A simpler way to plan
Balanced Billing.
Smoother payments.
Take some of the surprises out of your monthly electric bill. Balanced Billing uses a rolling 12-month average to help smooth seasonal highs and lows, making household budgeting easier.
How it works
A rolling average that moves with you
Your Balanced Billing amount is based on the most recent 12 months of charges. Each month, the calculation updates as one month enters and another leaves.
Add the newest month
The current billing period enters the 12-month calculation.
Remove the oldest month
The oldest month drops out, keeping the calculation focused on the latest year.
Update the average
The new average helps spread the impact of seasonal changes rather than reflecting just one high- or low-use month.
See the math
One month changes. The average moves gradually.
Here's a simple illustration of how replacing one month affects the average.
($320 − $200) ÷ 12 = +$10 per month
Try a different example
Change the entering and leaving months to see the effect on the average.
Illustration only. This example assumes a simple average of 12 monthly charges. Actual payment amounts may also reflect REC's approved program formula, rates, fees and account adjustments.
What to expect
More predictable doesn't mean identical
Balanced Billing changes how payments are spread across the year. It does not change the cost of the electricity you use.
Smoother seasonal payments
Instead of large summer or winter payment swings, the rolling average helps make month-to-month amounts more manageable.
Payments can still change
Your payment can rise or fall each month. Sustained changes in electricity use or rates will affect the average over time.
You're still paying for your electricity
This is a budgeting tool, not a discount. In lower-use months, payments may be higher than that month's actual charges to help offset higher-use months.
Getting started
Ready for a more predictable payment?
Enrollment is available once these conditions are met at your current service location:
- Your account has a zero balance.
- You have 12 months of billing history at your current location.
After 12 months of billing history have been established, eligible Members may enroll at any time.
Common questions
Balanced Billing FAQs
Why did my payment go up?
A new month entered the average and an older month dropped out. REC can review those two months and any account adjustments with you.
I used less electricity this month. Why am I paying more?
Your payment reflects a full year, not just the most recent month. It can rise if the new month is higher than the older month it replaces, even if you used less than last month.
Am I paying extra in a mild-weather month?
Your Balanced Billing payment may be higher than that month's actual charges. This helps balance out months when heating or cooling costs are higher.
Will I pay the same amount every month?
No. The payment updates each month. The goal is more consistent payments, not an identical amount every month.
Does Balanced Billing lower my electricity costs?
No. Balanced Billing changes the timing of your payments. You remain responsible for the electricity you use and applicable charges.
Helpful tools
More ways to understand and manage your bill
Make the most of Balanced Billing with REC's account management and energy-use tools.
MyREC SmartHub
View bills, manage your account and explore your electricity use.
Explore SmartHubHigh-Usage & Budget Alerts
Use SmartHub to set a usage threshold or receive notices when use is above normal.
Explore Usage AlertsUnderstand Your Electric Bill
Learn how to read your bill and understand charges and energy use.
Explore Billing ResourcesPayment Options
Discover convenient options for paying and managing your electric bill.
See Payment Choices