NorthStar: Deferred Payments Arrangements & Customer Deposits

Thursday, February 17 (9:00 am – 4:00 pm) — RSVP by Wednesday, February 9  

Thursday, February 24 (9:00 am – 4:00 pm) — RSVP by Wednesday, February 16

Deferred Payment Arrangements (9am – 12pm)

Many people experience difficulties keeping current with their utility bills.  They face disconnections and collection agencies because they are too proud to ask for help, or are unaware help is available.  Utilities can assist by offering Deferred Payment Arrangements (DPAs).  DPAs may be created in NorthStar and aid in the tracking and collection of past due accounts.  Take time to learn more about Deferred Payment Arrangements (DPAs) by attending a hands-on training session.

Agenda topics include:

• What is a DPA
• Offering DPAs
• Identify qualifying accounts
• PSC Regulation: 113.0404
• Creating a DPA
• Applying Payments
• Invoiced Arrangements
• Bill Review
• Cancellation of a DPA
• DPA process execution

Residential and commercial utility accounts with poor payment history are required to pay a customer deposit.  Some utilities require a deposit for all customers, unless a ‘good credit letter’ is supplied to the utility.  Join WPPI staff and fellow utility staff to learn when, why, and how Customer Deposits should be setup as well as refunded.Customer Deposits (1pm – 4pm)

Agenda topics include:

• When is a customer deposit required
• Benefits of using NorthStar & Setup discussion
• PSC Regulations: 113.0402 & 113.0403
• Credit Rating Events
• Identifying accounts
• Creating a customer deposit
• Deposit Calculation Rules
• Payments on deposits
• Offering Payment Arrangements on Deposits
• Deposit Reviews
• Refunding Customer Deposits

With the health and safety of all training attendees being a top priority, WPPI requires all participants follow current CDC recommended guidelines and any Public Health Madison and Dane County requirements regarding masking, social distancing, and taking proper action when a known close contact or positive test has occurred.  Masking requirements will be provided two days ahead of each in-person training event so participants know what to expect. 

Additionally, all attendees must conduct a symptom check prior to arrival at the WPPI office.  We ask that you refrain from attending the in-person event if you have any symptoms of illness and/or have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or have had close contact with an individual diagnosed with COVID-19 in the days leading up to the training.  Should this occur, please contact Amy Giessen with your cancellation notice.

Thank you.