Welcome to the E Source blog! Our staff will share insights and observations about life at E Source, our events, our research, and other fun stuff.


How to make your online payment feature more customer-friendly

Keenan Samuelson | May 20, 2020 | 5 min read
Because of the pandemic, some of your customers who have been paying their bills via checks or walk-in centers are likely moving to digital bill payment for the first time. Your Make a Payment feature needs to be easy to locate and easy to use so as to not deter these customers.

Need to identify EV buyers? Try a personality test

Bill LeBlanc | May 13, 2020 | 8 min read
Why would someone buy an electric vehicle instead of the internal combustion engine vehicle they've been accustomed to their entire life? To find the answer, it’s important to look closely at the differences—or lack thereof—between the two car options and the mindsets of potential buyers.

Innovation and emerging tech: Let the best idea win

Bryan Jungers | May 6, 2020 | 14 min read
Just because something’s new doesn’t make it good. When it comes to choosing technologies for your utility programs, now is the perfect time to slow down and plan for the future you want, rather than simply accepting whatever new technologies come your way.

Your guide to helping business customers get through COVID-19

Devin Fink | May 5, 2020 | 5 min read
Business customers of every size in every industry have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. See how E Source Business Energy Advisor can help you offer guidance and support to these customers as they either ramp up or hunker down.

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day during the COVID-19 pandemic

Anna Nixon | April 21, 2020 | 6 min read
Don’t keep your Earth Day 2020 communications in quarantine. Utilities and nonutilities alike have found creative ways to bring their Earth Day celebrations into customers’ homes, and we encourage you to join in.

Expert advice on how to communicate during a crisis

Joy Herbers | April 20, 2020 | 5 min read
Your customers want to hear from you during the coronavirus pandemic. They want reassurance and they want information. At our April 9, 2020, web conference, three crisis communication experts gave advice on how to talk to customers throughout the coronavirus emergency. Read the highlights.

How to pay your utility bill during COVID-19

Lisa Schulte | April 9, 2020 | 7 min read
You’re about to get your first utility bill after one month in COVID-19 confinement. If you think you’re going to have trouble paying it, we have advice on how to make payment arrangements with your utility, enroll in assistance programs, and manage your energy use to avoid debt after the crisis.

Corporate goodwill during COVID-19

Joy Herbers | April 6, 2020 | 3 min read
We’ve been tracking all the goodwill efforts utilities are making to support their customers, their employees, and their communities. It’s inspired us to do the same for utility companies across the US and Canada. During this crisis, our COVID-19 resource center is available to all utilities.

Is your utility ready for coronavirus?

Jeffrey Daigle, Joy Herbers | March 12, 2020 | 5 min read
How should you prepare for the impacts of coronavirus on your call center, your credit and collections policies, and your external communications? You’re used to helping people prepare for disasters, and you’ve seen customer satisfaction improve. Coronavirus is no different. You need to have a plan.

How your voice helps guide E Source research and content

John McCracken | March 6, 2020 | 2 min read
For more than 30 years, our customers have guided our research efforts. Now it's even easier to make your voice heard. Have you noticed the bright, new feature at the end of our reports, event recordings, and Ask E Source answers? We've added a brief survey!