The Charleston Water System is upgrading its electronic bill payment system and offering several new payment options beginning in July. CWS will use the Paymentus platform that offers user-friendly appearance and functionality, as well as new and easier ways to pay, including digital wallets and in-store cash payments.
Customers choosing to make credit or debit card-based payments will incur a nominal convenience fee charged and retained by Paymentus, the utility’s new bill payment processor, to cover processing costs. Users will see the same login screen, but they will need to re-register.
After analyzing utilities across the region and nation, CWS found that 67% of those surveyed charge similar credit card fees. CWS will continue to offer free ways to pay, such as checking and savings accounts, cash, and checks.
In addition, CWS will offer the following new payment options:
• Venmo*
• Apple Pay*
• Google Pay*
• PayPal / PayPal Credit*
• In-store cash payments (Walmart, CVS, Dollar General, and more)
*Starting in July, customers paying by card, or digital wallets and phone payments connected to credit cards, will be charged a $1.95 flat fee for bills up to $1,800. Bills over this amount will have to be split into multiple transactions, each with the $1.95 fee.
“Our customers asked for more ways to pay, and we’re thrilled to deploy these modern options,” said Mark Cline, CEO at CWS. “We are committed to continuous improvement, especially when it enhances the customer experience and improves cost efficiency.”
Founded in 1917, CWS is a public water and wastewater utility with more than 470 employees who provide water service to more than 500,000 people and sewer service to more than 190,000 people in the Charleston area. The utility’s mission is to support public health and protect the environment.