Budget Billing
Enjoy predictable bills year-round
Budget Billing 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 to enroll in Budget Billing. You can manage your enrollment via your online account or by contacting a representative.
How Budget Billing works
Before you sign up for Budget Billing, you will be presented with a "Budget Billing 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
How is budget billing calculated?
- Your Budget billing amount is the expected cost of your natural gas for one year, divided by 12 months.
- Your expected cost is determined by reviewing weather, projected natural gas prices and your natural gas consumption.
- It does not include other charges, such as those for home service repair plans.
- Keep in mind that even if you have a credit balance, your Budget billing amount may increase. Rest assured you will still only pay for the amount of natural gas you use.
Every six months, on the anniversary date of your enrollment, we will review your Budget Billing payment amount.
- We may change the amount based on weather, energy cost adjustment and your deferred balance.
- If your amount will be changing, you will receive a notice the month before the change takes effect.
-
For customers that enrolled prior to July 1, 2024 your next plan review will occur in Summer 2025.
We will review your plan amount comparing the cost of the natural gas you used with the Budget payments you have made.
- If your balance is greater or less than the cost of the natural gas you actually used, we will divide the difference by 12 and add it to your payment amount for the next 12
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
Common questions
