HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-067 Residential Utility Bill EstimatorDecember 1, 2023 Report No. 2023-067
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Release of Residential Utility Bill Estimator for Residential Customers
BACKGROUND:
As part of efforts to create operational transparency, empower, and educate customers, Customer
Service has developed a residential utility bill estimator. The tool will allow new customers to
estimate the utility costs of their new residence. Existing customers can utilize the tool to better
understand how their utilities are calculated in addition to being able to estimate how changes in
usage behaviors may impact their bills.
Customer Service is collaborating with Marketing & Communications to produce social media
marketing and a usage video to help customers understand usage and value of this new tool.
DISCUSSION:
The utility bill estimator has been added to our growing selection of self-service resources for
customers and can be found on our website at www.cityofdenton.com/paymybill as shown
below.
December 1, 2023 Report No. 2023-067
The tool is provided as a courtesy service for utility cost estimation and does not constitute a
guarantee of utility costs at a specific home. Use of the estimator assumes the following:
A. Electric facility charges are based on residences which have a single-phase meter. This
represents 98.1% of residential customers.
B. Water and wastewater base rates are applied for a standard, 3/4” meter within city limits
and which includes wastewater services. This represents 96.5% of residential customers.
For customers with separate irrigation meters, the estimate applies only to the meter
which feeds the residence.
C. Drainage fees are calculated on the square footage of impervious surface based on
Denton County Appraisal District’s reported square footages for the property. To help
customers estimate impervious surface space, the tool calculates the rough area of the
roof based on the customer’s entry of square footage of the home and the number of
stories. Options to allow for garages, drives, and porches are based on average size.
Oversized porches, drives, or other additions such as pools with decks are not calculated
in the estimate.
STAFF CONTACT:
Christa Foster
Customer Service Manager
Christa.Foster@cityofdenton.com
(940) 349-7412
REQUESTOR: Staff Initiated
STAFF TIME TO COMPLETE REPORT: 30 Minutes
PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS: Customer Service