Where to pay your Denton utilities bill
Denton has two separate utilities: Denton Municipal Electric (for electricity) and City of Denton Water Utilities (for water and wastewater). You may receive one bill or two, depending on your account setup. Both can be paid online, by phone, by mail, or in person.
For electric bills, go to the Denton Municipal Electric website and log into your account or pay as a guest. You can set up automatic payments from your bank account or pay with a debit or credit card. Water bills can be paid through the City of Denton's online portal using the same methods. Both utilities also accept payments by phone — call the numbers on your bill to speak with a representative.
If you prefer to pay in person, Denton Municipal Electric accepts payments at their office during business hours. The City of Denton also has drop boxes at city facilities. Mailing a check is an option, but allow at least 10 business days for it to arrive and post to your account.
Key Takeaways
- Denton has two separate utilities — electric and water — and you may receive separate bills for each one.
- Online payment through each utility's website is the fastest method and lets you pay immediately without fees.
- Automatic payments prevent late fees and service disconnection if you set them up before your due date.
- Late fees and reconnection charges apply if your bill is not paid by the due date shown on your statement.
- If you are struggling to pay, both utilities offer payment plans and hardship programs for customers in financial difficulty.
How to read your Denton electric bill
Your Denton Municipal Electric bill shows your meter number, billing period, and the amount you owe at the top. Below that, you will see your usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh) — the actual electricity you consumed. The bill then breaks down the charges: a base charge (a fixed monthly fee), an energy charge (based on your usage), and any taxes or adjustments.
The energy charge is where most of your bill comes from. It is calculated by multiplying your kWh usage by the rate per kWh. Denton's rates vary slightly by season and by customer class (residential, commercial, or industrial). If you used significantly more electricity than usual, check whether you had guests, ran air conditioning more, or had an appliance running longer than normal.
At the bottom of the bill, you will see the due date and the amount due. If you do not pay by that date, a late fee is added. The bill also shows your payment history and current balance, so you can track whether previous payments have posted.
How to read your Denton water bill
Your City of Denton water bill lists your meter number, the billing period, and your total amount due. The bill shows your water usage in gallons or hundred cubic feet (HCF), depending on how the city reports it. Like the electric bill, water charges include a base charge plus a usage charge.
Water bills often include separate line items for water supply, wastewater treatment, and stormwater fees. The wastewater charge is based on the amount of water you used (the city assumes most water goes down the drain), while stormwater is usually a flat fee. If your usage spiked unexpectedly, check for leaks — a running toilet or dripping outdoor faucet can double your water bill in a month.
Some water bills also show your usage compared to the same month last year, which helps you spot unusual consumption. The due date and late fee policy are shown on the bill. Denton water bills are typically due within 20 days of the billing date.
What to do if you cannot pay on time
If you know you will miss a payment, contact Denton Municipal Electric or City of Denton Water Utilities before the due date. Both utilities can set up a payment plan that spreads your balance over several months. You will still owe the full amount plus interest, but you avoid a late fee and service disconnection.
Denton also has a Customer Assistance Program for households with low income. This program may reduce your bill or provide one-time help with past-due amounts. To learn about this program, call Denton Municipal Electric at the number on your bill and ask about assistance options. The City of Denton Water Utilities has similar programs — ask when you call.
If your service has already been disconnected, reconnection requires payment of the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee. Reconnection typically takes one to two business days. Preventing disconnection by contacting the utility early is far less expensive than paying to reconnect.
How to lower your Denton utilities bill
Denton Municipal Electric offers a Home Energy Audit program that identifies where you are losing energy. An auditor visits your home, checks for air leaks, inspects your insulation, and tests your heating and cooling system. The audit is low-cost or free for some customers. The report shows you exactly where to focus: sealing gaps around windows, upgrading insulation, or replacing an old air conditioner.
Both utilities offer rebates for energy-efficient appliances and equipment. Denton Municipal Electric rebates cover air conditioners, heat pumps, water heaters, and LED lighting. City of Denton Water Utilities offers rebates for low-flow toilets and showerheads. Check each utility's website for current rebate amounts and which products may have access to.
Simple habits also reduce your bill: run your air conditioner a few degrees warmer in summer, use cold water for laundry, fix leaks promptly, and turn off lights when you leave a room. These changes do not require money upfront and show results on your next bill.
Understanding disconnection and reconnection
Denton utilities will disconnect your service if your bill is unpaid for 30 days past the due date. Before disconnection, you will receive written notice at least 10 days in advance. This notice tells you the exact date service will stop and how much you must pay to prevent it. If you pay the full amount before that date, disconnection is cancelled.
Once service is disconnected, you must pay the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee to restore it. Reconnection fees vary but typically range from $50 to $150 depending on the utility and the reason for disconnection. Reconnection is not instant — it usually takes one to two business days, and you may need to be home for the technician to access your meter.
If you are facing disconnection, contact the utility immediately. A payment plan or hardship program may prevent it. Waiting until after disconnection is much more expensive and leaves you without service in the meantime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set up automatic payments for both utilities at the same time?
Yes, but you set them up separately. Log into Denton Municipal Electric's website to set up automatic electric payments, and log into the City of Denton's portal to set up water payments. Each utility processes its own account independently. Make sure your bank account has enough funds to cover both payments on their respective due dates.
What if my bill seems too high?
First, compare it to the same month last year — seasonal changes are normal. Check your usage numbers on the bill; if they are unusually high, look for leaks or appliances running longer than normal. Contact the utility to ask whether your meter has been read recently or estimated. If you believe the bill is wrong, request a meter test or audit. Both utilities can investigate billing errors.
Do Denton utilities offer budget billing?
Denton Municipal Electric offers a budget billing option that averages your annual costs into equal monthly payments. This smooths out seasonal spikes in summer and winter. Ask about this program when you call or visit the website. Budget billing does not lower your total cost, but it makes your bill more predictable.
How long does it take for an online payment to show on my account?
Online payments typically post within one business day. If you pay close to the due date, the payment may not post in time to prevent a late fee. To be safe, pay at least two business days before the due date. If you are paying by phone or mail, allow even more time.
What happens if I move out of Denton?
Contact both utilities at least two weeks before you move to request a final meter reading and bill. You will owe for usage up to your move-out date. Provide a forwarding address so the final bill reaches you. If you do not close your account, you may be billed for usage after you leave, and the utility may place a hold on your account.