I remember back in the late 1980’s, my father gave me a hard time for wanting a computer.  He thought it was a waste of time and that computers were never going to be a useful tool.  Back then, having  access and the ability to use a computer was a luxury and a skill that high-tech college students possessed.  Now, my three year old plays games on a hand held computer.  Obviously, things have changed considerably over the past 20 years.  Almost everyone uses a cellular telephone, and most of these devices are much more complex and powerful than the desk top computers of the 1990’s.   In fact, it seems there is no limit to what we can do with computer technology nowadays.

At FBEMC, we too have evolved with computer technology.  We have multiple computer systems that operate our accounting and billing software, our mapping system, and other integral programs.  Our Automated Meter Reading (AMR) system uses a centralized computer to warehouse all the meter readings and other data. In the field, each meter is a computer device that accumulates kilowatt hour usage, offers load control, and has the ability to disconnect with a wireless two-way communication system.  We are also offering high speed internet over our lines to select areas in rural Madison County which uses a tremendous amount of computer technology.

Another area that we have developed and improved over the past few years is our ability to take payments in a variety of ways.  We now offer payment by electronic check, credit card, or automatic bank draft in addition to the conventional payment methods.  You can also pay over the telephone or online.  Our latest improvement is the ability to offer electronic (paperless) billing.  As a member, you can go to our website and view your current bill as well as past bills.  Besides the convenience of having access to your bills anytime and anywhere, we reduce the amount of paper bills that we mail out.  With the added convenience of bank draft, you do not have to worry about forgetting to pay your bill and you can still print a copy of your bill for your records.  Online bill presentment is only one of the new programs we will be implementing in the coming months.  Flex Pay and the ability to view daily kilowatt hour readings are services we are currently developing and testing. 

If you are interested in signing up for electronic (paperless) billing, you can submit your request by calling our office or by sending an email to billing@frenchbroademc.com.  You can also sign up on our website by clicking the Pay My Bill link in the left column.