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Utilities

Now that you have chosen your roommates/housemates and found the perfect apartment, you may have to set up all your utilities depending on the arrangement you set with your landlord. Utilities can include everything from electricity, water, and waste management, to phone, internet, and cable.

Step 1: Start Sooner Rather Than Later

While the process itself is pretty simple, you’ll want to provide enough notice so that everything can be set up smoothly. It is suggested that you contact all of your utility companies a minimum of two weeks in advance of your move-in date to avoid any interruptions in services.

Step 2: Start Your New Services

After you’ve closed your existing accounts, you’ll want to start services at your new house or apartment. The easiest way to do this is by calling your realtor or landlord to find which services you need to set up and have them recommend a few companies in the area. Depending on where you live, your landlord could already take care of the heat and hot water bills, so you won’t need to set those up. Typically, you’ll need the below information to set up a new account. If you’re a new customer, some companies may require a security deposit, which will be returned after one year of paying on time.

  • Your name, phone number, and email address
  • Your address
  • Date of the start of service (typically most people start their utilities the day before their move, to ensure everything is set up on their moving day)
  • Your social security number (if you don’t have a SSN, some utilities accept a driver or non- driver license ID, a passport, or an alien ID number)

Step 3: Write Everything Down

With the chaos of moving, it’s easy to forget even signing up for your utility services in the first place, never mind your account number and password. Be sure to keep a note in your phone or write everything down upon signing up so that you have everything in one place when you need to

pay your next bill.

Step 4: Sign Up

For Electric & Gas Services

  • Jersey Central Power & Light 1-800-662-3115
  • New Jersey Natural Gas 1-800-221-0051

For Water Services

Water service in New Jersey is managed by your local municipal utility.

For Phone, Internet & Cable Services

You can shop around for the best deal for your phone, internet, and cable provider in New Jersey. Below are a few providers, but do your research to find what’s the best and most cost-efficient decision for you and your house.