Deposits can be required, however, when the applicant has:
An unpaid, undisputed bill owed to any utility;
Tampered with Gas Company equipment;
Misrepresented his or her identity or credit standing;
Requested service at a residence at which he or she does not reside;
Presented the utility with two (2) or more non-sufficient funds or no account checks within the past two (2) years;
Requested service at a residence at which another household member has an unpaid, undisputed account pending;
No favorable service history available from any utility over the past six (6) years;
Had gas service shut off for non payment, or,
As allowed by federal bankruptcy laws.
When a security deposit is required, in most cases it cannot be more than twice the average monthly bill for the residence or, if consumption history is not available, not more than twice SEMCO ENERGY's system monthly average. When unauthorized natural gas usage (gas theft) is detected, the required deposits can be up to four (4) times the average monthly bill for the residence.
Deposits are refunded after bills have been paid by the due date and no shut off notices have been issued for 12 consecutive months. Deposits required as a result of gas theft can be held for up to 36 consecutive months. Should a customer move and no longer receive service from SEMCO ENERGY, the deposit will be applied to the final bill. Any amount remaining will be refunded by check.
For more detailed information about service deposit and refund requirements and procedures, review your SEMCO ENERGY customer handbook, contact Customer Service by phone at 1-800-624-2019 or by e-mail: customer.service@semcoenergy.com.
The 2009 federal stimulus package provides greater tax advantages for energy-efficiency improvements made to your existing primary residence and gives you a longer time to make those improvements.
Highlights include:
The credits, previously effective for 2009, have been extended to include improvements made in 2010.
The tax credit has increased from 10 percent to 30 percent.
The maximum credit for most improvements has increased from $500 to $1,500 over the two years.
The tax credits for specific amounts - such as the $200 cap for windows - have been changed to 30 percent of the cost, up to the $1,500 total.
Eligible improvements must be completed between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2010. The credits can not be applied to windows, doors, insulation, roofs, heating, air conditioning or non-solar water heaters on new home construction.
For more details, visit www.energystar.gov and select the Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency button at the lower left of the page.
