Unbelievable situation with SMUD here in Sacramento. I've been trying to get a security deposit refund for a client's former apartment property for almost 8 years. The original deposit was $12,400 when they established master meter service in 2004. Property sold in 2010, new owner converted to individual meters, but SMUD keeps saying they can't locate the deposit records. Anyone else dealt with SMUD on old deposit refunds? This is getting ridiculous.
SMUD master meter deposit refund - 8 year wait!
Jennifer, that's insane. Puget Sound Energy up here has a maximum 2-year timeframe for deposit refund processing. Eight years suggests either gross incompetence or they're hoping you'll just give up. Have you tried filing a complaint with the California Public Utilities Commission? For a $12,400 deposit, it's worth the formal complaint process.
This is exactly why I always tell clients to document everything with utility deposits. Arizona Public Service has been pretty good about deposit refunds, but I always keep copies of the original deposit receipts and account closure documentation. Jennifer, do you have the original account numbers and deposit documentation? Sometimes utilities need specific account references to locate old deposits in their systems.
SMUD can be difficult on deposit issues. I've had better luck dealing with their commercial accounts supervisor rather than regular customer service. Try calling their main number and asking specifically for the commercial accounts deposit department. Also, if the property changed ownership, make sure SMUD has proper documentation of the deposit transfer or refund authorization from the original account holder.