Rock Energy Cooperative’s Budget Billing Program is designed to provide members with more consistent monthly billing by levelizing energy costs throughout the year. This helps simplify financial planning by reducing the impact of seasonal fluctuations.

To ensure accuracy, Budget Billing amounts are reviewed and adjusted through semi-annual recalculations conducted each April and October. During these recalculations, a member’s projected energy use for the upcoming 12 months is estimated using historical consumption data and forecasted energy prices. This estimated annual cost is then divided evenly across 12 months to determine the new budget amount.

In addition to forecasting future usage, the recalculation process also includes a true-up. This step compares the member’s actual usage and costs since the previous recalculation against the amount billed through the Budget Billing Program. If a member was underbilled or overbilled, the difference is incorporated into the new monthly budget amount.

This year, most members experienced higher natural gas usage than previously projected, due to a colder-than-expected winter. In addition, the cost of purchasing natural gas exceeded earlier forecasts. As a result, many members were underbilled during the last budget period. This shortfall is reflected in the current recalculation, leading to noticeable increases in monthly budget billing amounts for many natural gas members.

As a not-for-profit distribution cooperative, Rock Energy purchases natural gas from suppliers and delivers it directly to members. The cost of natural gas is passed through without markup—the Cooperative does not set the purchase price or add profit margins to the commodity.

As always, Rock Energy remains committed to supporting our members. If you have questions, require payment assistance, or would like to discuss alternate payment arrangements, please do not hesitate to contact us. You may reach a Member Services Representative by calling 866-752-4550 or by emailing us at your convenience.