How to Set Up Electric, Gas and Water When You Move to Monmouth or Ocean County

Give the gas company the most lead time: New Jersey Natural Gas asks for at least 10 business days before your move-in date. In most of Monmouth and Ocean County, electric comes from JCP&L, gas from New Jersey Natural Gas, and water from either New Jersey American Water or the town's own water utility, depending on the address.

I'm Dennis Mark Interdonato with The Dennis Mark Group at Keller Williams Realty Ocean Living. When you're moving here from another state, you don't know the names on the trucks yet. Here's who does what.

Who supplies electricity in Monmouth and Ocean County?

• JCP&L (Jersey Central Power & Light). JCP&L serves Monmouth and Ocean along with eleven other New Jersey counties, so it covers most addresses in both.
• Atlantic City Electric. Its territory includes all or parts of Ocean County, so some southern Ocean County addresses are served by Atlantic City Electric instead.
• A town-owned utility. Lavallette runs its own electric utility, which it describes as "a municipally owned electric utility."

There's no current statewide service-area map online, so confirm the provider for the exact address. The fastest way is to ask the seller for a recent bill, or check the utility's own start-service page.

How do you start electric service with JCP&L?

JCP&L's start-service page asks for the new address or meter number, a Social Security Number or Taxpayer ID, and your start date. A few details from the page:

• "We may require a minimum of two business days for us to process your service request using this form."
• For a move, the company asks customers in New Jersey to call at least two days ahead.
• "In most cases, no, you are not required to be home for installation."
• A security deposit "may be required prior to starting service."

Give yourself more cushion than the minimum, so the lights are on the day you get the keys.

Who supplies natural gas, and how much notice does it need?

New Jersey Natural Gas serves customers in Monmouth, Ocean, Morris, Middlesex and Burlington counties. Its start-service page is specific:

• "Please submit your request at least 10 business days before your move-in date."
• Make sure the water and electric are on at the new address before you schedule the gas appointment.
• "There must be someone 18 years or older present."
• A $15 account opening charge appears on your first bill.

Because someone has to be there, plan this one around your first trip into the house. If you're still out of state, line it up with your closing week.

Who supplies water and sewer?

It depends on the town. New Jersey American Water serves many Monmouth and Ocean County towns directly and sells water to some towns that run their own water utilities. Other towns have their own water and sewer departments or authorities. You can start, stop or move New Jersey American Water service online or by phone at 1-800-272-1325.

The simplest check is the seller's most recent water and sewer bill, which tells you who to call. If the home has a private well or a septic system instead, there's no water company to call, and the rules at sale are different. Read buying a home with a private well or septic system before you make an offer.

Can you choose your energy supplier in New Jersey?

Yes. The Board of Public Utilities explains that "the supply portion of your electric or natural gas bill is separate from the delivery portion." If you switch to a third-party supplier, your utility "will still deliver those supplies through their wires and pipes" and still responds to emergencies, and switching has "no impact on the reliability or safety of your service."

The BPU's shopping site, NJ Power Switch, lists licensed suppliers and explains fixed and variable rates. Get settled first, then shop, and read the contract terms before you sign anything at your door or over the phone.

What about cable and internet?

Cable companies hold franchises town by town in New Jersey. The BPU's Office of Cable Television publishes which operators are franchised in each town, and its Cable Facts report is the official list. If you work from home, ask the seller what they use and book your installation as early as the provider allows.

If something goes wrong, the BPU says, "All customers should first contact their utility provider to address any issues." If that doesn't solve it, the BPU takes utility complaints at (800) 624-0241.

Who do you call for everything else?

That's where I come in. I got a guy for everything: electricians, plumbers, HVAC, handymen, the people I'd call for my own house. Once the keys are yours, the Lifestyle Connector part of what I do starts. The relocation page covers how I help people buy here from another state, and my free Relocation Guide has the full new-resident checklist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the electric company in Monmouth County, NJ?

JCP&L serves Monmouth County. A few towns in the region run their own electric utility, so confirm the provider for the specific address.

Who is the electric company in Ocean County, NJ?

Most of Ocean County is served by JCP&L, and some of southern Ocean County by Atlantic City Electric. Lavallette has its own municipal electric utility.

How far ahead should I set up gas service?

New Jersey Natural Gas asks for at least 10 business days before your move-in date, and someone 18 or older has to be present.

Do I have to use the utility's energy supply?

No. New Jersey lets residential customers buy electric or gas supply from licensed third-party suppliers, while the utility keeps delivering it.

This is general information, not legal, tax or lending advice. Utility policies, charges and lead times come from each company's own pages as of October 2026 and can change.

About the author

Dennis Mark Interdonato is a REALTOR® and Master CDRE® who leads The Dennis Mark Group at Keller Williams Realty Ocean Living in Point Pleasant, NJ, helping buyers and sellers throughout New Jersey make their next move, with Monmouth and Ocean County as home base. He has been in construction since 2003, building and renovating New Jersey homes. Read more about Dennis Mark.

Keep reading

• Moving to New Jersey: your first 60 days
• What it costs to buy a home in New Jersey
• Selling a New Jersey home before you move? Start with a free home value.
• Have a question this didn't answer? Send it to Dennis Mark and it may become the next article.