在启动服务之前，必须提供保证金或列出的其他存款选项之一来保护您的帐户.

• TECO将接受保证金以确保您的账户安全. 您可以用现金或支票支付存款，这两种方式都会计息，但金额可能会有变动. 押金是根据你所在地区每月平均账单的两倍计算的. 服务六个月后，利息每年记入您的账户. 如果您停止服务，押金将用于您的最终账单. 住宅按金在连续服务23个月且不超过一次逾期后退还.
• TECO将在您的授权下要求进行Equifax信用检查. 您的社会安全号码是用来获得这项免费服务的, 这决定了你的保证金是否可以免除.
• A deposit may be waived if you had service with TECO for at least 24 months and did not close your account more than two years ago; had acceptable credit during your 24 months or more as a customer and continue to have acceptable credit; and were not subject to a service turn-off at your home because of late monthly bill payment.
• 如果你是业主，持有银行机构出具的不可撤销信用证或保险公司向本处存档的保函，则可豁免按金.