Denton Municipal Electric (DME) is a resident-owned electric utility that provides responsive, affordable electric services. News articles regarding potential massive electric bills for customers of some privately-owned electric companies have caused alarm with some of our customers. We want to reassure you that DME only recovers the costs to provide electricity and will not financially benefit from this crisis. If you have questions, call Customer Service at (940) 349-8700.
Utility Billing
As a DME customer, you are only charged for actual electricity consumed at the existing fixed rates as approved by City Council. If you used more electricity than usual (consumed higher than average kWh), then your electric bill will be higher than a normal month due to that higher use. If you used less than your average kWh, your bill will be less than a normal month.
Utility Shutoffs
We are postponing planned nonpayment utility interruptions until Monday, March 15, 2021, to give you time to assess weather-related impacts without worrying about losing power.
Understanding Rates and the Approval Process
DME rates are fixed and determined by City Council. Non-DME customers impacted by extremely high spikes in their bills are billed through variable rate for electricity – making them vulnerable to sudden price swings from the wholesale energy market. This is not the case with DME.
Rate changes must be approved by City Council after a thorough and transparent financial and rate review process. We will continue to assess impact of this winter storm, including the cost of purchasing electricity from the electric grid operator, ERCOT. Many discussions relating to relief and/or reform are occurring at the state and federal levels, and any decisions at those level may impact Denton. When this analysis is complete, we will then have a better understanding of the storm’s impact on DME finances. Again, any proposed rate changes would include public meetings and must be approved by City Council.