Utility Setup and Costs for Smithville Rentals

Moving into a Smithville rental and trying to figure out utilities? You are not alone. Between choosing providers, deposits, and billing cycles, it can feel like a lot when you are juggling a move. This guide gives you clear next steps, typical costs, and local contacts so you can set up service with confidence and build a realistic monthly budget. Let’s dive in.

Who provides utilities in Smithville

Electricity

Atlantic City Electric is the local electric utility. New Jersey is a deregulated market, so you can keep delivery with Atlantic City Electric and choose a different supplier if you want to shop rates. New accounts may require a deposit, often based on estimated usage, and service can usually start within a few business days. Learn more on the Atlantic City Electric overview page from NJ Energy Ratings.

Natural gas

South Jersey Gas serves most of Atlantic County. You can start or transfer service online. New accounts typically pay an activation fee and may be asked for a deposit, which can sometimes be waived with a letter of credit from another utility. If a meter needs to be installed, allow extra time. See the South Jersey Gas Start Service page for details.

Water

Much of Galloway Township, including Smithville areas, is served by New Jersey American Water. Billing is typically monthly, and NJAW offers an H2O Help to Others program for eligible customers. Check rates and typical bill examples on New Jersey American Water’s rates page.

Sewer

Galloway Township bills sewer rents through the Tax Collector. The township code currently sets the residential sewer user charge at 385 dollars per domestic consumer unit per year, billed quarterly. You should confirm whether the bill goes to the property owner or directly to you. See the township ordinance on Ecode360 and verify billing with the Galloway Tax Collector.

Trash and recycling

Residential curbside service is commonly handled by Waste Management under township contracts, and Galloway also operates a convenience and recycling center for residents. Schedules and rules for bulk items, electronics, and appliances vary, so confirm service details for your address. Check the local service page for Waste Management in Galloway.

Internet and TV

Xfinity is widely available across Smithville, with fixed wireless and satellite alternatives in some areas. Speeds and plans vary by address, and installations can take a few days to two weeks. Run an address check using this Smithville availability snapshot from BestNeighborhood.

What to set up and when

Aim to place start requests 3 to 7 business days before move-in. If a meter or line must be installed, plan for a longer lead time. Most providers can expedite in a pinch, but earlier is smoother.

Have this information ready when you apply:

• Service address and move-in date
• Photo ID and Social Security number or other ID for verification
• Forwarding address for final bills
• Landlord authorization or account number if the owner keeps the account in their name

Typical costs and billing cycles

Electricity

New Jersey electric rates run higher than the national average. Based on state-level data, many households budget about 100 to 200 dollars per month, with higher summer bills if you use a lot of air conditioning. See state averages from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Natural gas

Gas bills are very seasonal. Expect lower costs in spring and fall, and higher costs in winter if you heat with gas. New accounts often pay an activation fee and may owe a deposit. Start-service details are on South Jersey Gas.

Water and wastewater

New Jersey American Water publishes typical bill examples based on meter size and monthly usage. Many households in the region plan for about 40 to 100 dollars per month for water and wastewater combined, depending on usage and tariff area. Review current rates on NJAW’s rates page.

Sewer (Galloway Township)

Galloway’s sewer rent is set at 385 dollars per year per residential unit, billed quarterly by the Tax Collector. Always confirm current rates and who receives the bill for your specific address. Reference the ordinance on Ecode360 and verify billing with the Tax Collector.

Trash and recycling

Your cost depends on how your building handles service. Some homes are covered by a municipal contract or owner-paid service, while others require you to pay a private hauler directly. Check your lease and confirm service details with your landlord or with Waste Management in Galloway.

Internet and TV

Plans typically range from about 30 to 100 dollars per month depending on speed, bundle, and promotions. Install lead times vary by provider and technician availability. Check local options at BestNeighborhood.

Landlord vs. tenant: who pays what

Your lease should spell out who pays each utility. Common setups include tenants paying electric, gas, and internet, with owners paying water, sewer, and trash, though some owners bundle everything into rent. The billing path for sewer can differ by property, so ask whether the township bills the owner or if you will be set up directly. When in doubt, confirm with the Galloway Tax Collector.

If the home is individually metered, you can usually open your own accounts. In master‑metered buildings, the owner may be billed and pass costs through. Before move-in, ask for recent utility bills or meter reads so you are not charged for a prior occupant’s usage.

Quick start checklist

• Electric: Request start service with Atlantic City Electric, ask about deposits and due dates, and set up autopay if you want.
• Natural gas: Submit the South Jersey Gas start-service form, confirm any activation fee or deposit, and schedule a meter check if needed.
• Water: Open a New Jersey American Water account, review the rate schedule, and ask about assistance if you qualify.
• Sewer: Clarify with your landlord who receives the sewer bill. If you are responsible, note the township billing cycle and due dates.
• Trash and recycling: Confirm the curbside hauler, pickup day, and bulk or recycling rules for your address.
• Internet: Run an address check, choose a plan, and book an install date that aligns with move-in.

Ways to save and get help

• Shop electric supply: Since New Jersey is deregulated, you can compare supply offers for Atlantic City Electric customers. Review options and terms on Choose Energy’s ACE page.
• Use efficiency basics: LED bulbs, weather stripping, and a smart thermostat can trim bills. Many utilities share tips and rebates on their customer pages.
• Assistance programs: New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities lists programs like USF, LIHEAP, PAGE, Comfort Partners, and others. Start with the BPU’s assistance programs page. New Jersey American Water also lists affordability resources on its rates page.

Example monthly budget for a 1–2 bedroom

Here is a simple planning range for Smithville area rentals. Your actual costs will depend on usage, insulation, appliance efficiency, and whether you heat with gas or electric.

• Electric: 80 to 200 dollars
• Natural gas: 30 to 150 dollars
• Water and wastewater: 40 to 100 dollars
• Sewer: about 32 dollars per month equivalent, based on 385 dollars per year
• Trash and recycling: 0 to 40 dollars, depending on your building’s setup
• Internet: 30 to 100 dollars

If you add those up, a typical total might land between roughly 210 and 620 dollars per month.

Ready to make your move smoother in Smithville and the surrounding Galloway area? For local guidance on neighborhoods, timing, and your next step in Atlantic County, reach out to Elizabeth Hildebrand.

FAQs

Who provides electric, gas, water, sewer, and trash for Smithville rentals?

• Electric is through Atlantic City Electric, gas is through South Jersey Gas, water is through New Jersey American Water, sewer is billed by Galloway Township, and trash service is typically through a contracted hauler such as Waste Management.

What deposits or fees should I expect when starting utilities in Smithville?

• Many providers run a credit check and may require a deposit, and gas accounts often include an activation fee. Ask about deposit amounts, waivers, and payment plans when you start service.

How is sewer billed in Galloway Township for rentals?

• The township bills a residential sewer user charge on a quarterly schedule, and the bill may go to the property owner or directly to the tenant depending on the property setup and the lease.

How far ahead should I schedule utility start dates before moving in?

• Place start requests 3 to 7 business days before move-in. If a meter installation or technician visit is needed, allow more time.

What is a realistic monthly utility budget for a 1–2 bedroom in Smithville?

• A rough range is about 210 to 620 dollars per month across electric, gas, water, sewer, trash, and internet, with seasonal swings based on heating and cooling.

Can I lower my electric price by choosing a supplier in New Jersey?

• Yes. Delivery stays with Atlantic City Electric, but you can choose a competitive supplier for the supply portion of your bill. Always review contract terms and how rates may change after any promotional period.