Budget Billing provides a path to a balanced budget with consistent bill amounts each month.
This is a great program for those who are on a fixed income, those who travel a lot, or those who work on a tight budget. Budget Billing is not a way to save money. You should still monitor your energy usage. However, with this program you’ll know what your electric bill will be each month to help you plan accordingly.
There are no income guidelines and no extra charges. If your account is current, with a zero balance, May is the perfect month to sign up.
Call the PUD customer service department for help: (360) 426-8255
Your unique Budget Billing amount is based on your location’s historical usage. The program works by estimating your yearly bill based on your past usage, and then dividing that estimated amount into equal monthly payments over a 12-month period.
Your actual energy usage is still calculated each month. We encourage you to review your monthly credit balance and usage throughout the year, and call customer service to discuss adjusting your budget amount. Paying too much or not enough, could have an adverse effect on your future budget bill amount. The goal is to have a zero balance after paying your May bill.
Your budget bill will have an “Account Budget Balance” section on the back, just below your account breakdown. This section shows your budget bill amount; payments on the account; your current (actual usage) charges; and any credit or balance variance.
Budget bill amounts are reviewed and recalculated in May. The annual May review takes into consideration the previous 12 months usage and any balance or credit on the account. A remaining balance or credit will be averaged out over the next 12 months budget payment.
We recommend having 12 months of usage history prior to signing up for Budget Billing.
If you sign up for budget billing without 12 months of usage history, your budget amount will be based on the previous occupant’s usage. Additionally, if there is no past usage for your location (for example, if you moved into a newly constructed home or building, or a previously vacant location), there is no usage history to base your budget amount on.
You may sign up for Budget Billing at any time. The only requirement is your account must be current, with a zero-balance. However, we don’t recommend signing up for Budget Billing until you have at least 12 months of billing history. We believe a full 12 months of personal usage provides a better experience for our customers.