Recipients of basic livelihood benefits, people with severe disabilities and households with two or more children living in Seoul can now apply online for water bill discounts without submitting supporting documents or visiting a community service center. The service, which lets residents check their eligibility and file an application in one step, is the first of its kind in the country and is expected to ease the burden on applicants.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government said on the 21st that it has overhauled the website of its Arisu customer billing center, used by about 1.5 million people a year, and introduced what it calls a paperless one-stop discount application service.
Previously, residents seeking a water bill discount had to visit a community service center or obtain documents proving their eligibility and submit them to a waterworks office. They can now check whether they qualify on the Arisu billing center website and apply without filing any documents.
Using the site has also been made simpler. After registering once, users can log in through simplified authentication using private certificates issued by Kakao, banks and other providers. The main page now features key services such as bill inquiries, payments and civil service applications.
Discount records, which previously required a separate inquiry to a waterworks office, can also be viewed online. Households with smart meters can check their water use in real time along with the condition of their meter. Seoul currently has 310,000 water meters equipped with smart metering.
Administrative procedures have been streamlined as well. The city improved its system so that water bills and payment statements can be sent by text message or email. It also plans to cut the documents needed for refunds of overpaid charges to three from five, shortening processing times.
"This overhaul allows residents to use billing-related services more easily and conveniently," said Kwon Min, head of the Seoul Arisu Headquarters. "We will continue to review how the system is operating and actively incorporate improvements that emerge during use to further enhance its functions and convenience."