This post originally appeared on the American Public Power Association’s blog. Today’s consumers want their products and services on-demand and on-the-go, whether they’re watching TV, applying for loans, monitoring home security, or paying utility bills. Attention spans are short. Audiences want the full story in 140 characters or less, and news media have responded with … Read More
For Valentine’s Day, Four Ways to Get Customers to Show Their Wastewater Pipes Some Love
It’s the time of year when our thoughts turn to love and romance, but there’s nothing romantic about this topic: Nasty stuff being improperly dumped in the sewers. “Out of sight, out of mind,” many people think after flushing their toilets or running their garbage disposals. But wastewater utilities are facing a pandemic of clogged … Read More
Three Water Industry Predictions for 2017
With the books closed on 2016, I am sure I am not alone in reflecting on the year passed and pensive on what 2017 has to offer, especially from a water perspective. What have we learned from 2016 and how is it going to impact outcomes in 2017? As it pertains to my work at … Read More
Four Ways Utilities Can Harness the Power of Millennials
The world of work is changing. Last year, Millennials* surpassed Gen X-ers as the largest generation in the U.S. labor force. One in three American workers today are now Millennials, and by 2020 nearly half of the workforce will be Millennials. This means that companies will win or lose based on their ability to attract, … Read More
Using Water Conservation and Rate Hikes in the Same Sentence
“What keeps you up at night?” is a question I often ask utility staff to help better understand their unique challenges. Lately, a recurring response I have received is how to ensure water rates are affordable while encouraging conservation. How do we communicate with our customers both the need to conserve and also the reality … Read More