It’s been a month since WE3 Summit 2024, and the energy and excitement from the event still resonate deeply. Held in California, the summit brought together over 600+ thought leaders, innovators, and industry pioneers to spark conversations, share insights, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the energy and water sectors. At its core, WE3 2024 wasn’t just an event—it was a movement, a collective rallying to embrace transformation through People + AI.

For iPaySmart, this year’s summit was a landmark moment. As platinum partners, we showcased how payments are no longer just transactions—they are becoming powerful tools to drive digital transformation and create seamless, connected experiences for utilities and their customers. The last month has given us time to reflect, and the key takeaways continue to inspire our path forward.

At the iPaySmart booth, the energy was palpable as a steady stream of attendees shared their unique challenges and aspirations. Each conversation brought a new perspective, and we were grateful to have a solution for every “ask.”

Some utility leaders were focused on self-serve payment solutions designed for low-income customer groups, commercial entities, EV owners, and energy retailers, prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility. Others, particularly digital natives, sought vertical-specific innovations like payments via chatbots, voice assistants, IVR, text, POS, or kiosks. These modern payment channels are emerging as key drivers of customer engagement, offering seamless experiences tailored to evolving user expectations. Revenue management and reconciliation solutions also took center stage, addressing the complexities of utility operations. Meanwhile, another group emphasized the need for multiple payment arrangements for end customers or the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) into billing systems. Together, these discussions underscored one clear message: adaptability and precision are no longer optional—they are essential for shaping the future of utilities.

These diverse perspectives highlighted one overarching theme: the future of utilities demands adaptability, precision, and customer-centric innovation. At iPaySmart, we remain committed to delivering just that.

More -> The highlight of the event?

Witnessing those “aha” moments when providers discovered our comprehensive, all-in-one solutions. It reinforced our mission to deliver seamless, stress-free digital payment experiences to everyone, regardless of their needs or preferences.

As a platinum partners of WE3, we are thankful to the WE3 Summit team for providing us a stage to showcase our end-to-end vertically integrated payment platform and receive all the wows from over 600+ executives.

Here are five moments from WE3 2024 that inspired us to think deeper, aim higher, and push boundaries in delivering impactful payment solutions:

1. A Fireside Chat That Sparked Conversations
   In the session "Vertical Integrated CX Payments Powered by AI," Linda Mattes, Executive Consultant and former VP at Alliant Energy, and Erin Christy, President of SEW, unpacked the transformative power of AI in utility payments. It was a thought-provoking dialogue that emphasized how personalization, mobile wallets, and automation have moved from being optional luxuries to essential capabilities. These innovations are reshaping customer expectations and helping utilities streamline revenue management, setting the foundation for a smarter, more customer-centric future.
2. Hands-On Innovation: iPaySmart’s Live Demos in the Lab
   Our Innovation Lab session, “Customer-Centricity in Action: Pioneering AI-Powered Digital Payment Solutions,” was buzzing with excitement. Through live demonstrations, attendees explored how iPaySmart simplifies recurring payments, delivers real-time billing insights, and introduces flexible payment options—all with sustainability in mind. It wasn’t just a showcase of our technology; it was a demonstration of how customer-centricity can transform the payment journey and align with the industry’s green goals.
3. Payments: The Heart of Utility Transformation
   At WE3, payments took center stage as the cornerstone of the utility revolution. iPaySmart demonstrated its versatility by catering to diverse customer personas, from residential users to landlords, commercial entities, and even energy traders. This inclusivity is more than a feature—it’s a philosophy. By delivering tailored solutions for every customer need, iPaySmart is not only enhancing accessibility but also fostering stronger customer engagement across the board.
4. AI: Driving Simplicity, Empowering Decisions
   AI emerged as the game-changer throughout WE3, and iPaySmart exemplified its potential. From automating billing processes to offering predictive insights, AI is redefining what’s possible for utilities. But it doesn’t stop at convenience. iPaySmart’s personalized payment journeys empower customers to make informed decisions while enabling utilities to optimize operations, reduce complexity, and maximize revenue. AI is no longer just a tool; it’s the engine driving the future of payments.
5. Building a Sustainable Future with Seamless Payments
   iPaySmart’s commitment to growth and sustainability was evident in every conversation and demo. By automating reconciliation and delivering real-time insights, the platform showcased how financial stability and environmental goals go hand in hand. The ability to align business objectives with sustainability efforts positions digital payments as a critical lever for achieving a greener, more connected future for utilities and their customers.

The Path Forward

WE3 2024 wasn’t just an opportunity to showcase innovation—it was a call to action. It reminded us that the future of payments isn’t just about solving today’s challenges; it’s about anticipating tomorrow’s opportunities. At iPaySmart, we’re channeling the insights and energy from WE3 into action, continuing to deliver seamless, intuitive, and impactful solutions for utilities worldwide.

To everyone who visited our buzzing booth, joined our sessions, or engaged in thought-provoking conversations, thank you for making WE3 a resounding success. Together, we’re shaping the future of payments, building stronger connections, and empowering utilities to redefine what’s possible.

Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to continue this journey of innovation at WE3 Summit 2025, happening in Las Vegas from November 5–7. It promises to be another milestone in reimagining the future of utilities through People + AI.

Let’s continue this journey—because payments aren’t just about transactions. They’re about possibilities.