Credit Policy
This credit policy summary is published to inform
you of the terms and conditions of sale and to help you protect your credit
rating. It also is intended to reduce the risk of bill nonpayment, which
results in higher costs for all customers.
Deposits and Service FeesNew customers may be
required to provide a security deposit when applying for service. Security
deposits help protect paying customers from the burden of the few who attempt
to leave without paying their bills. The deposit amount is equal to the highest
bill in the last 12 months for that location. A security deposit will not be
required if you have previously established a good payment history with ILP, or
another electric utility. A customer who has paid their utility bill on time
(no more than one late payment) for the past twelve months establishes a good
payment history. Your deposit is credited to your account after you have made
12 consecutive months of timely payments—no more than one late payment.
If you are moving from another utility, please request a credit letter
from your previous utility and have it mailed or faxed (319-332-0101)
directly to the Billing Department at Independence Light and Power prior to
requesting service, or bring your credit letter with you.
If you
discontinue utility service before your deposit is credited or refunded, the
deposit will be applied to your final bill and any remainder will be
refunded.
Terms of Payment
Bills mailed on the 15th of the month are due on the 8th of
the following month. Bills mailed on the 30th of the month are
due on the 22nd of the following month. The due date is printed
on the bill. Payments can be made to Independence Light and
Power by mail, drop box, Automated Clearing House payment, or
in person at office building. We may suspend service due to
non-payment of bills for utility service, deposits and other
charges.
Late Payment Fee (Penalty)A late payment fee
(penalty) will be assessed on bills when payment is not received by the due
date. Customers are allowed one late payment per year without a penalty being
assessed. A charge of one and one-half percent (1.5%) will be added to any
amount owed for electricity and water charges after the due date noted on the
bill. A charge of four dollars ($4.00) will be added if any telecommunications
charges are shown owed after the due date noted on the bill.
Non-Paying Accounts Independence Light and Power
requires additional security deposits on non-paying accounts. If you are
required to pay your utility bills in cash due to returned checks, or if your
service has been discontinued for non-payment of past due bills, or if
collection action is needed to effect payment, you may be required to pay an
additional security deposit.
Dispute ProceduresYou may dispute a bill that
you feel is in error by calling or writing Independence Light and Power. We
will investigate all disputes. We will not disconnect a service for non-payment
of a disputed bill provided: (1) you notify us before the bill is delinquent
and (2) you pay all other undisputed charges when due.
Appeal Procedures If you are not satisfied with
the outcome of a dispute, you may ask for a special review by the Iowa
Utilities Board, 350 Maple Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0069.
Restoring ServiceTo restore service disconnected
for non-payment, you will be required to pay the entire balance due (your
account to zero) plus a reconnection fee. An additional deposit may be
required. This must be done before 3:30 pm to insure power is reconnected that
day.
Request for Service A 24-hour advance
notification is required for all service requests. Independence Light and Power
will attempt to respond to all requests for service in as timely a manner as
possible. |
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