Eastpoint Power unveils PointPay program for flexible utility payments

East Point City Council is poised to introduce a groundbreaking utility payment initiative aimed at enhancing financial flexibility for residents. During the August 4, 2025, meeting, the council was presented with the Acceleron PayGo program, branded locally as PointPay, which seeks to provide a more customer-focused approach to utility payments.

Alicia Parsons, the project manager from East Point Power, outlined the program's key features, emphasizing its potential to assist residents struggling with utility debt. With over $280,000 in utility debt currently overdue in East Point, PointPay aims to recover these funds while offering users greater control over their utility expenses. The program allows customers to roll overdue balances into their payments, with 75% of each payment going towards current usage and 25% towards clearing old debts.

The initiative is designed to be equitable and accessible, requiring no security deposits and offering real-time feedback on energy usage. This transparency is expected to encourage smarter consumption habits among users. The program also promises to streamline operations for the city by automating reconnections after payments, reducing the need for after-hours staff intervention.

The council discussed the implementation of a pilot program targeting high-debt customers and those with chronic payment issues, allowing for adjustments based on feedback before a citywide rollout. The initial cost for launching PointPay is estimated at $15,000, which will be shared between the water and electric departments.

Council members expressed interest in the program's potential benefits, including its ability to help residents manage their utility costs more effectively. The council is expected to revisit the proposal for formal approval after gathering additional feedback from the community.

As East Point moves forward with this innovative payment solution, residents can anticipate a more manageable and transparent way to handle their utility bills, potentially transforming the financial landscape for many in the community.