Budget Billing

BBilling-illustration2.png

The Budget Billing program establishes an equal monthly utility payment, creating budgetary control for DPU customers. To enroll in Budget Billing, a customer must meet the following requirements:

1) reside at a property with at least 12 consecutive months of active utility history;

2) utility account is not past due; and

3) utility account didn’t carry a balance more than 45 days past the bill date in the last 12 months. Customers can sign up for Budget Billing any time of year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Budget Billing work?

When joining Budget Billing, the monthly payment is determined by totaling the previous year’s usage, dividing that total by 12 and multiplying by the current rate. The resulting average amount will be billed on the following month after signing up and continue for the next 12 months. Payments must be made monthly to remain on the Budget Billing program—no skipping months and doubling up later. On the 12th month, the Budget Billing monthly payment will be recalculated based on the actual services and commodities used during the Budget Billing year. Customers have the option to “True Up” or “Roll Balance” on the 12th month. Those who choose to True Up will see the balance, even if it is a credit, applied to the first bill of the new budget billing year and due accordingly. Customers who choose to Roll Balance, including those with credit balances, will see that remaining balance calculated into the new budget for the coming year.

Is Budget Billing a good option for me?

Leveling out monthly bills helps to eliminate monthly fluctuations caused by weather, changing consumption, or other factors. It is free to enroll and it makes budget planning convenient.

What if I am on autopay?

Customers who have signed up for the auto payment program, will continue to receive a monthly statement showing how much the next payment will be and when that amount will be taken from the customer’s account.

Can I see my actual consumption?

The customer’s actual consumption and charges still appear on the monthly bill. However, the amount due is based on the budget billing calculation.

What if I want to cancel?

Budget Billing can be canceled anytime. If it is, the budget “settles,” meaning it is charged or credited for the difference between actual costs and what was billed under the budget plan.

If you wish to cancel, please contact Customer Care at (505) 662-8333 orCustomerCare@lacnm.us.

 

 

How do I enroll?

Customers can enroll anytime through a variety of ways:

  • Sign up online at the link below.
  • Visit the Customer Care Center, located at 1000 Central Avenue, Los Alamos, NM.
  • Email the Customer Care Center or call 505.662.8333.

I Want Budget Billing

 

Am I eligible for Budget Billing?

To be eligible for the program you must: 

  1. Live at a location with at least 12 months of active, consecutive utility history,
  2. Be current with payments at the time of enrollment,
  3. Have made payments no later than 45 days past bill date in the last 12 months,
  4. Continue to pay no later than 45 days past bill date going forward, and
  5. Pay any late fees in addition to budgeted amount each month.

If you are unsure if you qualify, please contact Customer Care at (505) 662-8333 or CustomerCare@lacnm.us.