Press Releases

The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) has partnered with Promise, a technology company that supports government agencies in developing payment plan options to customers. PromisePay is an easy and convenient way to set up interest-free payment plans for past-due SWBNO water and sewer charges.

The new program is available at www.swbno.promise-pay.com to SWBNO customers who have a past-due balance of $50 or more on their SWBNO bill. Customers who enroll in a payment plan for their outstanding balance will be protected from negative consequences, such as penalties, fees, and water service disconnections as long as they stay up to date on their PromisePay plan and current bills.  

“I am proud to announce SWBNO’s partnership with Promise. This new customer service initiative will provide immediate support to residents and businesses falling behind on their water bills through innovative and convenient PromisePay payment plan services,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. 

Both property owners and tenants will be eligible to use the PromisePay portal if they have a past-due balance. The PromisePay portal provides a comprehensive payment platform, which includes: 

• Options to enroll in payment plans online, by mobile phone, or call center. 
• Convenient payment types (credit/debit card, ACH, Apple Pay, and Google Pay). 
• Text reminders and notifications. 
• Payment flexibility and plan management with options to request allowable extensions, modify due dates, and change payment methods. 

“We are pleased to offer PromisePay to our customers which provides a much-needed option for those in need of additional support,” said SWBNO Executive Director Ghassan Korban. “PromisePay will not only improve our customers’ payment experience, it will also help our utility recover revenue. We have seen the data from other markets - providing greater flexibility for customers increases payment plan success by up to 90 percent.” 

Promise has partnered with utilities across the nation, including Newark, New Jersey; Louisville, Kentucky; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Richmond, Virginia; to offer payment plans to customers and distribute millions of dollars of water bill relief. 

“We are excited to partner with SWBNO and support their continued commitment to water equity and affordability,” stated Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins, CEO of Promise. “Customers across the country continue to struggle with rising costs in today’s environment. Promise will provide SWBNO customers interest-free PromisePay plans with the flexibility and convenience many residents and businesses need to catch up on their water bills.” 

To learn more about the program and enroll, visit: swbno.promise-pay.com   

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About Promise 

Promise simplifies government debt and helps people pay their bills. They partner with utilities and government agencies to offer a variety of convenient and flexible payment options, including zero-interest installment plans and relief distribution. Promise uses sophisticated outreach methods that make it easy for customers to enroll and manage their debt. Ultimately, Promise’s technology maximizes government revenue while helping customers pay off debt sooner and with fewer penalties.