UTILITY MESSAGING

SMS for utility providers that keeps customers informed

Utility providers can use SMS to send text-based alerts and account updates. You can even send messages without an app or internet access so important messages always get through. 

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BUSINESS OUTCOMES

What SMS for utility providers delivers

SMS for utility providers gives you a direct way to share service notifications. Reach customers without relying on an app or an internet connection. You can also reduce inbound inquiries by sharing updates proactively.

Reduce inbound inquiries

Share key updates by text. This can reduce inbound inquiries to support channels.

Reach customers without internet

SMS works without Wi-Fi, which means customers can receive messages even on basic phones or during outages.

Send timely service notifications

Use SMS to share time-sensitive service notifications — perfect for outage and service update scenarios.
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UTILITY WORKFLOWS

Utility workflows that fit SMS for utility providers

SMS for utility providers supports operational, service-related customer communications. You can use it for alerts, notifications, and account updates, which are common during outages and other service events.

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HOW SINCH HELPS

How Sinch supports SMS for utility providers

SMS programs often use different number types depending on the interaction you need. 10DLC stands for 10-digit long code — a type of phone number used for person-to-person communication that has been approved for business use. Zero-rated short codes are 3 to 7 digits numbers used for 2-way texting between companies and their customers.

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COMPLIANCE AND CONSENT

Compliance considerations for SMS for utility providers

Users must consent to receive your messages before you send anything. For marketing messages, a functioning opt-out via text message must be provided at the end of all marketing messages.

You should define your opt-in and opt-out workflow before you start sending messages. That keeps your program aligned with consent expectations.

UTILITY USE CASES

How utility providers use SMS

SMS for utility providers is commonly used for operational and service-related messages. Common categories include outage notifications, billing and payment reminders, meter reading schedules or alerts, service disruption and restoration updates, and payment confirmation messages.

Outage notifications

Let customers know their service is out.

Billing and payment reminders

Send billing and payment reminders where customers will see them.

Meter reading alerts

Gives customers a heads up before you come by to read their meter.

Service disruption and restoration updates

Keep customers up-to-date about service disruptions and how restoration is going.

Payment confirmations

Send payment confirmation messages by text.

CAPABILITIES

SMS terms and options for utility providers

10DLC

10DLC stands for 10-digit long code — a type of phone number used for person-to-person communication that has been approved for business use.

Zero-rated short codes

Zero-rated short codes are 3 to 7 digits numbers used for 2-Way interaction between companies and their customers. With zero-rated short codes, end customers don’t pay the price of the message they send to the company using it.

Email to SMS

Email to SMS lets you send and receive SMS directly from your email.

Opt-in

Users must consent to receive your messages before you send anything.

Opt-out for marketing messages

A functioning opt-out via text message must be provided at the end of all marketing messages.

GETTING STARTED

How to get started with SMS for utility providers

Start with the basics: number type, consent, and how you will send messages.

  • Choose 10DLC or a short code

  • Define how you collect opt-in

  • Add opt-out instructions for marketing messages

  • Set up Email to SMS if you want email-based sending

  • Test your messages before sending at volume

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about SMS for utility providers

SMS for utility providers is the use of Short Message Service by electricity, gas, water, and other utility companies to send and receive text-based communications with customers for operational and service-related purposes.

Reduce inbound enquiries by proactively providing information via text. This is most relevant for time-sensitive service notifications and account updates.

Utility SMS programs may use 10DLC and zero-rated short codes. 10DLC stands for 10-digit long code – a type of phone number used for person-to-person communication that has been approved for business use.

Get opt-in: Users must consent to receive your messages before you send anything. For marketing messages, you also need a functioning opt-out via text message at the end of the message.

Yes. Email to SMS lets you send and receive SMS directly from your email. That supports basic sending without building an API integration.

Common utility SMS use cases include outage notifications, billing and payment reminders, meter reading schedules or alerts, service disruption and restoration updates, and payment confirmation messages.

Zero-rated short codes are 3 to 7 digits numbers used for two-way interaction between companies and their customers. With zero-rated short codes, end customers don’t pay the price of the message they send to the company using it.

For marketing messages, you need opt-in and a functioning opt-out via text message. You should define these consent steps before you start sending messages.