We can ask for a deposit only if there is some proof that you will be a credit risk, that is, that you may not pay your future bills. In most cases, "proof that you will be a credit risk" is considered to be shown if you have an unpaid bill when you apply for service or you have been disconnected for nonpayment, unauthorized use or theft of services. These are not all the situations in which we can require a deposit. You have the right to show us evidence that you can and will pay your future bills and avoid a deposit request.

When We Require a Deposit
lWe must inform you in writing.
lWe must tell you what you can do to begin or continue service.
lYou can ask for proof that you are a credit risk.
lWe will tell you what to do if you disagree with the deposit request or amount.
lWe will pay interest on your deposit.
lWe will give you a choice between a cash deposit and allowing another person to "guarantee" your bills up to the deposit amount. The guarantor must be a customer in good standing with us.
 

Deposit Amount; Payment Options
   We can require a deposit that is equal to your anticipated bills for two billing periods.
   You can usually have a choice to pay the deposit in full or in three payments, with half the total due immediately, 25% in thirty (30) days and 25% in sixty (60) days. However, we may demand a full payment of a deposit if you are already using a payment plan to pay off an unpaid bill.

Return of Deposit
   We will return your deposit with interest if you pay your bills on time for 12 consecutive months.

Billing Schedules
   QUARTERLY, for the periods of (January 1 - March 31), (April 1 - June 31), (July 1 - September 31), and (October 1 - December 31). Bills are mailed out in the first full week of January, April, July, and October.

Estimated Bills
   We will try to send you a bill based on your actual usage, but we can send you estimated bills for service. We will not send you two (2) estimated bills in a row, except during extreme weather conditions, emergencies, work stoppages or similar circumstances that would prevent our employees from reading your meter; or if you receive bills on a seasonal basis.

Make-up Bills
   If we have to issue a make-up bill for past service that you were not billed for; we will offer you a payment plan. If the reason for the make up bill is our fault (equipment failure or our billing error; for example), you will be billed for only one (1) year of past service even if the billing mistake was for a longer time.

Previous Bills
   If you ask for it, we will give you a record of your usage going back a maximum of thirteen (13) months.

Third-party Notice of Bills and Notices
   Let us know if you want another person to get a copy of any bill or disconnection notice we send you. We will send a copy to the person you designate, but you are still responsible for payment. This service may be especially important for our elderly, disabled and handicapped customers.

Accuracy of Meters
   We test your meter regularly to make sure it is operating correctly. The Maine Public Utilities Commission establishes the schedule of required meter tests and the accuracy standards that a meter must meet. If you want your meter tested for accuracy, we will do so at no extra cost to you, although if you ask more often than once every 18 months we will charge you a reasonable fee for this test. You have the right to be present when the meter is tested, but you have to make an appointment.
   You can check the accuracy of your bill and monitor your own usage by reading the meter yourself. Call and ask us for information on how to read your meter.