About Budget Billing

Budget Billing is not a discount program; it offers no savings or lower rates. The total annual cost for electricity remains the same, but members have the convenience of a more predictable bill each month. Participation in the program is free and offered to all qualifying members.

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How Budget Billing is Calculated

If members have an established Nishnabotna Valley REC usage history, the cost of energy used for the previous 6-12 months is evaluated. An average monthly cost is determined by multiplying that amount by a factor that takes into account projected electricity prices.

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A budget amount for members who move into a home previously occupied by someone else is calculated based on the energy used by the previous occupant.

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Review of Budget Billing Amounts

Once enrolled, the Budget Billing Plan will be reviewed every six months. During the review process, Nishnabotna Valley REC will recalculate your average monthly cost, take projected energy costs into consideration and factor in your budget balance – the difference between the amount billed and the cost of energy used.

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Members that participate will receive a letter when the Budget Billing Plan is reviewed. If the budget bill amount is adjusted, the letter will indicate the new budget amount that will start with the next bill.

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If you Cancel Budget Billing or Close your Account

Your budget balance is the difference in the amount you were billed and your actual usage. When you cancel your Budget Billing Plan or close your Nishnabotna Valley REC account, the budget balance is applied to your next or final bill. If you were billed more than you used, the budget balance is a credit and will reduce the amount due. If you were billed less than you used, the budget balance is a debit and will be added to the amount due.