STEMC

FLEXPAY is a new pay-before-consumption program offered by Southwest Tennessee Electric that allows participants to determine how much and how often they pay for the energy they use.

“It is like buying gas for your car,” says STEMC’s Trent Scott. “You have the responsibility to purchase more gas before you run out.”

STEMC currently has about 650 members participating in the program that began in July, but members are already recognizing the benefits of the program.

“I prefer FLEXPAY,” says program participant Maria Stafford. “Before, I just paid the bill I received at the end of the month and didn’t really know why it was so much. But FLEXPAY lets me actually manage my energy use on a day-to-day basis.” Stafford says that this awareness of energy consumption helps her save money, cutting her energy use from $4 a day to under $1 on some days. “I had always heard that unplugging appliances and cell phone chargers would save you money. Now I believe it and am always looking for things to unplug.”

The ability to pay on her own schedule is also appealing. “Most bills are due at the beginning of the month,” says Stafford. “FLEXPAY gives me the flexibility to pay on my own schedule, so long as I maintain a positive balance.”

“This is a great program, and an easy way to control your energy use,” says Stafford.

FLEXPAY participants pay a monthy program fee of $8 and receive information about their account balance via phone, text message, email, online, or by calling the local office.