Data-Driven Debt Management: Turning Insights into Actionable Recovery Strategies The Case for Intelligence-Led Collections Rising energy prices, evolving payment behaviors, and regulatory scrutiny demand a smarter approach to arrears. Data-driven debt management transforms raw information into precise actions that reduce days sales outstanding, protect vulnerable customers, and preserve lifetime value. Modern programs blend analytics, behavioral science, and automation to create recovery pathways that are fair, efficient, and scalable—exactly what collection services for e&u companies must deliver. Building a Trusted Data Foundation Effective strategies start with clean, connected data. Utilities should unify billing, smart meter, CRM, complaint, and field service records into a standardized model with strong data quality checks. Master data management and clear ownership ensure every account, premise, and meter event is reconciled. With this foundation, analysts can profile delinquency patterns, detect anomalies, and build features that meaningfully predict payment outcomes. Segmenting Customers by Risk and Intent Not all arrears are alike. Behavioral segmentation distinguishes temporary hardship from chronic delinquency and fraud risk. Dimensions such as tenure, tariff type, consumption volatility, historic promise-to-pay adherence, and digital engagement reveal intent and capacity to pay. Each segment then receives a different mix of outreach, payment options, and timelines—reducing unnecessary pressure on low-risk customers while focusing effort where it matters. Predictive Modeling that Prioritizes Action Machine learning models estimate the probability and timing of self-cure, response to payment plans, or likelihood of disconnection. Uplift models go a step further, ranking customers by expected improvement if a specific intervention is applied. This allows operations to prioritize high-impact actions—such as flexible installment plans for nearterm payers or escalation for accounts with persistent non-payment—optimizing agent time and cash recovery. Omnichannel Orchestration with Sensitivity
 
                 
                