Glendale Water & Power releases new mobile application

A new mobile application lets Glendale Water & Power customers see near real-time usage data, pay their bills on the go and report any problems with their utilities.

The app, called “GWP – My Mobile Connect,” can be downloaded for free by the first 2,000 customers for use on smartphones, tablets and through the Internet.

The app was developed over the past six months by Smart Utility Systems and is part of the utility’s modernization effort, which included the installation of digital meter readers that began in 2010.

“This is what we promised our customers and we’re excited,” said Craig Kuennen, business transformation and marketing administrator for the utility.

The app’s icon can even be used to monitor usage on a monthly, weekly or hourly basis.

Another feature lets users input budget goals and set up alerts and notifications.

Prior to the installation of smart meters, customers could only get usage information from the paper bills they received every few months, Kuennen said.

“It’s hard to conserve when you don’t know what you’re using,” he added.

For owners of electric vehicles, the app also lists nearby car-charging stations. The utility can also send service-outage notifications through the app and customers can use it to request maintenance service.

“GWP – My Mobile Connect” can be downloaded from the iTunes Store for Apple devices as well as Google Play for Android devices. Customers will be required to input their account information to be able to use the app.

To access the app online, visit www.smartcmobile.com/gwp.

The app is a pilot program for now and depending on its popularity, it could be expanded past the initial 2,000 downloads for which its contracted, Kuennen said.

Additional funding for the project would require approval by the Glendale City Council.

Another goal would be to expand the app so commercial retailers can use it, too, Kuennen said.