A new partnership between the V.I. Water and Power Authority and 1855VIServices will allow some Virgin Islanders to pay their WAPA bills directly from their cell phones.

1855VIServices is a mobile service directory, much like a phonebook, which allows users to rate the customer service they received from the various stores and restaurants included in its listings. The service can be accessed online or through Apple or Android cell phone apps.

“We’re emphasizing service,” said Bruce Flamon, the company’s founder. “If a company gets on our app and they don’t provide good customer service, we can remove them from the app.”

According to a press release from the company, when users access WAPA’s listing through the service they will see “up to the minute information about the utility’s operations.”

Those accessing the service through an Android app will also have the option to pay their bill directly from their cell phone. The company said this functionality was not yet available for Apple products, such as the iPhone or iPad.

“The authority is enthusiastic about its listing in the 1855VIservices directory because we view the directory as a value-added service in how we communicate with our customers,” said Cassandra Dunn, WAPA director of corporate communications.

“For our customers who are constantly on the go, this eliminates standing in long lines in our lobbies or at the bank or setting aside time in their busy schedules to access our website from their desktop computers,” she continued.

Flamon said he is approaching other V.I. agencies to set up similar cell phone payment options.