With one in five residential customers either receiving or paying their bill electronically, Consumers Energy has been recognized as a leading “green” company for reducing paper use.
The company recently received the third annual PayItGreen Award from NACHA – the Electronic Payment Association.
Formerly known as the National Automated Clearing House Association, NACHA sets the rules for automated payment transactions in the United States.
The PayItGreen Award recognizes leadership in the education and promotion of electronic payments, statements and billing to reduce the impact paper has on the environment.
“Consumers Energy is a regional company that was recognized on a national level because we strive to change the way people pay bills and use paper,” said Ron Kerver, Consumers Energy’s cash management director. “It’s gratifying to know NACHA recognized the effort.”
More than 500,000 Consumers Energy customers receive an eBill each month, saving the company 186,450 pounds of paper annually. That amounts to 2,237 trees, according to the PayItGreen financial paper footprint calculator.
More than 1 million customers pay their monthly bill electronically. Meanwhile, 95 percent of Consumers Energy employees are paid through direct deposit.
The company enables paperless supplier and vendor transactions as well as new customer enrollments.
