diff --git a/unit_test/burn_cell_primordial_chem/burn_cell.H b/unit_test/burn_cell_primordial_chem/burn_cell.H
index 794601d35..f87854682 100644
--- a/unit_test/burn_cell_primordial_chem/burn_cell.H
+++ b/unit_test/burn_cell_primordial_chem/burn_cell.H
@@ -8,7 +8,6 @@
 #include <eos.H>
 #include <extern_parameters.H>
 #include <network.H>
-#include <actual_network.H>
 
 amrex::Real grav_constant = 6.674e-8;
 
@@ -210,7 +209,8 @@ auto burn_cell_c() -> int {
     }
 
     // update the number density of electrons due to charge conservation
-    balance_charge(state);
+    state.xn[0] = -state.xn[3] - state.xn[7] + state.xn[1] + state.xn[12] +
+                  state.xn[6] + state.xn[4] + state.xn[9] + 2.0 * state.xn[11];
 
     // reconserve mass fractions post charge conservation
     insum = 0;