The Missouri Public Service Commission regulates investor-owned electric, steam, natural gas, water and sewer and telephone companies. Its mission is to ensure Missouri consumers have access to safe, reliable and reasonably priced utility service while allowing those utility companies under our jurisdiction an opportunity to earn a reasonable return on their investment. The PSC also regulates manufacturers and retail dealers who sell new and used manufactured homes and modular units. The commission was established in 1913. The PSC is comprised of five commissioners, who are appointed by the governor.
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Learn More About Utility Deposits
Applying for and obtaining utility service is like entering into a contract. Some of the information the utility company may ask for is the same as when applying for credit. Utility providers may require a deposit to begin service if you cannot meet certain credit standards. The amount of the security deposit varies from company to company.
Information about your employment, record of prior utility service and income may be requested to allow the utility company to determine whether or not a security deposit will be required.
Continued Service
A utililty may require a deposit as a condition of continued service if:
-- The service of the customer has been discontinued by the utility for nonpayment of a past due account;
-- The customer tampered with or illegally received the service of the utility; or
-- The customer has failed to pay an undisputed bill on or before the delinquent date for five billing periods out of 12 consecutive monthly billing periods, or two quarters out of four consecutive quarters.
New Service
A utility may require a deposit as a condition of new residential service if:
-- The customer has an unpaid bill within the last five years and, at the time of the request for service, that bill remains unpaid and is not being challenged;
-- The customer has tampered with or illegally received the service of a utility within the last five years; or
--The customer is unable to establish an acceptable credit rating under standards filed with and approved by the commission.
Note: Deposit policy and amount due may vary by utility company.
What If You Can't Pay The Deposit?
If you are unable to pay the full deposit, you may request to pay it in installments. Deposits are refunded or credited with accrued interest once satisfactory payment of all undisputed bills during the last 12 billing periods or four consecutive quarters has been met or if you close your account. Some companies accept a written guarantee of payment by an existing customer with good credit instead of a cash deposit.