New Service Requirements

Humboldt Utilities

Board of Public Utilities

Schedule of Rules and Regulations


1. Application for Service

Humboldt Utilities (HU) requires each prospective Customer desiring utility service to complete the following before service is connected.

  • Complete an application for service
  • Provide Two (2) forms of valid State/Federal Identification Cards
  • Provide Two (2) names of the nearest relatives with address and phone number
  • If Renting – Provide a rent receipt or statement from the landlord, with the address of the rental property and the name of the current tenant.

2. Deposit

A deposit or suitable guarantee may be required of any Customer before utility service is supplied. Interest is accrued monthly and paid annually as a credit to accounts receivable in May based on current interest rates on passbook savings accounts. The deposit balance including earned interest as well as the adequacy of such deposit shall be subject to review by Customer and Humboldt Utilities. Upon termination of service, the deposit will be applied against unpaid bills of Customer, and if any balance remains after such application is made, said balance shall be refunded to Customer.

Standard Commercial Deposits:

  • The deposit will be set based on two times the highest bill in the last 12 months. If history on the account is not adequate to determine an appropriate deposit amount, history from a similar location will be used. In lieu of cash deposit, a commercial customer may choose to provide a Letter of Credit, Surety Bond, or a Certificate of Deposit (CD) made to the customer AND Humboldt Utilities. If a customer chooses a CD, they must endorse the certificate, and Humboldt Utilities will keep the original on file. Commercial Deposits shall be at least $300 as stated below. (Same as the Residential Deposit)

    New Service Accounts
    Service Type Deposit Amount Service Charge
    Pay-UR-Way No Deposit $10 Electric
    $10 Water
    $10 Gas
    Standard Minimum Deposit:
    Electric = $150
    Water = $50
    Gas = $100
    Total = $300
    $10 Electric
    $10 Water
    $10 Gas
    Temporary Construction Minimum Deposit:
    Electric = $75
    Water = $25
    Gas = $50
    Total = $150
    $10 Electric
    $10 Water
    $10 Gas

    Transfer of Existing Service
    Service Type Service Charge
    Pay-UR-Way $10 Electric
    $10 Water
    $10 Gas
    Standard $10 Electric
    $10 Water
    $10 Gas


Residential Deposits:

  • Residential deposits are a flat fee and are equal to or less than twice the highest average monthly bill for the residential rate class.

    New Service Accounts
    Service Type Deposit Amount Service Charge
    Pay-UR-Way No Deposit $10 Electric
    $10 Water
    $10 Gas
    Standard Minimum Deposit:
    Electric = $150
    Water = $50
    Gas = $100
    Total = $300
    $10 Electric
    $10 Water
    $10 Gas
    Temporary Construction Minimum Deposit:
    Electric = $75
    Water = $25
    Gas = $50
    Total = $150
    $10 Electric
    $10 Water
    $10 Gas

    Transfer of Existing Service
    Service Type Service Charge
    Pay-UR-Way $10 Electric
    $10 Water
    $10 Gas
    Standard $10 Electric
    $10 Water
    $10 Gas


Additional Deposit Information:

  • Service disconnection for non-payment of utility billStandard Residential Service
    • If a customer’s service is disconnected for non-payment, a $25 additional deposit is required, as well as a $30 reconnect fee. The $25 additional deposit will be held with any other deposits in the customer’s name, with current HU’s passbook savings account interest rates applied. After business hours, the reconnect fee will be $40 for reconnection.

  • If a Standard Commercial Customer’s Service is disconnected for non-payment, a $50 additional deposit is required, as well as a $30 reconnect fee. The $50 additional deposit will be held with any other deposits in the customer’s name, with current HU’s passbook savings account interest rates applied. After business hours, the reconnect fee will be $40.

  • Returned Checks, ACH, or Credit / Debit card payments:

    • Per guidelines of the Returned Check policy, if HU no longer accepts certain payment types due to returns from the bank or if a payment is returned due to “Account Closed”, customers will be required to pay a deposit if they do not have one or to upgrade if their deposit is not current. Returned Check fee will be a minimum of $20.

Interest Paid on Deposit:

Interest will be paid on active deposits based on the following criteria:

  • The interest rate will be based on current interest rates on HU’s passbook savings accounts
  • Interest will be paid in May of each year
  • Credit will be applied to the customer’s account

3. Point of Delivery

The point of delivery is the point, as designated by HU, on the Customer’s premises where utilities are to be delivered to the building or premises. All wiring and equipment beyond this point of delivery shall be provided and maintained by the Customer at no expense to HU.


4. Customer's Wiring Standards

All wiring of the Customer must conform to HU’s requirements and accepted modern standards, as exemplified by the requirements of the National Electrical Safety Code and the National Electrical Code.


5. Inspections

HU shall have the right, but shall not be obligated, to inspect any installation before utilities are introduced or at any later time, and reserves the right to reject any wiring/plumbing or appliances not in accordance with HU’s standards; but such inspection or failure to inspect or reject shall not render HU liable or responsible for any loss or damage resulting from defects in the installation, wiring/plumbing, or appliances, or from violation of HU’s rules, or from accidents which may occur upon Customer’s premises.


6. Underground Distribution and Service Facilities

The furnishings of underground distribution and service facilities to customers and/or developers will be in accordance with HU’s standard policies for such installations. A statement of these policies is available upon request to HU.


7. Customer’s Responsibility for Distributor’s Property

All meters, service connections, and other equipment furnished by HU shall be and remain, the property of HU. Customer shall provide a space for and exercise proper care to protect the property of HU on its premises, and, in the event of loss or damage to HU’s property arising from neglect of Customer to care for same, the cost of the necessary repairs or replacements shall be paid by Customer.


8. Right of Access

HU’s identified employees shall have access to the Customer’s premises at all reasonable times for the purpose of reading meters, testing, repairing, removing, or exchanging any or all equipment belonging to HU.


9. Billing

Bills will be rendered monthly and shall be paid at the HU office or other methods designated by HU. Failure to receive bill will not release Customer from payment obligation. Net payment period is a minimum of fifteen (15) days after the Billing Date. Should bills not be paid by the due date specified on the bill, HU may at any time thereafter discontinue service. Bills paid on or before the final date of payment shall be payable at the net rates, but thereafter, penalties will be added for all past due balances at the rate of 5% for the first $250.00 of the past due balance plus 1% of the remaining past due balance over $250.00 as provided in the Schedule of Rates and Charges. Should the final date for payment of the bill at the net rates fall on a weekend or holiday, the next business day next following the final date will be held as a day of grace for delivery of payment. Net rate remittances received by mail after the time limit for payment of said net rates will be accepted by HU if the incoming envelope bears the United States Post Office date stamp of the final date for payment of the net amount or any date prior thereto.


10. Pay Arrangements

If a customer’s bill becomes past due and the customer is unable to pay the total balance due but wishes to retain services, the customer must agree to the following arrangements:

  1. Customer must pay at least one-half the amount due at the time arrangements are made.
  2. Customer must pay the remaining balance within 2-3 weeks. (Due date and the amount will be noted on the agreement)
  3. If services have been terminated before arrangements are made, a reconnect fee will also be required. ($30 for normal business hours, $40 for after hours, $10 for Pay-UR-Way customers)

This arrangement covers only the bill which is presently due. Separate arrangements must be made for any subsequent bills which may become past due. Only two (2) partial-pay arrangements will be allowed during a twelve (12) month period. Customers who wish to retain services after the maximum allowed two (2) partial-pay arrangements can do so by participating in the Pay-UR-Way program.

Should the customer fail to fulfill the terms of the agreement, the entire amount will be due immediately or services will be terminated. Exceptions to this arrangement will only be granted under the Medical Hardship section of this document or an exception approved by a Customer Review Committee consisting of three people:

  • Customer Accounts Representative or Service Department Manager
  • General Manager or Office Manager
  • One other Department Head or Supervisory Level Employee

This committee will determine the eligibility of the customer for any special arrangements to pay. If such a special arrangement is granted, the Committee will determine the schedule of payments and the method of handling subsequent bills which the customer will receive. As always, failure to meet the requirements of this arrangement will result in the entire balance becoming due immediately and the possible termination of service.


11. Pay-UR-Way

HU offers a Pay-UR-Way program for those customers who prefer to purchase/pay for utilities in advance. Pay-UR-Way allows customers to structure payments in a way that best fits their needs. Customers electing to participate in Pay-UR-Way are required to remain in the program for six (6) months. After that period, customers may choose to return to the Standard billing method by agreeing to a soft credit check and paying a deposit. Customers who are required to participate in Pay-UR-Way due to disconnection of service for non-payment are required to remain on Pay-UR-Way until service is disconnected by customer request. To begin Pay-UR-Way, the customer must pay a $10 per service per meter + $70 minimum that is credited to the customer’s account for future utility use. Once established, customers should pay a $30 minimum payment on Pay-UR-Way.


12. Debt Recovery

For instances where a customer has a past due bill, customers may elect one of the following options:

  • Customer must pay the previously owed balance in full, or
  • Customer must enroll in the Pay-UR-Way program, where 40% of every payment will be used as payment of the previously owed balance until the amount is paid in full.

13. Termination of Service by Distributor

HU may refuse to connect or may discontinue service for the violation of any of its Rules and Regulations, or for violation of any of the provisions of the Schedule of Rates and Charges, or for violation of the application of Customer or contract with Customer. HU may discontinue service to Customer for the theft of current or the appearance of current theft devices on the premises of Customer. The discontinuance of service by HU for any causes as stated in this rule does not release Customer from the obligation to HU for the payment of minimum bills as specified in application of Customer or contract with Customer.

Termination of Service for non-payment of utility bills will occur based on the following guidelines:

  • Customer will be allowed a minimum of ten (10) days after Due Date before termination of service.
  • HU will provide a separate late notice two (2) business days after the Due Date. This notice may be in the form of a mail disconnect notice, door hanger notice, or email notice. The separate notice will include HU’s phone number so that customers can be provided information on their rights and remedies to dispute a bill with HU.
  • Customers who have been disconnected for non-payment two (2) times in a 6-month period will be transferred to the Pay-UR-Way program.
  • Extreme Weather:
    • www.weather.com for Zip Code 38343 (Humboldt, TN) will be used to determine weather conditions.
    • Weather conditions will be researched daily at 8:00 a.m.
    • Termination of Service will be postponed during the summer months if there is a Heat Advisory in place and during the winter months if the predicted low temperature for the coming night is expected to be 32Fahrenheit or below.
    • Extreme weather policy does not apply to General Power customers.
  • Medical Hardship:
    • Accounts of customers identified by HU as chronically or seriously ill, handicapped, or on a life support system and whose health could be critically endangered if electric service is disconnected, may receive an extended grace period prior to disconnection for nonpayment. It is the customer’s responsibility, however, to let HU know if the customer or someone in the household fits these criteria. In order to qualify, the customer must contact their doctor to obtain a medical exemption form and their certified and licensed medical doctor must certify in writing that disconnection of electricity would critically endanger that person or person's health. Upon completion of necessary documentation and submittal to HU, said customer must either enter into a payment plan or make other arrangements for housing or medical care, as such grace period shall in no case be extended greater than 30 calendar days past the original net payment date. This grace period can only be extended to said customer or customers once per calendar year.

14. Reconnection Charge

Whenever service has been discontinued by HU, as provided above, current Reconnect Fees and/or Collection Fees apply.


15. Termination of Contract by Commercial Customer

Customers who have fulfilled their contract terms and wish to discontinue service must give at least thirty (30) days written notice to that effect, unless contract specifies otherwise.  Notice to discontinue service prior to expiration of contract term will not relieve Customer from any minimum or guaranteed payment under any contract or rate.  


16. Service Charges for Temporary Service

Customers requiring service on a temporary basis may be required by HU to pay all costs for connection and disconnection incidental to the supplying and removing of service.  This rule applies to circuses, carnivals, fairs, temporary construction, and the like.


17. Interruption of Service

HU will use reasonable diligence in supplying utility service, but shall not be liable for breach of contract in the event of, or for loss, injury, or damage to persons or property resulting from interruptions in service, excessive or inadequate voltage, single-phasing, or otherwise unsatisfactory service (including natural gas, water, and wastewater), whether or not caused by negligence.


18. Shortage of Utilities

In the event of an emergency or other condition causing a shortage in the amount of utilities for HU to meet the demand on its system, HU may, by an allocation method deemed equitable by HU, fix the amount of utilities to be made available for use by Customer and/or may otherwise restrict the time during which Customer may make use of utilities and the uses which Customer may make of utilities. If such actions become necessary, the Customer may request a variance because of unusual circumstances including matters adversely affecting public health, safety and welfare. If Customers fail to comply with such allocation or restriction, HU may take such remedial actions as it deems appropriate under the circumstances including temporarily disconnecting service and charging additional amounts because of the excess use of utilities. The provisions of the Section entitled Interruption of Service of this Schedule of Rules and Regulations are applicable to any such allocation or restriction.


19. Voltage Fluctuations Caused by Customer

Electric service must not be used in such a manner as to cause unusual fluctuations or disturbances to HU’s system.  HU may require the Customer, at his own expense, to install suitable apparatus which will reasonably limit such fluctuations.


20. Additional Load

The service connection, transformers, meters, and equipment supplied by HU for each Customer have definite capacity, and no addition to the equipment or load connected thereto will be allowed except by consent of HU.  Failure to give notice of additions or changes in load, and to obtain HU’s consent for same, shall render Customer liable for any damage to any of HU’s lines or equipment caused by the additional or changed installation.


21. Standby and Resale Service

All purchased electric service (other than emergency or standby service) used on the premises of Customer shall be supplied exclusively by HU, and Customer shall not, directly or indirectly, sell, sublet, assign, or otherwise dispose of the electric service or any part thereof without special contract agreements with HU.


22. Notice of Trouble

Customer shall notify HU immediately should the service be unsatisfactory for any reason, or should there be any defects, trouble, or accidents affecting the supply of utilities.  Such notices, if verbal, should be confirmed in writing.


23. Non-Standard Service

Customer shall pay the cost of any special installation necessary to meet any particular requirements for service at other than standard voltages, or for the supply of closer voltage regulation than required by standard practice.


24. Meter Tests

HU will, at its own expense, make periodical tests and inspections of its meters in order to maintain a high standard of accuracy.  HU will make additional tests or inspections of its meters at the request of the Customer.  If tests made at the Customer’s request show that the meter is accurate within two percent (2%), slow or fast, no adjustment will be made in the Customer’s bill, and current Meter Test Fees will apply.  In case the test shows the meter to be in excess of two percent (2%), fast or slow, an adjustment shall be made in the Customer’s bill over a period of not over thirty (30) days prior to the date of such test, and cost of making test shall be borne by HU.


25. Relocation of Outdoor Lighting Facilities

HU shall, at the request of the Customer, relocate or change existing HU-owned equipment. Customer shall reimburse HU for such changes at actual cost including appropriate overheads.


26. Billing Adjusted to Standard Periods

The demand charges and the blocks in the energy charges set forth in the rate schedules are based on billing periods of approximately one month.  In the case of the first billing of new accounts (temporary service, cotton gins, and other seasonal customers excepted) and final billings of all accounts (temporary service excepted) where the period covered by the billing involves fractions of a month, the demand charges and the blocks of the energy charge will be adjusted to a basis proportionate with the period of time during which service is extended.


27. Water/Sewer Adjustments

Although the customer is responsible for all water usage through the meter regardless of the circumstances, HU recognizes that unusual circumstances may occur which are not necessarily the result of carelessness or negligence on the part of the customer.  When these situations occur, HU will adjust the water/sewer bill using the following guidelines:

  • The adjustment will be for Two (2) months if necessary.
  • If available, the past six (6) months' usage will be used to determine the average normal usage.
  • Adjusted bill will be normal water usage plus one-half the amount above normal.
  • Sewer charges will be for the average use only.
  • If six (6) months' history is not available, or usages are not reflective of present consumption, HU reserves the right to determine adequate charges.
  • Only one (1) adjustment will be allowed in a Twelve (12) month period.

28. Information to Customers

Upon application for service, customers will be provided information on rates and the Schedule of Rules and Regulations.  At the customer’s request, HU will make available a customer’s utility consumption data for the prior 12-month period or information concerning deposit with accrued interest.  Customers may also register for Web Access which provides customer access via web or mobile device to account information including usage history and bill payments.

Current month’s retail rates and information are available on HU’s website at www.humboldtutilities.com. All retail rate actions initiated by HU shall be communicated to customers by a public statement issued through print media or electronic media. 


29. Scope

This Schedule of Rules and Regulations is a part of all contracts for receiving utility service from HU, and applies to all services received from HU, whether the service is based upon contract, agreement, signed application, or otherwise. A copy of this schedule, together with a copy of HU’s Schedule of Rates and Charges, shall be kept open to inspection at the HU office located at 207 South 13th Ave., Humboldt, TN, and on HU’s website at www.humboldtutilities.com. Copies are also made available upon the Customer’s request.


30. Revisions

These Rules and Regulations may be revised, amended, supplemented, or otherwise changed from time to time, without notice.  Such changes, when effective, shall have the same force as the present Rules and Regulations.


31. Conflict

In case of conflict between any provision of any rate schedule and the Schedule of Rules and Regulations, the rate schedule shall apply.  


32. Titie VI

Humboldt Utilities does not discriminate against or deny service to a person based on race, color or national origin.

207 South 13th Avenue • PO Box 850 • Humboldt, TN 38343
(731) 784-9212 (Phone) • (731) 784-4504 (Fax)
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