The December and January billing cycles will see the first phase of the city's three-phase plan to allow their customers to view and pay their utilities and taxes online.

The first phase of the "Utility Billing Online Portal Project", expected to roll out to most customers in December, will see the introduction of a new-look paper bill, providing customers with more details such as carbon tax changes, defined water rates, demand and more.

While this first phase is largely hands-off for customers, the city cautions that the new system will automatically create a new account for every existing utility customer. Those who pay their bills at their financial institutions or through online banking will be required to update their information accordingly. Customers who pay their bills in person at City Hall will be assisted by customer service representatives when they pay their bills.

Phase two, which is anticipated early in the new year, will see the launch of the "Online Utility Billing Portal", an opt-in service that will allow customers to go paperless and receive their utility and property tax accounts online.

Kathy Hopfner, the City's General Manager of Corporate Services, says:

"This project is all about enhancing the customer experience. Two things that we believe are important to our utility customers are environmental stewardship and the convenience of accessing and paying their bills from their device of choice. The end result of this project will accomplish both of these customer priorities"

The date for phase three of the project has not yet been announced but will allow customers to pay their utility bills and view their detailed consumption directly from the Online Utility Billing Portal.

As the project moves forward, Customers will continue to receive updates and ongoing information by visiting the city's website at www.swiftcurrent.ca/utilities or by phoning the city directly at 306-778-2731.