Utilities
FMS uses two key systems to further enhance the management of our Utility and Telecommunication bills. Each is described below. If your Agency is interested in using either of these services, we will assist you throughout the process.
Utility Bill Management
The Office of Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) contracted with Ameresco, Inc. in 2014 to process and to pay all USDA’s utility bills and maintain utility usage data to support energy reporting requirements. Ameresco is a leading provider of utility bill management services and comprehensive energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions delivering long-term value through innovative systems, strategies, and solutions. Ameresco utilizes its utility bill management system, AXIS®, to collect, read, store, process, and pay all of USDA’s utility invoices and maintain that utility information in one place to greatly improve planning, budgeting, accruals, and estimating functions as well as enabling applicable Agency personnel to correctly report energy conservation and consumption data. This partnership has enabled USDA to improve invoice processing and payment of utility bills thus improving business efficiency and reducing costs.
Telecommunication Bill Management
The Office of Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) has contracted with Metropolitan Telecommunications to process and to pay all USDA’s telecommunications bills as well as to pay utility bills and maintain utility usage data to support energy reporting requirements. MetTel’s Government Telecommunications division specializes in providing these services to Federal Government Agencies helping to implement cost-effective and operationally efficient telecom and utility solutions. MetTel provides unparalleled availability and service reliability with a comprehensive suite of core and cutting-edge voice and data products. This partnership has enabled USDA to improve invoice processing and payment of telecommunication and utility bills thus improving business efficiency and reducing costs.