Utility Reference Letter

Utility companies ask new customers for a reference when they can't run a credit check or want to waive a deposit: proof that you paid a previous account on time. The reference comes from one of two places — your previous utility provider, or your landlord if utilities were in the rent. Both letters are here, short and factual: account, dates, payment record, good standing. Printed in full below; free in Word and Google Docs.

Two utility letters

From the provider, or from the landlord.

Either satisfies most utility companies' reference requirement; the provider's letter (sometimes called a letter of credit) carries slightly more weight.

Utility company reference letter confirming a residential account in good standing with on-time payments and a zero closing balance

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From a Utility Provider — Credentials

The provider's letter of credit: account number, service address and dates, on-time payment record, no disconnection notices, closed in good standing.

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Landlord's utility reference letter confirming a tenant's on-time utility payments for a new account or deposit waiver

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From a Landlord — Navy

The landlord's version for utilities included in rent or in the tenant's name: dates, on-time payment, no interruptions, provided to support a new account.

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Sample · From the provider

A utility reference letter, in full.

Read it in full

Dana R. Whitfield

[Your Title] · [Organization] · [Number] years · [City, State] · (000) 000-0000 · your.email@email.com

[Month Day, Year]

[Recipient Name]
[Title]
[Organization Name]
[Organization Address]

To Whom It May Concern,

This letter confirms that [Full Name] held a residential [electric / gas / water / combined utility] account with [Utility Company Name], account number [xxx-xxxx], for service at [address] from [start date] to [end date].

During that period, the account was in good standing. Payments were received on time [for [X] consecutive months / with no late payments in the final [24] months], no disconnection notices were issued, and the account was closed with a [zero / credit] balance on [date].

This letter is provided at the customer’s request as a reference of payment history, for use in establishing new utility service [and in support of a request to waive a security deposit].

For verification, please contact our customer service department at [phone number] or [email], referencing the account number above.

Sincerely,

Dana R. Whitfield

This is the actual text inside the templates above — every [bracketed prompt] is a spot you replace with your own detail. Copy the template to keep the letterhead, or use the text as a sample for your own letter.

What the utility wants

What a utility reference letter should include.

The new provider is deciding whether to charge a deposit. The letter answers that question with facts:

The account and where. Account number (for a provider letter), service address, and the dates service was held.
The payment record. ’Paid on time for 24 consecutive months’ or ’no late payments’ — with the closing balance and no disconnection notices.
Who is writing and why. A provider’s customer-service contact, or a landlord confirming utilities were paid in rent — and that the letter is for establishing new service.
A verification line. Phone or email the new provider can call.

Ask your previous provider first — most issue a letter of credit on request, and many will send it directly to the new company. If utilities were in your rent, the landlord version is the one to use, and the landlord reference letter covers the rest of the rental history.

Three steps

From download to signed letter.

Download the provider or landlord version and open it in Word or Google Docs.
Fill the brackets from the account records: dates, payment history, closing balance.
Sign it (or have the provider issue it on letterhead), and submit it with the new-service application.

Questions

Utility reference FAQ

What is a utility reference letter?

A letter confirming that you paid a previous utility account on time — from the previous provider (a 'letter of credit') or from a landlord when utilities were included in rent. New providers use it to waive a security deposit or to open service without a credit check.

How do I get a utility reference letter?

Call or log in to your previous provider and request a letter of credit or payment-history letter; most issue one within a few days and some send it directly to the new company. If you didn't hold the account yourself, ask your landlord for the landlord version above.

What should a utility reference letter say?

Account number, service address and dates, the payment record (on time, no disconnection notices), the closing balance, and a contact for verification. The two letters above are that content.

Will a utility reference letter waive my deposit?

Often — many providers waive the deposit with 12 months of on-time payment history from a previous account. Policies vary; ask the new provider exactly what they require before requesting the letter.

Can a landlord write a utility reference letter?

Yes, when utilities were paid through the rent or the landlord can confirm the tenant's payments. The landlord version above is written for that.

Are these templates free?

Yes — free in Word and Google Docs, no signup.