Frequently Asked Questions About Switching

Can I save money by switching to natural gas for my home?
Yes, you can lower your energy bill by up to 60 percent over oil, propane and electricity.

How much will it cost to have natural gas installed to my home?
That depends on the distance your home is from the gas main and the natural gas appliances you select. For many customers, the service line is installed free of charge up to the location of our meter.

How do I know if natural gas service is available on my street?
If you call or email us with your street address, we can tell you if we have a natural gas main near your home. If we do, there is generally no charge to connect your home to our gas main with a service line.

What if my home is not near a natural gas main?
Depending on the distance, we may still be able to provide you with service. However, you may have to pay a portion of the cost for extending gas main to your home.

What’s the first step to getting gas to my home?
Once you contact your area’s energy efficiency consultant, we’ll check to see if gas is available in front of your home. If so, we’ll take your application, answer your questions about the conversion process and help you set up a free, no-obligation appointment with a qualified contractor to look at your equipment and provide you with a proposal to switch to natural gas.

Is there an application fee?
No, SJG does not charge a processing fee.

Can South Jersey Gas provide a list of contractors?
Yes, we have a list of Preferred Contractors or you can use any licensed contractor.

Can I install the equipment myself or have a friend or relative do it for me?
Yes, you can, but we recommend you use a licensed contractor.

Can a contractor help me with the removal of my existing equipment?
Yes, a contractor can manage the removal. If your current equipment includes a leaking underground oil tank, you may be eligible for a grant from the State of New Jersey (click here).

Where will South Jersey Gas install my gas meter?
Each home varies. The standard meter location is near the front of the home, either on the left or right side.

Will the installation of natural gas create any disruption to my property?
While it is a construction site, our crews will do their best to minimize any impact to your property. All disturbances will be restored within a few weeks after the service work is completed.

How much does it cost to switch to natural gas?
Each home varies. Talk to your contractor to evaluate the options for your home.

Do you offer any financing?
Yes, if you use one of our Preferred Contractors (click here for a list), you may be eligible for 0% financing and no money down for up to 60 months (click here).

Do you offer rebates or incentives?
Rebates through the NJ Clean Energy Program are available for qualifying equipment.

Do you have any current specials?
Yes, we do. Click here for our latest promotion.

What’s the next step once I decide to switch to natural gas and have agreed to the contractor’s proposal (or have decided to install the equipment myself)?
Contact your SJG energy efficiency consultant. We’ll then prepare the design drawings, obtain the necessary permits, and install and activate your natural gas service. This process typically takes 8 weeks depending upon your municipality's permit procedures. During this time, your contractor may install the necessary equipment.

Important Note: Billing for your service begins at the time of meter activation and a $20 activation fee will appear on your first bill.

For Propane Users

Can I keep my existing propane appliances?
In most cases, conversion kits are available. Check with your HVAC contractor for confirmation about your specific appliances.

Can I keep my existing propane heater?
In most cases, conversion kits are available. We recommend that if your equipment is more than 10 years old, you consider upgrading to high efficiency equipment to take advantage of additional savings.

Can I keep my existing propane hot water heater?
Most hot water heaters will have to be replaced. Check with your contractor for the most appropriate equipment to fit your family’s energy needs.

Do I need to hire a contractor to perform the conversion?
We recommend hiring a contractor, because the contractor can confirm if the fuel line inside your home is the right size and the right material for the conversion to natural gas. Additionally, a qualified contractor will advise you appropriately as to whether your appliances and equipment are eligible for conversion kits.

Who do I speak with about propane that left in my tank?
Consult with your local propane dealer as to how to remove the remaining propane.

Who do I speak with about removing my propane tank?
Consult with your local propane dealer regarding removal of your existing tank.