 TITLE: What Is Budget Billing for Utilities? CONTENT: How Does Budget Billing Work?\n-----------------------------\nBudget billing allows you to pay a set amount for utilities, such as electricity and gas, each month. The service makes energy costs more predictable for consumers, despite fluctuations in energy usage as seasons change.\nWith a budget billing program, your utility company will review and average energy usage at your home for the past 12 or 24 months. If this information is unavailable, they will use figures from the last occupant's usage. The average monthly cost and anticipated energy prices are then used to calculate your new monthly bill under the budget billing plan, and you'll pay a set amount each month.\nOver time, your monthly payment could change as your utility company computes new averages. Some companies make adjustments quarterly, while others review usage and change the monthly billing amount annually if necessary. In either case, you will get a notification regarding the new bill amount and whether it will increase, decrease or stay the same.\nYou can sign up for budget billing by contacting your utility company online or by phone. Typically your account needs to be in good standing to be approved for the program. Your utility company may charge a small fee to enroll, and you will continue to make payments as usual—either online, by phone or by U.S. mail. If you fall behind on payments, you could be removed from the program. END