Budget Payment Plan
When you choose our Budget Payment Plan, we will calculate your equal monthly payments based on the estimated cost of your energy consumption from your past usage and bills.
To Sign Up*:
Access my account Call 1-866-420-3174 to sign up
*Please note: To qualify, you must have received a minimum of three bills and your account must be up-to-date.
Autopay
Save time, postage, and cheque-writing costs—and never worry about late payments again—by signing up for our Recurring Payment Plan. With this plan, your bill(s) will automatically be deducted from your bank account each month.
To Sign Up:
- Read the Recurring Payment Plan Terms & Conditions
- Sign in to your online account
- Go to “Payments” in the drop-down menu
- Click on “Recurring Payment Plan” and follow the instructions
- We are able to accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express
Click here if you prefer to print an application form and send it to us by email, mail or fax.
Looking to Pay your Existing Bill?
Direct Energy Regulated Services (DERS) offers many convenient payment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Budget Payment Plan:
How does it work?
The Budget Payment Plan allows you to pay your statement in equal instalments each month and helps to smooth out your energy costs throughout the year. Your budget payment amount is based on an estimate of your energy consumption based on your past usage, the time of year and the expected cost of energy and distribution charges. After all factors are considered, the estimate is divided into equal monthly payments.
Each month you only pay your Budget Payment amount. We compare what your actual costs were for that billing cycle to your Budget Billing amount, and keep a separate deferred balance. Typically, a customer's deferred balance will increase during the high consumption winter months and will decrease during the lower consumption summer months. The goal of the Budget Payment Plan is to have the reconciliation of the deferred balance at the end of the twelve months to be as close to $0.00 as possible.
Once per year, at your Budget Billing Settlement month, we review your overall annual billing to ensure your budget is not too low or too high and we incorporate any deferred balance from the previous year.
How do I enroll in the Budget Payment Plan?
- Ensure your account is paid in full
- Ensure that you've received at least three invoices
- Read your meter
- Call our Customer Assistance Centre at 1-866-420-3174 - Monday-Friday 7AM to 9PM; Saturday 8AM to 4:30PM
Are meter readings still needed?
Yes, we still require meter readings to ensure your monthly gas and/or electricity charges and the budget amount are accurate.
When will my budget amount change?
From time to time, as a result of a change in your overall annual billing, it is necessary for us to adjust your monthly amount to avoid the accumulation of a large balance or credit. Your budget amount could change when there is a significant change in natural gas and/or electricity costs, the amount of consumption you use, or at the time of budget settlement. Please let us know if you install additional appliances or renovate your home.
What is the budget settlement?
Once per year, your annual actual cost and budget payments are compared. If your actual costs are more or less than you paid, we will adjust your monthly payment in the next budget period.
The goal of the budget payment plan is to have the reconciliation balance at the end of the twelve months to be as close to $0.00 as possible.
Auto Pay Plan:
How does it work?
Once enrolled, you will continue to receive a statement each month. Your statement will show the amount and date your payment will be deducted from your bank account. A message will appear on your statement each month to keep you informed of your transactions.
When is payment withdrawn from my account?
Watch for a message on your bill to indicate that you are enrolled in the plan. The date and withdrawal amount will be shown on your bill. Your payment will be withdrawn the morning of your billing due date.
Note: Sufficient funds or bank approved overdraft protection must be available when payment is due to avoid an NSF charge.
What do I do if my bank account information changes?
Simply advise us in writing and include your new personalized cheque marked VOID. We'll do the rest!