What South Jersey Industries does

South Jersey Industries (SJI) is a natural gas utility that serves residential and business customers across southern New Jersey. The company delivers natural gas through underground pipes to homes and buildings, handles billing, responds to emergencies, and maintains the gas lines in its service area. If you live in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, or Salem counties, SJI is likely your gas provider.

SJI operates under a regulated utility model, meaning the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities sets the rates SJI can charge and oversees service standards. You do not choose SJI the way you might choose an internet provider — if you live in their service territory and want natural gas, SJI is your only option for delivery.

Key Takeaways

  • South Jersey Industries delivers natural gas to homes and businesses in seven southern New Jersey counties and is the only gas delivery option in its service area.
  • Your bill includes the cost of gas itself, the cost to deliver it through pipes, and various taxes and fees set by state regulators.
  • You can set up automatic payments, view your account online, and report gas leaks or emergencies by calling 1-800-221-0051.
  • If you are struggling to pay your bill, SJI offers payment plans and may direct you to state information programs for low-income households.
  • The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities handles complaints about service or billing if you cannot resolve them directly with SJI.

How your SJI bill breaks down

Your monthly bill has three main parts. The first is the commodity charge — the actual cost of the natural gas you used, measured in therms (a unit of heat). This price fluctuates based on wholesale gas markets and is the part of your bill most likely to change month to month.

The second part is the delivery charge, which covers the cost to maintain the pipes, meters, and infrastructure that bring gas to your home. This charge is more stable and is set by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. The third part includes taxes, regulatory fees, and other charges that vary slightly by location and season.

Your bill also shows your meter reading — the number of therms you used — and your account number. If you heat with gas, your winter bills are typically much higher than summer bills because you use more gas for heating.

Setting up service and paying your bill

When you move into a home or building served by SJI, you contact the company to open an account. You will need your address, a form of identification, and proof of residency (a lease or recent utility bill). SJI will schedule a meter read and send you a welcome packet with your account number and first bill.

You can pay your bill online through SJI's website, by phone at 1-800-221-0051, by mail, or through automatic bank withdrawal. Setting up automatic payments means your bill is paid on the same day each month without you having to remember. You can also view your account online to see your usage history, set up budget billing (which spreads your annual costs evenly across twelve months), or report a problem.

If you receive a bill you believe is wrong, contact SJI within 30 days. The company will investigate and send you a written response. If you disagree with the result, you can file a complaint with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.

What to do if you smell gas or suspect a leak

If you smell natural gas (which has a distinctive rotten-egg odor), do not use your phone, light switches, or any electrical devices. Leave the building when ready and move to a safe distance. Once you are outside, call SJI's emergency line at 1-800-221-0051 from a mobile phone or a neighbor's phone.

SJI operates a 24-hour emergency response team. They will dispatch a technician to your location at no charge. Do not re-enter the building until SJI has confirmed it is safe. If you suspect a leak but do not smell gas — for example, you hear a hissing sound or see dead vegetation in a line with your gas meter — call the non-emergency number during business hours or the emergency line after hours.

Payment plans and information programs

If you are behind on your bill or struggling to pay, SJI offers payment plans that let you spread what you owe across several months. Contact SJI's customer service at 1-800-221-0051 to discuss your situation. The company may also refer you to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, which runs the Universal Service Fund — a program that helps low-income households pay heating bills.

To explore whether you may be may be able to access for information, you can contact your local county office of Community Affairs or call 2-1-1 (a free helpline that connects you to local resources). These programs have income limits and other requirements that vary by county. SJI cannot determine whether you may have access to, but they can point you toward the right agency.

SJI also offers budget billing, which divides your expected annual gas costs into equal monthly payments. This helps you avoid large winter bills and makes budgeting easier, though you may owe a balance at the end of the year if you used more gas than expected.

Understanding your meter and usage

Your gas meter measures how much natural gas flows into your home in therms. A therm is roughly equal to 100 cubic feet of gas. SJI reads your meter monthly (or you can provide a self-read if the meter is accessible). The difference between this month's reading and last month's reading is your usage.

You can estimate your usage by looking at past bills — winter months typically show much higher usage than summer months if you heat with gas. If a bill seems unusually high, check whether the weather was colder than normal, whether someone was home more often, or whether a pipe or appliance is leaking. You can also request that SJI investigate an unusually high bill.

Contacting SJI and filing complaints

For routine questions about your account, billing, or service, call SJI customer service at 1-800-221-0051 during business hours. For emergencies (gas leaks, odor, or safety concerns), call the same number 24 hours a day. You can also visit SJI's website to manage your account, view your bill, or find information about service in your area.

If you have a complaint that SJI does not resolve to your satisfaction, you can file a complaint with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. The Board oversees all utilities in the state and investigates billing disputes, service problems, and other issues. You can file a complaint online at the Board's website or by mail. Include your account number, a description of the problem, and copies of any relevant documents (bills, correspondence with SJI, etc.).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch to a different gas company?

No. SJI is the only natural gas delivery company in its service area. You cannot choose a different provider for gas delivery the way you might choose a different electric supplier in some parts of New Jersey. However, you can choose to use less gas by improving insulation, upgrading appliances, or adjusting your thermostat.

Why did my bill go up so much?

The most common reason is colder weather, which increases heating demand. Gas prices also fluctuate based on wholesale markets, so the commodity charge on your bill may rise or fall month to month. If the increase seems extreme and the weather was normal, contact SJI to ask whether your meter was read correctly or whether there is a leak.

What happens if I cannot pay my bill?

Contact SJI before your bill is overdue. The company offers payment plans and can refer you to information programs. SJI can disconnect service for non-payment, but they must give you written notice and a chance to pay or set up a plan first. If you are elderly, disabled, or in a household with a child under six, additional protections may explore.

How do I report a problem with my service or meter?

Call SJI at 1-800-221-0051 or file a report through their website. Describe the problem clearly (for example, "my meter is not advancing" or "I smell gas near my meter"). SJI will schedule a technician visit. If the problem is not resolved, you can file a complaint with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.

Is natural gas safe?

Natural gas is safe when used and maintained properly. SJI inspects pipes and meters regularly and responds when ready to reports of leaks. The rotten-egg smell added to natural gas helps you detect leaks early. If you ever smell gas, leave the area and call 1-800-221-0051 from a safe location.