Having predictable energy bills each month can make it easier to budget and manage finances That’s why Portland General Electric (PGE) offers an Equal Pay program to residential and small business customers in Oregon.
But how exactly does PGE’s Equal Pay work? In this comprehensive guide we’ll explain
- The basics of Equal Pay billing
- How your Equal Pay amount is calculated
- How PGE adjusts your bill over time
- The annual “catch up” month
- How to enroll in Equal Pay
- Monitoring your usage and bills
- Changing or canceling Equal Pay
By understanding how PGE’s monthly Equal Pay program functions, you can decide ifenroll ing makes sense for your household or business. Let’s dive in!
Equal Pay Overview
With PGE’s Equal Pay program, you pay the same set dollar amount for your electric bill each month. This can make budgeting easier by avoiding seasonal spikes and dips.
Equal Pay calculates your bill based on the past 12 months of usage at your home or business. PGE then divides this estimated annual usage cost into 11 equal monthly payments.
The 11th month serves as a “catch up” to account for any difference between what you already paid monthly and your actual energy costs.
How Your Equal Pay Amount is Set
When you enroll, PGE will assess your previous bills and average out your monthly electric costs over a 12 month period.
This becomes your Equal Pay amount going forward. It is then reassessed and potentially adjusted every 4 months based on real usage.
For example:
- Your bills last year totaled $1200
- $1200 / 12 months = $100 average monthly cost
- So your Equal Pay amount would be $100/month
This upfront analysis prevents drastic under or overpayment.
How PGE Adjusts Your Bill Over Time
While your Equal Pay amount aims to match your actual costs, usage fluctuates. How does PGE prevent you from over or underpaying significantly?
Every 4 months, PGE reviews your account and compares your Equal Pay amount to real usage and charges. If needed, they will then adjust your monthly payment to better align the two.
This helps prevent large catch up bills or credits down the road as energy use changes. PGE will notify you if any adjustment occurs.
Monitoring the “Equal Pay difference” on your bills can also help you track alignment.
The Annual “Catch Up” Month
After 11 months of consistent Equal Pay amounts, the 12th month serves as a “catch up.”
During this month, PGE will compare the total you already paid to your actual annual electric costs.
If you used more than estimated, you will owe a balance on your catch up bill. If you used less, you will have a credit applied to future bills.
This resets your account balance to zero and you start a new Equal Pay year.
How to Enroll in PGE Equal Pay
To get started on smooth Equal Pay bills, simply contact PGE customer service and request to enroll.
Your account must be in good standing without past due bills. Have 12 months of billing history at your address ready when you call.
Once enrolled, sit back and pay the same monthly amount!
Monitoring Usage on Equal Pay
It’s important to monitor energy use closely while enrolled in Equal Pay. Review your PGE bills to spot:
- The Equal Pay difference/balance
- Changes in daily usage
- Notification of Equal Pay adjustments
This allows you to catch significant usage shifts and avoid large catch up bills.
Changing or Cancelling PGE Equal Pay
Contact PGE customer service if you need to adjust your Equal Pay amount, or want to cancel enrollment entirely.
Some reasons you may cancel Equal Pay include:
- Moving to a new address
- Adding energy efficiency upgrades
- Installing solar panels
- Major changes in household size or usage
PGE can then recalculate or terminate your Equal Pay amount based on the account updates.
Knowing how Portland General Electric’s monthly Equal Pay program works can help you determine if signing up makes sense for your situation. Reach out to PGE if you have any other questions about enrollment, billing, or usage while on an Equal Pay plan.
PGE Equal Pay
FAQ
How does equal pay work?
The Equal Pay Act (EPA) protects individuals of all sexes. All types of pay are covered, such as salary, overtime pay, bonuses, life insurance, vacation and holiday pay, cleaning or gas allowances, hotel stays, reimbursement for travel costs, and other benefits.
What is equal pay Pacific Power?
Equal Pay. With Equal Pay, we average your last 12 months of billing to determine your Equal Payment amount. Most business customers are eligible to participate. View / Enroll in Equal Pay.
How does equal billing work?
The Equal Billing Plan provides convenience for budgeting and eliminates high seasonal utility bills. You will receive bills of the same amount for eleven months. This amount may be revised based on a mid-season review of your consumption.
How does PGE equal pay work?
PGE Equal Pay customers can count on knowing how much their bill is going to be every month. A typical electric bill can experience some dramatic ups and downs, as electricity needs change during the year. PGE’s Equal Pay option evens out your monthly bill so you make the same payment every month.
Why do I have to pay my PGE bill automatically?
Because your PGE bill is paid automatically through your bank account, you’ll spend less time paying bills. PGE will still send you a bill every month, and you’ll have plenty of time to look it over before it’s due. On the due date, the payment will be automatically deducted from your bank account.
How do I pay my PGE Bill?
The PGE app for Android and iPhone is the easiest way to get to your account, pay your bill, report an outage, get news, and keep track of how much energy you use. You can pay with cash or a debit card at Western Union or CheckFreePay locations near you and not have to pay any fees. Have your PGE account number handy. Payments post in 2 business days.
How do I enroll in PG&E budget billing?
Choose the “Budget Billing” option. Have your PG&E account number ready. Complete the online enrollment form. Call 1-877-660-6789. ✓ Tip: Stay in the Budget Billing program for at least a year to get the most out of it and start avoiding seasonal high bills. Leave the program at any time.
What does PG&E credit mean?
Payments made to PG&E are shown as credits—hence, the negative value. Account Balance Before Current Charges: This shows the total account balance after your payment for your previous bill. This number is the sum of your a) Account Balance from the last statement and b) Payment(s) Received Since the last statement.
