Where to send your payment and what information you need
Your gas company's name appears on your bill, usually near the top or in the account section. In New Jersey, the major gas providers are New Jersey Resources (NJR), which serves central and northern areas, and Elizabethtown Gas, which operates in parts of northern New Jersey. Smaller municipal utilities serve some towns. The bill itself tells you exactly where to send payment — check the back page or a separate payment stub.
You have three main payment routes: mail a check to the address printed on your bill, pay online through your gas company's website, or set up automatic payments from your bank account. Each method requires your account number, which appears on the front of your bill. If you pay by mail, allow 7 to 10 business days for the payment to reach the company and post to your account.
Online payment is the fastest option. Log into your account on your gas company's website — NJR's is nj-resources.com, and Elizabethtown's is elizabethtowngas.com — and look for "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment." You can usually pay immediately with a debit card, credit card, or bank account. Credit card payments may carry a small fee, while bank account payments are typically free.
Key Takeaways
- Your gas company's payment address is printed on your bill; mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to post.
- Online payment through your gas company's website is faster and often free if you pay from a bank account.
- Automatic payments prevent missed bills but require you to review your account regularly to catch billing errors.
- If you cannot pay the full amount, contact your gas company before the due date to discuss payment plans or hardship programs.
- New Jersey's utility board, the Board of Public Utilities, oversees gas companies and handles complaints about billing or service.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees
Automatic payments deduct your bill amount from your bank account on a date you choose — usually around your bill's due date. This prevents accidental late payments and the fees that come with them. To set up automatic payments, log into your gas company's online account and look for "Autopay," "Automatic Payments," or "Recurring Payments." You will need your bank account number and routing number.
The downside is that automatic payments can hide billing errors. Your gas company may overcharge you, and if money leaves your account automatically, you might not notice for months. Review your bill each month before the payment goes through, even if you have autopay turned on. If you spot an error, contact your gas company immediately to dispute it and pause the automatic payment until the issue is resolved.
What to do if you cannot pay by the due date
If you know you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, call your gas company before that date arrives. Do not wait until after the bill is late. Most gas companies in New Jersey offer payment plans that let you split the bill into smaller amounts over several weeks or months. The company may require a deposit or a commitment to pay on specific dates, but a plan keeps you from falling behind and avoids late fees and service shutoff.
New Jersey also has hardship programs for customers with low income or temporary financial difficulty. These programs may reduce your bill, defer payment, or connect you with energy assistance funds. Contact your gas company's customer service line and ask about hardship programs or low-income assistance. They can tell you what documents you need — usually proof of income and a statement of your situation.
If your gas company threatens shutoff, you have the right to a hearing before the Board of Public Utilities. The company must give you written notice at least 10 days before shutoff. If you receive a shutoff notice, contact the Board of Public Utilities at 609-292-6500 or visit nj.gov/bpu to understand your rights and request a hearing.
Understanding late fees and how they work
Late fees are charges added to your bill if you do not pay by the due date. In New Jersey, gas companies can charge a late fee, but the amount is regulated by the Board of Public Utilities. The fee is usually a percentage of your bill — often around 1.5% — but the exact amount depends on your gas company and your service area. Check your bill or your company's website to see what late fee applies to your account.
Late fees compound quickly. If you miss one payment, the fee is added to your next bill. If you miss that payment too, another fee is added. Within a few months, fees can nearly double what you originally owed. Paying even a few days late can trigger a fee, so if you know payment will be delayed, contact your gas company to ask about a payment plan before the due date passes.
Paying in person or by phone if you do not have online access
Not everyone has internet access or a bank account, and that is fine. You can pay your gas bill in person at authorized payment locations in your area. Many grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing services accept utility bill payments. Your bill usually lists nearby payment locations, or you can call your gas company's customer service line to ask where you can pay in person.
You can also pay by phone. Call your gas company's customer service number — it is on your bill — and ask to pay over the phone. You will need your account number and a debit card or bank account information. Phone payments are usually processed immediately, though some companies charge a small fee for this service.
Disputing a billing error on your gas bill
If your bill seems wrong — the amount is much higher than usual, the meter reading does not match your usage, or you see a charge you do not recognize — contact your gas company in writing within 30 days of receiving the bill. Write a letter or send an email to the billing department and describe the error clearly. Include your account number, the bill date, and the specific charge or amount you dispute. Keep a copy for your records.
Your gas company must investigate within 30 days and send you a written response. During the dispute period, you do not have to pay the disputed amount, but you should pay the rest of your bill to avoid late fees on the undisputed portion. If the company's response does not satisfy you, you can file a complaint with the Board of Public Utilities at nj.gov/bpu or call 609-292-6500.
How to read your gas bill and find your account number
Your gas bill is divided into sections. At the top, you will find your name, address, and account number — a string of numbers unique to your account. You need this number for any payment or customer service call. Below that is your billing period (the dates covered by this bill) and your due date.
The middle section shows your meter reading at the start and end of the billing period, the number of therms (units of gas) you used, and the rate per therm. Multiply the therms by the rate to see how the company calculated your usage charge. Below that are any additional charges — delivery fees, taxes, or surcharges — that make up your total bill. The back of the bill usually lists the payment address and any customer service phone numbers.
If any number seems wrong, write it down and call customer service to ask how it was calculated. A sudden spike in usage might mean a meter malfunction, a leak, or simply colder weather. A customer service representative can help you understand what drove the increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my gas bill with a credit card?
Yes, most gas companies accept credit card payments online or by phone. However, some companies charge a processing fee — usually 2% to 3% of the amount — when you pay with a credit card. Paying from a bank account is usually free. Check your gas company's website or call customer service to confirm whether a fee applies before you pay.
What happens if my payment does not show up on my bill?
If you paid by mail, allow 7 to 10 business days for the check to arrive and post. If you paid online or by phone, the payment usually posts within 1 to 3 business days. If more time has passed and the payment still does not appear, call your gas company with your confirmation number or receipt and ask them to trace the payment. Keep your receipt or confirmation email until the payment shows on your bill.
Can the gas company shut off my service without warning?
No. Your gas company must send you a written shutoff notice at least 10 days before disconnecting your service. The notice must explain why shutoff is happening and tell you how to request a hearing. If you receive a shutoff notice, contact your gas company immediately to discuss a payment plan, or contact the Board of Public Utilities at 609-292-6500 to request a hearing.
Is there a grace period after the due date?
New Jersey does not require gas companies to offer a grace period, but some do. Check your bill or contact your gas company to ask whether a grace period applies to your account. If there is no grace period, a late fee may be charged the day after the due date, so paying on time is important.
How do I change my payment due date?
Log into your online account or call your gas company's customer service line and ask to change your due date. Most companies let you choose a date between the 1st and the 28th of the month. Changing your due date can help you align your bill with your paycheck or other expenses, making it easier to budget.