In this paper, a balanced energy consumption clustering algorithm (BECC) is proposed. This new scheme is a cluster-based algorithm designed for heterogeneous energy wireless sensor networks. A polarized energy factor is introduced to adjust the probability with which each node may become a cluster head in the election of the new clustering scheme. Under the condition that the expected number of cluster heads in the network preserves the theoretical optimal number, BECC makes sure that nodes with higher residual energy will become cluster heads with higher probabilities while nodes with lower residual energy will not become cluster heads. Simulation results show that this new scheme provides longer lifetime than the classical clustering algorithms including LEACH and other improved algorithms in heterogeneous networks, and BECC also reaches larger amount of messages received at the sink.