The Cookeville Energy Department now using a new automated call system to remind customers who are severely past due on payments.
Cookeville Utility Customer Service Manager Candice Taylor said the delinquent accounts technician will run a report. The system, then, will automatically call delinquent customers who have not paid by the disconnect date. Taylor said some customers may be concerned that the call is a scam.
“That’s why we are to get it out there that yes, it is us,” Taylor said. “We are just going automated now, but we do want to let them know if it is from us, it should never ask you for a payment. It will give you phone numbers or tell you can contact us to make payments.”
Taylor said the city has had a call system for years, but the calls had to be made manually. Taylor said the automated system has been a major improvement.
“Used to it would take her all day to call each customer, where now we’re able to do it within a couple of hours,” Taylor said.
Taylor said the city first started using the automated call system last Friday.
“So far, we have only sent those automated calls out to two routes,” Taylor said. “So we are waiting to see how it’s gonna affect and make a difference.”
Taylor said the city has six routes, which essentially are six different disconnection days in a month. Taylor said if a payment is not made the next day after the call, utilities will be disconnected.
