This winter has definitely reminded us what a true Ohio Valley winter can feel like. With colder temperatures, more snow, and longer stretches of intense weather than we’ve seen in a few years, many households are noticing higher heating bills than they’ve grown used to. After several milder winters, those seasonal increases may feel especially noticeable this year.
If fluctuating winter bills make budgeting more challenging, Ohio Valley Gas offers an option designed to help smooth things out: our Balanced Billing Plan. It spreads your natural gas costs more evenly across the year so you can plan ahead with greater confidence.
How Balanced Billing Works
Instead of paying higher bills in winter and lower bills in warmer months, Balanced Billing averages your expected annual natural gas usage into a consistent monthly payment over a 12-month period.
For customers with at least a year of usage history, the monthly amount is based on your past 12 months of usage and estimated future rates. For newer accounts, we estimate usage based on your home or business and the gas appliances in place.
Either way, the goal is the same: more predictable monthly bills and fewer seasonal surprises.
Who Can Enroll?
Balanced Billing is available to:
-
Residential customers in good standing
-
Small commercial accounts (including small farms, excluding grain drying)
-
Public authorities such as schools
-
Not-for-profit organizations, including churches
Enrollment can happen at any time, and there’s no additional deposit required specifically for the plan.
Annual Review and Adjustment
Because actual energy usage and market conditions can change, your monthly payment is reviewed each year after the June billing cycle. Adjustments — if needed — take effect beginning with July billing.
This annual “true-up” ensures your payments stay aligned with actual usage. If there’s a remaining balance:
-
Any amount owed is spread across the next year’s payments
-
Any credit is applied toward future bills
In rare cases, adjustments may also occur one additional time per year if market conditions change significantly.
Staying on the Plan
Balanced Billing works best when payments stay current. Accounts with repeated late payments may be removed from the plan, and any outstanding balance would then become due.
If you ever anticipate difficulty making a payment, we encourage you to reach out early — our team is always happy to discuss options.
How to Enroll
Getting started is simple:
-
Contact your local Ohio Valley Gas District Office
-
Review and sign the enrollment form showing your monthly payment
-
Return the form by mail, email, or in person
Your balanced billing amount will typically begin with the next billing cycle after enrollment is completed.
We’re Here to Help
We know managing household expenses matters. Balanced Billing is just one way we aim to make your energy service more predictable, convenient, and customer-friendly.
If you’d like to learn more or see whether Balanced Billing is right for you, just contact your local District Office — we’re always glad to help.
