​​Service was furnished in the name of the applicant, and there is no unreturned equipment.

Service was not suspended for nonpayment nor terminated during the last 12 months of service.

The applicant does not have an unpaid balance from earlier service occurring within the last four years.

The applicant was not required to pay a security deposit under Section 64.35.

Ownership of Real Property.  If the applicant verifies ownership of or the entry into an agreement to purchase real property in the SAGO territory or is renting a residence under a lease of one year or longer, unless the applicant has an otherwise unsatisfactory payment history with SAGO within 2 years prior to the application date.

Prior Utility Payment History.  The applicant has prior satisfactory credit history for use of utility services.   Prior to conducting a search, applicant authorization is required.

Credit Information.  The applicant provides information and verification demonstrating that he or she is not an unsatisfactory credit risk.

The absence of a prior credit history or refusal to authorize a search does not, of itself, indicate an unsatisfactory credit risk and does not constitute grounds for requiring a deposit.

SAGO may request information, including the following:

Applicant’s social security number

The name of the employer of applicant

The place and length of employment

Residence during the previous 5 years

Letters of reference

Credit cards

A significant source of income other than from employment

If a credit investigation is expected to take longer than 3 business days, SAGO will provide service pending completion of the investigation.

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B. Deposit Requirements for Existing Customers

SAGO may require a deposit to secure the account of an existing customer if any of the following conditions exist:

Delinquent account:  A customer has made payment of two consecutive bills, or of more than two bills within the preceding 12 months, after the payment due date.  Before requesting a deposit, SAGO will give the customer written notification of its intent to request a deposit if current and future bills continue to be paid after the due date.

Notification shall clearly indicate that a deposit is not required at this time but that, if bills continue to be paid after the due date, a deposit will be required.

Notification may be mailed or delivered to the customer together with a bill for telephone service.

Notification shall set forth the address and telephone number of the SAGO office where complaints or questions may be registered.

The subsequent request for deposit shall clearly indicate that a customer should register a question or complaint about that matter prior to the date the deposit is due in order to avoid having service suspended pending resolution of the dispute, including the SAGO telephone number for such communications.

Conditions to the reconnection of service:  SAGO may require a deposit as a condition for reconnection of service after suspension or termination of service for nonpayment.

Failure to comply with Payment Agreement:  SAGO may require a deposit when a customer fails to comply with the terms and conditions of a payment agreement, whether or not service has been suspended or terminated.

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C. Method of Making Deposit

Posting a cash deposit. 

Applicants:  The amount of the cash deposit from an applicant may not exceed the estimated 2-month bill for basic service plus the average 2-month toll charges for existing residential customers in the applicant’s exchange during the immediately preceding 12-month period. No more than one half of the deposit amount may be required prior to providing service, with the balance due within 30 days.

Existing  Customers:  The amount of a cash deposit required from an existing customer may not exceed the customer’s average 2-month bill, including toll charges, during the preceding 12-month period.  The deposit shall be paid within 20 days of the request for the deposit.

The amount of the deposit shall be adjusted to reflect Lifeline funding for enrolled and certified customers.

Furnishing a Written Third-Party Guarantee.  Another customer who has met or can meet the credit standards may furnish a written guarantee to secure payment in an amount equal to the cash deposit required from the applicant or customer.  The guarantor shall be discharged when the applicant or customer meets the terms and conditions for the refund of deposits per these standards.

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D. Refund of Deposits

SAGO will refund the cash deposit, plus accrued interest, under the following conditions:

Termination or permanent discontinuance of service.  Note, however, that the transfer of service to another location within the service territory shall not be deemed a discontinuance of service.

Credit Established.  At the customer’s request, SAGO will review, up to one time per 3 month period, whether the customer can meet the SAGO credit requirements.

Prompt Payment of Bills.  After a customer has paid bills for service for 12 consecutive months without having service suspended or terminated and without having paid bill subsequent to the due date on more than two occasions.