A local energy company released plans Friday to revamp its response system for utility outages by updating its technology to be more customer-friendly and allow for more efficient company responses.
Because of an increase in the use of Internet services through mobile devices and portable technologies, Alliant Energy will allow customers to report power outages and other complaints using their smart phones or the company’s website.
Previously, customers had to call and often wait for extended periods of time to be connected to the appropriate department in order to register outages.
Recent surveys have shown an increase in Internet use among smartphone owners, encouraging Alliant Energy to offer customers more online services, spokesperson Justin Foss said.
Foss said there are multiple benefits to the new innovations beyond simple convenience. Customers will save time calling in the event of a power outage, and if a large number of customers use the company’s Internet services, Alliant will be able to map out a more detailed area of power outage to prevent further issues.
Service crews will also be able to respond more quickly to the complaints, Alliant Energy Vice President for Energy Delivery Dundeana Doyle said.
“We recognize more and more customers are using their smart phones in daily life,” Doyle said. “Ultimately, customers benefit when they use these tools to help us identify the cause and location of an outage. The faster we can identify the location and cause, the faster we can get power restored.”
Alliant is also offering updated technology specifically to U.S. Cellular customers, who can now dial 1-800-Alliant to immediately reach the reporting center, said Foss.
Foss said Alliant Energy has always had a well-developed corporate relationship with U.S. Cellular, and this service may possibly expand to other carriers in the future.
Customers will also begin receiving notices in emails, Foss said.
“These new tools are important because it shows that we’re paying attention to what customers want and we’re being responsible with the money that they pay us to provide energy for them,” Foss said.
