N.J. Stat. § 48:9-5: Exclusive franchises; general laws applicable

No exclusive privilege granted prior to April twenty-first, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-six, in the charter of any company to construct and operate a gas works shall be construed to remain exclusive and no like franchise granted after said date shall be construed to be exclusive unless in such grant it is so expressly provided.

All companies organized under this chapter shall be subject to all general laws regulating gas companies and their operations.