Your Central NJ Utilities Guide
What to expect for monthly costs, how to set up service, and what is typically included in your lease.
Know Before You Move
What is Included vs. Your Responsibility
Every lease is different. This is the typical breakdown for Central NJ rentals.
Often Included in Rent
- Water & sewer
- Trash & recycling collection
- Common area maintenance (condos/apartments)
- Snow removal & landscaping (some properties)
Varies by property and lease terms. Always confirm with your lease.
Typically Your Responsibility
- Electric (lighting, appliances, AC)
- Gas / heat
- Internet & cable
- Renter's insurance
- Phone / mobile (obviously)
Some landlords include heat or hot water. Check your specific lease.
Budget Planning
Estimated Monthly Costs
Based on typical Central NJ apartments and townhomes. Actual costs vary by unit size, usage, and season.
| Utility | Monthly Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | $80 – $180 | Higher in summer (AC). Lower in apartments vs houses. |
| Gas / Heat | $40 – $120 | Spikes Nov–Mar. Budget billing evens this out. |
| Water / Sewer | $30 – $70 | Only if not included in rent. Many landlords cover this. |
| Internet | $50 – $80 | Xfinity, Verizon Fios, or Optimum depending on area. |
| Renter's Insurance | $15 – $30 | Most leases require it. Covers your belongings + liability. |
| Estimated Total | $215 – $480 | On top of rent, per month |
Before Move-In
How to Set Up Your Utilities
Call or go online 3–5 days before your move-in date to avoid gaps in service.
Electric & Gas — PSE&G
Serves most of Central NJ (Somerset, Middlesex, Mercer counties). Create an account online or call to start service.
pseg.com →Phone: 1-800-436-7734
Gas (Some Areas) — Elizabethtown Gas
Parts of Union and Middlesex counties use Elizabethtown Gas instead of PSE&G for gas service.
elizabethtowngas.com →Internet — Check Your Address
Availability varies by address. The main providers in Central NJ are Xfinity (Comcast), Verizon Fios, and Optimum. Check each for pricing.
Tip: Fios fiber is fastest where available. Xfinity has widest coverage.
Renter's Insurance
Most leases require it. Covers your personal belongings, liability, and temporary housing if something goes wrong. Takes 10 minutes to set up.
Popular options: Lemonade, State Farm, GEICO, Progressive
Save Money
Tips to Lower Your Bills
📊 Budget Billing
PSE&G offers budget billing that averages your annual usage into equal monthly payments. No more $250 winter gas bills followed by $40 summer ones.
🌡️ Smart Thermostat Habits
Set heat to 68°F in winter and AC to 76°F in summer. Every degree matters — each degree change saves roughly 3% on your bill.
💡 LED Bulbs & Power Strips
Switch to LED bulbs (use 75% less energy). Use smart power strips to cut phantom power drain from electronics on standby.
🔍 Compare Internet Plans
Don't just take the first plan offered. Compare Xfinity, Fios, and Optimum for your address. Ask about new customer promotions — they usually have them.
Common Questions
Utilities FAQ
3–5 business days before your move-in date. This gives the utility company time to process the transfer. For internet installation, book even earlier — some providers need 1-2 weeks lead time.
Yes. New Jersey has energy choice, meaning you can pick a third-party supplier for the electricity itself. However, PSE&G still delivers it through their lines regardless. Most tenants just stick with PSE&G default supply — it is simple and competitively priced.
Most leases in Central NJ require it. Even if yours does not, we strongly recommend it — it costs $15–30/month and covers your personal belongings, liability (if someone gets hurt in your unit), and temporary housing costs if your unit becomes unlivable. It takes about 10 minutes to set up online.
Some properties keep water, sewer, or even gas in the landlord's name and include it in rent (or bill you separately). Your lease will specify exactly which utilities you are responsible for. If it is unclear, ask your property manager before move-in.
Have Questions About a Specific Property?
Every property is different. We can tell you exactly what is included in your lease and help you plan your budget.
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