Top 10 Utility Bill Management Services

Effectively managing utility bills is crucial for organizations seeking cost control and efficiency. Thus, a centralized database with reporting options becomes indispensable to track and understand utility expenses. Knowing what you're paying for is crucial. That's where utility bill management services become useful - they find unnecessary costs, fix errors, and even spot potential refunds.

Consider crucial factors when selecting the right utility billing software. It is essential to assess whether the platform is cloud-based or on-premise and if it meets regulatory and compliance requirements such as PCI. Other factors include integration capabilities, comprehensive reporting, automation features, user-friendliness, customer support and training, and more.

Let us simplify the choice for you. We have a list of top utility bill management platforms. Read along to assess each of them and find the right one that fits seamlessly with your goals.

1. Docsumo

Docsumo is an AI-powered document automation platform designed to streamline business document workflows, including utility bill processing. 

It can extract essential data from utility bills and invoices and leverage the extracted information to populate forms, generate reports, and trigger other business processes.

a. Features

• Readymade APIs for utility bills pre-defined fields like customer name, service provider, amounts, etc.
• 100% automation with human-in-the-loop
• Self-learning algorithms
• Analytics and Reporting
• Data validation with configurable rules and settings
• Ready to be integrated with existing systems such as Yardi, Salesforce, etc.
• 50+ data points extraction from utility bills with minimal human effort

b. Pros

• <60 seconds turnaround time
• 99% reduced manual and repetitive errors
• 10x increased efficiency
• Can process unstructured utility data
• 90% touchless processing using smart validation rules

c. Cons

• The learning curve might be challenging

d. Pricing

$500+ per month (growth model) - Ideal for start-ups and businesses that need to automate one or two document types

Business (custom pricing) - Perfect for businesses that need to capture specific data points from documents and train on their data 

Enterprise (custom pricing) - Ideal for enterprises that need to process multiple document types, train on their data, and implement custom workflows

2. Urjanet

Urjanet is a utility data aggregation and management platform. It offers businesses streamlined access to their utility data within a user-friendly interface. Beyond data accessibility, Urjanet facilitates in-depth analysis of utility data, empowering businesses to identify opportunities for cost savings. 

a. Features

• On-demand access to utility bill payment history.
• AP automation
• Energy management
• Energy procurement
• Identity verification
• Solar sales
• Sustainability reporting
• Utility bill management

b. Pros

• Accelerates solar proposals and accurate ROI projections with user-permission data 
• User-friendly platform
• Compliance support

c. Cons

• Integration complexity
• Customization limitations

d. Pricing

Pricing on request

3. MuniBilling

MuniBilling is a cloud-based utility billing and customer information system (CIS) utilized by over 200 municipalities and companies across 3 countries. This comprehensive solution is adaptable for billing various services or fees, offering flexibility with unlimited rates and tiers. 

MuniBilling further features integrations with automated meter reading systems, accounting packages, GIS software, and various other functionalities.

a. Features

• Flexible billing engine
• Real-time reporting
• Customer portal standard
• Service-order module
• Seasonal management
• Meter Integrations
• Accounting software data feeds
• Secure payments options

b. Pros

• Responsive customer support
• Easy to use and efficient
• Integrates well with AMR/AMI and Sensus
• Quick and efficient search with instant account display on the screen

c. Cons

• Reports might be confusing

d. Pricing

Pricing on request

4. Diversified Technology

Diversified Billing is an advanced billing, payment processing, and customer service software solution tailored for water, sewer, trash, gas, and electric utilities. Whether accessed through LAN or as a cloud app, it enhances efficiency and minimizes errors. 

a. Features

• Recurring billing
• Payment processing tools
• Cloud-based
• Integration with meter reading system and export journal entries 
• Seamless cooperation with add-on modules, such as the Mobile Work Order module

b. Pros

• Prompt, friendly, and knowledgeable customer support
• User-friendly interface
• Easy to learn
• Quick and easy processing

c. Cons

• Pulling specific reports can be difficult
• Limited options for collection efforts

d. Pricing

$250 per month

5. Flux Federation

Flux is an energy billing platform designed to remove obstacles associated with scaling energy solutions. It achieves this by transparently exposing and calculating the cost of energy, automating complex energy transactions, and fostering innovation through rapid billing configuration for new products. Additionally, Flux reduces the cost of serving.

a. Features

• Billing and invoicing
• Customer management
• Metered billing
• Non-metered billing
• Online payments
• Unconstrained tariff design
• Supports all meter categories and data types
• Combines meter data with complex tariffs to generate accurate bills
• Configurable billing platform

b. Pros

• Ease of use
• Good customer service

c. Cons

None as of now

d. Pricing

Pricing on request

6. OpenGov Financials

OpenGov Financials is a cloud-based financial management suite tailored for local government entities. As an integral component of the leading open government cloud platform in the industry, OpenGov Financials increases the efficiency of financial operations for municipalities and other local government agencies. Its features are designed to streamline processes, promote transparency, and promote informed decision-making.

a. Features

• Financial management and general ledger
• Accounts payable and encumbrance accounting
• Accounts receivable
• Track all physical assets
• Purchase cards
• Requisitions
• User security

b. Pros

• Financial transparency
• Ad-hoc reporting with drill-down capabilities
• Quick customer service
• 100% paperless documentation
• Streamlined permitting

c. Cons

None as of now

d. Pricing

Pricing on request

7. Oracle Utilities

Oracle Utilities comprises a comprehensive suite of solutions available both in the cloud and on-premises. It assists utilities in effectively managing various aspects of their operations, encompassing billing, customer service, asset management, and energy efficiency. 

Trusted by more than 1,500 utilities across 140 countries, Oracle Utilities is a globally recognized solution for the utility sector.

a. Features

• Customer service and billing
• Advanced metering
• Energy efficiency and demand management
• Customer experience
• Live energy connect
• Network management
• Work and asset management
• Field service
• Capital asset lifecycle management
• Enterprise resource planning
• Human capital management
• Cloud infrastructure

b. Pros

• Facilitates prompt rate configuration for mid-size and large enterprises in the utilities sector
• Adaptable for seamless integration with new technologies
• Operates a user-friendly billing portal for easy navigation
• Provides prompt and efficient query resolution
• Recognized for a strong billing core engine and comprehensive utility solutions
• Comprehensive solution for billing and customer details tracking
• Streamlines handling of customer requests and complaints with easy access to information at runtime

c. Cons

• Challenging to manage; and requires significant resources
• Too much customization is needed for daily workflow changes
• Fully browser-based, leading to delays in implementing changes at times

d. Pricing

Pricing on request

8. Muni-Link

Muni-Link is a cloud-based utility billing and customer information system (CIS) utilized by over 500 municipalities and special districts in the United States.

a. Features

• Automated billing and payment processing
• Customer self-service portal
• Mobile app for field operations
• Integrations with third-party systems
• CASS Certification
• Backup and recovery systems

b. Pros

• Increased revenue accuracy
• Web presence enhancement
• Responsive support
• User-friendly interface
• Streamlines billing process
• Error notifications

c. Cons

• Some challenges in customizing reports
• Occasional difficulty in finding specific reports
• Quirks and problems in the loans module

d. Pricing

Pricing on request

9. UtilityTrakR by Starnik

UtilityTrakR is a cloud-based utility billing and customer information system (CIS) employed by over 200 utilities in the United States. As a modular solution, UtilityTrakR is customizable to suit the unique needs of each utility.

a. Features

• Payments
• Billing (CIS)
• Collections
• Customer portal access
• Cashiering
• Customizable detailed reporting
• Business intelligence
• Meter data management
• Field service functions on mobile devices

b. Pros

• Ease of use
• Responsive customer service
• Continuous improvement
• Customization and adaptability

c. Cons

• Initial complexity
• Time-consuming report customization
• Limited review data
• Integration complexity
• Learning Curve

d. Pricing

Pricing available on request

10. Cimpl

Cimpl is a cloud-based utility bill management platform designed to assist businesses of all sizes in optimizing their energy consumption and reducing costs on their utility bills.

a. Features

• Vendor selection and evaluation
• Vendor and carrier scorecards
• Vendor escalation
• Wireline service ordering
• Integration with ITSM and carriers
• Consolidated procurement reporting and analysis
• Asset management (telecom, wireless, IoT, IT, Cloud, UCC)
• Invoice analysis, processing, and payment
• Contract audit and optimization
• Big data analysis

b. Pros

• Enhanced cost visibility
• Increased cost savings
• Dedicated support team

c. Cons

• None as of now

d. Pricing

Pricing on request

How to choose the right utility bill management service?

When selecting a utility billing system for your business or organization, it's crucial to consider various factors to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness in managing utility expenses.

Here's a detailed guide on key factors to consider:

a. Business needs assessment

Define your utility billing needs, including unique processes and managed utilities. When selecting software, assess total ownership costs and staff training requirements for a smooth transition. Prioritize flexibility for handling seasonal billing adjustments and choose software tailored to utility industry challenges. Opt for systems offering multiple payment options for enhanced customer convenience.

b. Scalability and flexibility

It is imperative to ensure that the software is capable of scaling seamlessly with your business' growth. Look for flexible features within the software that allows for easy adaptation to the dynamic landscape of utility management needs. The ability to adjust and customize the system ensures it remains responsive to changing industry trends, regulatory demands, and evolving organizational requirements. 

c. Integration capabilities

Seamless integration with CRM, accounting, and operational software is crucial for a comprehensive view of customer interactions and streamlined billing. Ensure the utility billing software integrates with existing systems, fostering a cohesive workflow and data consistency across business functions. Compatibility with industry-standard data formats enables efficient data exchange and collaboration between software solutions.

d. Billing accuracy and automation

The utility billing software should incorporate robust validation mechanisms to minimize errors in billing processes. Additionally, the system's automation features play a key role in reducing the need for manual intervention and streamlining billing workflows for greater efficiency. 

e. Regulatory compliance

When selecting utility billing software, verify its compliance with both local and industry regulations. Ensure adherence to legal standards governing utility billing practices. This includes staying updated on ever-evolving legal requirements associated with utility billing, such as data protection regulations, tax codes, and industry-specific guidelines.

In the United States, a specific example would involve adhering to federal regulations such as the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN) and state-specific laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). 

f. Customer support and training

Evaluate the software's customer support and training resources for efficient adoption. Responsive support and accessible training enhance user experience and operational efficiency.

g. Reporting and analytics

Opt for utility billing software that provides comprehensive reporting tools for analyzing consumption patterns and includes analytics features for gaining insights into cost optimization and resource management. 

h. Customization options

Assess the utility billing software's customization capabilities for billing formats and processes. This flexibility ensures that the software aligns seamlessly with your organization's unique needs.

i. Vendor reputation and reviews

Research vendor reputation and user reviews to anticipate potential issues and gain insights from others' experiences.

j. Future upgrades and support

Inquire about the vendor's roadmap for future upgrades and assess their commitment to ongoing support and updates. Understanding the software's evolution and the vendor's dedication to continuous improvement ensures a long-term, reliable partnership.

It is important to take all the above factors into consideration before choosing the right solution for your organization.