Services and Intersegment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	0	0		(6,307)
CHP
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	7,218	8,151	21,371	23,165
Landfills
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	1,333	1,774	4,284	4,910
Other Product
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	779	535	1,794	1,506
Other Product | Corporate Services and Intersegment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	265		265
Wholesale Energy Operations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	158,244	173,363	469,805	423,585
Wholesale Energy Operations | Commercial and Industrial
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	158,244	173,363	469,805	423,585
Wholesale Energy Operations | Gas
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	158,244	173,363	469,805	423,585
Retail Gas and Other Operations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility		12,487		60,854
Retail Gas and Other Operations | Commercial and Industrial
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility		12,487		60,854
Retail Gas and Other Operations | Gas
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility		12,487		60,854
Retail Electric Operations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	14,480	37,446	46,663	96,313
Retail Electric Operations | Residential
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	4,205	9,691	10,966	24,178
Retail Electric Operations | Commercial and Industrial
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	10,275	27,755	35,697	72,135
Retail Electric Operations | Electric
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	14,480	37,446	46,663	96,313
On-Site Energy Production
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	11,980	15,317	38,098	61,208
On-Site Energy Production | Commercial and Industrial
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	11,980	15,317	38,098	61,208
On-Site Energy Production | Solar
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	3,429	5,392	12,443	33,133
On-Site Energy Production | CHP
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	7,218	8,151	21,371	23,165
On-Site Energy Production | Landfills
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	1,333	1,774	4,284	4,910
Appliance Service Operations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	514	509	1,529	1,480
Appliance Service Operations | Residential
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	514	509	1,529	1,480
Appliance Service Operations | Commercial and Industrial
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility			0
Appliance Service Operations | Other Product
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	514	509	1,529	1,480
SJG
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	55,200	49,500	335,200	307,500
SJG | SJG Utility Operations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	55,198	49,516	335,179	307,507
SJG | SJG Utility Operations | Residential
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	31,256	26,683	244,889	217,927
SJG | SJG Utility Operations | Commercial and Industrial
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	21,164	19,109	82,255	78,478
SJG | SJG Utility Operations | OSS and Capacity Release
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	2,234	3,066	6,248	9,242
SJG | SJG Utility Operations | Other Customer
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	544	658	1,787	1,860
SJG | SJG Utility Operations | Gas
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	55,198	49,516	335,179	307,507
ETG Utility Operations | SJG Utility Operations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	30,624	29,117	220,503	29,117
ETG Utility Operations | SJG Utility Operations | Residential
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	16,092	16,193	143,584	16,193
ETG Utility Operations | SJG Utility Operations | Commercial and Industrial
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	12,799	11,946	71,013	11,946
ETG Utility Operations | SJG Utility Operations | OSS and Capacity Release
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility		0	0	0
ETG Utility Operations | SJG Utility Operations | Other Customer
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	1,733	978	5,906	978
ETG Utility Operations | SJG Utility Operations | Gas
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	30,624	29,117	220,503	29,117
ELK Utility Operations | SJG Utility Operations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	895	744	5,100	744
ELK Utility Operations | SJG Utility Operations | Residential
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	243	222	2,204	222
ELK Utility Operations | SJG Utility Operations | Commercial and Industrial
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	629	496	2,769	496
ELK Utility Operations | SJG Utility Operations | OSS and Capacity Release
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility		0	0	0
ELK Utility Operations | SJG Utility Operations | Other Customer
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	23	26	127	26
ELK Utility Operations | SJG Utility Operations | Gas
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility	$ 895	718	$ 5,100	718
ELK Utility Operations | SJG Utility Operations | Other Product
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Utility		$ 26		$ 26

REVENUE - Accounts Receivable (

REVENUE - Accounts Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts Receivable
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Current	$ 179,108	$ 220,561	$ 337,502	$ 202,379
Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Asset	(158,394)	18,182
Unbilled Revenues
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Current	18,714	29,313	79,538	73,377
Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Asset	(60,824)	(44,064)
SJG | Accounts Receivable
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Current	65,511	72,010	101,572	78,571
Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Asset	(36,061)	(6,561)
SJG | Unbilled Revenues
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Current	7,831	7,995	$ 43,271	$ 54,980
Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Asset	$ (35,440)	$ (46,985)

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS - Narrati

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2019	Jul. 01, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Payments to acquire businesses		$ 1,720,000
Working capital adjustment		24,700
Goodwill deductible for tax purposes		700,300		$ 599,700		$ 599,700
ETG and ELK revenues included in the Company's unaudited consolidated statements of income				31,500		220,900
ETG and ELK earnings included in the Company's unaudited consolidated statements of income				(10,000)		17,400
AEP
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Consideration paid for AEP	$ 4,000
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities | ETG Utility Operations
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Requested recovery of investment costs not yet approved			$ 300,000
ETG Utility Operations
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Payments to acquire businesses		1,710,000
Credits due to customers under conditions of approval		15,000
ELK Utility Operations
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Payments to acquire businesses		10,900
Credits due to customers under conditions of approval		$ 300
AEP
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
ETG and ELK revenues included in the Company's unaudited consolidated statements of income				$ 100
ETG and ELK earnings included in the Company's unaudited consolidated statements of income						$ 100
Elizabethtown Gas and Elkton Gas
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs					$ 18,900		$ 32,100

BUSINESS COMBINATION - EGT and

BUSINESS COMBINATION - EGT and ELK Acquisition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Aug. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jul. 01, 2018
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment				$ 1,202,435
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				39,470
Regulatory Assets				136,212
Goodwill	$ 705,707		$ 734,607	700,286
Total assets acquired				2,130,448
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				192,811
Asset Retirement Obligation				113,093
Other				1,107
Total liabilities assumed				405,763
Total net assets acquired				$ 1,724,685
AEP
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable		$ 116
Goodwill		1,843
Total assets acquired		4,455
Accounts Payable		11
Other Current Liabilities		449
Total liabilities assumed		460
Total net assets acquired		$ 3,995

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS - Pro For

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS - Pro Forma Information (Details) - Elizabethtown Gas and Elkton Gas - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue	$ 261,203	$ 302,480	$ 1,165,435	$ 1,240,240
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)	$ (34,805)	$ (25,116)	$ 37,433	$ 38,307
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ (0.38)	$ (0.29)	$ 0.41	$ 0.46

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS - AEP Acq

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS - AEP Acquisition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Aug. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jul. 01, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable				$ 45,875
Goodwill	$ 705,707		$ 734,607	700,286
Total assets acquired				2,130,448
Accounts Payable				13,089
Other Current Liabilities				9,185
Total liabilities assumed				405,763
Total net assets acquired				$ 1,724,685
AEP
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash		$ 43
Accounts Receivable		116
Other Prepayments and Current Assets		53
Goodwill		1,843
Other Noncurrent Assets		2,400
Total assets acquired		4,455
Accounts Payable		11
Other Current Liabilities		449
Total liabilities assumed		460
Total net assets acquired		$ 3,995

GOODWILL AND IDENTIFIABLE INT_3

GOODWILL AND IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Jul. 01, 2018
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 705,707,000		$ 705,707,000		$ 734,607,000	$ 700,286,000
Identifiable intangible assets	26,000,000		26,000,000		28,100,000
Impairment of intangible assets (excluding goodwill)	0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Minimum
Goodwill [Line Items]
Useful life of finite-lived intangible assets			2 years
Maximum
Goodwill [Line Items]
Useful life of finite-lived intangible assets			20 years
ETG Utility Operations
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	700,200,000		$ 700,200,000		730,900,000
On-Site Energy Production
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	3,600,000		3,600,000		3,600,000
ELK Utility Operations
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	100,000		100,000		$ 100,000
Corporate and Other
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 1,800,000		$ 1,800,000

GOODWILL AND IDENTIFIABLE INT_4

GOODWILL AND IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Rollfoward (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$ 734,607
Goodwill from AEP Acquisition	15,143
ETG and ELK Acquisition-related Working Capital Settlement	(15,600)
ETG and ELK Fair Value Adjustments During Measurement Period	15,143
Goodwill, Ending Balance	705,707
AEP
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill from AEP Acquisition	(1,843)
ETG and ELK Fair Value Adjustments During Measurement Period	$ (1,843)

LEASES - Narrative (Details)

LEASES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Percentage of operating leases which are real estate leases		64.00%
Operating lease right-of-use asset			$ 3,100
Operating Lease, Liability	$ 1,871	$ 1,871	3,100
Operating lease cost	700	2,300
Operating lease payments due	400	1,200
Variable lease cost	$ 300	$ 1,100
Weighted-average remaining lease term - operating leases	2 years 7 months 6 days	2 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted-average discount rate - operating leases	3.00%	3.00%
Thermal Energy Generating Property and Equipment | Marina
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease right-of-use asset	$ 69,100	$ 69,100
Operating lease cost		40,100
Real Estate
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Liability	1,300	1,300
Equipment
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Liability	700	700
Vehicles
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Liability	$ 100	$ 100
Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Renewal term of operating lease	1 year	1 year
Minimum | Real Estate
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Term of operating lease	5 years	5 years
Minimum | Property, Plant and Equipment
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Term of operating lease	3 years	3 years
Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Renewal term of operating lease	5 years	5 years
Maximum | Real Estate
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Term of operating lease	15 years	15 years
Maximum | Property, Plant and Equipment
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Term of operating lease	25 years	25 years
SJG
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Percentage of operating leases which are real estate leases		38.00%
Operating lease right-of-use asset	$ 400	$ 400	500
Operating Lease, Liability	354	354	$ 500
Operating lease cost	100	300
Operating lease payments due	$ 100	$ 300
Weighted-average remaining lease term - operating leases	6 years 10 months 24 days	6 years 10 months 24 days
Weighted-average discount rate - operating leases	3.00%	3.00%
SJG | Real Estate
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Liability	$ 100	$ 100
SJG | Equipment
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Liability	200	200
SJI
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease right-of-use asset	1,900	1,900
Operating Lease, Liability	$ 2,100	$ 2,100

LEASES - Lease Maturity and Bal

LEASES - Lease Maturity and Balance Sheet Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019
SJI Consolidated
2019 (excluding the nine months ended September 30, 2019)	$ 414
2020	1,075
2021	233
2022	65
2023	34
Thereafter	114
Total future minimum lease payments	1,935
Less imputed interest	64
Total lease payments	1,871	$ 3,100
Included in the condensed consolidated balance sheet
Current lease liabilities (included in Other Current Liabilities)	1,326
Long-term lease liabilities (included in Other Noncurrent Liabilities)	545
SJG
SJI Consolidated
2019 (excluding the nine months ended September 30, 2019)	43
2020	150
2021	39
2022	21
2023	19
Thereafter	114
Total future minimum lease payments	386
Less imputed interest	32
Total lease payments	354	$ 500
Included in the condensed consolidated balance sheet
Current lease liabilities (included in Other Current Liabilities)	166
Long-term lease liabilities (included in Other Noncurrent Liabilities)	$ 188

LEASES - Contractual Obligation

LEASES - Contractual Obligation of Leases Under Previous Guidance (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Total	$ 1,885
Up to 1 year	838
Years 2&3	916
Years 4&5	131
More than 5 years	0
SJG
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Total	175
Up to 1 year	56
Years 2&3	112
Years 4&5	7
More than 5 years	$ 0

LEASES - Lessor Information (De

LEASES - Lessor Information (Details) - Marina - Thermal Energy Generating Property and Equipment $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Carrying costs of property and equipment under operating lease	$ 71.5
Carrying costs of property and equipment under operating lease	$ 37.7

LEASES - Minimum Future Rentals

LEASES - Minimum Future Rentals to be Received (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
2019 (remaining three months)	$ 1,349	$ 1,349
2020	5,396	5,396
2021	5,396	5,396
2022	5,396	5,396
2023	5,396	5,396
2024	5,396	5,396
Thereafter	13,042	13,042
Total minimum future rentals	41,371	41,371
Operating lease cost	$ 700	$ 2,300
Operating lease right-of-use asset			$ 3,100

SUBSEQUENT EVENT (Details)

SUBSEQUENT EVENT (Details)	Oct. 29, 2019USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)contract	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)contract
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Litigation expense paid			$ 59,300,000
Interest rate			7.50%	7.50%
SJG
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Interest rate			5.587%	5.587%
Credit Agreement | Unsecured Term Loan | SJG
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Draw on term loan				$ 10,000,000
Total Facility			$ 400,000,000	$ 400,000,000
Subsequent event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Litigation expense paid		$ 22,900,000
Subsequent event | Series 2019A-2, Due 2029 | ETG Utility Operations
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Interest rate	2.84%
First Mortgage bonds	$ 35,000,000
Subsequent event | Credit Agreement | Unsecured Term Loan | SJG
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Draw on term loan		$ 80,000,000
Pricing dispute, long-term gas supply contract
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of long-term gas supply contracts | contract			2	2