Deposits may be required from commercial customers for electric, water and/or solid waste. These deposits may be waived for property owners and for those customers who have established a satisfactory payment history with Tacoma Public Utilities.
I have a business; do I have to pay a deposit?
You may be required to pay a deposit for electricity and water service unless you meet one of the criteria listed below. A deposit for solid waste service may also be required; call the Solid Waste Utility at (253) 591-5543.
Do I have to pay a deposit if I own the business?
Yes, you must pay a deposit even if you own the business, unless you meet any of the following criteria:
- Owns property (must own property, not just the business).
- Satisfactory commercial credit with Tacoma Public Utilities for 18 consecutive months in the past two years.
- Commercial letter of credit from electric, gas or water utility for 18 consecutive months in the past two years.
- Documentation of 18 consecutive months of satisfactory commercial credit in the past two years.
- Signed owner's guarantee from the property owner.
- Assignment letter (call our Commercial Services Office, (253) 502-8606, for more information).
How long do I have to pay my commercial deposit?
Commercial deposits are due within 30 days of notification.
How much is my commercial deposit going to be?
Deposits for electricity and water are equivalent to the highest two months estimated billing. The solid waste deposit is four times the monthly rate.
Will I get my commercial deposit back?
Commercial deposits will be applied to your utility account after 18 consecutive months of good credit history. Tacoma Public Utilities may retain the deposit longer for good cause.
How can I pay my commercial deposit?
You can pay your deposit by mailing a check or money order to:
Tacoma Public Utilities
P.O. Box 11007
Tacoma, WA 98411-0007
