I. ESTABLISHING SERVICE
New customers applying for electric services must complete an application, comply with all applicable departmental policies, and sign a customer agreement describing as accurately as possible the use of the service (residential or commercial/industrial) and amount of energy required. Service locations must meet or exceed North Little Rock Electric Service Construction Standards.
A. Residential Customers
Residential accounts may only be established in the name(s) of a property owner or lessee. The following are required to establish residential accounts.
- Proof of Identity
- Government issued photo ID (Examples: State Driver License or ID, Military ID, or Passport).
- Residential Deposits.
- The amount of the deposit will be based on credit risk to NLRED. The deposit decision reflects the credit risk associated with the credit report of the individual(s) applying for service. These deposit decisions are based upon the credit score from a national credit repository. A credit check fee will be applied for each applicant upon processing. In order to process the credit check, the applicant must provide a Social Security Number (“SSN”). Service will not be denied for failing to provide a SSN; however, applicants who do not provide a SSN will be charged a minimum deposit of $300.
- I. Residential applicants who pose minimal credit risk will be charged a minimum of $100.
- II. Residential applicants who pose moderate risk will be charged a minimum deposit of $200.
- III. Residential applicants who pose substantial credit risk or no credit history will be charged a minimum deposit of $300.
- b. NLRED may impose or increase the amount of deposit for fraud, tampering, bankruptcy, previous unpaid balance, non-pay disconnection or other events related to the creditworthiness of the customer in $100 increments; provided that the deposit will not exceed two and one half times the expected highest monthly bill.
- c. The deposit is due upon with service application request but is payable in two equal installments – one payment upon application and one payment no later than fourteen (14) days of service.
- d. No additional arrangements can be made on deposits. Failure to pay deposit will result in disconnect of service.
- e. NLRED will periodically review the sufficiency of all customer deposits to determine if the amount of the deposit, surety bond or letter of credit on file is adequate when compared to the usage history of the customer.
- f. Customer deposits with actual accrued interest are only refunded when the account is closed and no further financial obligation is owed to NLRED.
- The amount of the deposit will be based on credit risk to NLRED. The deposit decision reflects the credit risk associated with the credit report of the individual(s) applying for service. These deposit decisions are based upon the credit score from a national credit repository. A credit check fee will be applied for each applicant upon processing. In order to process the credit check, the applicant must provide a Social Security Number (“SSN”). Service will not be denied for failing to provide a SSN; however, applicants who do not provide a SSN will be charged a minimum deposit of $300.
- Fraud – Any person who provides fraudulent information in connection with an application for service shall be denied service until that person provides a valid social security number and documents that positively identify the applicant. Further, any person who provides fraudulent information in connection with an application for service shall be deemed a high credit risk. Submission of a false name, a false government ID, a social security number that is returned as deceased, non-issued, or belonging to a person other than the applicant, shall be presumed to be fraudulent.
B. Commercial and Industrial Customers
Commercial and Industrial accounts shall be established in the legal name of the business. The following is required to establish Commercial and Industrial accounts.
- Business License – Businesses located inside the city limits of North Little Rock are normally required to have a North Little Rock business license prior to service. NLRED may provide temporary service to a business that is preparing to open for a period of ten (10) days, or for such time as may be agreed upon by NLRED and the Customer. Any Customer who fails to provide a valid business license prior to the expiration of temporary service may be disconnected without notice.
- Commercial and Industrial Deposits are required prior to service. The amount required, will be based on estimated energy requirements, completed load sheet or the following:
- a. The deposit will be two times the expected average monthly bill.
- b. NLRED may impose or increase the amount of deposit for fraud, tampering, bankruptcy, previous unpaid balance, or other events related to the creditworthiness of the customer in an amount not to not exceed two and one half times the expected highest monthly bill.
- c. As an alternative to a cash deposit if the amount required exceeds three hundred ($300.00), the customer may furnish an automatically renewable surety bond or an irrevocable letter of credit from a verifiable bank.
- d. No additional arrangements can be made on deposits.
- e. NLRED will periodically review the sufficiency of all customer deposits to determine if the amount of the deposit, surety bond or letter of credit on file is adequate when compared to the usage history of the customer.
- f. Customer deposits are only refunded when the account is closed and no further financial obligation is owed to NLRED.
- Fraud – Any person who provides fraudulent information in connection with an application for service shall be denied service until that person provides a valid social security number and documents that positively identify the applicant. Further, any person who provides fraudulent information in connection with an application for service shall be deemed a high credit risk. Submission of a false name, a false government ID, a social security number that is returned as deceased, non-issued, or belonging to a person other than the applicant, shall be presumed to be fraudulent.
C. Rate Assignment
Rates are assigned to Customers based upon the anticipated use of the service (residential or commercial/industrial) and the amount of energy required. If the service is required for a new building, the rate selection will be based on: ( 1) the prospective Customer’s statement, (2) the professional load study as to the class of electric service desired, (3) the manner of use, and (4) any other pertinent information; all of which will be submitted as part of the Customer’s application and preserved in the Customer’s account. NLRED will not be liable for any costs related to improper rate assignment based upon information received from a Customer or a third party. For more information about new construction, the Electric Service Standards can be found on our website at www.nlrelectric.com or you can request a copy by email at nlredengineering@nlr.ar.gov.
D. Outstanding Debts
Before providing service NLRED may require that customers pay any outstanding debts owed to the City of North Little Rock.
E. Late Payment Charge
Bills are rendered monthly and are due and payable within fourteen (14) calendar days after NLRED bill date. In the event payment is not made within fourteen (14) days after the bill date, NLRED shall collect an additional 5% of the balance as a late payment charge. Service will be disconnected if payment is not received seven (7) days after the due date. A Temporary Payment Extension may be requested at Customer Service.
F. Collection of Debt
In the event Customer does not pay in full all amounts owed NLRED for service rendered, Customer understands and agrees that NLRED may file suit for collection of all amounts due plus court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees as required to effect collection in full. NLRED will submit an electronic file containing identifying information of the delinquent accounts to a 3rd party collection agency monthly. The identifying information will also be used for credit bureau reporting. The file will contain account balances over $50.00 that
remain unpaid 90 days after the final bill due date. Customer agrees to be contacted by telephone at any telephone number associated with the account, including wireless telephone numbers, which could result in charges to Customer. NLRED may also contact Customer by sending text messages or emails, using any email address provide to the account. Methods of contact may include using prerecorded or artificial voice messages and/or the use of an automatic dialing device, as applicable.