Why is my due date different this month?

By Destinee Welch, Customer Experience Professional

Every day, I get the chance to talk with customers from all over our community - and one question I’ve been hearing is:

“Why is my due date different this month?”

Just the other day, a customer called in a little concerned. “My bill is usually due around the 12th,” she said. “But this month, it’s due the 8th. Did something change?” That is a great question – and if you’ve ever wondered the same thing, you’re not alone!

The short answer is: yes, your due date might shift slightly each month - and that’s normal. Let me explain why.

Your Due Date Starts with Your Meter Reading

Here’s how it works: your billing cycle begins when your electric meter is read. Once we read your meter, we generate your bill and mail it the next day. If you’re signed up for e-bill, a link to log in online and view your bill will land in your inbox the same day the paper copy is mailed.

Now here’s where it gets interesting – the date we read your meter can change a bit from month to month. Why? Because weekends, holidays, scheduled maintenance days, and other factors can shift our meter reading schedule.

Think about it this way: if your meter is usually read on the 10th, but that date falls on a Saturday this month, your reading might happen on the 13th or the 14th instead. That small shift ripples through the billing process – causing your bill to be generated on a different day, which means your due date (which is always at least 15 days after your bill is sent) will change too.

What If My Due Date Used to Feel More Predictable?

That’s a totally fair observation. While small shifts in due dates are normal, we’ve recently made a few adjustments to help us prepare for our brand-new Customer Information System that will launch in January 2026.

This new system offers more convenience and you’ll be able to:

• Access and monitor your usage with ease
• Track and manage your payments more efficiently
• Enjoy upgraded tools that simplify your overall experience

To get ready for this upgrade, we’ve had to shift the billing schedule a bit so that the date your meter is read and the date your bill is due falls within the same calendar month. That means your bill may now generate on a slightly different day than it used to, and your due date could fall a bit earlier or later in the month than you’re used to. These changes help set the stage for smoother service and transition in the long run.

Want a Consistent Due Date Every Month?

Ask us about Fixed Due Date. With this option, we'll review your account to determine which Fixed Due Date works best for you, and from there, your bill will be due on that same day every month – no surprises.

Want even more consistency? Give us a call to talk about options such as signing up for Levelized Monthly Billing (LMB) and/or Bank Draft. These options combined with Fixed Due Date allows you to more easily manage your BTES account. Signing up for all three means your LMB amount will be approximately the same each month and automatically drafted from your bank account on your fixed due date.

We’re Always Here to Help

At the end of the day, we know that your bill is just one part of your busy life. If you ever have a question, give us a call – we’re here to walk you through it.