{"id":46976,"date":"2025-10-17T10:45:24","date_gmt":"2025-10-17T15:45:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.openintl.com\/smart-collection-strategies-modern-utilities-overcoming-challenges-smartflex-ai\/"},"modified":"2025-10-17T10:45:24","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T15:45:24","slug":"smart-collection-strategies-modern-utilities-overcoming-challenges-smartflex-ai","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.openintl.com\/en-emea\/smart-collection-strategies-modern-utilities-overcoming-challenges-smartflex-ai\/","title":{"rendered":"Smart Collection Strategies for Modern Utilities: Overcoming Challenges with Smartflex and AI"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"46976\" class=\"elementor elementor-46976 elementor-42867\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_eae_slider elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-2c3c1bc elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-eae-slider=\"41805\" data-id=\"2c3c1bc\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_eae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-b7fc828\" data-eae-slider=\"70054\" data-id=\"b7fc828\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f1ad678 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f1ad678\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Unpaid utility bills and financial challenges are prompting utility companies to enhance their debt collection processes, as outdated approaches are no longer effective or empathetic. Utilities need automation, AI, and customer segmentation to improve collections. Through smart segmentation, automated plans, and proactive outreach, Smartflex helps utilities recover debt while maintaining customer relationships and reducing reliance on disconnection. <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_eae_slider elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-2f3333b elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-eae-slider=\"64138\" data-id=\"2f3333b\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_eae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-07c030d\" data-eae-slider=\"24277\" data-id=\"07c030d\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2699e21 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2699e21\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With rising utility debt and economic uncertainty, the pressure on utilities to improve collection processes has never been higher. Traditional methods are no longer sufficient as customer expectations and financial hardships evolve. According to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA), utility debt has reached $17.4 billion, an 8.4% increase. This growing burden affects a wide range of customers, with over 20% of U.S. households reporting that they couldn&#8217;t pay an energy bill at least once in the past year <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">[1]<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0 As energy prices remain volatile and inflation persists, utilities must modernize their collection methods with customer-centric strategies that are based on flexibility, data, and automation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The growing debt not only threatens the financial health of utilities but also strains customer relationships. In this context, it is crucial to find new ways to address collections without harming customer relationships or incurring high operational costs.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To meet today\u2019s challenges, utilities are adopting innovative technologies that streamline collections, enhance customer engagement, and improve financial performance. Flexible, customer-centric strategies powered by digital tools are essential. For this reason, Open created <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Smartflex, <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">an all-in-one, flexible, and adaptable solution designed to help utilities efficiently manage their operations, respond quickly to changing market demands, and deliver exceptional customer experiences<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Let\u2019s find out how Smartflex supports utilities with smart collection strategies driven by automation, customer segmentation, and AI insights, transforming debt recovery while maintaining strong customer relationships.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">1. Intelligent Customer Segmentation<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Smartflex enables advanced customer segmentation by using variables such as customer type, billing cycle, location, and more. This allows for the creation of personalized collection strategies, maximizing the chances of recovering debt without resorting to drastic measures like immediate disconnection. The segmentation also allows utilities to proactively address potential nonpayment by applying actions like automated reminders or early customer outreach.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">2. Automated Collection Management Programs<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">One of the key features of our solution is its ability to create flexible and automated collection management programs. These programs are activated based on different variables and predefined conditions, allowing specific actions such as deadline extensions or payment agreements to be applied automatically.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">3. Online Self-Service Options<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Smartflex\u2019s online portal allows customers to manage their debt transparently and easily. Customers can make payment arrangements and settle bills directly through the portal, which reduces call center volume and improves user satisfaction. In one instance, one of our customers was able to process 37% of payment agreements through Smartflex\u2019s online portal, cutting down operational overhead.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">4. Proactive Customer Interactions<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Proactive customer interactions help anticipate and prevent nonpayment before it becomes an issue. Actions such as automated reminders and early-stage communication can maintain regular contact with customers, reducing the need for more drastic measures like disconnections or legal actions.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">5. AI Empowered Processes<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Artificial Intelligence improves smart collection systems by predicting nonpayment risk and recommending actions like payment plans or extensions before debts grow. It boosts recovery and customer satisfaction. Open is currently working to include smart agents in Smartflex that can analyze payment history and identify the best strategies for each customer. These insights automate decisions and support service reps with real-time, personalized guidance. AI-driven virtual agents also assist CSRs during calls by suggesting payment options, reducing errors, and ensuring consistent service\u2014turning collections into a more supportive experience.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Smartflex\u2019s flexible architecture allows utilities to quickly adapt to new regulatory policies and protect vulnerable customers without compromising financial goals. The solution also includes an automated rule-based workflow system that ensures regulatory compliance while addressing customer needs. This means that utilities can focus on revenue recovery while maintaining consumer protection standards.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">An example of Smartflex&#8217;s impact on the collection process is a utility that <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">recovered $13.8 million in just 18 months using intelligent customer segmentation and automated strategies<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. After pausing collections due to the pandemic, the utility reactivated its process with an empathetic approach, focusing on proactive communication to help customers avoid service disconnection.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Smartflex was key to this strategy, enabling them to segment customers based on multiple variables, such as residential, commercial, schools, and hospitals. This allowed for tailored preventive measures, disconnection protocols, and legal actions suited to the specific needs and risk levels of each group. Leveraging this flexibility, the utility decided not to disconnect commercial and industrial customers, recognizing their vital role in the community. This case illustrates how the early implementation of the right tools can significantly enhance debt recovery. <\/span><b><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">By embracing automation and AI, the future of collections will not only be more efficient but also more human.<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Join us for our credit and collections series and discover more ways to balance effective strategies with a more empathetic approach to debt.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><h3>References\u00a0<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">[1] National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) &#8211; <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/neada.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/August-Arrearages-Press-Release-8.26.24.pdf\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">https:\/\/neada.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/August-Arrearages-Press-Release-8.26.24.pdf<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t<div class=\"has_eae_slider elementor-element elementor-element-3f95eae e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-eae-slider=\"26430\" data-id=\"3f95eae\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-84c2c6f elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"84c2c6f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hs-cta-embed hs-cta-simple-placeholder hs-cta-embed-196575641479\"\r\n  style=\"max-width:100%; max-height:100%; width:800px;height:347px\" data-hubspot-wrapper-cta-id=\"196575641479\">\r\n  <a href=\"https:\/\/cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com\/web-interactives\/public\/v1\/track\/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLgAI3wv%2FSvohTakXxWeG2ytiyKZEGDUbj9Mb3eFnTzVsCgy5TyNrSJ1kIfbtmiv9sCJeUgldcPaFZfO2YrAdqlXYZktqGwM25Cxl91QuSecewdoQe0CXUZzN41dic2VLCtbSgve5465n05HaH4OZloSF7B2s3G1cQKM0aaIAsVvoBQ2Q%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=196575641479&portalId=2545432\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\">\r\n    <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Talk to us!\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/no-cache.hubspot.com\/cta\/default\/2545432\/interactive-196575641479.png\" style=\"height: 100%; width: 100%; object-fit: fill\"\r\n      onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\" \/>\r\n  <\/a>\r\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"has_eae_slider elementor-element elementor-element-9d5969c elementor-hidden-desktop elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-mobile e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-eae-slider=\"26543\" data-id=\"9d5969c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-53cc77f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"53cc77f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Ready to elevate your utility capabilities?<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1796a5b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1796a5b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Contact us today to discover how Smartflex can transform your operations and drive future-ready growth.<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-33c382e elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"33c382e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.openintl.com\/en-emea\/contact\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">CONTACT NOW<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Unpaid utility bills and financial challenges are prompting utility companies to enhance their debt collection processes, as outdated approaches are no longer effective or empathetic. Utilities need automation, AI, and customer segmentation to improve collections. Through smart segmentation, automated plans, and proactive outreach, Smartflex helps utilities recover debt while maintaining customer relationships and reducing reliance on disconnection. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":46977,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9465],"tags":[9469],"class_list":["post-46976","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-industry-articles-en-emea","tag-ai-en-emea","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v23.4 (Yoast SEO v26.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Smart Collection Strategies for Modern Utilities: Overcoming Challenges with Smartflex and AI | Open Intelligence<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.openintl.com\/en-emea\/smart-collection-strategies-modern-utilities-overcoming-challenges-smartflex-ai\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Smart Collection Strategies for Modern Utilities: Overcoming Challenges with Smartflex and AI\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Unpaid utility bills and financial challenges are prompting utility companies to enhance their debt collection processes, as outdated approaches are no longer effective or empathetic. 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