Gas Pipeline Safety in New Jersey
Gas distribution incidents, utility safety records, and pipeline infrastructure in New Jersey.
Gas Infrastructure in New Jersey
New Jersey has one of the most densely built and complex gas distribution systems in the United States, reflecting the state's extraordinary population density and long industrial history. PSE&G (Public Service Electric and Gas) is the dominant distributor serving much of northern and central New Jersey, while New Jersey Resources and South Jersey Industries serve the central and southern portions of the state. The older urban areas — Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, and the communities of Hudson County — contain some of the most aged gas infrastructure in the region, with pipes and mains that in some cases date back more than a century.
Key Risk Factors
New Jersey's extreme urban density means that underground infrastructure is packed into very tight corridors, with gas, electric, water, sewer, telecom, and steam lines competing for space beneath streets and sidewalks — dramatically increasing the complexity of excavation work and the risk of accidental strikes. The age of the distribution systems in older urban municipalities drives persistent corrosion concerns, particularly for cast iron mains and bare steel service lines that have not yet been replaced under pipeline replacement programs. The state's proximity to the New York metro creates high volumes of construction, development, and transit infrastructure work that keeps excavation activity at chronically elevated levels.
Incident Patterns
New Jersey has a well-documented history of gas incidents in its older urban communities, driven by the combination of aged infrastructure and the physical demands of operating pipelines beneath some of the most intensively used streets in the country. Excavation damage is a consistent contributor to the state's incident record, particularly in suburban areas undergoing redevelopment or utility upgrade work. You can explore all incidents in New Jersey on our site.
Regulatory Oversight
Gas distribution in New Jersey is regulated by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU), which oversees pipeline safety programs, rate cases, and utility compliance with state and federal standards. New Jersey uses the NJ One Call system for underground utility notification — call 811 or submit a locate request at least three business days before any excavation or digging to have gas lines and other buried utilities marked.
Stay Safe
- Learn the signs of a gas leak
- Know what to do if you smell gas
- Understand how gas leak detectors work