Deposit
Electric Deposit
The electric deposit amount is based on two times the average monthly bill for the previous twelve months. The New York Department of Public Service (DPS) rules govern electric deposit policies as follows:
New Accounts
The Board of Public Utilities (BPU) may charge a deposit for all residential electric customers who are seasonal or short-term customers (requesting less than one year of service).
Existing Accounts
Existing residential electric customers who have had their services disconnected for non-payment in the preceding six months; who have accumulated two consecutive months of arrears without making reasonable payment; or have filed bankruptcy, may be charged a deposit by the BPU.
Public Assistance
If you receive public assistance such as Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) benefits or Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or additional state payments, the BPU cannot require you to pay an electric deposit.
Deposit Request
If you are required to post an electric deposit due to bankruptcy, the BPU will give you twenty days notice before the deposit becomes due.
Refund
The BPU can hold a security deposit for the length of the bankruptcy. If you maintain a good payment record during that time, the utility will refund the deposit plus interest at a rate set by the DPS. The BPU will credit interest to your account on a yearly basis.
Water, Wastewater, Solid Waste Deposit
New Accounts
All new non-residential customers (commercial and industrial) will be required to pay a utility deposit for all applicable BPU utility services (water, wastewater, solid waste). The deposit will be required before service will be established. All other procedures will mirror those in place for electric, non-residential security deposits.
All new residential customers without any history with the utility will be required to pay a deposit of $100 unless you can provide a letter from your previous utility that all utility bills owed it were paid on time for the past twelve months. In the situation where the customer does not receive all three water, wastewater and solid waste services, the deposit is calculated as the following:
- $35 for Water
- $40 for Wastewater
- $25 for Solid Waste
The maximum total deposit is $100. The deposit will be returned if the customer has no disconnect notices for a period of twelve months.
Existing Customers
Existing non-residential customers (commercial, industrial, and public authorities) will be required to pay the utility deposit if such customer meets the NYS Department of Public Service definition of delinquent. A delinquent customer has made a late payment on two or more occasions within the previous twelve-month period. The utility deposit will be based on twice the customer’s estimated average monthly usage for the applicable services. Existing residential customers who have been disconnected will be treated as a new customer.
Public Assistance
Customers receiving public assistance such as Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) benefits or Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or additional state payments, can be required to pay a utility deposit.