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