What the customers say
Source: Choice Digital State of Energy Payments Report
of customers would be very satisfied if they had their choice of disbursement
of customers rate fast payments as ‘very’ or ‘extremely important’
of customers are more likely to participate in programs if payments arrive quickly
How it works
By making payment design part of program design, digital payments help utilities turn incentive payment from a transaction into an effective engagement tool that keeps the value of energy efficiency action fresh in customers’ minds.
- When a customer earns an incentive, they receive a clear, branded notification and select their preferred payout method at the time of issuance.
- Customers are offered a range of payment options: digital wallets (e.g., PayPal/Venmo), prepaid cards (digital or physical), ACH, even gift cards, as well as traditional checks.
- Throughout the process, consistent branding and clear status updates help customers understand what they’re receiving and when.
Utilities benefit from payment fulfillment, tracking, reporting, reissuance, and customer support, all managed within the program workflow.
A better experience for everyone
By offering more choice, putting incentive cash in pockets faster, and making energy efficiency value more tangible, digital payments are a win-win for both customer and utility.
Aligns with how customers manage their money
Digital payments give customers the flexibility to choose how they receive funds. Many customers – particularly in low‑ to moderate‑income groups – value prepaid cards or cash apps over traditional banking.
More financially inclusive by design
About 18% of U.S. adults are under- or unbanked.* Digital payments options help customers avoid high check‑cashing fees that cut into the incentive itself – ensuring those who may be managing tight cashflows receive the full value of their payment. *Source: FDIC National Survey of Unbanked and Underbanked Households.
Faster payment delivery
Mailed checks can take anywhere from 2–6 weeks to arrive. Shorter delivery times between program participation and payment boost satisfaction, and can reduce financial stress for many customers.
Holds connection between action and reward
Faster delivery of funds keeps the incentive closely tied to the energy efficiency action, reinforcing its value and supporting continued engagement and future participation.
Clearer visibility and fewer payment‑status questions
Checks can get lost, forgotten, or discarded. Branded notifications and status updates make it easier for customers to see and recognize incentive payments – reducing uncertainty and “where’s my payment?” calls.
Stronger utility attribution and customer trust
Payments are delivered with consistent utility branding, unlike standard bank checks. This means customers always know who the payment is from and what program it relates to, strengthening brand recognition and trust.
By offering more choice, putting incentive cash in pockets faster, and making energy efficiency value more tangible, digital payments are a win-win for both customer and utility.
Aligns with how customers manage their money
Digital payments give customers the flexibility to choose how they receive funds. Many customers – particularly in low‑ to moderate‑income groups – value prepaid cards or cash apps over traditional banking.
More financially inclusive by design
About 18% of U.S. adults are under- or unbanked.* Digital payments options help customers avoid high check‑cashing fees that cut into the incentive itself – ensuring those who may be managing tight cashflows receive the full value of their payment. *Source: FDIC National Survey of Unbanked and Underbanked Households.
Faster payment delivery
Mailed checks can take anywhere from 2–6 weeks to arrive. Shorter delivery times between program participation and payment boost satisfaction, and can reduce financial stress for many customers.
Holds connection between action and reward
Faster delivery of funds keeps the incentive closely tied to the energy efficiency action, reinforcing its value and supporting continued engagement and future participation.
Clearer visibility and fewer payment‑status questions
Checks can get lost, forgotten, or discarded. Branded notifications and status updates make it easier for customers to see and recognize incentive payments – reducing uncertainty and “where’s my payment?” calls.
Stronger utility attribution and customer trust
Payments are delivered with consistent utility branding, unlike standard bank checks. This means customers always know who the payment is from and what program it relates to, strengthening brand recognition and trust.
Why choose CLEAResult?
Utilities trust CLEAResult to deliver digital payments because we bring deep program implementation expertise and a proven track record of customer-focused execution. CLEAResult designs payment delivery to align with real-world utility operations – advancing program goals, reducing customer friction, and ensuring funds are delivered securely, accurately, and on time. By integrating payment strategy with the customer experience, compliance requirements, and day-to-day program operations, CLEAResult enables seamless, reliable payment execution at scale.
Contact Us
Tell us more about your energy challenges. We’re here to help.