Budget Billing

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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

Why is it still important to manage energy use on Budget Billing?

While on Budget Billing 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 Billing 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 Billing?

Most residential customers, small business and not-for-profit organizations in good standing.

What if I am unable to make my Budget Billing payment?

Making monthly, on-time payments is important to maintaining the Budget Billing program. Any missed payment may result in the account being removed from the Budget Billing program. If the account is removed from Budget Billing, the actual account balance will become due.

Can I re-enroll in Budget Billing?

The account can be re-enrolled in Budget Billing 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 Billing plan before the recalculation month?

Budget Billing can be removed at any time by updating your billing preferences or by contacting Customer Service. If the account is removed from Budget Billing, the actual account balance will become due.

Can I enroll in Budget Billing and AutoPay?

Yes.

How can I discontinue Budget Billing?