Following are the categories of credit, their definitions, and the deposits which may be required:

1. (1) "Satisfactory credit," within the last year of service the customer has not had service disconnected for nonpayment of a bill for services rendered and has received less than three disconnection notices. The utility may not require an applicant for service or an existing customer to establish or reestablish credit pursuant to § 20:10:19:02 or 20:10:19:02.01 if that customer or applicant for service exhibits satisfactory credit;
2. (2) "Unsatisfactory credit," the customer has had one or more disconnects in the last year of service, three or more disconnection notices in the last year of service, or has an undisputed outstanding debt with that utility. The utility may require that a customer reestablish credit pursuant to § 20:10:19:02 or 20:10:19:02.01. If a customer is unable to pay the full amount of a deposit, the utility shall accept payment of the deposit in installments over a period of not more than four months;
3. (3) "Unknown credit," the customer has no known energy purchase experience. The utility may require that the applicant establish credit pursuant to § 20:10:19:02 or 20:10:19:02.01, but the utility shall allow the customer to choose the option the customer prefers.

Source: 3 SDR 2, effective July 19, 1976; 12 SDR 86, effective November 24, 1985; 12 SDR 151, 12 SDR 155, effective July 1, 1986; 13 SDR 40, effective October 14, 1986.

General Authority: SDCL 49-34A-4.

Law Implemented: SDCL 49-34A-3 , 49-34A-4 , 49-34A-27.