Kansas regulators have approved a pilot project that will let some Westar Energy customers in Lawrence and some other cities pay for their electricity in advance.

The Kansas Corporation Commission on Thursday approved the project, which will be limited to 1,000 customers at first, including only 250 who are behind on their bills.

The Wichita Eagle reports the prepaid option will be available in parts of Wichita and in the towns of Lawrence, Silver Lake and Rossville. Only those with digital meters will be able to participate.

The plan approved on Thursday is the result of a deal between Westar and the Citizens’ Utility Ratepayer Board, which initially was concerned the utility would use it to force low-income customers in arrears on their bills to pay in advance.