Georgia Utility Service Deposit Estimator
Estimate the security deposit required when establishing utility service in Georgia. Deposit amounts are based on Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) guidelines and typical utility company policies.
Formula & Methodology
Base Deposit = 2 × Average Monthly Bill
Credit Adjustment:
- Excellent Credit (Residential): Deposit waived
- Excellent Credit (Commercial): Base × 0.5
- Good Credit / No History: Base × 1.0 (standard)
- Fair Credit: Base × 1.5
- Poor Credit: Base × 2.0
Prior Service Adjustment: Good standing → −25% reduction; Prior unpaid balance → added to total due at connection.
Commercial Multiplier: × 1.5 (commercial accounts carry higher risk)
Combined Service: Electric + Gas deposits are summed (× 2)
Low-Income Reduction: −50% for qualifying program participants
Senior Discount: −25% for customers age 65+ with good/excellent credit
PSC Cap: Maximum deposit = 2.5 × Average Monthly Bill (per service)
Minimum Deposit: $50 residential / $100 commercial
Deposit Return with Interest: Returned after 12 consecutive on-time payments or at service termination with zero balance, plus PSC-mandated annual interest.
Assumptions & References
- Based on Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) Rule 515-3-2 governing utility deposits for regulated electric and gas utilities.
- The standard deposit equals two times the average monthly bill, consistent with Georgia PSC and Georgia Power, Atlanta Gas Light, and other regulated utility tariffs.
- Deposit waiver for excellent credit is consistent with Georgia Power's and Atlanta Gas Light's published tariff provisions allowing waiver for customers with satisfactory credit scores (typically 700+).
- Low-income reductions reflect Georgia PSC low-income provisions and the Georgia Lifeline program for qualifying customers enrolled in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, TANF, or similar federal assistance programs.
- Interest on deposits is mandated by Georgia PSC at a rate set annually; this calculator does not compute interest earned.
- Water and sewer utilities in Georgia are regulated by local municipalities and may follow different deposit schedules; estimates for water service are approximations.
- Outstanding prior balances must be paid in full before new service is established, per standard Georgia utility practice.
- Commercial deposit multipliers reflect higher average consumption and credit risk typical of business accounts.
- This tool provides estimates only. Actual deposit requirements are set by individual utility providers and may differ. Always confirm with your specific utility company.
- References: Georgia PSC Rules Chapter 515-3; Georgia Power Company Tariff; Atlanta Gas Light Tariff; O.C.G.A. § 46-2-1 et seq.