Times changing with more self-service options

Self-service is on the rise among GreyStone Power Corporation’s customers, called members, who like convenient ways to do business. Last year, the cooperative averaged almost 100,000 self-service transactions each month. That’s a big jump from just two years ago, when GreyStone members processed about 66,000 self-service transactions in a month.

Last year, GreyStone held two WIN BIG contest giveaways to reward members for using self-service options. Member Audrey Hill, of Douglasville, won the grand prize. A GreyStone member since 1996, she has used self-service options for more than three years. GreyStone Member Services Department Manager Iris Levin presented Hill with the grand prize, an iPad mini.

Levin said that when members use self-service options, it cuts GreyStone’s costs and helps keep the cooperative’s rates low. Hill said, “I just brag about my rates all the time.” GreyStone members enjoy some of the lowest rates in Georgia when compared to other co-ops and Georgia Power.

Self-service options, which are accessible 24/7, include paying through autodraft with a checking account, enrolling in e-billing, making payments through GreyStone’s website or paying through GreyStone’s interactive voice response (IVR) phone system. Members can also pay bills through a third party financial institution, such as GEMC Federal Credit Union or their bank. GreyStone’s website, www.greystonepower.com, allows members to register for online services.

More than 5,300 members are now taking advantage of a pay-as-you-go plan that offers flexibility and convenience. GreyStone’s prepaid plan provides the opportunity to pay when you want, in the amounts you want. Instead of receiving a traditional paper bill each month, electricity use is calculated daily. That means a prepaid member can keep the amount of money in their account that will fit their budget. You can buy enough power to last until payday, or enough to last several months.

For members who are concerned about late fees, prepaid may be the best option. Prepaid members never pay a late charge, disconnect or reconnect fee. For initial service, members purchase a minimum of $75 of prepaid electric service for daily use and fees.

Prepaid members also do not pay a deposit. If a member switches to prepaid from a traditional account, any existing security deposit will be applied to the current account. This puts the member’s deposit money to work for him or her immediately.

Another benefit of prepaid service is that it helps members who want to take control of their energy use. Those who monitor their consumption of electricity on a regular basis begin to notice patterns in day-to-day use of electricity. Any variation from this pattern, such as a vacation where little energy is used, will become evident. Monitoring and controlling daily electricity use helps some keep their energy costs down. 

For more information about GreyStone’s prepaid program, call 770-942-6576. Learn more about self-service options that can make your life easier at www.greystonepower.com.

GreyStone Power serves more than 107,400 members in portions of eight counties, including Paulding, Douglas, Fulton, Cobb, Carroll, Bartow, Fayette and Coweta counties. Learn more at www.greystonepower.com.