New Hampshire Utility Deposit Bond: A Comprehensive Guide
At a Glance:
- Average Cost: Between 2% to 7.5% of the bond amount per year based on the applicant’s credit
- Bond Amount: Equal to two times the location’s average monthly bill (more on this later)
- Who Needs it: Certain individuals and businesses that do not want to pay a cash deposit to activate utility services
- Purpose: To ensure utility companies receive compensation for financial harm if the business fails to pay their utility bills
- Who Requires Utility Deposit Bonds in New Hampshire: Liberty Utilities
Background
New Hampshire Puc 1203.03 grants utility companies the authority to require consumers to pay a security deposit before initiating service. Security deposits help ensure utility companies do not suffer financial harm if customers do not pay their bills. In lieu of depositing cash, Liberty Utilities allows commercial customers to purchase and maintain a surety bond.
What is the Purpose of the New Hampshire Utility Deposit Bond?
Liberty Utilities requires commercial customers not wishing to deposit cash to purchase a surety bond as a prerequisite to obtaining utility services. The bond ensures that the company will receive compensation for financial harm if the customer fails to comply with the provisions laid out in the bond form. Specifically, the bond protects the utility company if the customer does not pay their monthly bills. In short, the bond is a type of insurance that protects utility companies if the customer fails to remit all required payments.
How Can an Insurance Agent Obtain a New Hampshire Utility Deposit Surety Bond?
BondExchange makes obtaining a New Hampshire Utility Deposit Surety Bond easy. Simply login to your account and use our keyword search to find the “utility” bond in our database. Don’t have a login? Gain access now and let us help you satisfy your customers’ needs. Our friendly underwriting staff is available by phone (800) 438-1162, email, or chat from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM EST to assist you.
At BondExchange, our 40 years of experience, leading technology, and access to markets ensures that we have the knowledge and resources to provide your clients with fast and friendly service whether obtaining quotes or issuing bonds.
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How is the Bond Amount Determined?
The bond amount must equal two times the location’s average monthly bill during a 12-month period. If the location is a new construction, Liberty Utilities will estimate the average monthly bill based on that of a similar location.
Is a Credit Check Required for the New Hampshire Utility Deposit Bond?
Surety companies will run a credit check on the applicant to determine eligibility and pricing for the New Hampshire Utility Deposit bond. Applicants with excellent credit and work experience can expect to receive the best rates. Applicants with poor credit may be declined by some surety companies or pay higher rates. The credit check is a “soft hit”, meaning that the credit check will not affect the applicant’s credit.
How Much Does the New Hampshire Utility Deposit Bond Cost?
The New Hampshire Utility Deposit bond can cost anywhere between 2% to 7.5% of the bond amount per year. Insurance companies determine the rate based on a number of factors, including your customer’s credit score and experience. The chart below offers a quick reference for the approximate bond cost on a $10,000 bond requirement.
$10,000 Utility Deposit Bond Cost
| Credit Score* | Bond Cost (1 year) | Bond Cost (1 month) |
|---|---|---|
| 800+ | $200 | $20 |
| 650 – 799 | $500 | $50 |
| 600 – 649 | $750 | $75 |
*The credit score ranges do not include other factors that may result in a change to the annual premium offered to your customers, including but not limited to, years of experience and underlying credit factors contained within the business owner’s credit report.
Who May Purchase a New Hampshire Utility Deposit Bond?
Liberty Utilities allows commercial customers to purchase a surety bond in lieu of depositing cash. The bond must be purchased and filed within 30 days of the account opening.
BondExchange now offers monthly pay-as-you-go subscriptions for surety bonds. Your customers are able to purchase their bonds on a monthly basis and cancel them anytime. Learn more here.
How do Liberty Utilities Commercial Customers Obtain Utility Services?
Commercial customers of Liberty Utilities must navigate several steps to obtain utility services, as outlined below.
Step 1 – Complete the Start Service Form
To start service, commercial customers must complete the start service form located here. A representative from Liberty Utilities will contact the customer to confirm their service address and schedule a turn-on date.
Step 2 – Purchase a Surety Bond or Deposit Cash
Commercial customers must either purchase a surety bond or deposit cash (limits outlined above).
How Do New Hampshire Utility Customers File Their Bonds?
Utility customers in New Hampshire should submit their completed bond forms, including the power of attorney, to their nearest Liberty Utilities office (confirm this with the customer service rep when initiating service).
The surety bond requires signatures, including witness signatures, from the surety company that issues the bond and the customer. The surety company will include the following information on the bond form:
- Name of the entity/individual(s) buying the bond
- Surety company’s name and state of incorporation
- Entity requiring the bond (Liberty Utilities)
- Bond amount
- Date the bond is signed
What Can Utility Customers in New Hampshire Do to Avoid Claims Against Their Bonds?
To avoid claims on their bonds, utility customers in New Hampshire must ensure they pay their utility bills on time and in full.
What Other Insurance Products Can Agents Offer Utility Customers in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire only requires businesses to be bonded. As such, agents can offer their customers general business and liability insurance in addition to the utility deposit bond. Bonds are our only business at BondExchange, so we do not issue liability insurance, but our agents often utilize brokers for this specific line of business. A list of brokers in this space can be found here.
Should Your Customer Purchase a Surety Bond or Deposit Cash?
Surety bonds are generally considered the better option for businesses, as they free up working capital that would otherwise have to be deposited with the utility company. For more information on whether your customer should purchase a bond or deposit cash, check out our Surety Bonds vs. Letters of Credit article here.