Centerpoint Energy Average Monthly Billing (Houston: home, water heater, prices)

[MommiePreMed]

Does anyone use this option? Is this something I should consider? Would I save money?

[HoustonRonnie]

No. Natrual gas prices are falling like a bowling ball off the Eiffel Tower. Go floating.

Ronnie

[Sunderpig2]

Chances are, if the power company recommends it or is pushing it, then it's for their benefit and advantage (i.e. for their profit $)

[MIBS98]

Originally Posted by HoustonRonnie

No. Natrual gas prices are falling like a bowling ball off the Eiffel Tower. Go floating.

Ronnie

Not anymore they aren't. Companies cutting production left and right so starting to track back up.

[Sross]

Average Monthly Billing is designed so that you pay about the same each month based on your usage so that you're not paying higher bills in the winter months when using the heater more. They take your past usage and average it out going forward. Generally they use a 12 month rolling average and make minor adjustments. You are not locking into a price per btu like locking into kws with the power companies.

So you are still going to see an up and down movement of your monthly bill based on current gas prices and changes in your monthly rolling average just not spikes like before.

I used this method in Louisiana (with power as well since we didn't have choices like here) before moving to Houston in May. Worked much better in working a household budget.

[trbstang]

Not really worth it IMO. Our natural gas bill (2 water heaters, cooktop & dryer) ranges from $25 a month like 8 months a year (spring,summer,fall), and about $50-110 for the remaining months during the late fall, winter and early spring. Most of the time it balances out with the electric bill dropping during the winter. My average bill would be like $45 a month if I went with the averaged billing.

Now for the electric bill, it is a good idea if you want a fixed payment since it is usually a bit more of a range. They usually adjust it every 6 months. My electric ranges from about $110 - $500. My average bill would be closer to $260 or so.

[piyf]

It goes up to 500/month?

[trbstang]

Originally Posted by danieloneil01

It goes up to 500/month?

My electricity bill during the summer when my kids and wife are home all day, 2 or 3 TVs running, 3 or 4 PCs, two AC units that are running much (most) of the time, and it topped out at about $480 last summer during the month with the string of 100 degree days. Plus I have a saltwater aquarium that runs about $30 a month, every month. We were still on a higher kwh rate, but that changed a couple of months later. This year I hope it will stay below $350.