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Of course, you wouldn't want to pay in advance if you thought the gas company might go broke next month, or if it didn't have the capability to credit you for the overpayment -- or if you simply hate the gas company. Otherwise it's a good deal for everybody: it saves you time. It's less work for your bank (fewer checks to process). It's thrilling to your creditors. And it's easy on the environment: half as many checks to manufacture, transport and dispose of.
In short: a postage stamp-size idea, but first class.
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