The Denton Public Utilities Board convened on June 9, 2025, to discuss significant financial and operational matters that will impact the community's utility services over the coming years. A key decision made during the meeting was the approval of a $15 million budget for the acquisition of new equipment, including two articulating trucks designed for waste management. This investment is part of a five-year plan aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the city's public utilities.

The board emphasized that all asset acquisitions will undergo a thorough budgeting process, ensuring that any purchases align with the city's financial planning and operational needs. This structured approach aims to maintain transparency and accountability in how public funds are utilized.

In addition to equipment purchases, the board reviewed the Energy Cost Adjustment (ECA) and Transmission Cost Recovery Factor (TCRF) rates. The ECA will remain at 0.0462 per kilowatt, while the TCRF will see no changes. However, a new rate schedule for large power users—those consuming over 20 megawatts—was proposed to ensure fair treatment of all customers. This new schedule aims to mitigate potential risks to existing residential customers while providing competitive rates for new large-scale users.

The board also discussed the anticipated demand from new large customers, such as data centers, and the infrastructure challenges that may arise. It was noted that the capacity to connect these new customers could take two to three years due to ongoing regional planning efforts with ERCOT, the state's electric grid operator.

As the meeting concluded, the board reiterated its commitment to balancing the needs of existing residents with the potential growth of new customers, ensuring that utility services remain reliable and affordable for all Denton residents. The next steps include a financial update scheduled for June 23 and a budget workshop on July 14, leading to further discussions on budget approvals by the end of July.