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Enjoy predictable bills year-round
Budget Bill is a free billing option that takes your annual energy bill and divides it by 12, so you pay the same amount each month. Most residential customers, small businesses, small farms, schools and not-for-profit organizations in good financial standing with CenterPoint Energy are eligible for Budget Bill. You can enroll in Budget Bill or manage your enrollment via your online account or by contacting a representative.
How Budget Bill works
Before you sign up for Budget Bill, you will be presented with a "Budget Bill amount" during the enrollment process. This amount is the amount you will pay each month by enrolling, and is a calculation based on the following factors:
Past 12 months of usage
We look at the past 12 months of energy usage at your residence or facility.
Normal weather
The calculation assumes normal weather will occur over the next 12 months.
Expected energy costs
We factor in the expected cost of natural gas and/or electricity.
About Recalculations
In early summer, we will recalculate your Budget Bill amount to ensure that your original Budget Bill amount remains accurate. During this time, if you paid for more energy than you used, we'll recalculate your new Budget Bill payment, which may reduce your new Budget Bill payment for the next 12-month period. If your actual charges are greater than what you paid while on the Budget Bill plan, your new Budget Bill payment may increase for the next 12-month period.
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Manage your options online by registering your free online account.
All you need is your CenterPoint Energy account number and a valid email address.com. Get started
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Common questions
- Why is it still important to manage energy use on Budget Bill?
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While on Budget Bill you are still responsible for the actual account balance. At the end of the budget cycle the actual account balance will be factored into the new budget bill for the following 12 months. In order to minimize impact, it is important to continue to manage energy usage.
- Which customers can enroll in Budget Bill?
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Most residential customers, small business and not-for-profit organizations in good standing.
- What if I am unable to make my Budget Bill payment?
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Making monthly, on-time payments is important to maintaining the Budget Bill program. Any missed payment may result in the account being removed from the budget bill program. If the account is removed from Budget Bill, the actual account balance will become due.
- Can I re-enroll in Budget Bill?
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The account can be re-enrolled in Budget Bill anytime the account is in good standing. Please be advised, the account balance will have to be $0.00 before budget can become active.
- What happens if I want to cancel my Budget Bill plan before the recalculation month?
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Budget Bill can be removed at any time by updating your billing preferences or by contacting Customer Service. If the account is removed from Budget Bill, the actual account balance will become due.
- Can I enroll in Budget Bill and AutoPay?
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Yes.
- How can I discontinue Budget Bill?
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Budget Bill can be removed at any time by updating your billing preferences or by contacting Customer Service. If the account is removed from Budget Bill, the actual account balance will become due.