You just got the keys to your new place in Montvale. Now you need the lights on, the heat working, and water flowing without stress. If you’re juggling move-in tasks, utility setup can feel confusing. This guide walks you through power, gas, and water in Montvale, with clear steps, safety tips, billing guidance, and a quick move-in checklist so you can settle in smoothly. Let’s dive in.
Montvale utility providers
Montvale’s utilities are handled by three providers:
- Rockland Electric Company (RECO) for electricity. They manage distribution, metering, outages, and customer service even if you choose a third-party supplier.
- Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) for natural gas. They handle gas delivery, metering, and emergency gas response.
- Veolia for the municipal water system. In Montvale, Veolia operates the borough’s drinking water system under local arrangements.
If you are renting, your lease may spell out which accounts you must open. Some landlords keep the water account in their name. Always confirm responsibilities with your landlord or the Borough of Montvale before you set up service.
Start electric service with Rockland Electric
What you need
- Service address and move-in date
- Photo ID and Social Security number or ITIN (alternatives may be accepted)
- Lease or deed and a contact email/phone
- Payment method for any required deposit
Most customers can open an account online or by phone. If power is already active at the address, a simple transfer is common.
Activation and meters
If the electric meter is live and in good condition, your account transfer is usually immediate. If service was previously shut off, the meter is damaged, or a new meter is needed, Rockland Electric may schedule a field visit. Make sure the meter is accessible so a technician can complete any work without delay.
Billing and alerts
Expect monthly billing with options like online account management, auto-pay, paperless billing, and budget plans. You can also register for outage alerts by text or email and check status updates through the utility’s outage tools. Always treat downed wires as live, stay clear, and report hazards to the utility and emergency services.
Start gas service with PSE&G
What you need
- Service address and move-in date
- Photo ID and SSN/ITIN or other accepted ID
- Lease or deed and contact information
- Payment method for any required deposit
PSE&G accounts can typically be opened online or by phone. If a prior customer left an unpaid balance tied to the service address, the utility may require resolution before activation.
Safety visit and appliances
If gas was shut off at the meter, PSE&G may schedule a safety check and relight your appliances. This usually requires an on-site appointment with adult presence and access to the meter and gas appliances. Do not attempt to relight appliances if you are not instructed to do so by the utility.
If you ever smell gas or hear a hissing sound, leave the building immediately. Avoid using phones or switches inside. From a safe location, call 911 and the gas emergency line. Do not try to find the leak yourself.
Billing and assistance
PSE&G offers monthly billing plus options like auto-pay, paperless statements, and budget billing to smooth seasonal costs. If you need help paying, ask about payment plans or energy assistance programs. Federal LIHEAP may provide heating assistance, and state rules offer consumer protections.
Start water service with Veolia
Who to contact
Veolia operates Montvale’s drinking water system under local management. In some towns, water accounts are handled by the borough’s finance office, while in others the operator bills customers directly. Check with the Borough of Montvale or Veolia’s local customer service to confirm whether you open the water account through the borough or directly with Veolia.
For renters, the landlord may keep the water account. Confirm your responsibility before you call.
Billing and meter access
Water billing can be monthly or quarterly depending on local policy. Veolia reads meters, and you should ensure the meter is accessible when you move in. If the meter cannot be read, you may receive estimated bills. You can request a manual read to correct estimates once access is restored.
Service notices
For main breaks, boil-water advisories, or service interruptions, you will receive notices from Veolia or the borough. Monitor borough announcements and utility alerts so you know when to boil water and for how long. Follow all public health guidance before using water for drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth.
Billing, deposits, and payment options
Payment methods
- Online account management to view bills and usage
- Auto-pay via bank transfer to avoid missed payments
- Credit or debit card payments, sometimes with a convenience fee
- Paperless billing by email
- Budget billing or equal payment plans if available
Deposits and credit
Utilities may require a security deposit based on your credit history or prior utility record. Deposit rules, interest, and refund timing are guided by utility policy and New Jersey Board of Public Utilities regulations. If a deposit is requested, ask about alternatives like a co-signer or a payment agreement.
Help with bills
If you face a hardship, ask the utility about payment plans or assistance options. You can also explore federal LIHEAP for heating help and review consumer protections through the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. Local community action agencies may offer guidance on applications and documentation.
Outages and emergencies
Who to call
- Life-threatening emergencies: call 911.
- Suspected gas leak: evacuate immediately, avoid switches and phones inside, then call 911 and the gas emergency number from a safe location.
- Downed power lines or electrical hazards: stay well clear and report to emergency services and Rockland Electric.
- Water main breaks or quality concerns: contact Veolia or the borough and follow advisories.
Safety at home
- Locate and label your main water shutoff, gas meter shutoff (do not operate unless instructed), and electrical panel with main breaker.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors on each sleeping level and near bedrooms.
- Test smoke alarms on every level and in bedrooms.
- Have gas appliances and venting inspected if they have not been used recently.
- Clean dryer vents and keep combustion vents clear.
- Call 811 before digging for fences, trees, or projects so underground utilities can be marked.
During outages
- Power: unplug sensitive electronics and keep one light on so you know when service returns. Track restoration updates with the utility’s outage tools.
- Gas: if gas service was shut off at the meter, the utility may need to relight pilot lights and check appliances before restoring service.
- Water: follow boil-water notices or other public health guidance until service is cleared.
Move-in checklist and timeline
One-stop onboarding checklist
- Confirm providers and account responsibility for your address. Ask your landlord or the borough who pays for water.
- Create accounts online or by phone: Rockland Electric for power, PSE&G for gas, and Veolia or the Borough of Montvale for water.
- Gather documents: ID, SSN/ITIN if requested, lease or deed, move-in date, and a payment method.
- Ask about deposits, any outstanding balances tied to the address, and how to avoid estimated reads.
- Schedule appointments if needed for gas safety checks, meter access, or reconnection.
- Set payment preferences: auto-pay, paperless billing, and budget billing if offered.
- Enroll in outage and emergency alerts with each utility.
- Locate shutoffs and your electrical panel, and verify smoke and CO detectors.
- Save emergency numbers and utility contacts where everyone can find them.
- Before outdoor projects, call 811 to have utilities marked.
Sample timeline
- Day 0 to 1: Open accounts with Rockland Electric, PSE&G, and Veolia or the borough. Pay any deposit if required.
- Day 1 to 3: If meters are active and accessible, service transfers are often immediate.
- Day 3 to 7+: Complete any scheduled field visits for relighting, meter work, or reconnection as needed.
Local tips for a smooth start
- Ask for budget billing if you prefer steady monthly payments, especially for winter gas usage.
- Keep exterior and interior meter areas clear. Locked gates and clutter can delay meter reads or field visits.
- Save your first utility statements. They are useful for address verification and future service changes.
- If you plan renovations, consult utilities early about temporary shutoffs or meter relocations.
Getting your utilities squared away early removes stress from moving week and helps you avoid surprises on your first bill. If you need local guidance as you settle into Montvale, our team is here to help you navigate the rest of your homeowner or renter to-do list. Ready to get started? Connect with the Meehan Home Team to Schedule a Free Consultation.
FAQs
Who provides utilities in Montvale, NJ?
- Rockland Electric serves electricity, PSE&G serves natural gas, and Veolia operates the municipal water system under local arrangements.
How do I start electric service with Rockland Electric?
- Open an account online or by phone with your address, move-in date, ID, and payment details; if the meter is active, transfer is usually immediate.
Do I need an appointment to start gas with PSE&G?
- If gas was shut off at the meter, PSE&G typically schedules a safety check and relights appliances, which requires an on-site appointment.
How is water billed in Montvale with Veolia?
- Billing may be handled by Veolia or through the borough’s office; confirm who bills your address and whether the landlord or tenant holds the account.
Will I have to pay a utility deposit when I move in?
- Possibly; deposits depend on credit and prior utility history, and you can ask about alternatives like co-signers or payment plans.
What should I do if I smell gas at my Montvale home?
- Leave immediately, avoid using switches or phones inside, then call 911 and the gas emergency number from a safe location.
How can I avoid estimated bills for water or electric?
- Keep meters accessible for readings and request a manual read if you receive estimates due to prior inaccessibility.
Are there programs to help with high utility bills?
- Ask your utility about payment plans and assistance, explore federal LIHEAP, and review New Jersey Board of Public Utilities consumer protections.
