A Blog About My Life’s Lessons

Budgeting is a hot topic for me right now, and nothing makes budgeting harder than non-fixed costs (utilities, gas, food, etc…).  Its always a pain in December when my Gas bill spikes 2 or 3 times its normal rate.  I recently discovered  a way to make my utilities become fixed cost (both Gas and Electric) through a levelized program with my energy providers.  This program takes the guesswork out of my utility budget, by allowing me to pay a set amount each month for my utility services. The amount is determined by:

• Review the most current 12 months my previous billings
• Divide the total by 12 to calculate your equal monthly payments
• Adjust the amount periodically to account for increases in consumption and fuel cost 

There is no cost to participate and I can discontinue my enrollment at any time.  You can generally find this option in the payment option section of the utility vendor’s website. For example, both my electric and gas companies options are linked below: 

• Austin Energy
• Texas Gas Service (ABC Plan)

My current fixed costs are $44.69 for gas and $85.00 for electric, for a grand total of $129.69/month.  I’ve been on this program for about 4 months and have had no problems. I just wish I would have done it sooner.