Budget Billing
Independence Light and Power offers Budget
Billing to our customers free of charge. This program is designed to average
your monthly payments and level out high bills that you may have throughout the
year, so that you can budget your monthly expenses.
The Budget Billing
Plan is not a discount program; it offers no savings or lower rates. Your total
annual cost for utilities remains the same, but you have the convenience of a
more predictable bill each month.
We calculate the budget bill amount
based on your cost of previous 12 months for services that can be
budgeted—electricity, water, and sewer. Any charges for additional
services that you have i.e.: garbage, cable and/or Internet need to be added to
the budget amount each month.
Regardless of the monthly payment,
consumer must pay for utilities they actually use. In September, at budget
year-end we compare the amount that you’ve actually used with what
you’ve paid for under the Budget Billing Plan. If you’ve used less
energy than you’ve paid for your account shows a credit balance on your
October bill. If you have used more than you paid for, you will owe us, that
amount will be due with the October invoice.
The following are some
reasons why your actual energy usage may be higher than the estimate:
- Energy consumption patterns may have changed
(thermostat settings may change, a second refrigerator may be added or an aging
furnace was replaced)
- Weather patterns may be different (a cooler or
hotter summer, a warmer or cooler winter)
- The number of people occupying the premise may have
changed (resulting in more or less energy used for cooking, bathing, and
laundry)
Each of your invoices will show your actual
usage and the actual balance of your account so that you can monitor your
account balance. We review your account periodically to see if there is a large
variance between budget and actual. Your payment amount may be adjusted up or
down with changes in energy usage or energy costs, caused by changes in your
lifestyle or unpredictable weather.
Your account must be paid in full
before you are able to begin participating in Budget Billing. You must pay your
budget bill by the due date each month to remain on the Budget Plan. If you
would like to enroll in our Budget Billing Plan or have further questions
please contact our billing department at 332-0100. |
:
