New pay method welcomed

And local man, Lexie Millar is one of the first to lend his support to the new payment card.

Forward-thinking natural gas supplier firmus energy is now offering domestic customers across Londonderry the chance to spread the cost of their quarterly bills even further by taking advantage of its new easypay card. The key advantage of the card is that it can be topped up at PayPoint outlets at a wide range of garages and convenience stores throughout the city – many of which are open on a 24/7 basis.

Not to be confused with the utility’s company’s Pay as you Go cards, the easypay cards offer a straightforward payment method to customers who may not have bank accounts or access to direct debit facilities but would prefer to make a head start on their bills before they arrive.

Neil Holland, Head of Sales and Marketing of firmus energy commented: “We’ve listened to our customers and stakeholders such as the Consumer Council, NEA and Age Concern and know that flexibility of payment is a very important requirement when it comes to their home energy budgeting. This new method of payment is particularly in demand from our older customers, and we’ve already sent cards out to those who have requested this facility. It also may be of interest to people who have limited mobility and find it difficult to access or use a typical pay-as-you-go meter.

“firmus energy will be mailing all customers who have a credit meter and don’t have a direct debit set up to advise them of the easypay card and its benefits in terms of budgeting. It really is very simple to use - customers can go to any PayPoint outlet and put as much money as they like onto their card. This appears on their account with firmus energy, and when their next bill is sent out they will be invoiced for the outstanding amount only.”

Anne O’Reilly, Chief Executive, Age Concern Help the Aged NI commented: “70% of older people tell us that staying warm in winter is their main worry - easypay cards provide a positive option for older people to help spread the cost of heating bills.”

Director of NEA NI, Pat Austin, said: “firmus energy’s new easypay card is a welcome addition to their existing payment options. It offers customers an effective way of budgeting for the energy they use and is of practical benefit to householders who may not have access to a direct debit facility. It is good to see firmus energy engaging with their customers and responding to their needs in this way.”

The cards have been welcomed by firmus customer Lexie Miller, who said: “I am delighted with my new easypay card as it means I can make payments whenever I want and stay on top of my bills. I prefer to get out and about and chat to people and popping out to my local PayPoint outlet in the Waterside Service Station suits me perfectly!”