Exhibit 12(b)
SOUTH JERSEY GAS COMPANY
Calculation of Ratio of Earnings To Fixed Charges
Plus Preferred Security Dividend Requirements
(In Thousands)
Fiscal Year Ended December 31,
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2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
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Net Income $21,779 $20,382 $14,822 $19,898 $19,215
Income Taxes, Net 16,651 15,455 12,256 11,559 10,627
Fixed Charges* 21,181 20,949 19,235 18,103 19,574
Preferred Securities - Dividends 3,074 3,084 3,088 2,102 174
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Sub-Total 24,255 24,033 22,323 20,205 19,748
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Capitalized Interest (24) (390) (167) (107) (114)
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Total Available for Coverage $62,661 $59,480 $49,234 $51,555 $49,476
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Total Available 2.6x 2.5x 2.2x 2.6x 2.5x
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Fixed Charges and Preferred
Securities - Dividends
<FN>
* Fixed charges consist of interest charges (rentals are not material).
</FN>