Texas public power utility CPS Energy continues expanding its customer payment options with the launch of Pay-by-Text, a convenient new way for customers to pay their energy bills directly through a text message, it said this month.
“This secure and mobile-friendly service is designed to make bill payment faster and more convenient, allowing customers to manage their accounts on the go,” the utility said.
Customers can enroll in Pay-by-Text by going to their Manage My Account (MMA) page and selecting pay by credit/debit card or using the EZ Pay One-Time payment online service.
Initially, customers will be required to make an online payment. Once an online payment is made, a confirmation message will appear in the customer’s EZ Pay account with the option to activate Pay-by-Text.
From there, customers will be guided through a few simple steps to verify their mobile number. The payment card used during enrollment will automatically be saved and used for future Pay-by-Text payments.
“Offering more ways for our customers to manage their accounts is part of our ongoing effort to improve the customer experience,” said Christen Waggoner, Vice President of Customer Experience Operations at CPS Energy. “With Pay-by-Text, we’re adding another fast, easy, and secure option that fits into our customers’ busy lives.”
Customers enrolled in the service will receive a payment reminder text five days before their bill is due and can complete their payment directly from that message.
There is a $2.35 fee per transaction when using Pay-by-Text, and transactions are subject to a $1,500 per payment limit and a $7,500 monthly cap. Apple Pay and Google Pay are not available for this Pay-by-Text feature.
If a customer wishes to use a different payment method, they must cancel their current Pay-by-Text account and re-enroll using the new preferred payment method. This can be done through a prompt in the CPS Energy payment text message or by accessing their account online through Manage My Account (MMA).
CPS Energy offers a variety of assistance programs for customers in need of bill payment assistance. To help connect customers with the right support, the utility recently launched a new Assistance Finder tool that makes it easier to explore available programs based on individual household needs.
