Earlier this month, Shareholder Sara Costanzo had the opportunity to attend the 2026 Conferences By Monticello Annual Utilities Credit & Collections Symposium in Miami-Coral Gables alongside Shareholder Amanda Yurechko. The symposium brought together utility professionals, credit and collections leaders, and industry partners for valuable discussions around the economic trends and operational pressures shaping the utility landscape.
One of the standout sessions featured an economist who provided a timely outlook on the current economic environment and its potential implications for creditors and utility providers. While the overall message was cautiously optimistic, “better than expected, with plenty of headwinds”, several themes stood out as particularly relevant for those managing risk and receivables in the utility space.
One of the standout sessions featured an economist who provided a timely outlook on the current economic environment and its potential implications for creditors and utility providers. While the overall message was cautiously optimistic, “better than expected, with plenty of headwinds”, several themes stood out as particularly relevant for those managing risk and receivables in the utility space.
Economic Conditions Continue to Present Mixed Signals
Employment growth is slowing, though it remains positive, suggesting continued resilience in the broader economy. At the same time, market interest rates have not responded significantly to the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cuts, reinforcing that borrowing costs and credit conditions remain a concern for both businesses and consumers.
Another notable trend discussed was the continued rise in business bankruptcies, even as personal bankruptcy filings remain below pre-pandemic levels. For creditors, this divergence highlights the importance of monitoring commercial and consumer risk through different lenses.
Another notable trend discussed was the continued rise in business bankruptcies, even as personal bankruptcy filings remain below pre-pandemic levels. For creditors, this divergence highlights the importance of monitoring commercial and consumer risk through different lenses.
Rising Utility Costs Could Increase Consumer Strain
A major area of focus was the pace at which utility costs are rising — outpacing overall inflation and potentially placing added pressure on consumers already balancing higher living costs.
Several drivers behind these increases were discussed, including:
Several drivers behind these increases were discussed, including:
- Storm repair and resiliency investments as utilities respond to increasingly severe weather events
- Grid modernization and enhancements needed to support reliability and evolving energy demands
- Growing data center demand, which is placing additional pressure on infrastructure and energy usage
These factors may have meaningful downstream effects on payment behavior, delinquency trends, and collections strategies.
What This Means for Credit and Collections Professionals
For those in utility credit and collections, the conversations at this year’s symposium reinforced the importance of balancing risk management with adaptability. Economic uncertainty, rising costs, and changing consumer pressures continue to shape how utilities approach collections, customer engagement, and operational planning.
Events like this symposium provide valuable opportunities not only to stay informed on market trends, but also to collaborate with peers navigating many of the same challenges.
Thank you to Conferences By Monticello for hosting another insightful event. Our team appreciated the opportunity to connect with industry professionals and bring back perspectives that can help inform conversations with clients and partners in the utility sector.
If you have questions on these topics or would like to learn more about Weltman’s collections solutions, feel free to connect with Shareholder Sara Costanzo at any time.
This blog is not a solicitation for business and it is not intended to constitute legal advice on specific matters, create an attorney-client relationship, or be legally binding in any way.
Events like this symposium provide valuable opportunities not only to stay informed on market trends, but also to collaborate with peers navigating many of the same challenges.
Thank you to Conferences By Monticello for hosting another insightful event. Our team appreciated the opportunity to connect with industry professionals and bring back perspectives that can help inform conversations with clients and partners in the utility sector.
If you have questions on these topics or would like to learn more about Weltman’s collections solutions, feel free to connect with Shareholder Sara Costanzo at any time.
This blog is not a solicitation for business and it is not intended to constitute legal advice on specific matters, create an attorney-client relationship, or be legally binding in any way.
