He said the authority would retire 30-year bonds reflecting Shoreham debt in approximately 16 years, saving customers over $2 billion in interest payments.

The report said the plan would save customers $9 a month, for 10 years.

The site saves customers and their families from having to make premature farewells, said Karen Peach, a company founder.

The service, he added, could save customers up to 30 percent on these calls.

But Thomas J. Szkutak, the chief financial officer, said that together the programs saved customers $475 million in shipping last year.

The technique, known by the daunting name of securitization, "has the potential to save customers money," Mr. Spall said.

A U S Sprint spokeswoman said the new service would save customers about 50 percent over collect, credit-card or operator-assisted calls.

The reduction would save residential and business customers about $700 million a year.

By refinancing Lilco's debts at lower interest rates, the authority has reduced electric rates an average of 20 percent, saving customers about $490 million a year.

Capitalizing on their knowledge of the industry, agencies have also begun taking a percentage of the money they save customers.