June 24, 2009

Charlotte, NC -- More than 56,000 customers of Charlotte City Services currently pay their utilities bill electronically through their own bank's website, known as online bill pay.  Now, customers are also able to view their bill through their existing online banking accounts with the new Bill Presentment feature. 

This service allows the user to view their actual monthly bill exactly as if they receive a paper statement by mail.  When a customer signs up for Bill Presentment, they will no longer receive statements by mail, but they will be able to print the bill from the bill pay website if needed.   Since it became available in January 2009, more than 11,000 customers have signed up; and have enjoyed losing the hassle of dealing with another bill while saving the City in excess of $44,000 annually.  However, with the ease and convenience of Bill Presentment, the City expects customer participation to grow substantially in the coming year.

"We are delighted that we can enhance service to our customers while also allowing the City to do its part in preserving the environment by significantly reducing resources that we use in generating paper bills and processing customer payments," said Rosemary Lawrence, the City's Revenue Manager.

City Services customers who do not currently use online bill pay are encouraged to visit their bank's website to learn more.  In addition to online bill pay, customers also have the option of electronically paying their bill through either monthly automatic drafts of their checking or savings account at no cost, or with a debit or credit card payment through the City's e-Services website.  For more information about Bill Presentment and all the possible ways to pay a utilities bill, please call 311.