The Hillsdale Board of Public Utilities deposit policy is designed to assess the credit risk associated with applications for new or continued service, while protecting the assets of our utility.
This policy is based upon the use of a technology-based screening tool called the ONLINE Utility Exchange to assess credit risk at the point of application and charge deposits only to those potential customers and existing customers who pose credit risk.
Deposit Criteria
The Hillsdale Board of Public Utilities shall consider the status of the applicant and the property for which service is requested and act according to the following criteria:
New Account:
If a property can be liened as allowed by law, then no deposit will be required. However, ONLINE Utility Exchange will be used to verify identity.
If a property cannot be liened as allowed by law:
- Applicants who return no credit risk (Green Light returned by ONLINE Utility Exchange) or who pose minimal risk (Yellow Light returned by ONLINE Utility Exchange) will be charged a deposit equal to a one (1) month average for service at that address.
- Applicants who pose substantial credit risk (Red Light returned by ONLINE Utility Exchange) will be charged a deposit equal to a two (2) month average for service at that address.
A service applicant who provides a social security number that is returned as deceased, non-issued, belonging to a person under the age of 18, or belonging to a person other than the applicant, or is fraudulent, shall be denied service until that person supplies a valid social security number.
Payment of any deposit is expected in full at the time of notification before the account can be established. Payment arrangements will not be accepted on deposits.
Existing Account:
Any existing customer who becomes delinquent and has had two or more disconnects in any consecutive 12-month period, shall be deemed to have an unsatisfactory payment record and must pay a maximum deposit to continue service. The maximum deposit will be an amount equal to a 2 month average for service at that address.
Payment of any deposit is expected in full at the time of notification. Payment arrangements will not be accepted on deposits.
Deposit Duration
The Hillsdale Board of Public Utilities will refund a deposit upon discontinuance of service. The deposit will be applied against any outstanding balance for utility service and the remainder (if any) will be refunded to the customer.