R12‑05  REFUND OF DEPOSIT

(a)  Upon discontinuance of service, the utility shall promptly and automatically refund the customer's deposit plus accrued interest, or the balance, if any, in excess of the unpaid bills for service furnished by the utility. A transfer of service from one premises to another within the service area of the utility shall not be deemed a discontinuance within the meaning of these rules.

(b)  On one stated date each calendar year, each utility company shall review its customers deposit accounts and shall automatically refund the deposit of any customer who has paid his bills for service for the preceding twelve consecutive bills without having had service discontinued for nonpayment of bill or had more than two occasions in which a bill was not paid when it became due, and the customer is not then delinquent in the payment of his bills.

(c)  The utility shall promptly return the deposit, plus accrued interest, at any time upon request, if the customer's credit has been otherwise established in accordance with Rule R12‑2 of these rules.

(d)  At the option of the utility, a deposit, plus accrued interest, may be refunded, in whole or in part, at any time earlier than the times hereinabove prescribed in this rule.

(NCUC Docket No. M‑100, Sub 28, 5/6/70.)