A Utility Deposit Bond, or Utility Bond is a type of surety bond that protects a supplier of utility services from non-payment by the person or entity using those services. These utility suppliers are often water, gas, or electric companies providing these services to homes and businesses. These bonds are a type of financial guarantee.
Utility Deposit Bonds are often confused with Utility Investment Bonds. They are very different. Utility Investment Bonds are debt instruments that investors can purchase from utility companies. These utility companies promise to pay investors back with interest on these bonds.
Utilities companies such as water, electric, gas companies provide necessary services to both residential and commercial properties. These utility companies often invoice for services after they have been provided and may not be able to easily shut off services for non-payment. Therefore, a deposit is often required from the customer to provide protection against non-payment to the utility. A Utility Bond is one such way to meet the deposit requirements.
The Principal on a Utility Bond is the person or company that is required to file a deposit with the Utility Company. The Principal pays a fee to a Surety Bond Company, who in return, provides a guarantee to the Utility Company. The Utility Company is the Obligee. They receive a promise from the Surety Bond Company that if the Principal does not pay their utility bill, the Utility company can make a claim and collect the bond amount from the surety bond company. Utility Bonds are a type of financial guarantee bond. They basically guarantee the payment of the utility bill or give the Utility company financial recourse against the bond company.
It depends on the Utility. Some utility companies require that all customers provide a utility deposit to guarantee payment. Others may only require a utility deposit if the customer has a history of being behind on payments or if the customer has unacceptable credit for the particular utility.
For commercial buildings, utility bonds are often required by all building owners. These utility bills can be significant and it provides a way of protecting the utility in the event that the building owner gets into financial distress.
In some cases, the Utility Bond is provided by the Owner of the commercial building. In other scenarios, the Utility may require a Utility Bond from each business that is leasing space in a building.
It depends on the Utility requiring the bond and the amount needed. Many smaller utility bonds can be purchased instantly online. These bonds may be written easily, often with only a personal credit check of the individual or business owner. You can search for these Utility Bonds by state below:
However, for larger Utility Bonds and bonds for individuals and companies with a history of payment delinquencies, more information may be required. Often this information includes a financial statement on the company or personal financial statements of the individuals. Surety Bond companies will want to make sure the individuals or companies have the financial resources available to make their payments and avoid a claim on the bond.
Commercial property owners that need many utility bonds may choose to provide CPA prepared financial statements. These statements allow us to set up a surety line of credit so that additional Utility Bonds are easy to obtain and easy to renew each year.
Even those with credit challenges or who have been delinquent in the past can usually obtain a utility bond. The cost may increase but there are programs available for nearly all applicants.
The cost of a Utility Bond is directly related to the amount of the required bond. Strong companies and individuals can usually obtain a bond for about 1% of the bond amount. Others may pay as much as 10% depending on their credit history and financial strength.
Generally, yes. We have programs for people and companies in all circumstances and can help almost anyone obtain a utility bond. Some programs are available that may not even require a credit check. Contact our people for the best option for your situation.
A utility customer usually has 3 options for a deposit with a utility company. They can post cash, an Irrevocable Letter of Credit (ILOC) or a Utility Deposit Bond.
Cash is the least preferred option for most parties. It has to be fully funded and therefore is cash that cannot be used for other purposes.
For example, suppose a business is required to post a $5,000 utility deposit guarantee. Using cash, the business would need to come out of pocket with the entire $5,000. However, purchasing a surety bond at a cost of 3%, that business would only use $150 in cash. That $4,500 difference could be used for other purposes. More can be read about Surety Bonds vs. Cash here.
Some commercial companies choose to use ILOCs but with interest rates rising, this is becoming a more expensive option. ILOCs also tie up other borrowing abilities. More can be read about the advantages and disadvantages of ILOCs here.
Axcess Surety is the premier provider of surety bonds nationally. We work individuals and businesses across the country to provide the best surety bond programs at the best price.
