How do I know if I have a gas leak?
Natural gas has no odor. To help you detect the presence of gas, a strong odorant that smells like rotten eggs is added. We urge you to call us the first time you smell a natural gas odor.
If you smell this odor:
- Exit the building immediately.
- Do not use matches, lighters, electrical switches, appliances or your telephone.
- Call New Jersey Natural Gas from a nearby building by dialing 1-800-GAS-LEAK (1-800-427-5325).
- Do not re-enter the building until New Jersey Natural Gas has declared it safe.
- Our personnel will be happy to assist you. This service is provided at no charge, seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
What are the warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Symptoms are often mistaken for those of the flu – severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. One difference is that with carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning there is usually no fever, and symptoms tend to clear up when you breathe fresh air. Also, CO poisoning affects pets. If you have any questions about carbon monoxide poisoning, or think you are experiencing symptoms, call 1-800-POISON (1-800-764-7661). If an emergency exists, get fresh air and call 9-1-1.
To help you avoid the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, it's important to have your heating equipment checked for safety and efficiency. When your gas-fired appliances don't work properly, they may produce carbon monoxide -- a colorless, odorless and potentially dangerous gas. Carbon monoxide can build to dangerous levels in your home or garage. If inhaled in large quantities for a prolonged period, CO can cause unconsciousness, brain damage and death.
To learn more about carbon monoxide click here.
If I need to dig in my yard, who do I call before I start?
CALL BEFORE YOU DIG! Before you dig any hole in the street or your yard, use New Jersey’s “One Call” system by dialing 1-800-272-1000 for a free markout of underground water, sewer, electric and gas utility lines. Help prevent injury or damage to property by making this call before you dig. It’s the law.
How do I convert to natural gas?
If your home heating bills send chills down your spine, you should look into converting to clean, efficient and economical natural gas heat. Call 1-800-221-0051 or e-mail us at conversions@njng.com to find out more about switching to natural gas.
If you are also interested in financing your switch to natural gas heat, be sure to inquire about the current conversion loan program. If you're already a natural gas heat customer, consider converting other appliances like your clothes dryer, water heater and range to natural gas. It's easier than you think!
If you decide to convert your heating system or any appliance to natural gas, please let us know. This helps us plan ahead so we can deliver reliable service to all of our customers on even the coldest winter days.
How do I read my bill?
Click here for an explanation and illustration of your bill.
Why is my bill so high this month?
Higher than “normal” bills occur for various reasons. Consider the following factors, which may contribute to increased consumption.
- Clogged filters
- New or additional appliances may have been added
- Faulty gas appliances or thermostats
- Previous low estimated readings
- Incorrect reading or estimate
- High ceilings
- Poor insulation
- Damper left open on a fireplace
- Higher rates
- Changes in weather conditions
- Most thermostats can be lowered only to 50 degrees. If the temperature should drop below 50 in the house, the furnace will come on. The colder outside temperature, the longer the furnace will run to maintain the temperature inside.
- Changes in normal living habits due to an illness or increase in family size
- Leaks in your hot water system or a dripping faucet
- Increased usage during a holiday or special occasion
How do I read my gas meter?
Reading your gas meter is easy! We use two kinds of meters for residential customers. One is a direct dial meter that can be read like a digital clock. The most common type of meter has dials. Click here for more information.
How do I know if New Jersey Natural Gas has read my meter?
This information is found on the upper left side of your bill under CURRENT METER READING IS. If the word “Actual” is in that box, then we did read the meter that month. If the word, “Calculated” is there, then the bill was estimated that month.
What are my payment options?
You can pay your NJNG bill online, by phone, by mail, in person or automatically with a debit to your checking or savings account. We now offer credit/debit card payments through a service provided by Online Resources.
Do you offer a budget plan?
Yes. You can help balance your home energy bills by joining the NJNG Budget Plan. You’ll pay your anticipated yearly natural gas costs in 12 equal payments. You'll know what your payment will be every month. If you wish to join the Budget Plan, just pay the “Budget Option” amount that appears on your monthly bill along with any other non-gas charges by the payment due date. Click here for additional information.
When does my budget renew?
Our budget plan year is from August through July. At the end of the budget year, we calculate your total natural gas usage and compare it to the total amount of budget charges billed to date. We then either credit your NJNG account, or bill you for the balance due. Credits will be applied to your NJNG account, which will be reflected in your August bill. If there is a balance due, you have the option of paying it in full or adding the balance to the next budget plan year. Your budget option is then re-calculated and automatically renewed for the next budget plan year. Click here for additional information.
Why did my budget change in mid-year?
A mid-year review based on your natural gas usage and anticipated costs will determine if your payment amount needs to be adjusted. This adjustment helps minimize large debit or credit balances at the end of the budget plan year.
What do the “Other Charges” on my budget summary mean?
Any other charges on your natural gas bill other than energy charges.
Can I pay more than my budget amount due?
Paying more than the budget amount due creates incorrect budget information. If you pay more, it is necessary to contact our business office so we can make an adjustment to ensure the account balances correctly.
Why did my budget option change during the months of November, December and January?
Our budget period is from August through July. Your budget amount is based on your anticipated natural gas costs spread evenly over 12 months. You can join the budget at any time; however, if you do so in the middle of the budget period, you will not have made 12 months of payments. To compensate for that missed time, your budget option may increase in November, December and January to ensure that when you join, the forecasted payments reflect your energy use.
What is ZipCheck and how can it benefit me?
ZipCheck is a safe, convenient way to automatically pay your NJNG monthly bill. With your authorization, the total amount due will be electronically deducted from your checking or savings account on the due date shown on your bill. You’ll have peace of mind knowing your bill is paid on time each and every month. There are no checks to write, no stamps to buy and no sign-up fees to pay.
How do I enroll in ZipCheck and how long does it take
You have two choices:
(1) Login to My Account Information and enroll online
OR:
(2) Print and complete the ZipCheck form and mail it to:
ZipCheck
New Jersey Natural Gas Processing Department
PO Box 1476
Wall, NJ 07719-9970From the receipt of your enrollment request, it can take up to 10 calendar days to process your enrollment. Continue to pay your bill as you have in the past until your NJNG bill states: “Paid by ZipCheck.”
What if I change my mind and want to cancel my ZipCheck enrollment?
You can cancel ZipCheck at anytime. Login to My Account Information and choose Deactivate ZipCheck on the ZipCheck status screen.
If your current bill amount was already sent to your bank for payment, it cannot be stopped. The deactivation will become effective with your next bill.
Can I enroll in ZipCheck if I have more than one NJNG account?
Yes, however you have to enroll separately for each NJNG account. You can enroll each account online at My Account Information or print and complete a ZipCheck form for each account and mail form to:
ZipCheck
New Jersey Natural Gas Processing Dept.
PO Box 1476
Wall, NJ 07719-9970Please note, once received, it will take 10 calendar days to process your request.
What if my account number changes or I change banks?
You can update your account information by either logging in to My Account Information and choose Change My Bank Information on the ZipCheck Status Screen, or print and complete a ZipCheck form for each account and mail forms to:
ZipCheck
New Jersey Natural Gas Processing Dept.
PO Box 1476
Wall, NJ 07719-9970Please note, once received, it will take 10 calendar days to process your request.
Is there a fee if my ZipCheck auto debit payment is returned not paid?
Yes, a $10 charge will be added to your account for each payment returned by the bank for insufficient funds, stopped payment or if the authorization is revoked by the customer.
How can I lower my energy costs?
Conserve energy.* During the summer months, we encourage homeowners to arrange for an inspection of all of their home appliances – especially heating and water-heating equipment – to make sure they work efficiently and safely. Some people may also want to get a home energy audit, which will pinpoint ways to make the home more energy-efficient (such as adding storm windows or sealing leaky doors). You may also qualify for FREE energy conservation and weatherization services from the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).
Replace aging appliances.* Consumers who have aging natural gas furnaces and water heaters should consider replacing them with new units, which use fuel more efficiently. High-efficiency units cost more to buy, but they save money over the long run. For example, by buying a high-efficiency (93 percent efficiency rating) natural gas furnace instead of a conventional unit (78 percent efficiency rating), an average homeowner could save $135 per year in energy bills. (SOURCE: American Gas Association) Rebates on high efficiency units are also available.
Request special assistance. Customers who truly cannot afford to pay some or all of their natural gas bills should contact NJNG for information about the HEAP program, our Gift of Warmth program and other fuel assistance funds. NJNG will work closely with any customer who needs help paying their natural gas bill.
For further information, go to the Payment Assistance area of our Web site.
*Consult with a licensed appliance repair contractor.
Are there any resources available that can help if I am having trouble paying my gas bills?
NJNG encourages customers facing financial hardship to apply for energy assistance. We want you to know that you are not alone and help may be just a phone call away.
Programs are available to help low-income households as well as customers experiencing temporary or unanticipated difficulties, such as unemployment or illness.
For further information, go to the Payment Assistance area of our Web site.
Can I look for a better price than NJNG’s and purchase my gas from another supplier?
Yes. Deregulation in New Jersey has brought about competition in the energy industry. NJNG can provide you with a list of suppliers so you can contact them directly to find out if they can offer you a better price for your supply of natural gas. You can also view supplier offers posted on our Web site by clicking here.
If you do consider purchasing your gas from a third-party supplier, please keep in mind that those companies, too, are trying to get a good price – but even they may not be able to get a better price than the local utility.
What NJNG prices changed on October 3, 2007?
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) approved a decrease to NJNG’s Basic Gas Supply Service (BGSS) price as requested in NJNG’s annual BGSS filing. As a result of this approval, NJNG will implement a BGSS decrease of $0.0541 per therm, or 3.6 percent for the average residential heating customer using 100 therms a month.
NJNG is a regulated utility in New Jersey and the BGSS portion of our customers’ bills covers the cost of natural gas purchased by and delivered to NJNG for use by our customers. NJNG makes no profit from this charge. As authorized by the regulators, we simply pass this cost through to our customers.
The BPU also approved price increases to the following tariff riders which are included in NJNG’s Delivery price: the New Jersey Clean Energy Program (NJCEP), the Conservation Incentive Program and the Weather Normalization Clause. In addition to these price changes, the BPU also approved a decrease to the statewide Universal Service Fund (USF) price. Both the NJCEP and the USF are part of NJNG's Societal Benefits Clause.
The net effect of these price changes will be a decrease of approximately 0.7 percent for the average residential heating customer using 100 therms a month, resulting in a reduction of $1.08 a month, or $12.96 annually.
NJNG remains committed to meeting your expectations for reliability and value every day. We continue to offer customers help in managing their natural gas costs through our Budget Plan, energy-saving tips and energy assistance programs.
What did NJNG file on November 20, 2007?
NJNG filed a request with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) seeking approval to increase its base rates by approximately $58.4 million. If approved, this price change will result in a 7.5 percent overall increase, or $11.35 more per month, for the average residential customer using 100 therms a month.
What are base rates?
Base rates are the portion of customers’ bills designed to cover delivery costs and operating expenses and provide the opportunity to earn a reasonable profit. It makes up about 30 percent of a typical customer’s bill. NJNG’s customer bills consist of two main parts: the Delivery Charge which includes the base rate for the cost of delivering the natural gas and maintaining the distribution system, and the Basic Gas Supply Service (BGSS), or the portion of the bill that goes toward purchasing the natural gas itself. Utilities do not make a profit on the sale of the commodity (the BGSS charge), which simply is passed through to customers.
Why is NJNG asking for an increase in base rates?
This is the first base rate case filed by NJNG in over 14 years, the longest current streak among all of the state’s natural gas and electric utilities. During this time, we have maintained existing base rates while spending over $650 million on system investments, compliance with new federally-mandated regulations and inflationary costs. NJNG also added over 1,500 miles of new main, installed more than 132,000 new services and added approximately 157,000 new customers.
All these costs have made it necessary to seek approval to adjust the base rates to a reasonable level that will cover these expenses, allow NJNG to maintain a high level of safe and reliable service and to earn a fair return on investment.
Will this affect NJNG customer bills this winter?
Did NJNG issue a Basic Gas Supply Service (BGSS) refund in December?
How will a customer who closed his or her account after October 1, 2007 receive the Basic Gas Supply Service (BGSS) refund issued in December 2007?
Will sales customers who switched to a third-party supplier or Monthly Basic Gas Supply Service (BGSS) between October 1, 2006 and September 30, 2007 receive a refund?
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