Electricity Deposits by State

Researched October 16, 2026. Full Alaska guide

Statewide rule

Alaska has no single statewide deposit amount; the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) says its Consumer Protection & Information Section may investigate deposit requirements (3 AAC 52.420), billing (3 AAC 52.430), disconnection (3 AAC 52.450), deferred-payment (3 AAC 52.445) and service-connection (3 AAC 52.455) disputes. In practice the tariffs of Chugach, MEA, GVEA, HEA and AEL&P all cap the deposit at two times the average monthly bill; Chugach, GVEA and AEL&P waive it with a good-payment letter from the electric utility that last served you; and Chugach, GVEA, HEA and AEL&P credit it back after 12 months of service with no more than two past-due payments.

Source: rca.alaska.gov

Chugach Electric AssociationCooperative

Chugach's RCA-filed tariff makes membership a condition of service: you fill out an application, present sufficient identification and pay a non-refundable membership fee, and service to an existing building is established within five working days of a completed application, with a connect fee (and an after-hours hook-up charge if you ask for same-day service outside business hours). A deposit may be required per meter but can never exceed two times the estimated average monthly bill, and it is waived or refunded within 90 days if you had a good payment record with Chugach in the last three years or bring written verification from your previous electric utility that you were not delinquent in the last 12 months.

Sources: chugachelectric.com, eia.gov

Matanuska Electric AssociationCooperative

New movers must join the cooperative through a DocuSign Residential Application, know the meter number at the new address and supply a scanned driver's license for every applicant; a member service representative contacts you within 24 hours (excluding weekends and holidays). Fees listed by MEA: a $5 refundable membership fee, a nonrefundable records fee (MEA lists it as $20 in one fee list and $17 in another), a security deposit equal to double the meter's average monthly bill with a $100 residential minimum, and a trip fee of up to $200 if power at the address is currently disconnected.

Sources: mea.coop, eia.gov

Golden Valley Electric AssociationCooperative

Gather valid ID (driver's license, passport or military ID), your Social Security number or Tax ID, date of birth and the physical address or meter number, then complete the online Residential Application for Connect and call Member Services at (907) 452-1151; the form asks for the business-day date you want to take responsibility for the service. GVEA runs a soft credit check for any new member or anyone without GVEA service in the last two years and waives the deposit with a good-payment letter from your previous utility, a good GVEA history in the last two years, or a qualifying credit score; otherwise the refundable deposit is at least $120 (one month's average residential bill) and at most twice the average monthly bill, and the fee schedule effective November 1, 2025 lists a $20 application fee and a $15 scheduled connection fee ($35 same-day before 4:30 p.m., $55 after).

Sources: gvea.com, eia.gov

Homer Electric AssociationCooperative

Anyone moving into an existing home or rental in HEA territory must join the cooperative: complete a membership application (members must be 18 and show photo ID), give the HEA meter number and reading, and pay a $5 membership fee, a $15 records fee and a meter deposit if applicable. HEA's FAQ says the deposit will not exceed the higher of two times the average bill at the location or two times the class average, is credited back after 12 months of continuous service with no more than two past-due payments and none late in the last six months, and that disconnecting and reconnecting the same location within 12 months costs a $107 reconnect fee plus the lapsed monthly charges.

Sources: homerelectric.com, eia.gov

Alaska Electric Light & Power (AEL&P)Investor Owned

AEL&P starts, transfers and ends service by phone at 907.759.5900, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A security deposit of no more than two months' estimated average bill is required until you have a year of service with no more than two past-due payments and no more than one delinquency; it is waived if you bring a good-credit letter from the electric utility that last served you or had AEL&P service in the past two years without delinquency, and transferring service more than once in 12 months can trigger a connection fee.

Sources: aelp.com, eia.gov

Alaska Village Electric Cooperative (AVEC)Cooperative

Fill out AVEC's Application for Service & Membership and include the meter serial number at the home you are moving into; AVEC says the meter serial number is critical to connect service in your name. Residential bills are energy charge plus a per-village fuel charge, minus the Power Cost Equalization credit on the first 750 kWh each month, plus a $10 monthly customer charge ($15 in Bethel); PCE eligibility depends on paying on time, and late fees start at 45 days past due.

Sources: avec.org, eia.gov

Researched October 16, 2026. Full Arkansas guide

Statewide rule

Under the Arkansas PSC General Service Rules (23 CAR § 455-401), a regulated utility may demand a residential deposit only if the applicant cannot show 12 months of satisfactory payment history with the same kind of utility, owes an undisputed past-due balance, paid late twice in a row or three times in a year, bounced two checks, was disconnected in the past 24 months, or gave materially false information; the deposit is capped at two average bills (one if you prepay), payable half before service and half with the first bill, earns interest annually under Ark. Code § 23-4-206, and must be promptly refunded after 12 months of paying by the due date. Moving to a new address with the same utility within 90 days cannot trigger a new deposit (§ 455-408), but these rules bind only PSC-regulated utilities, so a municipal system such as North Little Rock Electric sets its own terms.

Source: apps.apsc.arkansas.gov

Entergy ArkansasInvestor Owned

New customers sign up at myEntergy.com or call 800-ENTERGY (800-368-3749), Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. excluding holidays. First-time customers may be charged a $240 refundable security deposit (twice the $120 state average, rounded down to the nearest $5, set under Arkansas PSC rules), payable half before service starts and half on the first bill, and refunded with accrued interest after 12 consecutive on-time residential billings; the Prepaid Electric Service Program waives the deposit for a $25 opening balance.

Sources: entergyarkansas.com, apsc.arkansas.gov

Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO)Investor Owned

Start service online by address or meter number, or call 888-216-3523; giving a Social Security number for the credit check is optional, but a deposit or other security is required if credit cannot be verified. SWEPCO's Arkansas handbook says there is generally no charge to connect service and routine service work runs 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays; a cash deposit can be replaced by a qualified guarantor or a letter of credit from another utility showing 12 months of on-time payments, earns interest at a rate the Arkansas PSC sets annually, and is credited back after 12 months of on-time payments.

Source: swepco.com

Carroll Electric CooperativeCooperative

Apply online (about 5-10 minutes) or bring a paper application to a Carroll Electric office; residential applicants need a valid U.S.-issued photo ID, Social Security number, a $25 membership fee for new members, a $40 connect/transfer fee and a $250 service deposit if applicable, and the application is reviewed for completeness before fees are processed. Customer service is (800) 432-9720, Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; the residential availability charge is $23.75 per bill cycle, with summer rates applying May through September.

Source: carrollecc.com

First Electric CooperativeCooperative

Visit any First Electric office or call 1-800-489-7405 to connect service; the membership fee is $10.00 and a deposit may be required from new applicants, payable in two equal installments, capped at the estimated bill for two average billing periods, and waived for a satisfactory credit check, a responsible third-party guaranty, a good-payment letter from your previous electric utility or an Air Force military waiver. The deposit is automatically credited back after 12 consecutive months of paying before the due date; the residential rate is 12.863 cents per kWh in peak months (June-October), 12.863 cents for the first 500 kWh then 11.219 cents in off-peak months, with a $31.00 minimum bill.

Source: firstelectric.coop

North Little Rock ElectricMunicipal

Apply online or by phone at 501-975-8888 (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) with a government-issued photo ID and Social Security number; a $2.97 credit check sets the deposit at a minimum of $100 (minimal risk), $200 (moderate) or $300 (substantial risk, no history, or no SSN provided), payable half at application and half within 14 days, and refunded with interest only when the account closes unless you choose the Prepaid program, which waives it. A $25 meter inspection applies if the meter has been inactive six months or more, after-hours connection costs $50, and NLRED is switching to a new customer portal and account numbers in January 2027.

Source: nlrelectric.com

Researched October 16, 2026. Full Colorado guide

Statewide rule

For PUC-regulated utilities (Xcel Energy and Black Hills), Rule 3403 caps any deposit at an estimated 90-day bill (60 days if you pay in advance), bars a deposit from an applicant who shows written proof of 12 consecutive months of good payment history from a prior utility ending within 60 days of applying, and bars one from anyone who is or was within the last 12 months a LEAP participant or who received Energy Outreach Colorado bill assistance in the last 12 months. Every utility that takes deposits must offer at least one payment alternative that does not require a Social Security number, a deposit may be paid in installments, and it is refunded with simple interest (4.08% for 2026, 4.93% for 2025) after one year of on-time payment with no more than two late payments.

Source: law.cornell.edu

Xcel Energy (Public Service Company of Colorado)Investor Owned

Xcel does not publish ID, deposit or lead-time requirements for new service; the PUC's deposit rules (Rule 3403, see startService) apply to Xcel, and Xcel's rate-review page gives 800-895-4999 for payment arrangements and assistance. Residential customers are enrolled in Time of Use pricing by default and must contact Xcel to opt out to a flat rate.

Sources: co.my.xcelenergy.com, puc.colorado.gov, xcelenergy.com

CORE Electric CooperativeCooperative

Start or transfer service at an existing address online or by calling Member Services at (800) 332-9540; start dates can be reserved up to 30 days in advance, and holidays and weekends are not available. CORE's Rates and Regulations say a consumer with no payment record at CORE in the past 48 months must pay a deposit equal to an estimated 90-day bill unless they agree to a credit check with a satisfactory rating or enroll in the prepaid billing plan or AutoPay for at least 12 months; residential deposits are refunded after 24 consecutive months with no past-due amount, and no interest accrues on deposits from January 1, 2026. CORE provides only electric service, and every consumer becomes a member at the time of application.

Sources: core.coop, puc.colorado.gov

United PowerCooperative

Apply online with your new and previous addresses, connection date, and the names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers of everyone on the account; a 'soft hit' credit inquiry is required for all new members. New service is typically handled within 24 hours but can take up to three days, is not processed on weekends or holidays, and same-day activation requires contacting a Member Services representative by email or at 303-637-1300. A deposit, if required, will not exceed an estimated 90-day bill and is credited back after 12 months with no late payments; it can be waived by enrolling in Auto Pay for at least a year, using Pay As You Go prepaid billing, passing a free 'mini' credit check, or providing a letter of credit from your previous utility showing no more than two late payments and no disconnection in the prior 12 months.

Source: unitedpower.com

Black Hills Energy (Black Hills Colorado Electric)Investor Owned

Black Hills handles start, stop and move requests in an online web app, and no Black Hills-specific deposit or lead-time details are listed; customer service is 888-890-5554, Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-5 p.m. MT, and the online contact form accepts documents such as leases, 'positive identification information' or landlord forms. PUC deposit rules (Rule 3403) apply; Time of Use pricing is opt-in at Black Hills, with on-peak hours 5-8 p.m.

Sources: blackhillsenergy.com, puc.colorado.gov

Fort Collins UtilitiesMunicipal

Start or stop service through the city's online form; anyone registering must be the customer and authorized account holder, and third parties may not create an account on a customer's behalf. Customer Service is 970-212-2900 (222 Laporte Ave.), 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday; the form says requests may be scheduled as early as the next business day; Fort Collins Utilities does not list ID or deposit rules.

Sources: secure.fcgov.com, fortcollins.gov

Researched October 16, 2026. Full Delaware guide

Statewide rule

The PSC points customers to each utility's own tariff for the rules it must follow (its Customer Assistance page says so for disconnection), and Delmarva Power is the only electric distribution company the PSC regulates, so the only PSC-approved electric tariff is Delmarva's: a deposit may not exceed 2/12 of the estimated annual electric supply and delivery charges, is waived if under $50, may be deferred to the first bill or paid over three consecutive monthly billing periods, earns simple interest at the 1-year Treasury yield if held more than 90 days, and is refunded after one year once the last 12 consecutive monthly bills were paid without an unpaid balance. The co-op and the municipal utilities (the nine DEMEC members) are outside PSC jurisdiction and set their own deposit rules (see each utility above).

Source: delmarva.com

Delmarva PowerInvestor Owned

Delmarva's FAQ says a deposit, when required, is two months of the estimated average annual bill, is due with a new customer's first bill, can be split over three monthly installments (1-800-375-7117), and is returned with interest after 12 consecutive on-time, in-full payments; its PSC-approved Delaware tariff caps deposits at 2/12 of estimated annual charges, waives any deposit under $50, lets customers with a prior unpaid balance be required to pay in full before new service, and starts every new customer on Standard Offer Service for at least the first three business days before a supplier switch can take effect. Delmarva does not publish how far ahead to request service.

Sources: delmarva.com, publicadvocate.delaware.gov

Delaware Electric Cooperative (DEC)Cooperative

DEC says to transfer service online or by calling 855-332-9090, only for start dates within 30 days, with the service address, meter number, start date, Social Security number and phone number; requests are completed Monday through Friday excluding holidays. Fees are a $12 transfer fee, a $50 reconnection fee if power is off at the property, a $25 membership fee if you are not already a member, and a deposit of $0 to $250 set by a soft credit inquiry (the April 2026 tariff lists $0, $125 or $250 by credit risk, applied back to the account after 12 consecutive bills without arrears, plus a non-refundable $50 connection fee for new services).

Source: delaware.coop

City of Dover ElectricMunicipal

Dover says the property owner must contact Customer Service to establish service, documents (Agreement of Sale if buying, or a signed lease) can be emailed to ebilling@dover.de.us or brought in person, and new-service sign-ups and transfers must arrive before 4:30 p.m. (office hours 8:30–5:00, Monday–Friday). The residential deposit is three times the average monthly bill, all renters must pay one, a credit check costs a non-refundable $20, a letter of credit from a prior utility can reduce it, the deposit is payable by cash, check or money order, and it can be refunded or applied after two years of good payment history.

Sources: cityofdover.com, demecinc.net

City of Newark ElectricMunicipal

Newark says to contact customer service (302-366-7000, lobby 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Monday–Friday) to set up or close an account, and that rental units can open or close an account online through the SilverBlaze portal; the security deposit for new rental accounts is $300 and homeowners do not pay a deposit.

Source: newarkde.gov

Lewes Board of Public Works (Lewes BPW)Municipal

Lewes BPW says a tenant's electric service begins on the date the tenant completes the application and meets the deposit requirements, with any earlier charges the property owner's responsibility. Its electric tariff sets the deposit at 2/12 of estimated annual revenue with a $125 minimum, collected from new customers with unsatisfactory credit or adverse credit history with a prior utility, and its fee schedule lists a $25 application fee, a $50 transfer fee and a $40 regular-hours reconnection fee.

Source: lewesbpwde.gov

Municipal Services Commission of the City of New Castle (New Castle MSC)Municipal

New Castle MSC says new residents complete a Residential Application for Service (or a Residential Transfer form if the home already has service), email it with a copy of a valid ID and/or signed lease to msccustomerservice@newcastlemsc.delaware.gov, pay a $15.00 per-person application fee billed to the first statement, and may also be required to pay a meter deposit (amount not stated).

Source: newcastlemsc.delaware.gov

Researched October 16, 2026. Full Georgia guide

Statewide rule

For Georgia Power customers, PSC Rule 515-3-1-.10(e) caps a cash deposit at two-and-one-half twelfths of the estimated charge for the next twelve months (roughly 21 percent of a year's bills, so $1,300 of annual bills means a maximum of about $273), or one-half of the season's estimated charge for seasonal service. The PSC has only limited authority over the 41 EMCs and 52 municipal systems, so their deposits follow their own rules (for example Walton EMC's $0/$150/$300 risk tiers or Marietta's flat $200).

Source: psc.ga.gov

Georgia PowerInvestor Owned

Apply online or at 1-888-660-5890; service is connected every day except weekends and business holidays, with next-day service for requests entered before midnight (not for new homes needing installation or construction), and you will need the primary account holder's Social Security number plus an Account Establishment Charge on the first bill. A security deposit depends on your credit score, can be up to two times the residence's average monthly bill, cannot be waived, earns 3 percent simple interest, is refunded with interest after 12 consecutive months of on-time payments, and transfers with you if you move within Georgia Power territory.

Sources: georgiapower.com, psc.ga.gov, southerncompany.mediaroom.com

Jackson EMCCooperative

Online requests are processed 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday up to 90 days in advance, must be for a future date, and need a minimum of 24 hours' notice; the form asks for your Social Security number and driver's license. A $5.00 membership fee and a $30.00 connection fee go on the first bill; deposits are set by an Equifax credit check (you may be asked to pay at an office and show photo ID), are returned as a bill credit after two years of service if you kept a good payment record over the previous 12 months, and the PrePay program requires no deposit (1-800-462-3691, Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.).

Source: jacksonemc.com

Cobb EMCCooperative

Online requests need two business days to process; by phone (770-429-2100, Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.) call at least one business day before your connect date, and same-day service (extra $20 connect fee) is phone or in-person only; service is scheduled Monday through Friday. A $30 service establishment fee goes on the first bill, a soft Equifax credit review decides whether a deposit is required (lift any credit freeze first), in-person applicants bring a lease or purchase agreement, photo ID and Social Security card, and new members have 60 days after starting service to switch rate plans.

Source: cobbemc.com

Sawnee EMCCooperative

Service is set up in person at the main office or through the Customer Service Center at (770) 887-2363, with a signed membership application and a $5.00 membership fee. Any deposit is set under Policy 307 (Service Security Deposit - Residential) from the score a new member receives through Equifax's energy-industry credit scoring; reconnecting an existing meter carries a $75.00 standard service fee, temporary service a $300.00 non-refundable construction fee, and same-day service, long line extensions or underground service may cost extra.

Source: sawnee.coop

Walton EMCCooperative

Start service online, by phone at 770-267-2505 (Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) or in person at the Monroe, Snellville or Watkinsville offices (weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Under the April 2024 Service Rules, every applicant pays a $5.00 membership fee (refunded when membership ends) plus a $30.00 non-refundable account establishment fee, and the residential deposit is $300, $150 or none depending on the delinquency-risk score from a credit check run through Online Utility Exchange (Experian and/or TransUnion); deposits earn interest credited to the December bill each year and are refunded when service ends.

Source: waltonemc.com

Marietta Power (City of Marietta, a MEAG Power participant)Municipal

Apply by phone (770-794-5150), in person at 675 North Marietta Parkway with a valid unexpired driver's license, state ID or passport (a Social Security number is not required, a lease or proof of ownership may be), or by emailing the application to thepowerservice@mariettaga.gov; requests are handled weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with at least one business day's notice; the office is closed on weekends and holidays. The residential electric deposit is $200 ($275 with water), waived if you had Marietta Power service in the past year with 12 months of good credit and possibly lowered after an authorized credit check, held for the life of the account with interest paid yearly, and a non-refundable $25 service charge appears on the first bill.

Sources: mariettaga.gov, meagpower.org

Researched October 16, 2026. Full Idaho guide

Statewide rule

Under IPUC Rule 101 (IDAPA 31.21.01, effective 7-1-24), a regulated utility may not demand a residential deposit without proof the applicant is a credit risk, and lack of history with the utility is not proof; a deposit is allowed only for listed reasons such as an unpaid bill from the last four years, termination for nonpayment or unauthorized use in the last four years, materially false application information, no service with that utility for 12 consecutive months in the last four years plus a failed objective credit screen, a residence where a former customer with a past-due balance still lives, or two or more final termination notices in 12 months. Rule 105 caps the deposit at one-sixth of the reasonably estimated annual bill, payable in two installments (half immediately, half in one month), it earns interest, and Rule 107 returns it (with interest) once you have paid all undisputed bills with no more than one late payment in the past 12 consecutive months.

Source: files.dfm.idaho.gov

Idaho PowerInvestor Owned

Sign up online or call 208-388-2323 (1-800-488-6151 toll-free); if the meter is already connected, service is transferred to your name within three business days of the requested date, otherwise the meter is connected on the date requested. Idaho Power normally does not require a deposit for new residential service, a $30 Service Establishment, $30 Service Connection or $8.50 Remote Meter Connection fee may appear on the first bill, and an unpaid Idaho Power balance from the last four years must be paid before service can begin if it is $100 or more (or any amount if the power at the new address is off); smaller balances are added to your first bill.

Sources: idahopower.com, docs.idahopower.com, puc.idaho.gov

Avista UtilitiesInvestor Owned

Start, stop or transfer service online or call residential customer service at (800) 227-9187, 7:00 am-6:00 pm Monday-Friday. Avista's Idaho customer brochure says there is no charge to connect new customers during regular business hours, a deposit may be required only for the IPUC-listed reasons (unpaid bill in the last four years, prior termination for nonpayment, failed credit screen after 12 months without service, etc.), capped at one-sixth of the expected annual bill and payable in two installments.

Sources: myavista.com, puc.idaho.gov

Rocky Mountain Power (PacifiCorp)Investor Owned

Rocky Mountain Power's FAQ says a start, stop or move request is processed within 1-2 business days or sooner; customer service is 1-888-221-7070. Its Idaho consumer-information insert says a new customer with good credit at a previous utility will not need a security deposit; if one is required it cannot exceed two months' worth of the estimated yearly bill, can be paid half at application and half the following month, and earns the IPUC-set interest rate.

Sources: rockymountainpower.net, pacificorp.com, puc.idaho.gov

Idaho Falls PowerMunicipal

Accounts are opened through the City of Idaho Falls Utility Billing office at 308 Constitution Way (208-612-8280) or the online residential application; the city's FAQ says you need a photo ID, Social Security number, rental/lease agreement and a signature. For a new building, IFP's 2026 Service Policy says the meter is generally installed within five working days after Utility Billing confirms the connect order; the city does not publish a deposit rule.

Sources: ifpower.org, idahofallsidaho.gov

Fall River Rural Electric CooperativeCooperative

New customers download and submit a Membership Application (English or Spanish) to become an owner-member; a new connection also requires a physical address, a load estimate, an Agreement for Electrical Service and an easement, and a $250 estimate fee is charged for all construction estimates. The co-op does not publish a deposit amount or lead time (contact memberservices@fallriverelectric.com).

Source: fallriverelectric.com

Clearwater Power CompanyCooperative

Apply for new electric service with the online form (name, phone, email, service type and location) or call (208) 743-1501; the co-op does not publish deposit, ID or lead-time rules.

Source: clearwaterpower.com

Researched October 16, 2026. Full Indiana guide

Statewide rule

Under IURC rule 170 IAC 4-1-15, a new applicant who does not establish creditworthiness may be charged a cash deposit of no more than one-sixth of the estimated annual cost of service; if it exceeds $70 you may pay in equal installments over at least eight weeks, deposits held more than 12 months earn 6% annual interest (or a commission-set rate), and the deposit is refunded without a request after nine successive months of satisfactory payment or 10 of 12 consecutive months without late payments in two consecutive months. Creditworthiness for someone who was not a customer in the last two years means meeting two of three tests: employment history, home ownership or a rental of over two years, or credit accounts without more than two defaults in the last 12 months.

Source: law.cornell.edu

Duke Energy IndianaInvestor Owned

Duke's Start, Stop or Move page offers online Start My Service (first-time service in your name), Stop My Service and Move Service to New Address, a 'Check if it's Duke Energy' lookup for your address, and links to a Welcome Kit and Security Deposit page; Duke does not publish ID, lead-time or deposit amounts.

Sources: s3.amazonaws.com, duke-energy.com, in.gov

AES Indiana (formerly Indianapolis Power & Light)Investor Owned

New customers must call 888-261-8222 (Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM) because AES Indiana cannot process first-time start requests online; have your name, date of birth, new address, phone number and Social Security number (used for a credit check) ready, and request service at least three business days ahead (the For Homes FAQ suggests about a week, though AMI meters often allow same-day). A new applicant may be required to pay a cash deposit unless creditworthiness is established under IURC rules; the deposit cannot exceed one-sixth of the estimated annual cost of service and is refunded after nine consecutive non-delinquent bills (or no more than one delinquent bill in 12).

Sources: aesindiana.com, in.gov

NIPSCO (Northern Indiana Public Service Company)Investor Owned

Residential start, stop or move requests are placed online (NIPSCO's support line is 1-800-464-7726); you will need the primary account holder's name, SSN/TIN, phone, date of birth and email plus the start date and address, and NIPSCO asks for at least one business day's notice before your start, stop or move date. NIPSCO's customer handbook says that if you are disconnected for nonpayment you pay the past-due amount plus a reconnection charge and may be required to pay a deposit; NIPSCO does not state new-customer deposit amounts.

Sources: nipsco.com, in.gov

Indiana Michigan Power (I&M, an AEP company)Investor Owned

Start service online by searching your address or meter number, or call 800-311-4634; a Social Security number is optional but if you do not provide it (or it cannot be verified) a deposit or other security guarantee is required, and a deposit may still be required based on credit history. I&M's Indiana customer handbook (marked revised 01/2011) says a deposit cannot exceed one-sixth of estimated annual billings, can be paid in installments over up to 60 days if above $70, earns IURC-set interest when held over 12 months, and is refunded as a bill credit after nine consecutive on-time bills or 10 of 12.

Sources: indianamichiganpower.com, in.gov

CenterPoint Energy Indiana (formerly Vectren)Investor Owned

CenterPoint's company-wide start/stop/transfer page says new customers provide name, address, move-in date and a payment method for an initial deposit, should submit the request seven business days before move-in, and that start requests are usually completed within three business days.

Sources: in.gov, centerpointenergy.com

Indiana's rural electric membership cooperatives (REMCs)Cooperative

Each REMC is a member-owned not-for-profit whose board sets rates locally; all Indiana REMCs have withdrawn from IURC rate jurisdiction (Northeastern REMC was the last, in September 2012), so deposit and connection terms come from the individual co-op rather than the state rules below.

Sources: indianaec.org, in.gov

Researched October 16, 2026. Full Kansas guide

Statewide rule

For KCC-jurisdictional utilities (Evergy and Liberty-Empire), the KCC Billing Standards let a utility require one form of positive ID (SSN may be requested but not required) and allow an initial deposit only if you have an unsatisfactory or insufficient credit history, an unpaid utility account from the last five years, or a meter-tampering record; the deposit cannot exceed your projected average two months' bills (three months for members of a cooperative that uses turn-around billing), must be payable in equal installments over at least four months, and cannot be based on race, sex, age, source of income or where you live. Deposits earn interest at a rate the KCC sets each December (3.62% for 2026, 4.30% for 2025) and are refunded, less unpaid bills, when service ends.

Source: kcc.ks.gov

Evergy Kansas Central (including the Evergy Kansas South rate area)Investor Owned

Evergy's help center says residential customers are not required to pay a deposit when applying for new service (commercial customers and anyone previously shut off for non-payment do); you pick the weekday you want service turned on, and the online start form says service orders cannot be scheduled on weekends or holidays. Every Kansas customer is automatically enrolled in the Standard Plan ($15.25 monthly basic service fee, $0.09126/kWh for the first 900 kWh, effective 10/1/2025) and can call 800-383-1183 to switch to a time-based plan.

Sources: evergy.com, eia.gov, kcc.ks.gov, curb.kansas.gov

Evergy Kansas Metro (formerly KCP&L)Investor Owned

Same Evergy start/stop/move flow as Kansas Central: no deposit for new residential service, choose a weekday turn-on date, no weekend or holiday service orders. Default Standard Plan here is a flat $14.25 customer charge plus $0.10021/kWh in June–September and $0.07735/kWh October–May (the same price above and below 1,000 kWh), with the same optional Summer Peak, Nights & Weekends and Even Use plans.

Sources: evergy.com, bpu.com, eia.gov, kcc.ks.gov, curb.kansas.gov

Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU)Municipal

New customers need a Social Security Number or ITIN plus a copy of one valid ID (driver's license, passport or state ID), submit by email or fax, and pay a $75 service fee plus a possible deposit on the first bill; transfers within BPU territory may have the deposit waived with a strong payment history, and stop-service requests take effect as soon as the next business day (Customer Care 913-573-9190). Residential Rate Code 100 is a $26.00 customer charge plus $0.06923/kWh in summer and $0.06850/kWh for the first 1,000 winter kWh ($0.03800 above that), before the Energy Rate Component and other riders.

Sources: bpu.com, eia.gov

Midwest Energy, Inc.Cooperative

The online residential start form requires a Social Security number and driver license, needs at least 24 hours notice Monday–Friday (closed weekends and holidays), and should not be submitted more than 14 days before the start date. The deposit is based on the location's two-month average bill (tariff minimum $150), billed in four installments with the first due up front, and is waived with a letter of credit from your previous utility showing no more than two late payments in 12 months or a current Midwest Energy customer as third-party guarantor; residential electric bills since 2023 are a three-part rate with a $28 monthly customer charge, an energy charge and a demand charge set by your highest 15-minute use (3–7 p.m. June–September).

Sources: mwenergy.com, demand-rates.mwenergy.com, eia.gov

Wheatland Electric CooperativeCooperative

Print and complete the Residential Membership Application and Service Contract, bring it with government-issued photo ID to one of the seven offices, and put down a deposit or provide a letter of credit from another utility showing 12 months of good credit history; renters must also bring a lease in the applicant's name. As a cooperative (the KCC says co-ops 'generally do not fall under' its jurisdiction), Wheatland runs its own Cold Weather Accommodation policy from Nov. 15 to Mar. 15 rather than the state Cold Weather Rule.

Sources: weci.net, kcc.ks.gov, eia.gov

FreeState Electric CooperativeCooperative

A membership application must be on file before service starts; existing residential meters can be transferred or energized through the online portal, while new construction and commercial accounts go by phone (785-478-3444). The fee schedule lists a $0 new-service application fee, $0 disconnect and reconnect fees and a new-account deposit 'determined by credit score'; an optional time-of-use rate charges 35 cents/kWh from 3–6 p.m. weekdays and 10.75 cents/kWh all other hours in 2026.

Sources: freestate.coop, eia.gov

Researched October 16, 2026. Full Louisiana guide

Statewide rule

There is no single statewide deposit schedule: the LPSC posts no statewide deposit amount or schedule, so each utility's deposit terms live in its own LPSC-filed tariff (SWEPCO's standard terms say a customer 'if requested by the Company' will make and maintain a reasonable deposit that earns interest, and DEMCO points to its Schedule of Charges and Deposits on file with the LPSC). Posted amounts range from Entergy Louisiana's $150 initial residence deposit and Cleco's $100-$300 credit-based deposit to Entergy New Orleans' $215 under City Council rules.

Source: lpsc.louisiana.gov

Entergy LouisianaInvestor Owned

Start, stop or move service through myEntergy.com (the residential page links new customers to myentergy.com/s/newservice); customer service is 800-ENTERGY (800-368-3749), Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT, and the contact page tells new customers to sign up at myEntergy.com. New customers may be required to pay a security deposit: the posted residence initial electric deposit is $150, a location with billing history can be charged up to two times its highest bill, and the deposit is billed in one installment that must be paid in full by the first bill's due date with no payment arrangements allowed.

Source: entergylouisiana.com

Entergy New OrleansInvestor Owned

Start, stop or move service through myEntergy.com (the residential page links to myentergy.com/s/newservice), or visit the East Bank Care Center at 3400 Canal Street or the West Bank Care Center at 4021 Behrman Hwy., Suite J. Under the Council-approved service regulations (Resolution R-26-129, March 26, 2026) Entergy may require adequate identification, new applicants may opt into credit scoring by an independent consumer reporting agency, and a $215 residential electric deposit may be assessed where the applicant has no credit score, declines scoring, or is not eligible for a waiver; the deposit is due in full by the first bill's due date and is refunded automatically after 24 months of service when the last 12 months show no late payments, returned payments or suspensions.

Source: entergyneworleans.com

SWEPCO (Southwestern Electric Power Company)Investor Owned

Start service online by address or meter number, or call the Customer Operations Center at 888-216-3523. Your Social Security number is optional and is used to check credit history; without it a deposit or other security guarantee is required, and a deposit may be required even with it. On the Louisiana tab of the deposits page, deposits are normally required from customers new to SWEPCO, sized by heating type or usage history at the address, earn 3.00% a year once held at least six months, are applied back to the account after one year provided no more than two bills were paid late, and can be replaced by an acceptable guarantor or a letter of credit from another utility showing 12 months of on-time payment.

Source: swepco.com

Cleco PowerInvestor Owned

Complete the online Start Service Form; orders are completed Monday through Friday except holidays, dates are not guaranteed, and a request that is not future-dated is dated for the next business day. Cleco needs your name, identifying information such as a Social Security number or driver's license, the 911 address and the connection date; a $15 connect fee goes on the first bill, a third party (ONLINE Utilities Exchange, 800-286-2487) makes the deposit decision from your credit file, deposits run from a $100 minimum to as high as $300 (or equal to or double the highest bill at the location for higher-risk applicants) and earn 5% interest paid monthly as a bill credit, and a parish or city permit may be required. Customer service is 1-800-622-6537, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Sources: cleco.com, sec.gov

DEMCO (Dixie Electric Membership Corporation)Cooperative

Apply online (review city/parish permit requirements first); within two business days you get an email confirming the request is in process and listing any documents still needed. A $70 connect fee is included in the first month's bill (the Schedule of Charges and Deposits also lists a $100 after-hours connect fee and a $5 membership fee), a deposit is required before connection, credit checks are run on every application by a third-party vendor, the deposit cannot exceed the estimated charges for 75 days of service, and deposits earn 5% simple interest once held six months.

Sources: demco.org, alec.coop

Researched October 15, 2026. Full Maryland guide

Statewide rule

Under COMAR 20.30.02 a Maryland utility may ask a residential applicant to establish credit (for example, being a Maryland utility customer within the preceding 2 years with no outstanding bills, no nonpayment disconnection and no more than two late payments in the last 12 months; or 3 years' continuous employment; or home ownership; or a guaranty) and may require a cash deposit only if credit is not established. The deposit may not be less than $5 or more than 2/12 of the estimated charges for the next 12 months, must earn simple interest, must be offered in installments when over $50 (the greater of $50 or one-third at start, then at least 8 weeks for $50–$150 or 12 weeks above $150), is refunded automatically after the first 12 months of service with no nonpayment disconnection and no more than two late bills, and is waived for applicants 60 or older with proof of age.

Source: law.cornell.edu

Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE)Investor Owned

BGE's residential Consumer Reference Guide says to request a start or stop at BGE.com/startstop at least three business days before the move date, and that it accepts written or verbal requests by phone, mail or online. It says a security deposit is required 'in some cases', with residential deposits based on 16.67 percent of estimated annual charges, and a non-refundable service application charge of $20 if meters are already on the premises or $40 if a meter must be installed (figures from the 2022–2023 edition of the guide).

Sources: exeloncorp.com, bge.com

Potomac Edison (FirstEnergy)Investor Owned

FirstEnergy's start-service page asks for the new address or meter number, a Social Security Number or Taxpayer ID, and a start date, and says it 'may require a minimum of two business days' to process an online request (call the Customer Care Center for sooner). A security deposit may be required; the Maryland rights booklet sets a residential deposit at two-twelfths of estimated charges for the next 12 months (no less than $5), waived for applicants 60 or older with proof of age, and the deposit is credited back once bills are paid for 12 consecutive months with no more than two late payments.

Source: firstenergycorp.com

Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO)Cooperative

SMECO says to call 888-440-3311 or use its Connect Service form with the exact address and the date you want service in your name; weekday turn-ons may happen as late as 4 p.m., and a weekend move needs service turned on by Friday. Your first bill includes a $16 nonrefundable Service Application Charge, and all new customers are assessed a refundable security deposit (not less than $50 nor more than 2/12 of estimated 12-month charges) that is waived with a letter of good credit from another utility or a credit report from the last 12 months showing a FICO score of 650 or higher; if not waived within 30 days it is billed in two or three installments starting with the second bill.

Source: smeco.coop

Researched October 15, 2026. Full Michigan guide

Statewide rule

Under MPSC rule R 460.109 a regulated utility may require a residential deposit only for listed reasons, such as an unpaid electric or gas balance that accrued within the last six years and is not in dispute, failure to provide positive identification when applying, requesting service for a location where you do not live, unauthorized use within six years, a returned or denied payment, or bankruptcy relief within six years. Under R 460.111 a deposit tied to a prior unpaid balance or nonpayment shutoff cannot exceed twice the average monthly bill for the premises (or twice the utility's system average monthly bill if no history exists), and a heating-season deposit after a nonpayment shutoff in the past 12 months cannot exceed the utility's system average monthly bill.

Source: law.cornell.edu

DTE Energy (DTE Electric)Investor Owned

DTE's Resource Guide says to start, stop or transfer service online at dteenergy.com/service or by calling 800.477.4747. A deposit can be required only for listed reasons (unpaid utility bill within six years, no positive identification, returned payment within 12 months, service at an address other than your own residence, bankruptcy within six years); seniors with an acceptable three-year payment history, applicants whose bills MDHHS is paying, and applicants with a sponsor in good standing are exempt.

Sources: dteenergy.com, startstop.dteenergy.com

Consumers EnergyInvestor Owned

You can schedule a start, stop or transfer up to 30 days before your move date; have your Social Security number and a valid driver's license or Michigan-issued photo ID ready, and allow two to five business days for document review. A security deposit may be required based on payment or service history (for example past-due charges at any utility in the last six years or a returned payment in the last 12 months); deposits are sized on the last 12 months of energy use, earn 5% annual interest, and come back as a bill credit after 12 months of satisfactory payments. First bill usually arrives within 30 days; customer service is 800-477-5050, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Source: consumersenergy.com

Indiana Michigan Power (I&M, an AEP company)Investor Owned

I&M's Michigan handbook asks you to contact them as early as possible about service for a new home; you can transfer or start service by phone (customer service 1-800-311-6424, Solutions Center open 24 hours) or online under Your Account. A deposit may be required before or after service begins, capped at two times the average monthly bill for the residence or two times the company's average residential bill, earns MPSC-set interest, and is refunded as a bill credit after 12 consecutive on-time payments.

Source: indianamichiganpower.com

Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO)Investor Owned

New customers can request service online through UPPCO's Request Service form or call Residential Customer Service at (906) 449-2013; UPPCO does not state a lead time, ID list, or deposit rule.

Source: uppco.com

Researched October 16, 2026. Full Mississippi guide

Statewide rule

Under PSC Rule 9 (Rules and Regulations Governing Public Utility Service, effective February 10, 2012), a regulated utility may require a cash deposit of no more than one estimated average bill for a residential customer, must waive or refund it on request for a customer aged 60 or older who is the primary user, holds the account in their own name and carried no balance forward in the prior 12 months, and must let residential customers pay an initial deposit over $100 in monthly installments within 60 days. Deposits held one year or more earn simple interest at a rate the Commission posts each December (4.28% effective January 1, 2026), credited at least every third year and applied to the final bill; deposits held under a year earn nothing.

Source: psc.ms.gov

Entergy MississippiInvestor Owned

Sign up through myEntergy (the residential and contact pages link to myentergy.com/s/newservice) or call 800-ENTERGY (800-368-3749), Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT. New customers may be asked for a refundable security deposit; the standard residential deposit for a house, mobile home or apartment is $200.00, billed in one installment and due in full by the first bill's due date, and Entergy says arrangements cannot be made on a billed initial deposit.

Sources: entergymississippi.com, psc.ms.gov

Mississippi PowerInvestor Owned

Mississippi Power's PSC-filed Rules Governing Electric Service say applicants may apply by telephone or in person during regular working hours (the Manage Your Account page links to Southern Company's online customer-service portal (customerservice2.southerncompany.com) to register and log in, and lists the Customer Care Center at 800-532-1502), and a $35.00 connection charge may be required for a residential connection. No initial deposit is required of a residential customer unless the company judges one necessary to guarantee payment, in which case it may be billed on the first or second month's bill, and the company may accept a written guaranty of payment from another active customer instead of a deposit.

Sources: mississippipower.com, psc.ms.gov

Southern Pine ElectricCooperative

Submit the online or paper membership application with a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, the 911 address and a phone number, and a member service representative calls you back (800-231-5240 or 601-785-6511). Fees are a refundable $5 membership fee and a non-refundable $20 connection fee, plus a deposit based on credit history: $0 for minimum credit risk, $200 moderate, $400 high risk or if you decline the credit check, and $600 for a current or previous bankruptcy; deposits may be credited back after 12 consecutive months without a delinquent fee.

Source: southernpine.coop

Coast ElectricCooperative

Coast Electric accepts applications at any of its six offices (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday), by phone at 877-769-2372, online and by fax; applicants agree to pay a membership fee and a deposit to guarantee payment, but Coast Electric does not publish the amounts, so call for them. All members are automatically enrolled in Operation Round Up (about $0.50 a month on average) and can opt out, and either party can cancel the service contract with five days' written notice.

Source: coastelectric.coop

North East Mississippi Electric Power Association (NEMEPA)Cooperative

Apply online through the Apply for Power link or call (662) 234-6331 / (877) 234-6331 (Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.); every account needs a $10 membership fee, a deposit and a $40 meter set charge, all paid before connection, and renters may be asked for a lease. Same-day connection requested before 2 p.m. costs the regular $40 (requests after 2 p.m. carry a $60 same-day charge) but is not guaranteed; residential deposits are $0 for no credit risk, $200 minimal risk, $400 substantial risk, and the maximum if you refuse to give a Social Security number (PrePay accounts pay $125 up front instead, with a $25 deposit).

Sources: nemepa.org, tva.com

Tupelo Water & LightMunicipal

New residential customers must apply in person at the Billing & Collections Office, 333 Court Street, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (662-841-6470), bringing two forms of ID including a driver's license or state ID, a lease or renter's receipt if renting, and be prepared to pay all deposits and charges then; the application form asks for your Social Security number, employer and requested service date and requires a co-signer if the tenant is under 21. Deposit amounts are not published online, and transferring service costs $25.

Sources: tupeloms.gov, tva.com

Researched October 16, 2026. Full Montana guide

Statewide rule

For PSC-regulated utilities (NorthWestern, Montana-Dakota), a residential deposit may be required unless you establish credit by one of: prior service with that utility in the last 12 months (at least 6 consecutive months, no disconnect for nonpayment, no more than one delinquency notice), a satisfactory record with another utility of the same type, 12 months of continuous full-time employment with no more than two employers, or a significant ownership interest in the premises; a deposit can still be required after a recent nonpayment disconnect, an unpaid balance, two or more delinquency notices in 12 months, a former customer with an unpaid bill at the address, or tampering within five years. The deposit is capped at one-sixth of estimated annual billing (twice the average monthly bill), earns 6% interest, is refunded after 12 months of satisfactory payment, and a qualified guarantor can be offered instead of cash; co-ops set their own rules (Missoula Electric: $150 minimum or twice the highest bill; Flathead: credit-risk policy, refunded after one year).

Source: psc.mt.gov

Flathead Electric CooperativeCooperative

You must become a member to activate service: apply online, walk in (2510 US Highway 2 East, Kalispell, or 120 West 5th Street, Suite 6, Libby) or call (800) 735-8489. An SSN or FEIN is required for a soft utility credit check; a deposit may be required based on credit risk and is refunded after one full year of on-time payments, and residential members who enroll in Flex Pay (prepaid) pay no deposit.

Source: flatheadelectric.com

Yellowstone Valley Electric CooperativeCooperative

Each new member completes a membership application for electric service (online New Member/Service Transfer Application); YVEC says a security deposit may be required depending on credit history. New construction starts with a call or the New Construction Service Application, and YVEC asks you to begin as early as possible.

Source: yvec.com

Missoula Electric CooperativeCooperative

Moving into an existing home means completing a Membership Application. MEC runs a credit check at sign-up; if a deposit is required, the residential deposit is $150 minimum or twice the highest bill at the place of service, whichever is greater, plus a one-time $5 processing fee per meter on the first statement.

Source: missoulaelectric.com

Researched October 16, 2026. Full Nevada guide

Statewide rule

For PUCN-regulated utilities (NV Energy), NAC 704.328–704.333 cap a deposit at 150 percent of the estimated average monthly bill (50 percent for elderly customers), bar a deposit from anyone with satisfactory credit at any regulated or municipal energy utility, a guarantor, or Social Security/retirement income, require the utility to offer installment payment, and require the deposit back after 12 consecutive months of timely payments. The PUCN notes some utilities ask for a Social Security number but many accept an alternative such as a driver's license number.

Source: leg.state.nv.us

NV Energy (Nevada Power Company in the south, Sierra Pacific Power Company in the north)Investor Owned

NV Energy's PUCN-filed Rule 13 (Sierra Pacific/northern tariff) caps a new-service deposit at 150 percent of the estimated average monthly bill based on the last 12 months of usage at the premise, halves it for elderly customers, and waives it for people receiving disability, Social Security or retirement payments, active-duty military, veterans, or anyone who enrolls in and keeps bank draft/EFT payment. NV Energy does not state ID, Social Security number or lead-time requirements.

Sources: nvenergy.com, eia.gov, leg.state.nv.us

Valley Electric AssociationCooperative

You must become a member first; the residential application asks for at least one form of government-issued ID, your Social Security number and, if you have one, a credit reference letter from a previous electric provider. VEA says some applicants may owe a deposit based on service type or account history, that a good-standing letter from a prior provider may waive it, and that processing times vary (existing locations connect faster than new construction).

Sources: vea.coop, eia.gov

Overton Power District No. 5Public Power District

OPD5 requires 24 hours notice to connect or transfer service, two forms of government-issued ID, a lease (if renting) or proof of ownership, a $25.00 customer service fee and a $250.00 security deposit if renting; renters must apply in person, and all fees must be paid before service is provided.

Sources: opd5.com, eia.gov

Boulder City Electric UtilityMunicipal

Call Utility Billing at 702-293-9244 option 2 with at least one working day's notice (same-day service is a $50 fee); renters need a signed lease showing the address and occupants. Deposits are 1.5 times the estimated monthly bill with minimums of $100 for owners and $125 for all others, halved for residents over 62, refunded as a credit after 12 consecutive months of good payment history, plus a non-refundable $25 account setup fee.

Sources: bcnv.org, eia.gov

Mt. Wheeler PowerCooperative

Membership is required to begin service and includes completing an application and meeting deposit requirements; deposits are calculated on the four-month average historical usage at the location, and you can choose a $15 credit check at application that waives the deposit if your delinquency risk is low enough. One REAL ID or passport suffices; otherwise two forms of ID are required, and electronically submitted ID must be notarized.

Sources: mwpower.net, eia.gov

Researched October 17, 2026. Full New Jersey guide

Statewide rule

N.J.A.C. 14:3-3.4 lets a utility require a reasonable deposit as a condition of service. The deposit must be reasonably related to the probable charge for service, taking the customer's payment history into account, and is calculated at two times the average monthly bill for the previous 12 months (amounts paid in advance are excluded). A utility that requires a deposit or a credit record must apply the same requirements across its whole service area and, if it has a website, post them there; it must tell you the interest rate when it asks for a deposit and give you a receipt (for a deposit paid by mail, internet or phone, showing it on your next bill counts). Under N.J.A.C. 14:3-3.5 the utility must review a residential account at least once every year and refund the deposit if you meet its standard requirements for establishing credit, refund any remaining balance when you close the account, and pay simple interest at least once in each 12-month period the deposit is held, as a bill credit or a check at your choice.

Source: law.cornell.edu

PSE&G (Public Service Electric and Gas)Investor Owned

PSE&G's start-service list asks for the service address, a phone number, an email address, the date you want service to start and a Social Security number, and says a security deposit may be required for a new customer. If there is a previous balance of $1,500 or more at the new address, you must start service in person at a Customer Service Center and bring valid ID, proof of your previous address (such as a utility bill, cable bill or tax refund) and, for landlords, a lease, deed or eviction notice. PSE&G gives no processing time or minimum notice. It says a deposit accrues interest and, for residential customers, is returned after a positive payment history of 12 months or when the account closes.

Sources: nj.myaccount.pseg.com, nj.pseg.com, corporate.pseg.com

Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L)Investor Owned

JCP&L's site links to FirstEnergy's shared start-service form, which asks for a new address or meter number, a Social Security number or taxpayer ID and a start-service date. FirstEnergy says a security deposit may be required prior to starting service and that it may require a minimum of two business days to process a request made through the form; for faster processing it asks you to call the Customer Care Center instead. To schedule a move, FirstEnergy asks New Jersey customers to call at least two days in advance.

Sources: firstenergycorp.com, sec.gov

Atlantic City Electric (ACE)Investor Owned

N.J.A.C. 14:3-3.4(g) requires a New Jersey utility that asks for a deposit or a credit record to apply the same requirements throughout its service area and, if it has a website, to post them there, so check ACE's website for its credit and deposit requirements before you apply.

Sources: atlanticcityelectric.com, nj.gov, law.cornell.edu

Rockland Electric Company (Orange & Rockland)Investor Owned

O&R's start-service page is written for Orange & Rockland as a whole and does not name Rockland Electric or New Jersey, so confirm the terms for a New Jersey address. It says you need a valid Social Security number to start service; without identification you must pay a deposit unless you sign up for Direct Pay, and customers older than 62 or enrolled in a Direct Payment Plan need no deposit. Online start requests can only be made within 60 days of the date you want service; for dates further out O&R asks you to call 1-877-434-4100.

Source: oru.com

Researched October 15, 2026. Full New York guide

Statewide rule

Under HEFPA a utility may require a deposit only in limited cases (for example, if your service was shut off for non-payment within the past six months, if you missed two or more bills in a row without paying at least half, or if you are a short-term or seasonal customer), must warn you in writing 20 days in advance, and the deposit cannot exceed twice the average monthly bill. Utilities cannot require a deposit from recipients of public assistance or SSI, or from customers 62 or older unless their service was shut off for non-payment within the past six months; they must pay interest on deposits and refund the deposit plus interest after a year if you have not been behind on payments.

Source: dps.ny.gov

Con EdisonInvestor Owned

Con Edison asks for your new address, your move-in date and a valid form of identification; if you do not have an ID you will need to pay a deposit. If service is currently in your landlord's name, Con Edison transfers ownership to you automatically.

Source: coned.com

PSEG Long IslandPublic Power District

The online start form asks for your Social Security number, or else two forms of ID including at least one photo ID, and a lease or deed may be requested; your first bill arrives within the first 30 days of service. Time-of-Day (TOD) is the standard rate for all new residential accounts, and customer service is 1-800-490-0025.

Sources: psegliny.com, lipower.org

Orange & RocklandInvestor Owned

O&R says you need a valid Social Security number to start service and will bill you a deposit if you start service without identification, unless you sign up for Direct Pay; it also says no deposit is necessary if you are older than 62 or enroll in a Direct Payment Plan. Online start requests are only taken within 60 days of the date you want service (call 1-877-434-4100 if planning further ahead). If service is currently in your landlord's name, ownership transfers to you automatically.

Source: oru.com

New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG)Investor Owned

NYSEG's Moving page says to use its Turn Service On link to start new service or make changes to existing service, and that its secure My Account area needs a User ID and password; the Start Service link in the site navigation opens the My Account portal at portal.nyseg.com/start/welcome. The FAQ says to click Turn On Service and follow the instructions, or call the Customer Relations Center at 800.572.1111, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. excluding holidays. NYSEG does not state ID, deposit or lead-time requirements.

Sources: nyseg.com, portal.nyseg.com

Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E)Investor Owned

RG&E's Moving page says to have on hand for an online start request: the address where service will be established, the billing address if different, the service start date, your Social Security Number, a second form of identification (e.g., driver's license number), the name and SSN of any other person who will be authorized to access the account, and a phone number; the Start service button opens the secure online form at portal.rge.com/start/welcome, and business customers should call. To stop service you give the end date and an email or mailing address for the final bill. If you later move to an area served by another utility and have been a customer in good standing, RG&E can issue a letter of credit that may reduce or eliminate deposits the new utility normally requires. No deposit rule or lead time for new RG&E customers is stated.

Source: rge.com

Central Hudson Gas & ElectricInvestor Owned

Central Hudson's Start, Stop or Transfer Service page says residential customers must have an official form of ID (such as a driver's license, Social Security number, state ID number or passport), the exact address of the new residence including apartment number if applicable, and emergency contact information before beginning a Start Service application, and that signing in gives a quicker experience. Choose Start Service for a previously occupied home with an existing meter (then pick Home or Business); Transfer Service is only for moving between two Central Hudson-served properties and cannot move an account from one person to another; the current holder must stop service and the new holder must submit their own start request. A property with no meter goes through the New Service Requests forms instead. Central Hudson does not state a deposit rule or lead time.

Source: cenhud.com

Researched October 16, 2026. Full North Dakota guide

Statewide rule

N.D. Admin. Code 69-09-02-04 lets a PSC-regulated electric utility require a deposit up to the estimated charge for 60 days of service, pays interest at the Bank of North Dakota six-month CD rate set each January (2.25% for 2026 per MDU and Otter Tail), and lets a signed guarantor contract stand in for cash; 69-09-02-05.1(10) bars disconnecting anyone for nonpayment of a deposit. These rules bind only the three investor-owned utilities (Xcel, MDU, Otter Tail); co-ops and municipal utilities set their own policies.

Source: ndlegis.gov

Xcel Energy (Northern States Power Company)Investor Owned

Xcel's 'New Customer' moving page is the start-service entry point; it does not state a lead time, ID or deposit requirement. Its North Dakota Residential Service rate (D01) is a $15.00 monthly customer charge plus 8.548¢/kWh June-September and 6.949¢/kWh October-May, with a 16.17% interim rate surcharge applied from February 1, 2025 under the PSC's interim-rate order in rate case PU-24-376 (the filing says interim rates stay in effect until final rates are approved), plus fuel, renewable, transmission and city-fee riders.

Sources: my.xcelenergy.com, psc.nd.gov

Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. (MDU)Investor Owned

New customers must call 800-638-3278 (7:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday) to start service; online start/stop/transfer forms are for existing customers and MDU says not to use them if you need service within the next two business days or were disconnected for nonpayment. Under its PSC-filed General Provisions (Rate 100), MDU decides whether a deposit is required 'in accordance with Commission rules', the deposit cannot exceed an estimated 60-day bill, a guarantor contract may substitute for cash, interest accrues at the Bank of North Dakota six-month CD rate (2.25% for 2026) and is credited each December, and deposits are refunded to active customers after 12 months of prompt payment; connections requested outside normal business hours are billed at overtime labor rates.

Source: montana-dakota.com

Otter Tail Power CompanyInvestor Owned

Contact Otter Tail two business days in advance (the ND tariff requires 'not less than two business days prior notice to connect service'); start service online with no login or call 800-257-4044 during business hours Monday-Friday. The ND tariff sets a $15.00 connection charge per new account (overtime charges, two-hour minimum, outside normal hours), requires applicants to be 18, and allows a deposit of up to an estimated 60-day bill only if you have not established good credit; Otter Tail's FAQ says new or returning customers with a good credit history (fewer than three disconnection notices, no disconnection for nonpayment in 12 months) pay no deposit, otherwise it is based on two months of average bills and earns 2.25% interest in North Dakota; the tariff (Section 1.03) says a deposit is refunded when service ends or after 12 consecutive months of prompt payments.

Source: otpco.com

Cass County Electric CooperativeCooperative

Request residential service through the Residential 'Get Service' link on the co-op's Request Service page or call Member Service at 701-356-4400 / 800-248-3292, Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (office: 4100 32nd Ave. S., Fargo). The co-op's site does not state a membership fee, deposit, credit check or lead time, and as a rural electric cooperative it is not bound by PSC deposit or disconnection rules. Posted rates: urban residential $23.15 basic charge plus 8.9¢/kWh (rural $36.65, apartment $12.00) before the Purchased Power Adjustment.

Sources: casscountyelectric.com, psc.nd.gov

Capital Electric CooperativeCooperative

Capital Electric says to complete its secure online Application for Membership and Electric Service (separate residential, commercial and new-construction forms) or visit the office, Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m., (855) 937-1736; on 2026-10-16 the residential online form was marked 'closed to new submissions', so call if the form is unavailable. Capital Electric states no membership fee, deposit, connection fee or lead time, and its rates page posts no base-charge or per-kWh dollar figures; it explains that bills are built from a flat monthly base charge, energy (kWh), an On-Peak Demand (kW) charge tied to the wholesaler's monthly half-hour peak and a Grid Capacity (kW) charge based on the account's highest 15-minute demand in the past 12 months (the co-op says the average residence paid about $11.45 and $18.24 a month for those two in 2025), and an optional Coincident Peak rate rewards avoiding the monthly half-hour peak.

Source: capitalelec.com

Researched October 16, 2026. Full Oklahoma guide

Statewide rule

For utilities under Oklahoma Corporation Commission rules (OAC 165:35-19-10), no deposit may be charged to a residential consumer who had the same type of service for 12 consecutive months within the prior 18 months without a nonpayment disconnection, more than two late payments or a dishonored check; otherwise the deposit is capped at one-sixth of the estimated annual bill, may be payable in installments under the utility's plan, earns interest at a Treasury-indexed rate, and must be refunded automatically with interest after 12 months of satisfactory payment with no more than two late payments. Cooperative membership fees are not counted as deposits.

Source: oklahoma.gov

OG&E (Oklahoma Gas & Electric)Investor Owned

OG&E's start-service page says that with your SSN, new address and move-in date handy it is easy to turn on power online; its OCC-approved Terms and Conditions (Section 208) base a residential deposit on credit-agency results and two months' average usage at the address, with a $150.00 minimum where there is no history, three business days to pay if the service is already on, a waiver for good payment history with OG&E or a like utility via an acceptable Letter of Credit, and a refund with interest in the 13th month after 12 months of service with two or fewer late payments.

Sources: oge.com, eia.gov

Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO)Investor Owned

PSO's online start-service form says giving your Social Security number is optional but a deposit or other security guarantee will be required if PSO cannot verify your credit, and a deposit may still be required even with an SSN. Its deposit page says deposits are normally required of customers new to PSO, are based on heat type or usage history at the address, can be replaced by an acceptable guarantor or a letter of credit from another utility showing 12 months of on-time payment, earn 3.00% per year interest if held at least six months, and are applied to your account after one year provided no more than two bills were paid late.

Sources: psoklahoma.com, eia.gov

Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (OEC)Cooperative

OEC says to allow three business days for its online residential service request, or call (405) 321-2024 at least one business day before you want power connected (a same-day connection may carry an additional fee); have your driver's license and Social Security number ready, pay a $25 service initiation fee and $5 membership fee up front, and expect a possible deposit based on your credit or OEC payment history. Walk-in applicants may be asked for a lease or purchase agreement, photo ID and Social Security card, and service requests are scheduled Monday through Friday before 4:30 only.

Sources: okcoop.org, oaec.coop, eia.gov

Edmond Electric (City of Edmond)Municipal

New residential customers must be 18 with a valid government-issued photo ID, provide a copy of the lease if renting, pay a $25 processing fee added to the first bill, and post a deposit unless the city receives a qualifying Letter of Prior Payment History from an electric provider; service orders are completed as early as the next business day, and transfers between Edmond addresses need one business day's notice and a $50 service order charge.

Sources: edmondok.gov, eia.gov

Cotton Electric CooperativeCooperative

Cotton Electric's membership application requires the Social Security number and date of birth of every applicant, an uploaded government photo ID and the meter number at the location; service cannot be requested more than two weeks ahead, cannot begin on a weekend or holiday, takes up to 72 hours to process, and all fees must be paid before activation. Monthly billing carries a $5 membership fee and $35 service initiation fee up front plus a deposit set by an online utility credit check, while the MyChoice prepaid option is $5 + $35 + a $50 minimum prepaid balance ($90 total) and no deposit.

Sources: cottonelectric.com, oaec.coop, eia.gov

Researched October 17, 2026. Full Pennsylvania guide

Statewide rule

52 Pa. Code § 56.32(a) lets a utility, in addition to any deposit allowed by another Commission regulation or order, require a cash deposit equal to one-sixth of an applicant's estimated annual bill, payable during a 90-day period under § 56.38, from a prior customer whose service was terminated for a listed reason (such as nonpayment, a broken payment arrangement, meter tampering or fraud) or from an applicant who fails a Commission-approved credit scoring method that assesses the risk of utility bill payment. Under § 56.32(e) a utility may not require a cash deposit from an applicant whose household income confirms eligibility for a customer assistance program, and under § 56.32(d) installments are allowed if each is paid by its due date. Under § 56.53 a utility may hold a deposit until the customer has paid in full and on time for any 12 consecutive months, then returns it less any outstanding balance, and must refund a deposit within 60 days once it finds the customer was not subject to one under § 56.32(e). PECO, PPL and FirstEnergy each describe the same one-sixth amount or 12-month rule on their own pages.

Source: pacodeandbulletin.gov

PECOInvestor Owned

PECO's new-service identity verification form asks you to email the completed form with two approved forms of ID, at least one with a photo (the list includes a driver's license, passport, state ID, Social Security card and green card); a PECO representative contacts you within 3 business days, and the start date you request must be at least three business days ahead. PECO's tariff sets a residential deposit at one-sixth of the estimated annual bill for PECO charges, decided by prior account history or a credit score built from utility payment history, and refunds it with interest once the customer is not delinquent and has paid on time and in full for 12 consecutive months. If you move within PECO territory with a competitive supplier, the tariff says PECO will move that supplier to the new address if all qualifications are met.

Sources: peco.com, puc.pa.gov

PPL Electric UtilitiesInvestor Owned

PPL says it usually gives a decision on the day it receives the application and has up to three business days for a credit decision; if it cannot decide in that time it starts service while the review finishes. PPL must verify identity and may ask for a Social Security number but cannot require one; without one it asks for a valid government-issued photo ID or two alternative IDs, one with a photo. A deposit equals one-sixth of the estimated annual bill, may be required for an insufficient credit score or a prior involuntary termination or unpaid balance, earns interest, and is held until 12 consecutive on-time, in-full payments. A deposit is not required if you confirm household income that qualifies you for PPL's customer assistance program (CAP), and a third-party guarantor can stand in for a cash deposit. PPL may require full payment of any prior balance before opening the account, and may hold you responsible for a debt that accrued within the last four years even if you were not the customer of record.

Sources: pplelectric.com, puc.pa.gov

West Penn Power (FirstEnergy Pennsylvania)Investor Owned

West Penn Power, Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn Power were approved to consolidate into one legal company, FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company, with the change expected to close January 1, 2024, and they keep their local brand names; FirstEnergy's start-service pages are shared. FirstEnergy asks for a Social Security number or Taxpayer ID to open the account, may need at least two business days to process an online request (call the Customer Care Center for faster handling), replies by email to confirm the start date, and accepts moving requests up to 90 days ahead. FirstEnergy says a deposit may be required before service starts; it is based on credit history and the company's credit-score assessment, can be paid in installments of 50% with the first bill and 25% each with the second and third, and is released or credited after 12 consecutive months of full, on-time payment. A household confirmed as low income, or a confirmed low-income customer applying for or in a customer assistance program, is not charged a deposit.

Source: firstenergycorp.com

Duquesne LightInvestor Owned

Start service through Duquesne Light's new residential customer page and confirm its ID and notice requirements there. Under 52 Pa. Code § 56.32 a utility may require a cash deposit of one-sixth of the estimated annual bill from an applicant whose earlier service was terminated for a listed reason, such as nonpayment, or who fails a Commission-approved credit score, and may not require one from an applicant confirmed eligible for a customer assistance program.

Sources: puc.pa.gov, pacodeandbulletin.gov

Penelec (FirstEnergy Pennsylvania)Investor Owned

Same FirstEnergy Pennsylvania process as West Penn Power: a Social Security number or Taxpayer ID, at least two business days for an online request, a deposit only if FirstEnergy requires one, and no deposit for a confirmed low-income customer in an assistance program.

Source: firstenergycorp.com

Researched October 16, 2026. Full South Carolina guide

Statewide rule

Under S.C. Code Regs. 103-331 to 103-336 and the PSC/ORS Electric Bill of Rights, a regulated electrical utility (Dominion Energy South Carolina, Duke Energy Carolinas, Duke Energy Progress, Lockhart Power) may require a deposit only if you have had two consecutive or more than two non-consecutive 30-day arrears in the past 24 months, cannot show you are a satisfactory credit risk (a letter of good credit from another electric utility, checkable references, or a co-signer/guarantor on the same system in South Carolina), have been cut off for non-payment or fraud, or fail the utility's commercially acceptable credit check. The deposit is capped at an estimated two months (60 days) of bills, earns PSC-set simple interest if held longer than six months, and must be returned after two years without those arrears or a non-payment cutoff.

Source: psc.sc.gov

Duke Energy Carolinas (South Carolina)Investor Owned

Duke's start page offers Start My Service, Stop My Service and Move Service options and links to an 'Is Duke Energy my provider?' page where you enter your address to find out if you are in its service territory. Duke does not state deposit amounts; as a PSC-regulated utility Duke is bound by the state deposit rules in the Bill of Rights (deposit only for poor payment history, no acceptable co-signer, prior cutoff or a failed credit check; capped at two months' estimated bills; returned after two years of good payment, with interest if held over six months).

Sources: duke-energy.com, ors.sc.gov, psc.sc.gov

Dominion Energy South CarolinaInvestor Owned

To turn on home electric (or gas) service Dominion asks for the complete address, Social Security number (you and spouse) and driver's license number, and says proof of ID may be required; the SSN is used only to decide whether a deposit is required and does not affect your credit score, so lift any credit freeze first. If you will not give an SSN online or by phone you must complete its Identity Verification Form; a security deposit may be required after that check.

Sources: dominionenergy.com, ors.sc.gov, psc.sc.gov

Duke Energy Progress (South Carolina)Investor Owned

Same Duke Energy start flow and address check as Duke Energy Carolinas; it is a PSC-regulated utility, so the Bill of Rights deposit rules (two-month cap, return after two years, interest after six months) apply. ORS notes DEP filed a 2025 rate case (requested rates effective February 1, 2026) and a further Rate Stabilization Act request in March 2026 for rates effective August 1, 2026.

Sources: duke-energy.com, ors.sc.gov, psc.sc.gov

Santee Cooper (South Carolina Public Service Authority)Public Power District

Santee Cooper says your start date will usually be the next business day, that traditional service is usually established within 24 hours, and that you need a Social Security, passport, FID or TIN number, a driver's license and a lease or proof of purchase (Horry County mobile-home owners also need the county assessor's Certified License Application). It runs a credit check to set any deposit (or uses your account history if you were a customer in the last 12 months), the deposit must be paid in full before connection, and it offers Pay As You Go Electric for people who prefer not to pay a deposit; the fee schedule lists a $20 service connection fee and $45 for same-day service requested after 3:30 p.m.

Sources: santeecooper.com, psc.sc.gov

Berkeley Electric CooperativeCooperative

Berkeley Electric takes residential applications online and says it does not accept applications more than 14 days in advance. Its fee schedule lists a $5 membership fee, a $20 service connection fee and a $250 minimum residential deposit; its June 2026 Service Rules set the standard deposit at two times the average monthly bill, waivable for new members who pass the cooperative's credit check, and the membership fee is refunded or applied to any unpaid balance when membership ends.

Sources: berkeleyelectric.coop, berkeleyelectric.zohodesk.com, ecsc.org

Researched October 16, 2026. Full Tennessee guide

Statewide rule

There is no statewide deposit rule for most Tennesseans: the Tennessee Public Utility Commission regulates only privately-owned utilities, and its electric list contains just Appalachian Power Company, Entergy Arkansas LLC and Kingsport Power Company. Everyone else is served by a TVA local power company that sets its own deposit, so the amount depends on where you land: $250 at NES, a $200 minimum at MLGW, $200 at EPB, $300 at KUB if one is required, and a soft-credit-based deposit at MTE.

Source: tn.gov

Nashville Electric Service (NES)Municipal

Start, stop or transfer through My Account (24/7), by phone at 615-736-6900 (Mon-Fri 6 a.m. to midnight, Sat 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or in person at 1214 Church St. with a photo ID, and NES asks for at least one business day's notice. Two current forms of ID are required (driver's license, Social Security card, passport, birth certificate are listed), NES requires a $250 security deposit before connection that new customers can waive with a successful credit check (if charged it is credited back after 12 months of satisfactory payments), and a non-refundable $20 residential connection fee appears on the first bill; stopping service takes up to two business days and a transferring customer may keep the old account open up to 60 days.

Source: nespower.com

Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW)Municipal

Submit an online Start Service Request plus the Residential Service Agreement; MLGW requires two forms of ID, one with a photo, and runs a credit assessment. Credit-risk applicants pay a minimum $200 deposit (cash, cashier's check or money order) that can instead be billed on the next bill or paid in eight $25 installments; it is refunded as a bill credit after a 24-month good-pay record, earns no interest, rises to $400 after utility tampering or a written-off bad debt, and is waived for a 60-plus or SSA-disability head of household with a clean 72-month record or with a 12-month good-standing reference letter mailed by a previous electric or gas utility.

Source: mlgw.com

Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE)Cooperative

Submit the online Start Service form; doing so is consent to a soft credit evaluation that decides whether a deposit is required, and MTE contacts you about payment if one is. A $40 connection fee and a $5 initial membership fee appear on the first bill (transfers pay the $40 again and must clear any past-due balance first); the member contact center is 877-777-9020, available 24/7/365, and homes without a meter or under construction must call first. MTE's Prepay plan is described as a way to avoid a deposit.

Source: mte.com

Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB)Municipal

Start online with the new address, a valid email, a start date (allow one business day's notice) and a Social Security number; other ID may be accepted, but without an SSN you must apply in person at a KUB Customer Service Center. A $35 connection fee appears on the first bill and a $300 utility deposit may be required to start service.

Source: kub.org

EPB (Electric Power Board of Chattanooga)Municipal

Every new electric account carries an initial $200 deposit, but all applicants get a credit review and those with satisfactory credit may have it waived or billed on the first month's bill; weaker credit pays in advance (card, debit or cash at one of three offices) before power is connected. A reference letter from your previous utility (on letterhead, under six months old, showing 12 months of good payment) or a guarantor who has been an EPB customer in good standing for 12 months can replace the deposit, and EPB PrePay Power has no security deposit at all.

Source: epb.com

Researched October 16, 2026. Full Utah guide

Statewide rule

Utah Admin. Code R746-200-3 lets a PSC-regulated utility require a deposit only under policies the Commission has approved; the Division of Public Utilities says deposits apply when the utility believes a prospective customer may be a credit risk, new customers may pay in at least three equal monthly installments with the first at application, and the deposit plus interest is returned after 12 consecutive months of on-time payment. Rocky Mountain Power's approved rule sets the residential deposit at the estimated average 60-day bill and waives it for HEAT-qualified customers; municipal utilities and co-ops are not PSC rate-regulated and set their own (St. George charges renters $125).

Source: commerce.utah.gov

Rocky Mountain PowerInvestor Owned

Start, stop or move online or at 1-888-221-7070; the FAQ says requests are processed within 1-2 business days or sooner. Under Electric Service Regulation No. 9 a deposit is required only if you give false credit information, left a prior Rocky Mountain Power account unpaid, or fail to supply name, service and previous address, a Social Security number or driver's license number or government photo ID, a relative or personal reference, employer phone (if employed) and landlord contact (if renting); the deposit equals the estimated average 60-day bill at the premises (Schedule 300), is payable in at least three equal monthly installments, and is waived once in 12 months for customers who qualify for HEAT.

Sources: commerce.utah.gov, rockymountainpower.net

Provo PowerMunicipal

Provo does not set up utility accounts at the Provo Power building (251 West 800 North); utility billing is handled by 311 Customer Service at Provo City Hall (445 W Center Street), by dialing 311 inside city limits or (801) 852-6000, Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The city's Start or Stop Utilities page offers only that phone line and the City Hall counter; it has no online start-service form. The city does not publish ID or lead-time rules.

Sources: provo.gov, commerce.utah.gov

St. George Energy ServicesMunicipal

Apply with the online Residential Utility Application (electric, water, sewer and garbage in one form) and include a copy of a driver's license, passport or state-issued ID; renters pay a $125.00 deposit at application for all residential services. Allow up to three business days for electric or water requests; same-day connections are not available, and any prior balance with the City must be paid first. Customer Service 435-627-4700, Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sources: sgcityutah.gov, commerce.utah.gov

Dixie Power (Dixie Escalante Electric)Cooperative

New members sign up online through the Sign-Up for Service link or call 866-673-3297; Dixie Power does not publish ID, deposit or lead-time rules. Utah residential tariff effective March 1, 2025: $29.00 monthly service availability charge, 6.75 cents/kWh October-May and 7.602 cents/kWh June-September, subject to wholesale power cost adjustments.

Source: dixiepower.com

Murray City PowerMunicipal

Start or stop service through Utility Billing at 801-264-2626 (10 East 4800 South, Suite 160, Murray, Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m.); the city does not publish deposit, ID or lead-time rules online. The Power page puts the average residential rate at about 9.1 cents/kWh.

Source: murray.utah.gov

Moon Lake Electric AssociationCooperative

New members submit the Residential Application with a photo ID, service/911 address, mailing address, meter number (existing structures), and landlord information if renting; the application says a completed form plus a deposit or an in-office utility score (a credit check using your Social Security number) is required before service starts, and a $20.00 membership charge appears on the first bill. Rates: $30.00 monthly customer charge and $0.0601/kWh (R-1). Phone (888) 688-6532, Mon-Thu 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Source: mlea.coop

Researched October 15, 2026. Full Virginia guide

Statewide rule

SCC rules let a utility request a deposit because service is billed in arrears, but the request is capped at the estimated liability for two months of usage; residential customers must be allowed to pay a large deposit in three installments, and the deposit is refunded after one year of on-time payments.

Source: scc.virginia.gov

Dominion Energy VirginiaInvestor Owned

Dominion says new residential customers need the new street address (with unit number), full legal name, Social Security Number and email; the meter number is helpful but not required. Service orders are worked Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. excluding holidays, a $5.70 connection charge appears on the first bill, and it asks you to give as much notice as possible. New customers (or anyone without a satisfactory 12-month payment history) pay a security deposit, typically two times the average bill or $260 if usage is unknown, billed in three installments and refunded as a bill credit 12 months after it is paid in full.

Source: dominionenergy.com

Appalachian PowerInvestor Owned

You start service online by searching your address or 7-to-10-digit meter number. Giving a Social Security number is optional and is used to verify credit history; a deposit or other security will be required if that verification cannot be performed, and your credit history determines whether a deposit is required or can be reduced. Deposits are normally required of new customers and are based on heat type or usage history at the address; in Virginia you can instead provide a letter of credit from another utility showing at least 12 months of on-time payments or use the Virginia Department of Social Services security-deposit guarantor option. The deposit earns interest at a rate set annually by the SCC (if held at least six months) and is applied to your account after twelve consecutive bills are paid on time.

Sources: appalachianpower.com, aep.com

Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC)Cooperative

REC takes start-service requests for existing homes through an online form (name, service address, start date, contact) and says to allow one full business day for a callback because it must phone you before processing; residential members can also call 800-552-3904, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. A deposit may be required but cannot exceed your estimated liability for the two highest-usage months of the last 12, is payable in three or more monthly installments, is held at least one year and is credited back with SCC-set interest after 12 months of on-time payments; it can be waived with a letter of credit from your previous utility showing no more than two late payments in 12 months, a final bill showing good credit, or an acceptable credit report.

Source: myrec.coop

Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC)Cooperative

New customers moving into a home that already has electric facilities apply online or call the Customer Care Center at 703-335-0500, Monday through Friday 7:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The first bill carries a one-time refundable $1 membership fee and a nonrefundable $40 service connection fee, plus a security deposit of up to $300 if required (capped at an estimated two months of usage), payable in full or in three monthly installments and refunded as a credit on the 13th bill after 12 consecutive months in good standing.

Source: novec.com

Researched October 17, 2026. Full Washington DC guide

Statewide rule

Under 15 DCMR Chapter 3 (section 307) a utility may not require a deposit or guarantee from a person who has never been its customer, and may not base a deposit on income, home ownership, residence location or age. A returning customer can be asked for a deposit only in listed cases, such as disconnection for nonpayment of an undisputed balance within the previous 12 months, an account more than 60 days delinquent within the previous 12 months, unauthorized use of the service, or an outstanding balance owed to the utility. No deposit may exceed the lesser of $100 or 2/12 of the estimated annual bill; a deposit of $35 or more can be paid in at least three equal monthly installments; the utility pays simple interest; and the deposit with interest is refunded or credited after 12 consecutive months of paying all proper charges. In place of a deposit a utility may accept a written guarantee from a responsible party. The same section lets a competitive energy supplier require a deposit from any customer if its license allows. The PSC's Consumer Bill of Rights page repeats the never-a-customer rule and the $100 or two-twelfths cap.

Source: dcpsc.org

Pepco (Potomac Electric Power Company)Investor Owned

Pepco's DC handbook says you can start, stop or move service online at any time at pepco.com/Start, /Move and /Stop, or by phone at 202-833-7500, and that as many as two people can be listed on an account. It says you may be required to pay a deposit or establish satisfactory credit; if a residential deposit is required it will be two months of the estimated average annual bill or $100, whichever is less, typically assessed on the first bill, with up to six months to pay on request, and refunded or credited with interest after 12 consecutive months of paying all proper charges. Pepco adds that customers over 60 and military families may be exempt from a deposit on new service. To stop or transfer service it asks for at least three business days' notice, because you are responsible for service at the old address for three days after you give notice. Pepco's handbook gives no lead time for starting service.

Sources: azure-na-assets.contentstack.com, pepco.com, opc-dc.gov, dcpsc.org

Researched October 16, 2026. Full Wisconsin guide

Statewide rule

Under Wis. Admin. Code PSC 113.0402 a utility may not require a deposit for new residential service unless you owe an unpaid balance to a Wisconsin electric utility or cooperative from the last 6 years that is not under an honored payment arrangement and is undisputed; customers with gross quarterly income at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines are exempt, a new-account deposit cannot exceed the highest estimated gross bill for any 2 consecutive billing periods, the utility must give a written reason and notice of your right to appeal to the PSC, deposits earn interest, and the deposit is refunded after 12 consecutive months of prompt payment. The PSC Bill of Rights adds that a deposit can also be requested if your service was disconnected for nonpayment in the last 12 months, your application was falsified or incomplete, or winter (November 1 to April 15) debt was 80 or more days past due while you had the ability to pay.

Source: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov

We Energies (Wisconsin Electric Power Company)Investor Owned

We Energies' start page asks for your Social Security number and previous address, says the request is processed in two business days, and requires that you be a residential homeowner or renter with none of your previous accounts in arrears (customer service 800-242-9137). If asked to verify identity you have 14 days from the application date to present one primary government photo ID or two secondary IDs in person or the application is canceled; the Service and Safety Guide says to contact the company at least three business days before moving, that a deposit may be asked of a new customer with an unpaid balance at any Wisconsin utility from the last six years (the guide waives it at or below 60% of state median income and accepts a noncash deposit; the PSC rule, PSC 113.0402, sets the exemption at 200% of federal poverty guidelines) and is refunded with interest after 12 consecutive months with no more than three late payments.

Sources: we-energies.com, psc.wi.gov, docs.legis.wisconsin.gov

Alliant Energy (Wisconsin Power and Light Company)Investor Owned

Start service online with your Social Security Number or Federal Tax ID (call 1-800-ALLIANT, 800-255-4268, if you have neither); the renter flyer says agents are available 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Alliant's Guide to Your Rights says bills arrive every 26 to 35 days, a deposit of up to the sum of the four highest consecutive bills over the past 12 months may be requested if a November 1 to April 15 payment is 80 or more days past due, no deposit is required at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines, and deposits are returned with interest after 12 consecutive months of prompt payment.

Source: alliantenergy.com

Wisconsin Public Service (WPS)Investor Owned

WPS says there is typically no cost to establish service but a security deposit may be billed in some cases, extra charges can apply for unsealing a meter or work outside Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and you may have to pay or arrange payment on a previous unpaid balance before a new account is opened (residential moves 800-450-7260). Meters are read automatically every day, so no one needs to be home; its standard residential rate is $0.14802 per kWh plus a $0.58915 daily customer charge.

Source: wisconsinpublicservice.com

Madison Gas and Electric (MGE)Investor Owned

MGE takes start, move and stop requests through My Account (customer service 608-252-7000 or 1-800-245-1125, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) with separate Move Service (moving within MGE's area) and Start Service (a new address without stopping a current one) options. Its paper residential application requires date of birth, at least one form of identification (full or last-four Social Security number, driver's license, state ID or passport), the start date, the previous address, and warns the application may be denied if required fields are blank; the standard Rg-1 rate is $0.12178 electricity plus $0.06255 distribution per kWh and $0.49315 per day.

Source: mge.com

Xcel Energy (Northern States Power Company)Investor Owned

Xcel's start/stop/transfer portal does not state lead times, ID or deposit rules for Wisconsin movers.

Sources: my.xcelenergy.com, psc.wi.gov, focusonenergy.com, newsroom.xcelenergy.com