1 Exhibit 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of New Jersey Resources Corporation on Form S-8 of our reports dated October 28, 1997 and December 29, 1997, appearing in and incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of New Jersey Resources Corporation for the year ended September 30, 1997. /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Parsippany, New Jersey July 13, 1998