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Payment Options Give CPU Customers More Control and Convenience

Choose from a variety of choices that fit your budget and payment preference

No two customers are the same, so why should their account options be the same? That’s the thinking behind a variety of billing and payment programs now being offered to customers of Clarksdale Public Utilities.

“We want to make it as easy and convenient as possible for our customers to do business with us,” said Liz Haynes, CPU customer service supervisor. “That’s why we’re working to provide customers more control over their utility accounts, billing cycles and household budgets.”

CPU is touting customer-oriented programs and services as part of its “Bright Future” initiative, a comprehensive strategy that addresses performance improvements in three key areas: reliability, innovation and community focus. Billing and payment programs include:

• Pick A Due Date: Customers can pick from five different due dates during the month to receive their utility bills. This allows them to time their bills with the arrival of paychecks and other income sources, providing peace of mind that they’ll have funds on hand when payments are due.
• Level Billing: This is ideal for customers on fixed budgets who prefer having more consistent, predictable bills throughout the year. Level Billing averages the past 12 months of consumption and allows customers to pay that amount each month, meaning they pay roughly the same amount every time and don’t get surprised by high bills during peak usage seasons.
• Monthly Draft: This option is great for customers who are comfortable having utility payments automatically debited from their bank accounts. CPU accepts ACH bank drafts and credit card drafts.
• Service Reestablishment Plan: For customers whose service was cut off due to an unpaid bill, CPU offers a solution that helps them reestablish accounts in their own names and pay off unpaid bills in six- to nine-month installments added to their bills.

“This plan lets our customers come back to CPU without the fear of being hit with a big bill they have to pay off at once,” Haynes said. “Customers who go on a payment plan appreciate the fact that they can pay off their bills and establish credit, and the accounts are in their names.”

CPU also offers a payment installment program for customers who experience water leaks that cause high water bills. In addition, CPU strives to work with customers who are experiencing financial difficulties and provides payment extensions up to 10 times a year per customer.

CPU reminds customers that they can do their banking after hours and on weekends via their phones, an online portal and a kiosk located by CPU’s building. These convenient methods allow them to access accounts, check balances and pay bills anytime, day or night, giving them more control over their time as well as their budgets. Payments are immediately posted to their accounts, which helps them meet their payment due dates and avoid late fees.

Account alerts are another free and helpful service. Customers can sign up to receive alerts via text or email to know when bills are posted or past due, along with account changes or updates. Haynes noted that this option benefits customers who have experienced delayed or missed bills in the U.S. mail.

She encouraged customers to drop by the CPU office and speak with a customer service representative to learn more about CPU’s customer-oriented programs and services.

“This is our community, and we understand the challenges many customers face when it’s time to pay bills,” said Haynes. “Our programs are geared toward making sure they have utility services they need along with billing and payment plans that suit their individual preferences and budgets.”

Clarksdale Public Utilities is a municipally owned utility serving approximately 6,500 homes and businesses in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Its mission is to safely provide sustainable electric, water and wastewater services in a reliable and courteous manner by well-trained team members, committed to top quality, efficient operations, competitive rates and the vitality of the community.