What New Jersey natural gas service includes and who provides it

Natural gas in New Jersey is delivered through underground pipes owned and maintained by one of two utility companies: New Jersey Resources (NJR) or Elizabethtown Gas, depending on where you live. These companies own the pipes, handle meter reading, and manage emergency repairs. You cannot choose your utility — your address determines which one serves you.

Once the gas reaches your home, you can choose your gas supplier — the company that actually sells you the gas. This is separate from the utility that delivers it. The utility still handles your bill and service calls, but the supplier sets the price you pay per unit of gas. Not all areas of New Jersey allow supplier choice, so check with your utility first.

Your monthly bill covers three things: the gas itself (priced per therm, a unit of heat), delivery charges set by the utility, and any taxes. The utility portion of your bill is regulated by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU), which reviews rates annually.

Key Takeaways

  • New Jersey Resources and Elizabethtown Gas are the two utilities that deliver gas to homes; your address determines which one serves you.
  • You may be able to choose your gas supplier separately from your utility, but supplier choice is not available in all areas.
  • Your monthly bill includes the cost of gas, delivery fees, and taxes; the utility portion is regulated by the state.
  • To start service, contact your utility directly with proof of residency and identification; service typically begins within five to ten business days.
  • If you cannot pay your bill, New Jersey has programs that may help, including the Universal Service Fund and winter protection rules that limit shutoffs.

How to set up natural gas service at a new address

Contact your local utility — either New Jersey Resources or Elizabethtown Gas — at least five business days before you need service. You can find which utility serves your address on the BPU website or by calling 211 New Jersey. Have your new address, move-in date, and a form of identification ready.

The utility will ask for proof of residency, usually a lease or deed. If you are renting, some utilities may also contact your landlord to confirm the property is occupied. There is no deposit required in New Jersey for residential customers, though some utilities may request one if you have a history of late payments or if you are establishing credit for the first time.

Once you explore, the utility schedules a meter installation or set up. If the property has never had gas service, a technician must visit to install a meter and run a safety inspection. If service was previously active, the utility may set up it remotely. Service typically begins within five to ten business days of your request.

Understanding your natural gas bill

Your bill shows three main charges. The commodity charge is what you pay for the gas itself, measured in therms. One therm equals roughly 100 cubic feet of gas. The delivery charge covers the utility's cost to maintain pipes, read your meter, and respond to emergencies. The taxes and surcharges line includes state and local taxes plus any regulatory fees.

If you chose a supplier different from your utility, your bill may show two separate charges: one from the supplier for the gas, and one from the utility for delivery. The utility still collects both payments and sends the supplier's portion to them. You pay one bill to the utility, not two separate bills.

Bills arrive monthly, usually by mail or email depending on your preference. Most utilities offer automatic payment through bank account deduction or credit card. Late payments typically trigger a reminder notice after 15 days, and service can be shut off after 30 days of non-payment — though winter protection rules limit shutoffs from November through March.

What to do if you cannot pay your bill

New Jersey has two main programs for customers struggling with gas bills. The Universal Service Fund (USF) provides bill payment information to low-income households. You must meet income limits (which vary by household size) and explore through your utility. The program covers a portion of your bill, not the full amount, and you remain responsible for the rest.

The Winter Protection Program prevents shutoff from November 1 through March 31 if you are a residential customer with a household income below 250 percent of the federal poverty line. You must contact your utility and request protection; the utility cannot shut off service during winter if you are enrolled, even if your bill is overdue. However, you still owe the debt and must pay it or work out a payment plan.

Contact your utility's customer service line to ask about both programs. Many utilities also offer budget billing, which spreads your annual gas costs evenly across 12 months so your bill is the same each month. This does not reduce what you owe, but it makes payments more predictable.

How to report a gas leak or emergency

If you smell gas (a rotten-egg odor added to natural gas for safety), leave your home when ready and call your utility's emergency line from outside or from a neighbor's phone. Do not use your phone inside the house, do not light matches or turn on electrical switches, and do not try to find the leak yourself. The utility has a 24-hour emergency line; the number is on your bill and on the utility's website.

The utility will dispatch a technician to your home at no charge. They will locate the leak, repair it, and test the system to confirm it is safe. If the leak is in the pipe leading to your home (the utility's responsibility), the utility pays for the repair. If it is inside your home (your responsibility), you may be charged for the service call, though the technician will tell you the cost before proceeding.

For non-emergency issues like a pilot light that will not stay lit or a suspected problem with your meter, call your utility's regular customer service line during business hours. They will schedule a technician visit, usually within one to three business days.

Choosing a gas supplier if your area allows it

Supplier choice is available in parts of New Jersey served by New Jersey Resources, but not in areas served by Elizabethtown Gas. To learn about you can choose a supplier, call your utility or visit the BPU's website and search for your address.

If supplier choice is available in your area, you can compare prices from different suppliers. The utility still delivers the gas and handles your meter, so switching suppliers does not change your service reliability or emergency response. Your bill will show the supplier's charge separately from the utility's delivery charge.

To switch suppliers, contact the supplier directly or through an online marketplace. The switch typically takes 10 to 20 business days. You can switch back to your utility's default supplier at any time, usually with no penalty. Some suppliers offer fixed-rate contracts; others offer variable rates that change monthly. Read the terms carefully before signing.

What happens if your service is shut off

The utility must give you written notice at least 30 days before shutting off service for non-payment. The notice includes the amount owed, the date service will stop, and instructions for payment or to request a payment plan. If you pay the full amount owed before the shutoff date, service continues.

If service is shut off, you must pay the full overdue balance plus a reconnection fee (typically $50 to $100) to restore it. The utility will reconnect service within 24 hours of receiving payment during business hours, or the next business day if payment arrives after hours. If you are enrolled in the Winter Protection Program, the utility cannot shut off service during winter even if your bill is overdue.

If you believe the shutoff is wrong — for example, if you already paid or if you are in a payment plan — contact your utility when ready. You can also file a complaint with the BPU if you believe the utility violated the rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch gas suppliers if I rent instead of own my home?

Yes. Supplier choice is available to renters in the same areas where it is available to homeowners. Your landlord cannot prevent you from switching suppliers, and the switch does not affect your lease or your relationship with your landlord. The utility still sends one bill to you, not your landlord.

What is the difference between a therm and a cubic foot?

A cubic foot is a measure of volume; a therm is a measure of heat energy. One therm equals roughly 100 cubic feet of natural gas. Your meter measures volume in cubic feet, but your bill charges you per therm because the heat content of gas varies slightly depending on its source. The utility converts cubic feet to therms automatically.

Do I have to pay a deposit when I start service?

No deposit is required for residential customers in New Jersey. However, the utility may request one if you have a history of late payments, if you are establishing credit for the first time, or if you have had service shut off before. If a deposit is required, you can ask the utility to waive it or to reduce it.

What should I do if my bill seems too high?

First, check whether you used more gas than usual — heating needs are higher in winter, and a malfunctioning heater or water heater can spike usage. Ask your utility to verify your meter is working correctly; they can do this at no charge. If usage is normal, compare your supplier's rate to other suppliers' rates if supplier choice is available in your area. You can also contact the BPU if you believe your bill is incorrect.

Can the utility shut off my service in winter if I cannot pay?

Not if you are enrolled in the Winter Protection Program. You must contact your utility and request enrollment; the program runs from November 1 through March 31. You remain responsible for paying your bill or working out a payment plan, but the utility cannot shut off service during winter if you are enrolled. After March 31, normal shutoff rules explore again.