Had an idea — instead of invoicing the client after the utility credits post, could I set up an arrangement where the utility sends a portion of the credit directly to me? That way I don't have to chase the client for payment. Does any utility allow splitting credits between the account holder and a third party?
Setting up automatic fee collection from utility credits
Utilities won't do that. Credits and refunds go to the account holder only. The utility has no contractual relationship with you and no mechanism to split payments. Your collection has to come from the client. Best you can do is make your engagement agreement specify a short payment window — I use net 15 days from the date the credit appears on the bill — and include a provision that the client authorizes automatic ACH payment if they provided banking info. But most clients won't agree to the ACH part.
Figured it was worth asking. Back to the traditional invoice-and-collect model. At least the net-15 provision keeps the timeline tight.