Belco users will have to change the way they pay their bills online in future after the electricity provider announced the launch of its new customer information system.

Concerned customers contacted The Royal Gazette on Friday to report they had lost money after their account numbers were changed without their knowledge and they paid online using invalid payee account information.

But Belco said in a statement that both the existing and new seven-digit account numbers issued by the system will continue to work for the next few months. However, it urged customers to switch to the new number as soon as possible.

A spokesperson for Belco said they were not aware of that customers losing money as a result of paying online using their old details.

"The banks at present are still accepting the pre-existing account numbers so there should be very little room for error when paying online," the spokesperson said.

The utilities company said it wanted to remind its customers that the new system started being implemented effective from January 16, 2009 and it would be phased in throughout the first half of the year. A new website has been launched, which will allow customers to manage their Belco accounts more efficiently online.

It said that, as indicated in newspaper advertisements, notices on its customer bills and in the company's newsletter "Energy Connection", the new account number will appear on the next bill.

Those who make payments online or at at ATM will need to update their bank information with the new account number, while the Island's banks are fully aware of the change in Belco account numbers, and are posting information on their websites to help with the changeover, Belco said.

"Co-operation between Belco and the banks will ensure that payments are processed as normal, even if an old number is used," the statement said.

"We encourage you to contact your banking institution should you have any concerns about online payments."

For more information contact Belco Customer Service at 299-2800 or info@belco.bhl.bm, or visit the website at www.belco.bm