Application for Utility Services

A person can apply for service by telephone, in person or by written request. One or more persons can be the “customer” for a particular household account at the request of the customer.

Name, address and telephone number

Employer

Alternate mailing address and telephone number if the customer does not live in the home

Former address where the customer held utility service

Names of other customers at address

Creditworthiness

Outstanding bill from a previous residence

Customer application was in a false name or in the name of a 3rd party without their permission

Misrepresentation or failure to disclose a material fact

Failure to pay a security deposit

Co-occupant bill issues

Current co-occupant has a past due bill for the current address while both customer and co-occupant have lived there

Outstanding bill exists for a previous address of the applicant and co-occupant, and that prior bill was listed in the current co- occupant’s name

Service application was made for the purpose of assisting another person to avoid payment of an outstanding bill

If the outstanding bill is over 7 years old, unless the customer signed an agreement to pay the bill, or the outstanding bill is for service obtained in a fraudulent or deceptive manner

Outstanding bill of a previous occupant (unless customer was a co- occupant) or landlord

Outstanding bill for merchandise or service contracts

Outstanding bills for service used in non-residential units

Outstanding bills for another customer that the customer guaranteed

A utility may provide conditional service for no more than 30 days while it conducts an investigation. A utility must notify a customer in writing of the reasons for denying or disconnecting service.

A utility can require a security deposit if an applicant or customer is not considered “creditworthy.” A utility cannot force a security deposit based upon the lifestyle of the person’s neighborhood or living arrangements.

Utility payment history for past two years

Current status of utility accounts

Service disconnections in the past year

Number of late payments in past 12 months (more than two could be problematic)

Proof of continuous employment for three years with one employer

Ownership information of dwelling for service / rental agreement

The utility must calculate the security deposit in a specific way. For most utilities, the deposit cannot be greater than 2/12 of the estimated annual bill of the customer (average total bill for the next year). Example: 2/12 x $2,000 average annual bill=$333.

When the customer discontinues service

If the customer has a good payment record for one year

If the customer otherwise establishes credit

The utility must offer an installment plan to pay the deposit.

Age, customers 60 or older if they show proof

Primary utility customers-home lease or title in name of customer

No outstanding utility bills

Any deposit must be refunded on request if customer is aged 60 and has no outstanding bill

Primary utility consumer – home lease or title is in name of customer

No outstanding utility bills

Any deposit must be refunded on request if customer is age 60 and has no outstanding bill.