InvoiceCloud & Alaska Village Electric Win Smart Energy Award
InvoiceCloud, a leading provider of digital bill payment solutions, proudly celebrates its customer, Alaska Village Electric Cooperative (AVEC), for being recognized in the eighth annual Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative (SECC) 2025 Best Practices Awards. AVEC has been honored with the prestigious Culture Transformation Award for its efforts in upgrading its billing operations to a digital payment system powered by InvoiceCloud. This transformation has not only streamlined the cooperative’s financial operations but has also strengthened its relationship with members, making payment processes more efficient and accessible.
Overcoming Geographic Challenges with Digital Innovation
AVEC is a non-profit, community-owned electric utility that serves the largest geographic area of any electric power cooperative in the world. It provides electricity to 59 remote Alaskan villages, 58 of which are only accessible by plane or boat. Due to the remoteness of these communities, AVEC faced persistent challenges in ensuring the timely delivery of billing statements and the collection of payments. The cooperative’s reliance on traditional mail services often resulted in delayed bill deliveries and late payments, putting members at risk of electricity shutoffs and financial strain.
Prior to adopting InvoiceCloud’s digital payment solutions, AVEC had only seven customers enrolled in AutoPay, and there were no options for paperless billing. The lack of convenient, digital payment methods meant that many residents struggled with making timely payments. These challenges underscored the need for a modernized approach to billing—one that would not only address logistical issues but also offer consumers a more seamless and efficient experience.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, AVEC implemented InvoiceCloud’s innovative billing platform to completely overhaul its payment process. By transitioning to a digital-first approach, the cooperative aimed to streamline utility payments, introduce a paperless billing option, and make AutoPay enrollment more accessible. The results of this transformation have been significant, positively impacting both the cooperative and its members.
Transformational Impact on AVEC and Its Members
Since implementing InvoiceCloud’s solution in June 2021, AVEC has experienced a remarkable shift in its billing and payment operations. Key achievements include:
- Massive Growth in Digital Engagement: AVEC went from having no paperless billing option to enrolling over 6,500 members in paperless billing within just a few years.
- Exponential Increase in AutoPay Enrollment: AutoPay participation skyrocketed by an astonishing 250 times, significantly reducing the number of late payments.
- Substantial Cost Savings: AVEC has saved an average of over $20,000 per month on invoicing costs, demonstrating the financial efficiency of digital billing.
- Improved Customer Satisfaction and Reliability: Members now have access to seamless, user-friendly payment options, reducing stress and uncertainty associated with bill payments.
Beyond the financial and operational improvements, this digital transformation has had a meaningful impact on AVEC’s members, many of whom depend on a stable electricity supply for their daily lives. In rural Alaska, subsistence lifestyles are common, and reliable electricity is essential for preserving food supplies, maintaining heating systems, and ensuring overall well-being. The new payment system has provided members with a more dependable way to manage their utility bills, eliminating concerns about delayed payments due to mail disruptions.
Industry Recognition and Thought Leadership
The SECC Best Practices Awards highlight the exceptional efforts of electricity providers across the United States and Canada in shaping a smarter, more consumer-focused energy landscape. These awards celebrate programs, technologies, and strategies that have demonstrated significant benefits for residential and small business customers. The Culture Transformation Award specifically acknowledges AVEC’s success in modernizing its approach to billing and payments, setting a new standard for customer engagement in remote communities.
Kevin O’Brien, CEO of InvoiceCloud, expressed his enthusiasm for AVEC’s achievement:
“Our customers play an incredibly important role in their communities, and we are proud of the part our solutions play in helping those communities by providing more accessible and sustainable payment alternatives that turn complex processes into engaging digital experiences. AVEC’s commitment to innovation and customer service exemplifies what it means to drive meaningful change through technology.”
Nathan Shannon, President and CEO of SECC, also praised AVEC’s efforts:
“Innovation is essential to meeting customer needs amid the energy transition. This year’s six winners showcase the innovative ways that electricity providers are helping consumers and small businesses address the challenges they are facing and meet their energy goals. We hope these inspiring examples will encourage further customer-focused innovation in the industry.”
A Model for Other Utilities Facing Similar Challenges
AVEC’s success serves as a model for other rural and remote utilities facing similar challenges in billing and payment processing. The transition from paper-based billing to a digital-first strategy has proven to be a game-changer, demonstrating the power of technology in enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency.
For utilities in geographically isolated regions, the adoption of digital payment solutions offers several key advantages:
- Enhanced Payment Accessibility: Customers can make payments anytime and from anywhere, reducing reliance on slow and unreliable mail services.
- Improved Cash Flow Management: AutoPay and online billing options help utilities collect payments more predictably and efficiently.
- Reduced Operational Costs: Digital billing eliminates the expenses associated with printing and mailing physical bills.
- Greater Environmental Sustainability: By reducing paper usage, digital billing contributes to sustainability goals and lessens the environmental impact.
- Stronger Customer Relationships: Providing modern and convenient payment options fosters trust and satisfaction among utility members.
The Future of Smart Energy Billing
The recognition of AVEC in the SECC Best Practices Awards is a testament to the growing importance of digital transformation in the energy sector. As more utilities embrace smart energy solutions, digital billing platforms like InvoiceCloud will continue to play a vital role in improving service delivery, enhancing customer engagement, and promoting financial efficiency.
AVEC’s journey illustrates how innovative payment solutions can empower both utilities and consumers. By leveraging technology to address long-standing challenges, AVEC has not only modernized its operations but also strengthened its commitment to the communities it serves. Moving forward, other utilities can look to AVEC’s success as a blueprint for how digital transformation can drive positive change in the energy industry.
In an era where convenience, efficiency, and sustainability are paramount, AVEC’s achievement underscores the need for continued innovation. By embracing digital billing solutions, utilities worldwide can enhance their operational resilience, improve customer satisfaction, and create a more interconnected and efficient energy ecosystem.
