Re: S.W.A’s original sin 

It is not good business practice to publicize customers names with accounts in arrears. The S.W.A. can reduce its accounts receivable and to improve its cash flow by using a ‘simple and effective’ method. 

When an account is overdue, simply send the customer a termination notice saying your account is overdue and is scheduled for disconnection on a set date. 

If the customer pays for the account prior to the set date, S.W.A. can appreciate its collection effort. 

If the customer doesn’t pay, the meter must be disconnected on the said date. The customer will come in to make arrangements for payment of the arrears and for its re-connection. This is simply the best method, customers are people who should be treated with respect. 

There are many reasons why a customer doesn’t pay his/her account on time and these individual issues can be addressed when the customer meets with the S.W.A. customer rep. 

There is no need to name and shame a person. It is not necessary, but applying the simple method mentioned above, will do wonders for S.W.A. I have used the same method when working with another utility.

Taliva’a