Why You Should Attend the 2025 Annual Utilities Credit & Collections Symposium

Why Attend the 2025 Monticello Conference: Utilities Credit & Collections Symposium

The 2025 Utilities Credit & Collections Symposium is the event for utility professionals who want to fine tune their credit, collections and revenue management skills. Hosted by the Monticello Consulting Group, it’s a must attend for anyone who wants to stay ahead of the curve in the utilities industry.

What is the Utilities Credit & Collections Symposium?

The Utilities Credit & Collections Symposium is an annual event for utility professionals, debt management experts and financial leaders to get together, share knowledge and explore the latest in credit and collections. The 2025 event will be even bigger and better with sessions on the meter-to-cash process, including the integration and functionality of billing systems and customer information systems, debt recovery strategies and best practices in utility credit management.

The Debt Collection and Purchasing Process

The process of purchasing debt involves several critical steps:

Identifying Debt Portfolios: Law firms typically source debt portfolios from debt brokers, financial institutions, credit card companies, or distressed asset marketplaces. These portfolios may include charged-off credit card debt, medical debt, auto loans, or personal loans.
Due Diligence: Before purchasing, firms conduct thorough due diligence to assess the quality of the debt. This includes reviewing documentation, debtor information, and compliance with federal and state regulations, such as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) guidelines. Understanding federal laws like the FDCPA is crucial to ensure protection against harassment from debt collectors.
Media, Contracts, and Agreements: One of the most critical aspects of purchasing debt is ensuring access to complete documentation, often referred to as “media.” This includes original contracts, account statements, payment histories, and other agreements that establish the debtor’s obligation. Full documentation is essential not only for legal compliance but also for ensuring the validity of claims during litigation. Without sufficient media, lawsuits risk being dismissed due to lack of evidence. The documentation often includes details of outstanding debt, which is crucial for assessing the debt’s validity and potential recovery.
Purchase Agreements: Once a suitable portfolio is identified, a purchase agreement is negotiated. This agreement outlines the terms of the sale, including price, warranties, and access to supporting documentation.
Data Integration: After purchase, the debt data is integrated into the firm’s case management system. Proper documentation is critical to ensure smooth litigation.

Litigation: The Suing Process

Once the debt is purchased, the law firm’s primary objective is to litigate and recover the owed amounts. Here’s how the suing process typically unfolds:

Pre-Litigation Review: The firm reviews the accounts to ensure all documentation is in order, including contracts, account statements, and proof of debt ownership. This step is crucial in states with stringent documentation requirements for filing lawsuits.
Demand Letters: Initial demand letters are sent to debtors, offering them an opportunity to settle the debt before legal action is taken. This step is both a compliance requirement and an opportunity to resolve the matter amicably.
State Laws and Documentation Requirements: Many states have specific laws governing the documentation required to file a lawsuit on purchased debt.

For instance:

Some states mandate the presentation of the original contract or a copy of the agreement that created the debt.
Others require a complete chain of title to prove ownership of the debt.
Certain jurisdictions may demand additional documentation, such as itemized statements showing how the debt balance was calculated.

Failing to meet these requirements can result in case dismissal or penalties, underscoring the importance of thorough pre-litigation review.

Filing Lawsuits: For accounts that remain unpaid, the firm files lawsuits in the appropriate courts. Regional firms file directly within their licensed states, while nationwide firms may rely on their network of local attorneys to handle filings in other jurisdictions.
Court Proceedings: Once a case is filed, the litigation process begins. This may include hearings, presenting evidence, and obtaining judgments. The firm then acts as a judgment creditor, seeking to enforce the court’s decision.
Post-Judgment Recovery: After securing a judgment, the firm can pursue various post-judgment recovery methods, such as wage garnishments, bank levies, or liens, depending on state laws. The individual who owes the debt is referred to as the judgment debtor. Additionally, a bank account can be targeted for post-judgment recovery, allowing the firm to freeze and retrieve owed money from the debtor’s account.

Amazing Venue: Hyatt Regency Coral Gables in Miami

The 2025 symposium will be held at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables in Miami, Florida. The venue is a sophisticated and inspiring place to be. Located near the Art Deco District and the Miracle Mile, you’ll find some of the best dining and shopping in the city. A great location and world class facilities will make for a fantastic conference experience.

Dates and Sessions

The conference starts on Monday, March 10, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. with Utility-Only Roundtable Discussions. Sessions will cover the importance of accurate billing and meter readings, emphasizing their role in the meter-to-cash process for utility services. These are exclusive sessions where utility professionals can share knowledge and collaborate on industry specific challenges in a closed room.

Register Early

Limited seating and high demand from utility professionals across the country. Register now to avoid missing out.

Why You Should Attend

1. Meter-to-Cash Process

The symposium will have sessions on the meter-to-cash process, focusing on ensuring accurate billing through the use of meter data and validated meter readings. Get practical advice to optimize your revenue cycles and financial performance.

2. Connect with Industry Leaders and Customer Service Representatives

The Monticello conference is the best place to network with Monticello utilities, Nashville utilities and more. Build relationships that will drive innovation in your company.

3. Get Monticello Consulting Group Expertise

Direct access to the Monticello Consulting Group’s expertise in utility management including credit and collections. Customer service representatives play a crucial role in ensuring efficient communication and coordination among dispatchers and technicians, preventing missed appointments and service backlogs, and ultimately enhancing service productivity and responsiveness.

4. Monticello Collections Innovations with Advanced Metering Infrastructure

Learn about the latest in Monticello collections and see new technologies that are changing the way utilities manage credit and debt recovery. Billing errors can significantly impact utility revenue and customer satisfaction, making accurate billing processes and technologies essential.

5. For Utility Companies and Professionals

Whether you’re a utility company or involved with the Monticello Utilities Commission, the 2025 Utilities Credit & Collections Symposium offers sessions specifically tailored to meet your needs. Customer accounts play a crucial role in managing billing and related information, ensuring accurate and timely invoicing.

What to Look Forward to

Panels and Workshops: Sessions on electric utility conferences 2024 and more.
Sessions on smart metering and smart meters: Learn how smart metering technology and the adoption of smart meters can optimize the meter-to-cash process, improve operational efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction.
Networking: Meet utility professionals in and more.
Vendor Exhibition: See the latest products and solutions from industry leaders.

Register Now

Utilities are under pressure to optimize and collect more. Reliable service and achieving a steady revenue stream are crucial for customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Stay ahead of the curve. This is your annual cash conference in 2025.

Register Early

Register Now

Don’t miss the 2025 Annual Utilities Credit & Collections Symposium at the amazing Hyatt Regency Coral Gables in Miami, Florida. Utility services play a crucial role in the meter-to-cash process, ensuring accurate billing, efficient cash flow management, and operational efficiency through automation and technology. Meter-to-cash process, Monticello utilities commission leaders and more.

www.monticelloconference.com

See you in March 2025! 😊