Winter weather can be unpredictable, but heating bills don’t have to be. Through the National Fuel Budget Plan, customers can better manage winter heating costs by spreading bills out evenly throughout the year.

The Budget Plan divides a customer’s estimated annual bill into 12 payments. Plans are reviewed quarterly and adjusted if needed. A 10-month budget plan, covering months September through June, is also an option (customers pay actual bills for July and August). Budget plans are renewed annually.

To be even more prepared, National Fuel customers can sign up for AutoPay, which automatically deducts the monthly bill payment from a checking or savings account. Through Auto Pay, a customer’s bill is paid on time each month, without the worry of logging on or mailing a payment.

Customers can enroll in the Budget Plan and Auto Pay through the My Utility Account portal at www.nationalfuel.com or by calling 1-800-365-3234. There is no cost to enroll in either plan.