Who can participate in NJNG's Energy Choice Program?
- All NJNG residential, commercial and industrial customers are eligible to participate in our Energy Choice Program.
How long does it take to switch to and from a supplier?
- It can take up to two months to switch to and from a supplier.
Why is NJNG offering supplier choice services?
- NJNG believes customers may benefit from additional choices as a result of energy deregulation; furthermore, we believe competition is good for everyone. Providing real choices will increase value for the customer, resulting in greater customer satisfaction.
Are third-party natural gas suppliers regulated?
Although natural gas suppliers are not regulated, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) requires all natural gas suppliers who conduct business in the state of New Jersey be licensed by the BPU. In addition, NJNG sets financial and performance criteria for natural gas suppliers. Only licensed suppliers who meet this criteria are eligible to serve NJNG customers. See a list of eligible suppliers.
Will I save money by participating in Energy Choice?
- It depends. Suppliers purchase natural gas from a number of different sources with different pricing structures. Some suppliers may offer attractive pricing options or other incentives. Choosing another supplier may result in savings. You should investigate the options offered to determine what savings, if any, you would realize. NJNG does not guarantee a transportation customer will save money.
Can NJNG match a supplier's offer?
- Because the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) regulates the prices for all NJNG customers, we are not permitted to set our own natural gas prices to match a supplier's offer. Supplier prices are not regulated by the BPU.
Will I be charged a fee to switch to a third-party supplier?
- No. NJNG does not charge customers a fee to switch suppliers.
What is an HMAD (Highest Monthly Average Daily)?
- The HMAD represents the highest daily usage a customer could have in one month.
How is the Highest Monthly Average Daily (HMAD)calculated?
- The HMAD is determined using the highest usage between two actual reads. The actual usage is reduced by the base load usage to determine the heat load usage. The heat load usage is divided by the number of actual degree days in the period to determine the use per degree day. The use per degree day is multiplied by the normalized degree days to calculate the normalized heat usage. The normalized heat usage is added to the non-heat usage and divided by the billing days in the period to arrive at the HMAD.
What if my supplier doesn't deliver my natural gas?
- NJNG will serve as a backup supplier in the event your suppier fails to deliver an adequate supply of natural gas. If this situation occurs, the supplier will be assessed costly penalties.
If I buy my natural gas from another supplier, who do I call in case of a natural gas emergency or an outage?
- Whether you choose to buy your natural gas from NJNG, or from another supplier, you are still an NJNG customer. We will continue to respond to your safety calls, read your meter and maintain the natural gas delivery system leading to your home.
Who do I call if I have a billing question?
- That depends on who is doing the billing, the supplier or the utility. Check the contract with your new natural gas supplier for the billing arrangement. Generally, for questions about a meter read, contact the utility as they read your natural gas meter. If you have questions about the price for your natural gas, please contact the supplier.
If I am on a budget plan and I decide to choose another natural gas supplier, can I remain on a budget plan?
- Yes as long as NJNG is doing the billing for the supplier.
Can a supplier enroll me without my consent?
- Currently, New Jersey legislation requires written or electronic signature to enroll or switch.
What is an electronic signature?
An "electronic signature" is an electronic sound, symbol or process, attached to or logically associated with a contract or other record, and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record. Examples of electronic signatures:
- recording of voice
- accepting an agreement on the Internet
- call-back verification by an independent party
What can I do if I'm not happy with my supplier?
- Check your contract with your supplier for the cancellation process, terms, fees and conditions. You are required to give at least two months notice to NJNG and your supplier.
