WALL, NJ -- New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) on June 16 submitted a filing with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities seeking authority to invest up to $15 million to build compressed natural gas vehicle refueling stations in Monmouth, Ocean and Morris counties. 

If the plan is approved, NJNG estimates it could build seven to 10 refueling stations at host company facilities throughout its service territory. The host locations, which could be private companies or public and municipal entities, will use part of each station’s refueling capacity and also make the stations available to the public. 

“By building the infrastructure to refuel natural gas vehicles, New Jersey Natural Gas can help stimulate the market for alternative fuel vehicles as well as economic development in our state,” said Laurence M. Downes, chairman and CEO of New Jersey Natural Gas. “Additionally, if we can encourage the use of domestic, competitively priced natural gas as a fuel for transportation, we can begin to reduce our reliance on petroleum-based fuels and move toward greater energy independence. Just as important, projects like this will unlock significant savings for businesses and taxpayers alike.”

NJNG hopes to promote and develop a strong market for natural gas vehicles in New Jersey by increasing the availability of refueling stations. One of the major obstacles to the increased use of natural gas vehicles has been a lack of refueling infrastructure. Currently, there are only three refueling stations in the state that are open to the public. By growing the state’s refueling infrastructure, NJNG intends to stimulate the entry of natural gas vehicles into fleets within New Jersey.