UDAP is a JMU sponsored program in partnership with utility companies to allow students utility connection WITHOUT paying the varying deposit amounts of $350 for water/sewer, $200 for gas, or up to $600 for electric.
With the purchase of a UDAP contract, deposit fees for connecting water, gas, and electricity are eliminated. The amount limits are as follows:
Gas: Up to $500; Electric: Up to $350 with Harrisonburg Electric Commission and Up to $600 with Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative; Water: Up to $350
If a student fails to pay their final bill, the utility company will try to collect it for 90 days from the student, and at the end of that 90 days, it will be turned over to JMU for payment. JMU will pay the final bill and charge the amount to the student's account in order to protect the students' credit rating. If any portion should exceed the amount JMU will pay for that bill (Water $350, Electric $350 to HEC or $600 to SVEC, and Gas $500), the remaining amount will be turned over to a collections agency by the utility company. Please note, this will put your credit rating at risk. Always pay your bills on time, even if you purchase a UDAP contract to ensure a positive credit rating.
To be eligible to purchase a UDAP contract:
- You must be enrolled as a full-time, degree-seeking, currently active JMU student.
- You must have no financial holds on your JMU account.
- You must be a student living off campus.
- You must have a JMU Email.
UDAP's Mission
The mission of the Utility Deposit Assistance Program is to provide enrolled JMU students assistance in connecting utilities while living off campus.
