§705. Utility deposits
The following provisions apply to deposits of utility customers:
[PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]
1.
Residential customers.
No public utility may require any deposit of any residential customer without proof that the customer is likely to be a credit risk or to damage the property of the utility. That proof shall be furnished to the customer upon request. Absence of previous experience with the utility shall not be proof that the customer is a credit risk or threatens to damage utility property.
[PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]
2.
Nonresidential customers.
Every public utility shall file with the commission schedules containing its terms and conditions for requiring a deposit from nonresidential customers, which terms and conditions shall be subject to the commission's power under this Title. Every public utility shall comply with its terms and conditions. The commission shall adopt rules which provide a procedure for resolution by the commission or its delegate of disputes as to whether a deposit being required by a public utility is in compliance with its terms and conditions. If the rules authorize a delegate to resolve disputes, the rules shall include a procedure for appeal of the decision to the commission.
[PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]
3.
Interest rate on deposits.
The commission shall adopt reasonable rules, after hearing, to provide for a just and reasonable interest rate to be paid by the utility on any deposit of any customer.
[PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1987, c. 141, §A6 (NEW).