Later this month, the city of San Luis Obispo will be upgrading its utility billing system to better serve its customers – city residents. The upgrade will bring many benefits that improve billing flexibility and efficiency. The existing system has been in use since the 1990’s.

“An improved utility billing system is overdue and we are very excited to be bringing this advanced technology to city residents,” San Luis Obispo Finance Director Charles Bourbeau said. “Ultimately, this new system will make utility billing more efficient and convenient for both the consumer and the city, saving time and money.”

The improved utility billing system boasts a number of improvements for customers, including a more user-friendly method to pay online and the ability to receive e-bills. The use of e-bills will save on the production and mailing costs of paper bills and is expected to save up to $13,000 annually. The enhanced electronic system will also improve efficiency within the city utility billing department by eliminating the need for manual entry.

The new software, designed by Springbrook Software, utilizes cutting-edge technology to increase efficiency and lower operating costs. Springbrook has more than 25 years of hands-on experience in developing, installing and supporting software for local government and is used by many California cities.

The improved utility billing system will be implemented on January 30, 2012. City residents should look for additional information with their water and sewer bills or by visiting www.slowater.org.