Customers reminded to pay bills
Southern Water’s new billing system has enabled the commencement of account reminder procedures aimed at collecting more than $11.9 million in overdue bills.
CEO Mike Paine said that customers who had outstanding amounts from previous bills would now receive an overdue reminder notice asking for immediate payment or to contact Southern Water if they wish to make payment arrangements. If these notices are disregarded further debt recovery options will be pursued.
“The vast majority of our customers have been very good at paying their accounts on time even though we have not had a system that allowed us to send out overdue reminder notices,” Mr Paine said.
“Customers who don’t pay are disadvantaging their fellow customers who are doing the right thing. Recovering unpaid accounts from customers is normal business practice and is in line with the procedures followed by other utility companies operating in the water, electricity and telecommunications sector.”
“When customers receive a reminder notice to pay their account they should arrange to pay as soon as possible or if they are experiencing difficulties they can call our Customer Service Centre to arrange a flexible payment plan.”
Residential account holders who are having difficulty paying their bill may be eligible for assistance through Southern Water’s Financial Hardship Program. Customers in this situation can access the Financial Hardship Program by calling 13 MYWATER (13 6992) or visiting www.southernwatertas.com.au
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