Business Security Deposit

New Customers

A deposit may be required for new service for any of the following reasons:

  • Unfavorable credit rating with a credit reporting agency
  • There is an unpaid utility bill in your name and/or entity that accrued within the past six years
  • Service was obtained illegally or equipment was tampered with (unauthorized use)

Existing Customers

A deposit may be required for any of the following reasons:

  • There was an unpaid bill in your name and/or business name within the past six years
  • Service has been shut off for non-payment
  • Service was obtained illegally or equipment was tampered with (unauthorized use)
  • Two or more shut off notices have been issued within the last 12 months
  • Two late payment charges have been assessed within the first six months after service started

Deposit Amounts

Large Business

Electricity: 15,000kWh or more annually
Natural Gas: 2,000 CCF or more annually

The deposit amount will be 25 percent of the annual usage. Deposits required due to unauthorized use, tampering or energy theft will be based on four times the average peak season monthly bill.

Smaller Business

Electricity: 15,000kWh or more annually
Natural Gas: 2,000 CCF or more annually

The deposit amount will be 25 percent of the annual usage. During the winter heating season (November 1st through March 31st), small commercial will not be required to pay a deposit unless a shut off for non-payment occurred in the prior 12 month period or unauthorized use of utility service has occurred.

Deposit requirements for the non-winter heating season due to unauthorized use, tampering or energy theft will be based on four times the average peak season monthly bill.

Interest and Refunds

The deposit on the account until 12 consecutive months of good payment history is established (bill payments received on or before the due date), including no late payment charges assessed within the same 12-month period. Deposits earn interest at the rate of 7 percent each year. Interest is applied to the account each year on the date of the original deposit.

If utility service is terminated and the deposit has not already been returned, the deposit and accrued interest are applied to the final bill. Any credit balance is refunded to you.

Deposits for reasons of tampering or unauthorized use are retained for 36 months. The deposit is refunded if you make satisfactory bill payments during the last 12 months of the 36 month period.