Over the course of a year, your monthly electric bill goes up and down, depending on the amount of energy you use. We know balancing your budget can be difficult when your utility bill is high one month and low the next. That's why CBEC offers Budget Billing. With Budget Billing, your CBEC electric bills remains about the same all year long. Budget Billing "levels" out your billings.

How Budget Billing Works For You!

The Buget Billing Plan works by averaging your last twelve months' usage history to arrive at an estimated annual bill. The estimated annual bill is divided by twelve to calculate your initial monthly budget bill amount. The budget bill will be analyzed periodically and may be adjusted anytime. There will be no surprise "catch-up" month.

Questions & Answers About Budget Billing

Q. Who qualifies for the Budget Billing Plan?

Consumers that have resided at the same location for twelve continuous months, with appropriate credit with CBEC. CBEC consumers who desire payment on the buget plan must make application to the Heppner office by May 1 each year.

Q. What happens if I miss a Monthly Budget Payment?

The Budget Billing Plan will only work for you if you pay the monthly budget amount each and every month. If you miss a monthly budget payment, your account may be removed from the plan, and all arrears will become payable immediately.

Q. Why should I switch to the Budget Billing Plan?

No more wondering and guessing what your electric bill will be.
It's easier for you to plan monthly expenses when you know what your average budget payment is.
If you will be out of town when your electric bill is due, you'll know the amount to pay in advance.
No large fluctuations between winter and summer electric bills.
You may switch back to the regular plan just be calling CBEC. Any balance due will be payable at that time.

Q. Couldn't I owe a lot of money when I come off Budget Billing?

The difference between your Budget Billing and actual usage does change. At some time during the year, you may be ahead and at other times, you may be behind. Depending on the time you come off Budget Billing, you will receive a credit or be billed for an additional amount. Each month your bill will show the Budget Billing Balance--the difference between your budget bills and actual bill to date. You can guage your actual costs by your statement that lets you know whether your are ahead or behind on your bill. To be sure this Budget Billing works for you, we will compare your Buget Billing every few months with your last 12 months of actual use. If your account shows a significant change, we will adjust your monthly budget amount. This change will appear on your next month's bill.

Q. Since Budget Billing does not offer a lower rate, what is the advantage of being on this plan?

We offer Buget Billing as a convenience to our customers. By paying approximately the same amount every month, you can forget about short seasonal increases.

Q. How do I get on the Budget Billing Plan?

In the Spring, you will see a note on your electric bill. It will ask you to call us at (541)676-9146 if you are interested in the plan. That's all you do! Shortly, you will receive a letter telling you, your new monthly budget amount! That's it...pretty easy isn't it!