During their March 19 meeting, the Denton City Council approved a mid-year rate increase for Denton Municipal Electric (DME) customers beginning April 1, 2024 – the first rate increase in over seven years. The decision comes in response to escalating energy and transmission costs, including: 

• ERCOT Market Increases: Statewide regulatory changes outside the control of DME have increased the cost of energy for all Texans. 
• Increased Transmission Costs: This cost is paid by DME to other transmission system owners for investments they have made to improve the ERCOT grid. 

Despite the change in rates, DME customers will continue to have among the lowest monthly bills on average than other municipally owned utilities in Texas. Rate increases apply to both residential and commercial customers, with the following anticipated impact on utility bills when averaged annually: 

• Residential Customers: The average electric bill is currently $106 (1000 kWh usage), and is estimated to increase to around $130 per month. 
• Small Business Customers: Estimated to increase the average electric bill (1,101 kWh usage) from $148 to $174 per month. 
• Medium Business Customers: Estimated to increase the average electric bill (13,7171 kWh usage, 48 kW demand) from $1,361 to $1,691 per month. 
• Large Business Customers: Estimated to increase the average electric bill (342,406 kWh usage, 867 kVA demand) from $28,002 to $36,258 per month. 

Customers should anticipate the increased amount on their April billing statement. Denton residents can also estimate their new monthly bill based on their average usage using the Residential Bill Calculator.  

DME is proud to serve the Denton Community as one of the lowest-cost providers of reliable, safe, 100% renewable energy when compared to other renewable and municipal-owned plans and remains committed to fostering sustainable energy in Texas.   

Contact: Stuart Birdseye, External Affairs Administrator/PIO, Denton Municipal Electric stuart.birdseye@cityofdenton.com, (940) 349-8009