Water company’s bid to stop users going into the red

THE company responsible for supplying water to parts of Uttoxeter is using new technology to identify consumers most at risk of missing payments and plunging into the red.

South Staffs Water, which manages water for more than a million people, has brought in a new computer system to help track vulnerable users.

The artificial intelligence programme, called Alloc8 Collect and created by Rimilia, will identify customers at risk of falling behind on their water bill payments. The company will then be able to offer help and support to customers and arrange payment structures appropriately.

The managing director of South Staffs Water, Phil Newland, said: “We are constantly looking for the best new and innovative technologies which allow us to deliver our vision.

“This means treating each customer fairly and using rich insight and data so we can work with every individual in a way that is appropriate to their situation. Rimilia’s Alloc8 Collect system will give us real-time visibility and data to develop more personalised interactions with our customers.

“We were deeply impressed by how Rimilia’s team understood our business and the nuances of water collections management.

“Its Alloc8 Collect system is smart, sophisticated collections management software that we think will deliver real benefits for our customers.”

The software provides South Staffs Water with real-time data on its customers and how much water they are using. This helps it tailor the situation for them in the hope of cutting down on potential late payments.

Steve Richardson, co-founder of Rimilia, which is behind the software, said: “We are proud to be working with a utility company that is as innovative and customer-focused as South Staffs Water.

“Fair and tailored collections management is fundamental to South Staffs Water and its customers and we look forward to seeing the impact that intelligent, dynamic software and strategies makes to its 1.7 million customers.”