Your Central NJ Utilities Guide
What to expect for monthly costs, how to set up each service, and what you are responsible for as a tenant.
Know Before You Move
What is Included vs. Your Responsibility
In Central NJ, you are responsible for most utilities. Here is the breakdown by property type.
- Electric (lighting, appliances, AC)
- Gas and heat
- Water and sewer (usage-based in NJ)
- Internet and cable
- Renter's insurance
These are tenant-paid in virtually every Central NJ rental. Your lease will confirm the specifics.
- Trash and recycling — usually included for townhouses and condos, often tenant-responsible for single-family homes
- Common area maintenance — included in townhouse/condo HOA; for single-family rentals, lawn care and snow removal are typically the tenant's responsibility
- Snow removal and landscaping — varies by property and lease
Always confirm with your lease. If you are renting a single-family home, expect to handle more of these yourself.
Budget Planning
Estimate Your Monthly Costs
Select your property type and household details to see personalized estimates for each season.
Utility Cost Estimator
Updated March 2026 · PSE&G service area| Utility | Winter | Spring | Summer | Fall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | - | - | - | - |
| Gas / Heat | - | - | - | - |
| Water / Sewer | - | - | - | - |
| Internet | - | - | - | - |
| Renter's Insurance | - | - | - | - |
| Total | - | - | - | - |
Based on 3 months per season. Actual costs vary by usage, weather, and provider.
Total Costs
Plan Your Move-In Budget
Moving into a new rental in NJ means more than first month rent. Here is a realistic picture of total upfront costs so there are no surprises.
Move-In Cost Planner
Before Move-In
How to Set Up Your Utilities
Call or go online 3 to 5 days before your move-in date to avoid gaps in service.
Electric and Gas — PSE&G
Serves most of Central NJ (Somerset, Middlesex, Mercer counties). Create an account online or call to start service. Ask about Worry-Free plans — for a small monthly fee, PSE&G covers repairs to your internal wiring and gas lines, which can save you hundreds if something goes wrong.
pseg.com →Water and Sewer — NJ American Water
The most common water provider in Central NJ. You will need to set up an account in your name before move-in. Water bills are usage-based and typically billed quarterly.
amwater.com/njaw →Internet — Check Your Address
Availability varies by address. The main providers in Central NJ are Xfinity (Comcast), Verizon Fios, and Optimum.
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.
Trash and Recycling
For townhouses and condos, trash is usually included through HOA or property taxes. For single-family homes, check with your landlord — you may need to arrange private pickup or confirm the municipal schedule.
Waste and Recycling
Trash and Recycling in Central NJ
Most towns provide municipal trash pickup through property taxes. For townhouses and condos this is usually included. For single-family rentals, confirm with your landlord whether trash is covered or if you need to handle it.
Regular Trash Pickup
Most Central NJ municipalities offer curbside trash pickup 1 to 2 times per week. Pickup days vary by township and street.
- Hillsborough — Tues and Fri pickup. Township-provided cans.
- Bridgewater — Mon and Thurs pickup via Republic Services.
- Franklin Twp — Twice weekly. Bags must be under 40 lbs.
- Montgomery — Tues and Fri. Bear-proof cans required in some areas.
- Edison — Twice weekly. Sticker or subscription for extra bags.
Recycling
Single-stream recycling is standard in most Somerset and Middlesex County towns. One bin for paper, plastic, glass, and metal.
- Paper — Newspapers, cardboard, mail, magazines
- Plastic — Bottles and containers (#1-7)
- Glass — Bottles and jars (clear, green, brown)
- Metal — Aluminum cans, tin cans, clean foil
- Not accepted — Styrofoam, plastic bags, electronics
Bulk Pickup and Large Items
Most towns offer scheduled bulk pickup for furniture, appliances, and large items. Some require advance scheduling.
- Hillsborough — Call DPW to schedule. Free for residents.
- Bridgewater — Spring/Fall cleanup weeks announced by township.
- Franklin Twp — Quarterly bulk collection. Check township calendar.
Electronics and hazardous waste require special drop-off at the county recycling center.
Find Your Township Schedule
Trash and recycling schedules are set by your municipality, not your landlord. Check your specific township:
- Somerset County — screcycling.org
- Middlesex County — middlesexcountynj.gov/recycling
- Mercer County — mcia.net
Many towns also have apps (Recycle Coach, etc.) that send pickup reminders.
Not sure about your specific town? Ask your property manager or check your township website. We can also help — book a call and we will look it up for you.
Your Checklist
Move-In Timeline
Follow this timeline to make sure everything is ready when you pick up the keys.
Keep These Handy
Emergency Contacts
Gas Leak
1-800-436-7734PSE&G 24/7 emergency line. If you smell gas, leave immediately and call from outside.
Power Outage
1-800-436-7734Report outages to PSE&G or check their outage map online at pseg.com/outage.
Water Emergency
Call Your TownshipWater main breaks are municipal. Call your township DPW or 911 for flooding emergencies.
Maintenance Request
Submit OnlineNJ PM tenants: submit non-emergency maintenance requests through our portal anytime.
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 degrees in winter and AC to 76 in summer. Every degree matters — each degree change saves roughly 3% on your bill.
LED Bulbs and 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
Do not just take the first plan offered. Compare Xfinity, Fios, and Optimum for your address. Ask about new customer promotions — they always have them.
Need Help?
NJ Utility Assistance Programs
If you are struggling with utility costs, these programs can help. You do not need to face it alone.
LIHEAP
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Federal program administered by NJ DCA that helps with heating and cooling bills. Applications accepted October through April each year.
Apply at nj.gov →Universal Service Fund (USF)
NJ program for income-eligible households that provides a monthly credit on gas and electric bills. Apply through your local Community Action Agency. Available year-round.
Find your local agency →PSE&G Winter Moratorium
PSE&G cannot shut off gas or electric service between November 15 and March 15 for residential customers. This is an important tenant protection during cold months. You still owe the balance, but service stays on.
NJ 211
Dial 211 from any phone for free referrals to local assistance programs covering food, housing, utilities, healthcare, and more. Available 24/7, multilingual support.
nj211.org →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.