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Budget Billing

We recognize it can be difficult to handle the seasonal fluctuation some customers may experience with their gas, water, and sewer bills. To help eliminate those highs and lows in billing, Citizens offers a Budget Payment Plan, which provides a fixed monthly payment for all services over a rolling 12-month period.

  • Who it’s Good For - The Budget Payment Plan is designed for customers who would benefit from a fixed monthly payment throughout the year. This fixed payment allows customers to budget effectively, because you know how much your bill will be, each month, for a rolling 12-month period.

  • How it Works - Regardless of your actual monthly usage, Budget Payment Plan customers pay a fixed monthly payment based on the past usage at your service address or a utility average for each service. To gain the most benefit from the Budget Payment Plan, it is recommended that customers stay on the program year-round. 

  • Eligibility and Requirements - The primary requirement for enrollment in the Budget Payment Plan is a zero account balance. 

How to Enroll


Get an instant Budget quote and enroll right here. You will be asked to Login or Register if you haven't already:

Get a Budget Quote

Program Details


The Budget Payment Plan is a type of payment arrangement. To remain on Budget, payments are required each month by the due date. There is no grace period. We are unable to offer payment arrangements, courtesy holds or extensions to Budget accounts.

If an account is removed from Budget due to a late payment or if you choose to end enrollment, the actual account balance will bill in full on the next month’s statement. To re-enroll, the account must bill off budget, a zero balance will be required and re-enrollment may be subject to our Open Enrollment period, March 1 to August 31.

At the end of the 12-month Budget year, we will automatically recalculate your monthly budget payment based on:

  • your actual usage over the past 13 months

  • anticipated rates and weather for the next 12 months, and

  • variance - the difference between your actual usage over the past 12 months and your monthly budget payments.

FAQs


I think my budget quote is too high. Can you make it lower?

Because the monthly budget amount is based off of prior usage at your address we are unable to lower monthly budget amounts.  

I’m unable to pay my Budget Billing payment by the due date. Can I set up a payment plan?

Budget Billing is a type of payment plan and does not qualify for additional arrangements or extensions.

My account has been removed from Budget Billing and now I have a high balance, and I can’t afford it. What are my options?

We offer flexible and convenient payment arrangement options, both short and long-term. As soon as you realize you may not be able to pay the entire balance on time, you can see if you qualify for a Payment Plan on our website. If you still need assistance, please Contact Us to discuss your options.

What can I do if I don’t understand my Budget Bill?

You can view our How to Read Your Budget Bill video here. If you still have questions you man Contact Us.

​Why is my Budget Billing payment higher/lower than my neighbors?

Because Budget Billing is based on prior usage at your particular address over the past 13 months, it is an individual quote, unique to your address.  Your usage can vary dramatically from your neighbor’s because of factors such as age or efficiency of your gas furnace, the energy efficiency of your home (windows, doors, insulation), how you use your services (gas, water), and even the number of people in your home.