Budget Payment Plan
The Marquette Board of Light and Power offers a Budget Payment Plan to assist you in your annual family budgeting. By balancing your monthly payments, you can eliminate high electric bills associated with air conditioning in the summer or heating and lighting your home in the winter.
Am I eligible?
In order to be eligible, you must:
- Have a zero balance on your electric account at the time your first Budget Payment bill is due.
- Have had electric service at your present address for at least 12 months.
You can only enroll during the months of June or July.
How does this plan work?
An estimate of your annual energy bill will be calculated based on your past energy use, weather conditions and the cost of energy. It will be divided into 11 equal payments. This is the amount you will pay each month for 11 months - July through May. In June, your bill will reflect either a credit balance due you or a balance due the utility.
If, during the annual contract period, you paid for more than was used, the overpayment will appear on the June bill as a credit. If, however, you paid less than was used, the June bill will show a balance due.
Do I have to re-enroll every year?
No. If you do not contact us to quit the plan, we will re-enroll you for the next year. However, your June bill must be paid in full by the payment date to be eligible for continued participation in the Budget Payment Plan.
How do I join?
Authorization forms are available at the MBLP office, you can download the form or you can request that one be mailed to you. To join, simply fill out the enrollment application and either mail it or return it to the BLP offices. After the application has been reviewed, you will be advised of the proposed monthly payment. You may then decide whether or not to proceed. Please note, however, that the plan begins in July and runs through May. You must join by June so that payments can start with your July bill.
Is there a charge for this plan?
There is no charge for signing up.
Will my meter still be read each month?
Yes. It is necessary to monitor meter readings to assure the accuracy of your Budget Payment. Under certain circumstances, meter readings may be estimated.
Will my payment change during the year?
It may. Periodically, each Budget Payment Plan account will be reviewed to determine the accuracy of our original estimate. If it appears that your original estimate differs by a significant amount, your Budget Payment will be recalculated and you will be notified.
Will I know how much electricity I actually used?
Yes. The electric bill will continue to show the amount and cost of electricity used. You'll know exactly where you stand each month with respect to the plan.
What happens if I miss a budget payment or fail to pay the entire amount?
Missing a payment may result in your being removed from the Budget Payment Plan. If you are having difficulties in meeting your Budget Plan requirements, please contact us.
If you have any additional questions, please contact the Board of Light and Power.
