New York Utility Deposit Bond: A Comprehensive Guide
This guide provides information for insurance agents to help their customers obtain a New York Utility Deposit bond.
At a Glance:
- Average Cost: Between 2% to 10% of the bond amount per year based on the applicant’s credit
- Bond Amount: Determined on a case-by-case basis
- Who Needs it: Certain individuals and businesses that do not want to pay a cash deposit before receiving utility services
- Purpose: To ensure utility companies receive compensation for financial harm if the customer fails to pay their utility bills
- Who Requires Utility Deposit Bonds in New York: Utility companies that provide services to the general public
Background
Utility companies in New York often require customers expected to generate large monthly bills to pay a security deposit before initiating service. The security deposit protects utility companies from losses if the consumer fails to pay their monthly bills on time and in full. However, certain utility companies in New York allow customers to purchase and maintain a surety bond in lieu of depositing cash. Unlike most surety bonds, utility deposit bonds are not required by a government agency but by the utility company providing the service (unless a municipality owns the utility company).
What is the Purpose of the New York Utility Deposit Bond?
Certain utility companies in New York require consumers that do not wish to pay a security deposit to purchase a surety bond as a prerequisite to obtaining utility services. The bond ensures that the utility company will receive compensation for financial harm if the consumer fails to comply with the provisions laid out in the bond form. Specifically, the bond protects the utility company if the consumer does not pay their monthly bills. In short, the bond is a type of insurance that protects utility companies if the consumer fails to remit all required payments.
How Can an Insurance Agent Obtain a New York Utility Deposit Surety Bond?
BondExchange makes obtaining a New York 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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Which Companies Allow Utility Deposit Bonds in New York?
The following New York utility companies allow customers to purchase a surety bond in lieu of depositing cash:
Central Hudson Gas & Electric
New commercial customers must either purchase a surety bond or deposit cash before initiating service. The bond amount must equal twice the location’s actual or estimated average monthly bill. Existing commercial customers may be required to pay a security deposit if their account becomes delinquent, they file for bankruptcy or are in reorganization, or they received service at any point during the past 12 months through tampered equipment.
Agents can contact Central Hudson Gas & Electric here.
conEdison
New commercial customers are required to purchase a surety bond or deposit cash. The bond amount must equal twice the location’s average monthly bill during the previous 12 months. If the location if a new construction, conEdison will estimate the monthly bill based on that of a similar business. Customers whose usage varies widely may have their bond amount set at twice their average monthly bill during their peak season. Existing customers may have to pay a security deposit if their account becomes delinquent, they file for bankruptcy or are in a reorganization, or if they tamper with their meter.
Agents can contact conEdison here.
Long Island Power Authority (LIPA)
Commercial customers applying for service must either purchase a surety bond or deposit cash. The bond amount must equal twice the location’s actual or estimated average monthly bill during a 12-month period or the customer’s peak season. Existing customers may need to pay a security deposit if their account becomes delinquent, they file for bankruptcy or reorganization, or they tamper with their meter.
Agents can contact LIPA here.
National Grid
Non-residential customers must either purchase a surety bond or deposit cash. The bond amount must equal twice the location’s actual or estimated average monthly bill during a 12-month period. The bond amount for businesses with varying usage must reflect their peak season.
Agents can contact National Grid here.
Natural Fuel Gas Company
New non-residential customers are required to purchase a surety bond or deposit cash. The bond amount must equal twice the location’s average monthly bill during peak consumption. Existing customers may also be required to submit a security deposit if their account is at risk of delinquency, they file for bankruptcy or reorganization, or they tamper with their meter.
Agents can contact Natural Fuel Gas Company here.
New York State Electric and Gas Corporation (NYSEG)
New customers must either purchase a surety bond or deposit cash before initiating service. The bond amount is determined on a case-by-case basis based on the customer’s estimated usage.
Agents can contact NYSEG here.
Orange and Rockland Utilities
Both residential and non-residential customers may opt to purchase a surety bond instead of depositing cash. The bond amount must equal twice the location’s actual or estimated average monthly bill.
Agents can contact Orange and Rockland Utilities here. Monthly pay-as-you-go options are not available for Orange and Rockland Utility Deposit bonds.
PSEG Long Island
New commercial customers are required to purchase a surety bond or deposit cash in an amount equal to twice the location’s actual or estimated average monthly bill.
Agents can contact PSEG Long Island here.
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.
Is a Credit Check Required for the New York Utility Deposit Bond?
Surety companies will run a credit check on the applicant to determine eligibility and pricing for the New York 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 York Utility Deposit Bond Cost?
Most New York Utility Deposit bonds will cost anywhere between 2% to 10% 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 | $1,000 | $100 |
Utility Deposit bonds required by PSEG Long Island are priced differently and can cost anywhere between 2% to 7.5% of the bond amount per year. Below is the approximate cost on a $10,000 bond requirement.
| 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.
How Do New York Utility Customers File Their Bonds?
Utility customers in New York should submit their completed bond forms, including the power of attorney, to the company requiring the bond. The surety bond requires signatures from both the surety company that issues the bond and from the customer. In some instances, the bond will require witness signatures as well. Generally, the surety company will include the following information on the bond form:
- Name and address of entity/individual(s) buying the bond
- Surety company’s name and address
- Entity requiring the bond
- Bond amount
- Date the bond is signed
- Date the bond goes into effect
What Can Utility Customers in New York Do to Avoid Claims Against Their Bonds?
To avoid claims on their bonds, utility customers in New York must ensure they pay their utility bills on time and in full.
What Other Insurance Products Can Agents Offer Utility Customers in New York?
Utility companies generally only require 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.