I live in Texas and we are also affected by recent cold storms. Most neighbors were hit by high gas bills and they are 2 or 3 times of December bills. Our December wasn't cold :p
Using this chance, utility companies advertise for Budget Billing and some people fell for it without checking detail. Yes you will get average bills but most of the time company will add small % of fee on top of the average so you will actually pay more overall.
Take an example of Atmost Energy (big gas company in Texas area)
https://www.atmosenergy.com/customer-service/billing-options
Their explanation is "Budget Billing is based on a rolling, 12-month average of your bill and adjusts each month."
Also when you look at their sample graph and add all numbers, budget billing (Red, $860) is actually more than Normal Billing (Black, $804).
At least Atmos is very honest and clearly tells it's not a discount program. But other companies their explanation is very vague. Don't fall for Budget Billing if it costs more, pay straight bill.
February 07, 2018 at 02:47PM
