Why was there a rate increase? How did it impact my bill? As of January 1, 2010, residential rates increased by 4.6% due to an increase in overall wholesale power costs.  The cost per kWh increased from $.0578 to $.0605 and the base charge increased from $8.80 to $9.20. This is the first rate increase since 2003.  The last five rate adjustments have been decreases.

How is my budget payment plan calculated?  Several factors are evaluated during the recalculation process.  First, the bills for the previous 12 months are added together and divided by 12 to establish the average monthly payment.  Second, the balance on the account is factored into the recalculation.  If there is a credit balance on the account, it is evenly deducted by month from the new payment amount.  If there is a debit balance on the account, it is evenly added to the new payment amount. 

The final step in the recalculation is an adjustment to the new payment amount to reflect recent rate actions.  This time, the adjustment to the new payment amount includes the 4.6 percent rate increase to Benton PUD electric rates effective January 1, 2010 and the Residential Exchange Rate Credit that ended in May of 2009. 

What is the difference between the “Budget Payment” and the “Account Balance”?  Your monthly bill shows both the account balance and the budget payment amount. Your bill itemizes your actual cost for your usage of kilowatt hours each month and calculates the total balance due.  The budget payment is the calculated average amount due each month based on 12 months usage.  Customers are responsible for payment of all power usage.

Where can I find my account balance on my statement?  Each month, the account balance is provided in the monthly usage information for your address, and is identified as “Account Balance this Service Agreement.”  It is located above the shaded line “Budget Payment Amount Due.”  

What if my account balance (either debit or credit) is growing?   It is the customer’s responsibility to monitor account balances each month and notify Customer Service if the debit or credit balance seems to be getting too large in comparison to the monthly payment.   Payment amounts may need to be adjusted to reflect changes in energy consumption habits.

Can I pay off my balance? Yes.  Please let the Customer Service Representative know that you want to pay your balance and we can re-evaluate your budget payment amount at that time.

What if I move?  If you move within our service area and want to continue on the Budget Payment Plan, you need to request the Budget Payment Plan.  It is highly recommended you reside at the new location for six months before enrolling in the Budget Payment Plan.  If there is a balance due on your prior address, the total will be billed to you. This balance will need to be paid before a new Budget Payment Plan is set up for the new address.  Any credit balances will stay on your account and the Budget Payment Plan can be set up at that time. If you are moving out of our service area, the balance due must be paid. If there is a credit, a refund check will be sent to you.