Some Indiana households will soon see a major change in the way their monthly energy bills are calculated. A new state law will automatically move eligible customers to a different payment system. The goal is to make utility costs easier to predict throughout the year.
New Levelized Billing Plan Starts July 1
Under House Enrolled Act 1002, qualifying CenterPoint Energy customers will be enrolled in a new Levelized Billing program beginning on July 1, 2026.
The plan replaces the company’s existing Budget Billing option. Instead of bills fluctuating with seasonal energy use, the system spreads estimated annual electricity costs into 12 more consistent monthly payments.
This means customers will pay roughly the same amount each month, even when energy use rises during the summer or winter.
Who Will Be Automatically Enrolled in Levelized Billing?
The new billing system applies to customers who qualify for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Any CenterPoint Energy customer who has applied for LIHEAP will be enrolled automatically once the new rules take effect. Customers will still have the option to opt out if they prefer to remain on a standard billing plan.
Twice each year, CenterPoint will recalculate payment amounts to reflect changes in estimated annual usage and energy costs.
Why Indiana Is Changing the Way Energy Bills Are Calculated
State lawmakers say the change is designed to make energy payments more predictable and easier for households to manage.
Rather than facing sharp increases during periods of heavy electricity use, customers will know in advance what to expect each month.
Indiana Representative Alex Burton said the aim is not only to make utility costs more affordable, but also to reduce uncertainty for households trying to plan their budgets, reports The Sun.
Other Programs That Can Help Lower Energy Bills
CenterPoint Energy also offers additional programs intended to reduce electricity costs. The company’s Smart Cycle program gives bill credits to customers who voluntarily reduce usage during peak demand periods in summer.
Customers may also request a Free Home Energy Assessment, which includes a visit from a technician who identifies ways to save energy and may install efficiency upgrades.
Rebates are available for products such as smart thermostats, weatherization materials, and energy-efficient lighting through CenterPoint’s online energy efficiency store.
New Oversight for Future Energy Rate Changes
The legislation includes another important change. Utility companies must now provide detailed filings to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission when requesting rate increases.
The purpose is to improve transparency and give regulators and consumers clearer information about why rates are changing.
For eligible Indiana households, the July 1 transition to Levelized Billing could make monthly energy costs easier to anticipate, even as utility prices remain a growing concern across the country.
