(a) The Electric Utility reserves the right, before service is initially established or before service is reconnected, to require a suitable deposit to secure the Customer's account. Such deposit shall be equivalent to not less than the estimated maximum electric power usage of the Customer during a sixty-day period as estimated by the Electric Utility. For commercial service the deposit shall be determined by taking into consideration the type of business, hours of operation, connected load and other factors.
(b) The Electric Utility reserves the right to require all applications for service be in the name of the property owner. Therefore, any deposit required by the Electric Utility is for the convenience and protection of the property owner and in no manner whatever shall any deposit relieve the legal property owner of the responsibility and obligation to pay all bills for electric service supplied to the premises involved in accordance with the laws of this State and/or provisions set forth in such application.
(c) The Electric Utility reserves the right to waive such deposit where the applicant for service is a bona-fide occupant and legal owner of the premises to be served with electricity.
(d) If the Customer's past record of payment of accounts or electric power usage indicates an additional deposit is required to secure his account, the Electric Utility reserves the right to require a further deposit in addition to any deposit previously made.
(e) Deposits may be held for the term of service rendered by the Electric Utility to the Customer or may, at the option of the Electric Utility be returned if the Customer's credit has been established to the satisfaction of the Administrator.
(f) No interest shall be accrued or paid on any such deposit, except as may be prescribed by State law.
(g) The Electric Utility shall have a reasonable time in which to read, remove or disconnect the meters after receiving notice from the Customer. The Electric Utility shall ascertain that all obligations of the Customer, including all accounts due the Electric Utility by the Customer, have been settled in full prior to the return of any deposits. Such deposits as may remain in excess of any indebtedness owed the Electric Utility will be refunded to the Customer.
(h) Deposits made by the Customer to secure payment of bill shall in no way affect the terms of payment of the applicable rate schedule and all bills must be paid within the stated time limit in order for the net rates set forth in the schedule to be applicable. Costs incurred by the Electric Utility for legal or other services obtained to obtain and secure payment of bills by Customer shall be the responsibility of the Customer.
(i) Deposits made in Aid of Construction or for “up and down” cost of furnishing temporary service shall in no manner be considered as a prepayment of any bill for electric service or to secure payment of it.
(j) Deposit for temporary service may be required in accordance with Section 943.06. (Ord. 14-00. Passed 4-3-00.)