Why doesnt AEL&P offer credit/debit/ATM payments for free?
The cost associated with this type of transaction is much higher than those transactions made the old fashioned way or by using our Easy Pay or eCheck options. We looked into bank card fees and the computer enhancements required to make these transactions secure, and found them to be extremely expensive, particularly for the size of our company. The Speedpay service also offers a pay-by-phone approach that would require costly equipment AEL&P would not otherwise use. AEL&P is regulated by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska. The RCA has jurisdiction over what costs are covered within our rates. They have determined that credit and debit-type transaction charges are not allowable business expenses. We agree with this decision. We believe that those who use inexpensive forms of payments should not subsidize the high-transaction costs associated with the type of payment options the Speedpay service offers. Such convenience comes at a disproportionately high cost and needs to be paid by th
