What is the difference between a utility deposit in the service initiation fee?

A utility deposit is a sum of money that customers pay upfront to secure utility services, acting as a safeguard for the utility company against potential non-payment. This deposit is typically refundable after a certain period of consistent payment history. In contrast, a service initiation fee is a one-time charge for setting up utility services, covering administrative costs, and is usually non-refundable. Essentially, the deposit is a security measure, while the initiation fee is a cost associated with starting the service.