Sec.16-11-32a. Customer deposits

(a) Each gas company may require from any customer other than residential customers as defined in section 16-3-200 (a) (3) or prospective customer other than a prospective residential customer as defined in section 16-3-200 (a) (4) a deposit to guarantee payment of bills. Such deposit shall not exceed an amount equivalent to the estimated maximum bill for ninety days.

(b) Each utility having on hand deposits from customers, or hereafter receiving deposits from customers, shall keep records to show: (i) the name of the customer making the deposit; (ii) the account number of other identification of the premises occupied by the customer when the deposit was made; (iii) the amount and date of making the deposit; (iv) a record of each transaction concerning the deposit.

(c) Each utility shall issue a receipt to every customer from whom a deposit is received and shall provide means whereby the depositor may receive his deposit or balance if such receipt is lost.

(d) Interest on any security deposit received from a customer for each calendar year shall be paid at the rate prescribed in Section 16-262j of the general statutes. Interest shall accrue daily and shall be paid or credited to the customer's account annually. Accrued interest shall be paid upon return of the deposit if such return is made at other than the annual payment date for interest.

(e) The deposit shall cease to draw interest on the date it is returned, on the date service is terminated or on the date notice is sent to the customer's last-known address that the deposit is no longer required.

(f) A record of each unclaimed deposit and the interest thereon shall be maintained until the funds are paid over to the state treasurer under the escheat provisions of the general statutes. During this time the utility shall make a reasonable effort to return the deposit and accrued interest.

(g) Deposits by customers other than residential customers as defined in section 16-3-200 (a) (3) may be retained by the utility as long as required to insure payment of bills.

(h) Upon final discontinuance of service the utility may apply such deposit, including accrued interest, to any amount due from the customer for service. Any balance due to the customer shall be promptly refunded.

(i) Deposits by customers other than residential customers, as defined in section 16-3-200 (a) (3) shall be returned, together with accrued interest, where satisfactory credit has been established.

(Effective August 19, 1992; Amended August 5, 1997)