Utility Deposits? (Seattle: attorney, transfer, deposit)

[woodinvilleguy]

For insurance, we found the best prices for insurance was through Costco and our credit union.

[WestCoastDiva]

We had to pay a deposit of $270.00 to Puget Sound Energy. I thought that this was outrageous.

[tortoisegirl]

Do you get it back after a certain amount of time, or only when you discontinue service?

[Pittgal]

Originally Posted by tortoisegirl

Do you get it back after a certain amount of time, or only when you discontinue service?

At the end of your first year of service it is credited to your bill.

[tortoisegirl]

At least that is better than our current water company, which still has our $150+ deposit after almost three years of service. I'm sure hoping we'll be getting that back soon after closing out service with them.

I just realized that our current electric bill is under a former roommates name (they wouldn't let us change names without interrupting service), so we'd have to see if a letter of credit reference from the gas company will work to try and avoid a deposit. Worth a shot I guess.

[Kmag2OOO]

I've never paid a deposit for either water or electric. I've used PSE and City Light. In rural areas it was Puget power who didn't require one and of course well source for water. Cable I would think would be the same here as there, it's the same providers. I've never used gas or oil.

[tortoisegirl]

I think we may get out of paying a deposit on electric or water. Our future apartment complex said they would set it up for us. No word yet on Cable though.

[wannabeaTexan]

Originally Posted by tortoisegirl

I think we may get out of paying a deposit on electric or water. Our future apartment complex said they would set it up for us. No word yet on Cable though.

That probably means they are going to send your info into PSE or Seattle City Light...won't save you on the power bill. In an apt, you shouldn't need a deposit for water.

[lorenahooper]

Believe me PSE will charge a deposit.I have been a customer for almost 20 years and every time I have moved it has been increased.I have always paid my bills maybe late but paid none the less.Now my deposit has reached $542.00 this is an outrage.

[Hemlock140]

PSE charges a deposit on all accounts where the person or business has not had service before. It's give back after a year if all payments are made on time. They will also charge a deposit based on poor payment record or bad checks, at any time, and that one they keep until you move out of their service area. On most of the eastside King County PSE does gas and electric.

Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities are both city agencies. Effective about a week ago, tenants can no longer put water/sewer/garbage bills in their names. By dealing only with owners, they can put a lien on the property if the bill is not paid. Watch out for landlords who exploit this to make a profit on the utilities by charging more than the city does.

City light will allow the bill in the tenant's name but will also notify the landlord if you are delinquent. They do not normally charge a deposit on a new residential account.