Section 56.282. Credit standards

A utility shall provide residential service without requiring a deposit when the applicant satisfies one of the following requirements:

(1) Prior utility payment history. The applicant has been a recipient of utility service of a similar type within a period of 24 consecutive months preceding the date of the application and was primarily responsible for payment for the service, so long as:

(i) The average periodic bill for the service was equal to at least 50% of that estimated for new service.

(ii) The service of the applicant was not terminated for nonpayment during the last 12 consecutive months of that prior service.

(iii) The applicant does not have an unpaid balance from that prior service.

(2) Ownership of real property. The applicant owns or has entered into an agreement to purchase real property located in the area served by the utility or is renting the applicant’s place of residence under a lease of 1 year or longer in duration, unless the applicant has an otherwise unsatisfactory credit history as a utility customer within 2 years prior to the application for service.

(3) Credit information. The applicant provides information demonstrating that the applicant is not an unsatisfactory credit risk.

(i) The absence of prior credit history does not, of itself, indicate an unsatisfactory risk.

(ii) The utility may request and consider information including:

(A) The name of the employer of the applicant.

(B) The place and length of employment.

(C) Residences during the previous 5 years.

(D) Letters of reference.

(E) Credit cards.

(F) Significant source of income other than from employment.

Notation

Cross References

This section cited in 52 Pa. Code § 56.283 (relating to cash deposits; third-party guarantors); and 52 Pa. Code § 56.302 (relating to deposit hold period and refund).