What's in it for the little guys, utilities?

While paying my monthly bills, I am asked by ComEd, and Nicor, and Comcast to pay electronically - thereby saving time, paper, trees, postage, etc. Yet, there is no incentive. My bill total remains the same.

How about if these big guys offer me a discount if I pay by giving them a direct line to my checking account? For example, ComEd says, "Your current balance is $46.59, but if you pay electronically, your balance is $46.00."

I know it doesn't sound like much, but if I'm saving the big guys money because they don't have to pay for envelopes and processing, shouldn't I save money?

David Tews

Carol Stream