CEO Message – October 2017
Electronic devices can save you money, help you monitor the safety of your family or help you save on home energy costs. This may sound too good to be true, but many products on the market do all these things and more.
Smart security systems, for example, let you access and control your system through an app on your smartphone. Most smart security systems can be customized. You might choose a system that you can install yourself or you might choose the peace of mind that comes with hiring a professional. Some smart security systems even offer real-time monitoring as a feature.
Knowing your home is safe—no matter where you are—is comforting. Knowing your personal information is safe can also be comforting.
Making sure members’ transactions take place in the most secure environment available— no matter which way you choose to pay—is a priority for Wells Rural Electric Co.
Whether you choose to mail a check, set up recurring automatic payments, make a payment from your smartphone or tablet, pay by credit card on the web, use the SmartHub app or pay in person, WREC gives members the flexibility to choose a payment option that best fits your needs.
In the rapidly changing world of electronic payments, we regularly update our security measures to safeguard member information. For guidance, we rely on the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), which is designed to ensure all companies that accept, process, store or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment. Federal law requires all businesses that store, process or transmit payment cardholder data to be PCI compliant.
The PCI security compliance measures required a change in our practices and to our phone payment system. Members who pay by phone with credit or debit cards should call their local office and select option 3 from the automated menu. If members want to pay with a credit or debit card, but bypass the automated call routing, our member services representatives are required to redirect your call to the secure automated payment line.
Our website, wrec.coop, was recently redesigned based on input from members who participated in focus groups. Those members told us they wanted to be able to access their accounts quickly on the home screen, so the “Make a Payment” option is near the top of the home page. Our web-based account management option allows you to check your electric energy use, manage multiple aspects of your account and pay your bill in the most secure manner available using SmartHub.
Every member of Wells Rural Electric Company is unique, so WREC offers multiple payment option to match your unique preferences. Despite our individuality, I believe every member wants excellent service. One of the most important ways we can provide members with the best possible service is to keep your information secure.
We are committed to implementing the most current methods to do so.
Clay R. Fitch
Chief Executive Officer
