Need assistance with your EWEB bill?
Contact our Customer Service Team at 541-685-7000.
If you are enrolled in Budget Billing and need to discuss your account balance or status, contact us at 541-685-7398 or budgetbilling@eweb.org.
Budget Billing is no longer accepting new participants
In 2024, EWEB paused new enrollments in our Budget Billing program as we transitioned to our new customer information and billing system. As we settle into our new system and prepare to launch a new billing program, we have made the decision to close our Budget Billing program to new participants.
Why is EWEB no longer offering Budget Bill?
- Unexpected surprises: The Budget Billing program requires an annual true up, which can be a financial hardship for customers on a tight budget. Major changes in consumption or an undetected water leak can lead to a big, unwelcome surprise and poor customer experience.
- Simplified program options: Our new system enables us to offer a simpler program for customers looking to smooth out large bill fluctuations due to seasonal highs and lows. While both programs help customers manage seasonal bill changes, Average Monthly Billing provides a better customer experience and reduces financial risks for both the customer and utility. Because of this, eligibility criteria is less strict and much easier to administer. Average Monthly Billing is scheduled to launch later this year.
- Alignment with EWEB strategic goals and priorities: Budget Billing customers have always been encouraged to actively monitor their monthly consumption, but many do not. In the future, EWEB will offer access to hourly consumption data and Time of Use pricing, offering customers a financial incentive to manage and monitor their usage. Average Monthly Billing better aligns with EWEB's goal of active customer engagement with their usage.
What makes Average Monthly Billing a good alternative to Budget Billing?
- Bill reflects actual usage: A lot can happen in 12 months; instead of calculating amonthly payment only once per year, Average Monthly Billing calculates a new 12 month average every single month. This means customers can still have the benefits of smoothing bill fluctuations without the risk of a big true up.
- No annual true up: Your bill amount still changes each month, but do a smaller degree thanks to the rolling average calculation. If there is a difference between your Average Monthly Bill and actual usage, that will be reflected if you move out of decide to unenroll from the program.
- You are more in control: If your usage habits change, the monthly amount adjusts gradually, keeping your balance on track and avoiding large accruals.
What if I am already enrolled in Budget Billing?
If you are currently enrolled in Budget Billing you will not be removed from the program. Customers that have been on the program and find it to be a good fit for them and are not concerned with the accrual process can choose to stay enrolled in Budget Billing.
When will Average Monthly Billing be available for enrollment?
We anticipate being able to enroll customers in Average Monthly Billing via self-service in the customer portal in late 2025. To get updates on the new program be sure to subscribe to our customer newsletter.
