Cris+FollowHow to Read Your National Grid "Budget Plan" Statement To avoid the "True-Up" shock, you need to look past the "Total Amount Due" and focus on the Account Summary section of your bill. This is where the math behind the curtain is revealed. The Three Red Flags to Watch For 1. The Deferred Balance (The "Hidden Debt") • Where to find it: Usually located under the "Budget Billing Summary" section. • The Math: This is the difference between the cost of the energy you actually used and the budget payments you've made. • The Trap: If this number is a large positive balance halfway through your plan year, your monthly payment is likely too low. National Grid will eventually "catch up" by either spiking your monthly bill or sending a massive bill in Month 12. 2. Actual vs. Budget Comparison • Where to find it: Look for a line titled "Actual Charges Since Last Settlement." • The Math: Compare this to "Budget Charges Since Last Settlement." • The Trap: If your Actual Charges are consistently higher than your Budget Charges, you are effectively taking an interest-free loan from the utility company that must be repaid in full the moment you move out or cancel the plan. 3. The "Review Month" Notice • Where to find it: The "Important Messages" box on the first or second page. • The Warning: National Grid usually reviews these plans every 3, 6, or 9 months. If you see a message stating your "Budget amount has been adjusted," check your new amount immediately. If it has jumped more than 15%, it’s a sign that the 2026 rate hikes are outpacing your current payment plan. Quick Audit Checklist • [ ] Is my Deferred Balance over $200? (If yes, expect a payment hike soon). • [ ] Am I in "Month 11" of my plan? (Prepare for the Month 12 "Settlement" bill). • [ ] Did I just install a new appliance or heat pump? (The budget plan won't account for this increase until the next review). #nationalgrid #AffordableNY #AffordableLiving #NYS 30Share
Cris+FollowNational Grid Budget Plan: Safety Net or Debt Trap? As utility costs hit record highs in 2026, many are turning to National Grid’s Budget Plan for stability. But regulatory filings reveal a "hidden debt" system that can lead to massive sticker shock. The Good: Predictability • Level Payments: Annual costs are split into 12 equal installments to avoid winter/summer spikes. • Support: Can be paired with arrears forgiveness (up to $12,000) for eligible accounts. The Bad: The "True-Up" Debt • Not a Discount: You still pay for every kWh used. It only changes when you pay. • 12th Month Shock: If usage exceeds estimates, the "Settlement Month" requires a lump-sum payment for the difference. • Underestimation: New residents often face year-end balances of $100+ because plans are based on previous tenants' habits. The Ugly: Regulatory "Gold-Plating" • Delivery Hikes: National Grid passes $500M+ in yearly infrastructure costs to users. These "delivery charges" inflate bills even if you conserve energy. • The 50% Jump: Due to 2026 "Future Grid" surcharges, some "fixed" payments have spiked 50% mid-year. • Conservation Penalty: Since bills are averaged, there is no immediate financial reward for lowering your thermostat, discouraging efficiency while utility profits remain protected. Bottom Line: The plan offers stability but creates deferred liabilities. If you cancel, the entire balance becomes due immediately. #NationalGrid #AffordableNY 31Share
