Essex Powerlines is working to get more customers to switch to paperless billing.
In April, the utility held its "Go Paperless, Plant More Possibilities" campaign to encourage customers to switch to paperless billing.
It included a commitment to donate one tree to local schools for every new enrollment.
In all, the utility welcomed 100 new paperless billing sign-ups during the campaign, and as a result, the organization will match the total, donating 200 trees to schools throughout its territory.
Trees will be planted at LaSalle Public School and Sacred Heart Catholic Elementary School in LaSalle, St. Louis Catholic Elementary School in Leamington, and St. Pius X Catholic Elementary School in Tecumseh.
Chief Operating Officer Steve Ray says around 41 per cent of their customers are receiving paperless billing, but others haven't made the switch because they like doing it a certain way.
"To some extent, some may not know of the convenience of paperless billing. That's what our campaigns try to do: get out and in front to say there's a better option than paper mail," he says.
Ray says paperless billing is good for the environment and the organization.
"Reducing paper use is always a good thing. It reduces printing; it reduces costs to the utility. It's amazing how fast postage costs add up for 34,000 customers. Ultimately lowering our carbon footprint for our customers. It's convenient; they can access their bills anytime, anywhere," he says.
Essex Powerlines is owned by four municipal shareholders: Amherstburg, LaSalle, Leamington, and Tecumseh, providing power to over 34,000 residents and businesses in its four municipalities.