Utilities setup and providers in New Jersey: Major utility providers: PSE&G, JCP&L, Atlantic City Electric. Contact providers for service initiation early. Gas providers: Elizabethtown Gas, South Jersey Gas. Check local water company: NJ American Water, SUEZ. Internet/cable: Verizon Fios, Xfinity. Energy choice program for competitive rates. Inquire about budget billing options. Understand New Jersey's smart meter policies. Emergency utility assistance programs available. Insulation/weatherproofing incentives offered.
Major utility providers: PSE&G, JCP&L, Atlantic City Electric.
In New Jersey, major utility providers include Public Service Electric and Gas Co. (PSE&G), which serves 2.4 million electric and 1.9 million gas customers; Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a FirstEnergy company serving millions of customers; and Atlantic City Electric, a unit of Exelon Corporation, providing energy to 560,000 customers across the state. To learn more about PSE&G, visit the PSEG Family of Companies webpage.
Contact providers for service initiation early.
To initiate utility services in New Jersey, contact the relevant providers such as Jersey Central Power & Light, PSE&G, New Jersey Natural Gas, and others listed on the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities website. Each utility has a specific contact number for service initiation and emergency reports.
Gas providers: Elizabethtown Gas, South Jersey Gas.
Elizabethtown Gas and South Jersey Gas are two major natural gas providers in New Jersey. Elizabethtown Gas serves a substantial customer base in northern New Jersey, focusing on pipeline replacement and safety enhancements to ensure reliable service. In contrast, South Jersey Gas emphasizes compliance with flood mapping and local regulations, conducting regulator inspections and replacements, particularly in areas prone to flooding. These initiatives highlight their commitment to maintaining safety and reliability for their customers across the state.
Check local water company: NJ American Water, SUEZ.
New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, holds the distinction of being the largest publicly traded water utility in New Jersey, diligently serving water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.5 million people across 17 counties. Their mission is centered around providing high-quality, reliable drinking water and wastewater treatment to their extensive customer base. Additionally, SUEZ Water New Jersey Inc. plays a significant role in the region, catering to various municipalities by offering comprehensive water and wastewater services. These services are meticulously regulated with detailed tariffs and standard terms and conditions overseen by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, ensuring that residents receive consistent and dependable service.
Internet/cable: Verizon Fios, Xfinity.
In New Jersey, Verizon Fios is often considered the best Internet Provider due to its high-speed symmetrical connections, stable pricing, and free equipment. Meanwhile, Xfinity is a strong alternative with more plan choices, lower introductory pricing, and extensive availability. However, it may have equipment fees and data caps. For those interested in exploring these options further, CNET provides valuable insights on the best internet providers in the region. Whether you are looking for speed, cost-effectiveness, or broader availability, these providers offer competitive solutions to meet a variety of needs.
Energy choice program for competitive rates.
The New Jersey Energy Choice program is a state initiative that allows utility customers to choose their electric and gas suppliers, enabling them to compare and select competitive rates from various Certified Retail Electric Suppliers (CRES) and third-party suppliers. This program offers an alternative to the default rates provided by utilities like PSE&G, empowering consumers to make informed choices regarding their energy sources and potentially lower their utility bills.
Inquire about budget billing options.
In New Jersey, budget billing options are available through utilities like PSE&G, where customers can enroll in programs that average their yearly energy costs to level out seasonal highs and lows. For example, PSE&G's Budget Billing Program calculates the monthly payment based on the customer's annual energy usage, helping to avoid large variations in monthly bills and potential late payment penalties.
Understand New Jersey’s smart meter policies.
New Jersey's proposed Smart Meter policy mandates that electric public utilities install and operate smart meters at the request of customers or in new building constructions. Utilities must submit a comprehensive plan to the Board of Public Utilities for approval. This plan must include provisions for customer access to their smart meter data, as well as the potential for third-party access, which requires customer consent. To ensure transparency and promote informed decision-making, more detailed information can be found on the Board of Public Utilities website, where the policy requirements are extensively outlined.
Emergency utility assistance programs available.
New Jersey offers several emergency utility assistance programs, including the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for heating and cooling emergencies, the Universal Service Fund (USF) for monthly bill credits and arrearage forgiveness, and the Winter Moratorium to prevent utility shut-offs during winter months. Additional programs like the Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE) and NJ SHARES provide further financial assistance for eligible households.
Insulation/weatherproofing incentives offered.
The 2024 New Jersey Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program presents an attractive array of incentives for homeowners eager to enhance their energy efficiency. With cash-back rewards stretching up to $5,000 and zero-interest financing options available for amounts up to $10,000, this initiative supports vital upgrades such as insulation, air sealing, and advanced heating, cooling, and hot water systems. Additionally, supported by utilities like PSE&G, Jersey Central Power and Light, and New Jersey Natural Gas, participants in the program can benefit from significant rebates focused on whole-home weatherization, insulation, and high-efficiency HVAC equipment. Some utilities offer enticing rebates reaching up to $5,000. Meanwhile, the New Jersey Comfort Partners Program is specifically designed for income-eligible households, offering free efficiency measures, including insulation upgrades, air sealing, and duct sealing, thereby promoting energy conservation and enhancing domestic safety and comfort. Discover more about the eligibility measures through the Ciel Power website.