- Free modem and anti-virus software
- No contracts and unlimited data
- Bundle with TV to save more
- Speeds up to 2 Gbps**
- Plans start at $30/month
Top 49 Electric Providers in Plano
Electricity in Plano operates within Texas’s fully deregulated ERCOT grid, granting you the power to select an independent Retail Electric Provider to manage your energy supply and monthly billing. However, regardless of the company you choose, your physical grid infrastructure, meters, and power line maintenance are exclusively handled by Oncor Electric Delivery. It is vital to look closely at the fine print of open-market plans, as Oncor levies its own state-approved pass-through delivery fees that add a fixed base charge and a variable rate per kWh directly to your statement without markup. This means an eye-catching advertised rate can quickly balloon once delivery charges are applied, making it necessary to shop using your specific historical usage footprint to avoid hidden tiered pricing traps.
- 7.2¢ /kWh
- 31%
- 60 days
- 11-60 Months
- Popular Bill Credit Plans
- 10.9¢ /kWh
- 3-100%
- 60 days
- 1-36 Months
- Highest Trustpilot Rating 4.7/5 ★
- 7.9¢ /kWh
- 100%
- 60 days
- 4-36 Months
- Committed to Renewable Energy
- 7.2¢ /kWh
- 6-100%
- None
- 8-36 Months
- Best for Low Rates
- 7.9¢ /kWh
- 9-100%
- 60 days
- 12-24 Months
- Best for High-Usage Homes
- 12.9¢ /kWh
- 24%
- 90 days
- 0-36 Months
- Best for Smart Home Tools & App
- 14.5¢ /kWh
- 3-100%
- 60 days
- 12-36 Months
- Best for Straightforward Contracts
- 7.4¢ /kWh
- 100%
- None
- 3-36 Months
- 100% Solar-Powered Electricity
- 7.8¢ /kWh
- 100%
- 30 days
- 3-36 Months
- No Hidden Fees, Fair Pricing
- 8.1¢ /kWh
- 24%
- 30 days
- 12-36 Months
- Flexible Contract Lengths
- 8.1¢ /kWh
- 24%
- 90 days
- 12-36 Months
- Get Rewarded for Higher Usage
- 7.8¢ /kWh
- 100%
- 30 days
- 3-36 Months
- Texas Focused Green Energy
- 7.9¢ /kWh
- 30-100%
- 60 days
- 4-36 Months
- Best for Short-Term Leases
- 9.8¢ /kWh
- 100%
- None
- 3-18 Months
- Customer Service That Counts
- 13.3¢ /kWh
- 29-100%
- 30 days
- 12-36 Months
- Best for Long Term Value
- 7.9¢ /kWh
- 30%
- None
- 12-24 Months
- Free Pet Benefits
- 15.4¢ /kWh
- 24%
- None
- 12-36 Months
- Best for Apartments
- 12.2¢ /kWh
- 9-100%
- 60 days
- 12-24 Months
- Support Veterans & First Responders
- 7.3¢ /kWh
- 9%
- 30 days
- 12-36 Months
- Low Rates. No Hassles.
- 11.1¢ /kWh
- 31%
- None
- 11-60 Months
- 11.1¢ /kWh
- 31%
- None
- 11-60 Months
- FREE Nights Plan Available!
- 11.7¢ /kWh
- 35-100%
- 90 days
- 36 Months
- 12.7¢ /kWh
- 26-100%
- 90 days
- 3-36 Months
- Proven Leader in Clean Energy
- 13.1¢ /kWh
- 26-100%
- None
- 12-24 Months
- 13.8¢ /kWh
- 25-100%
- None
- 12-36 Months
- Earn Free Electricity Every Month
- 17.4¢ /kWh
- 26%
- 30 days
- 6-12 Months
- Best for No-Deposit / Prepaid
- 15.9¢ /kWh
- 100%
- 90 days
- 1-36 Months
- 100% Renewable Plans
- 7.2¢ /kWh
- 9.9¢ /kWh
- 100%
- None
- Month to Month
- Renewable Energy Option
- 12.1¢ /kWh
- 6%
- None
- 1-60 Months
- 12.1¢ /kWh
- 6%
- None
- 1-60 Months
- 12.2¢ /kWh
- 33-100%
- None
- 3-36 Months
- 12.4¢ /kWh
- 12.6¢ /kWh
- 25-100%
- None
- 3-36 Months
- 12.6¢ /kWh
- 12.9¢ /kWh
- 13.2¢ /kWh
- 26-100%
- None
- 1-36 Months
- 13.2¢ /kWh
- 26-100%
- None
- 1-36 Months
- 13.6¢ /kWh
- 35%
- None
- 6-15 Months
- 13.9¢ /kWh
- 13.9¢ /kWh
- 100%
- None
- 3-24 Months
- 100% Renewable Energy
- 14.5¢ /kWh
- Renewable Energy Option
- 14.8¢ /kWh
- 100%
- None
- 12 Months
- Renewable Energy Option
- 15¢ /kWh
- 17.2¢ /kWh
Top 2 Natural Gas Providers in Plano
Natural gas service is delivered uniformly across Plano neighborhoods by Atmos Energy, operating as a fully regulated utility where rates are locked to strict state-approved tariffs. Because there is no open marketplace for residential gas, you will establish your account directly through Atmos to keep your central heating, water heaters, and pool equipment running during North Texas winter fronts. A critical budgetary quirk to track is the utility’s fixed monthly customer charge, which sits around twenty dollars and is billed every single month of the year. Even during a baking July or August heatwave when your furnace lies completely dormant and your gas usage drops to absolute zero, you will still pay this baseline infrastructure fee simply to keep the physical line pressurized.
Top 9 Internet Providers in Plano
Internet and broadband access across Plano is a highly competitive, multi-gigabit turf war driven by widespread fiber-to-the-home rollouts from Frontier Fiber and AT&T Fiber, alongside a near-universal cable footprint from Spectrum. As one of the earliest adopters of regional fiber optic infrastructure, Plano enjoys exceptional symmetrical speeds that are ideal for remote work and high-definition streaming. However, if you are moving into one of the city’s master-planned developments, luxury apartment complexes, or townhome communities near the Legacy West or corporate corridors, you must look out for localized provider monopolies. Some property developers and homeowners associations sign exclusive marketing contracts that legally restrict physical line access to a single provider, so verifying unit-level broadband options before signing closing papers or a lease is highly recommended.
- 2 Gbps**
- Cable
- Unlimited
- TV & Phone
- 91.32%
- $30.00/mo
- Most Affordable Plans
- 7 Gbps
- Fiber
- Unlimited
- Phone
- 57.89%
- $29.99/mo
- 5 Gbps
- Fiber
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 56.83%
- $34.00/mo
- Best for High Speed and Gamers
- 300 Mbps
- 5G
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 100%
- $35.00/mo
- Wireless Internet
- 415 Mbps
- 5G
- 1.2 TB
- Mobile
- 100%
- $20.00/mo
- Wireless Internet
- 300 Mbps
- 5G
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 100%
- $65.00/mo
- Wireless Internet
- 150 Mbps
- Satellite
- 150-850 GB
- Phone
- 100%
- $39.99/mo
- 400 Mbps
- Satellite
- Unlimited
- 99.98%
- $55.00/mo
- Varies
- Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite
- Varies
- 95%
- $39.95/mo
Solar Providers in Plano
Water & Sewage Providers in Plano
Water and sewer infrastructure is managed directly by the City of Plano Customer & Utility Services department, drawing its wholesale supply from the North Texas Municipal Water District. Under the city’s current fiscal fee schedule, residential water bills carry a mandatory base fee of $30.90 that includes your first 1,000 gallons, after which volumetric pricing follows a sharply escalating tiered scale designed to penalize heavy irrigation. Sewer fees add an independent base charge of $21.50 per month, but the volumetric portion relies on a hyper-local “Winter Quarter Average” formula. The city calculates your sewer outflow for the entire year by averaging your indoor water usage during December, January, and February, meaning any excessive water consumption during these three winter months will artificially inflate your sewer bills for the next twelve months.
Top 4 Trash and Recycling Providers in Plano
Trash and recycling collection is operated directly by the City of Plano’s Environmental Waste Services division, with fees for your rolling carts automatically added to your monthly municipal utility statement. While standard household garbage is collected every week, recycling is a distinct logistical anomaly in Plano: it utilizes a single-stream green cart that is collected only every other week on an alternating Orange Week or Purple Week rotation. Bins must be wheeled curbside or to your designated alleyway by 7:00 AM on your collection day with the wheels facing your home or garage and the lid opening toward the street or alley. Drivers utilize automated mechanical arms that require a strict two-to-three-foot clearance from mailboxes, fences, and adjacent bins, and any blockages from parked cars or trailers can legally result in your property being bypassed for the week.
Utilities Summary for Plano, TX
| Electric Companies: | 49 |
| Natural Gas Companies: | 2 |
| Water & Sewage Providers: | 1 |
| Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers: | 4 |
| Municipal Electricity: | No |
Ultimate Plano Utility Guide 2026: Setup, Rates, and Expert Moving Tips
Moving to Plano, Texas, offers access to top-tier schools, beautiful parks, and a thriving job market. However, setting up utilities in the “City of Excellence” can be complex due to a unique dual-infrastructure grid and strict municipal timelines.
This guide provides everything you need to navigate the Plano utility landscape, from choosing the right electricity provider to taking advantage of local water rebates.
The Plano Electricity Grid: Oncor vs. CoServ
The most critical step in your move is identifying which “grid” your home sits on. Plano is geographically divided between two different utility models.
- Oncor Electric Delivery (Deregulated): Services central, eastern, and southern Plano. In these areas, you have the “Power to Choose” your retail electric provider (REP).
- CoServ Electric (Cooperative): Services far north and far west Plano neighborhoods. If you live here, you do not shop for rates; you apply for membership in the CoServ cooperative, which acts as your sole provider .
Use an ESID lookup tool or enter your address on Power To Choose. If your address doesn’t appear, you are likely in a CoServ zone.
Top 5 Electric Suppliers in Plano, TX (2026 Rankings)
The retail electricity market in Plano, Texas, is highly competitive, served primarily by the Oncor transmission area. This environment allows residents to choose from over 40 distinct providers. To simplify this choice, we have evaluated the top electric suppliers based on a strict methodology prioritizing price, reliability, and consumer sentiment.
#1 Gexa Energy – 4.8 / 5.0
Best Overall Value & Sustainability
Gexa Energy has been a staple of the Texas deregulated market since 2002 and is currently a subsidiary of NextEra Energy, the world’s largest producer of wind and solar power. Gexa distinguishes itself by providing 100% renewable energy as a standard feature on all residential plans without charging a green premium. They are a “large cap” retailer that competes aggressively on price, offering the stability of a major corporation with the pricing of a value brand.
Why They Rank Here: Gexa earns the #1 spot due to its exceptional performance in the Price & Value (35%) category, currently offering fixed rates as low as 9.4¢ per kWh in Plano. They also maintain a strong Reliability & Complaints (20%) score with a 4-star rating on the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) scorecard. The combination of 100% green energy and a 60-day satisfaction guarantee gives them high marks for Plan Breadth and Trust Signals.
What Plano Residents Say: Residents in Plano frequently praise Gexa for the consistency of their billing and the ease of their digital enrollment process. While some users on local community boards have noted longer wait times for phone support during peak summer months, the general consensus is that their online account management tools are highly effective for managing usage.
Best For: Residents seeking the best balance of low fixed rates, 100% renewable energy, and the financial security of an established, top-tier provider.
#2 Chariot Energy – 4.6 / 5.0
Best for Solar & Eco-Innovation
Chariot Energy is a Houston-based provider unique for its vertical integration; their parent company owns and operates large-scale solar farms across Texas. This allows them to offer 100% solar energy sourced directly from the Texas sun. They have quickly gained recognition in the industry, including being named the “2024 Retail Electricity Provider of the Year.”
Why They Rank Here: Chariot ranks highly due to having some of the lowest raw energy rates in the Plano market (starting at 8.7¢ per kWh) and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (Independent Trust Signals). They excel in Fees & Fine Print (15%) by avoiding many of the complex tiered-usage “gimmicks” found in other low-cost plans. Their leadership in solar buyback programs also provides high value for Plan Breadth.
What Plano Residents Say: People in Plano often highlight Chariot’s weekly usage reports, which provide granular data that helps them adjust their consumption habits to save money. Sentiment among Plano’s eco-conscious homeowners is particularly strong, with many citing the company’s commitment to solar infrastructure as a deciding factor.
Best For: Homeowners with solar panels or environmentally-focused residents who want simple, transparent pricing for 100% solar power.
#3 TXU Energy – 4.4 / 5.0
Best for Reliability & Brand Trust
TXU Energy is the oldest and most recognizable electricity brand in Texas, with a history spanning over 140 years. As a premium provider, they focus on high-touch customer service and innovative, specialized plan types like their “Free Nights & Solar Days” and “Season Pass” offerings.
Why They Rank Here: While TXU typically has higher raw rates (around 14.5¢ per kWh), they dominate the Reliability & Complaints (20%) and Trust Signals (10%) categories. They consistently maintain a perfect 5/5 star rating on the PUCT complaint scorecard, with one of the lowest complaint rates per 10,000 customers in the state. Their 60-day satisfaction guarantee and 24/7 support are industry-leading features.
What Plano Residents Say: In Plano, TXU is often referred to as the “safe” and “dependable” choice, especially for newcomers to Texas. Long-time residents frequently mention the reliability of their mobile app and the ease of setting up same-day service, which is a major convenience for those moving within the city.
Best For: Households that prioritize 24/7 customer support, billing accuracy, and long-term brand stability over having the absolute lowest price.
#4 Rhythm Energy – 4.2 / 5.0
Best for Tech & Billing Flexibility
Rhythm Energy is a technology-driven provider that has disrupted the market with a digital-first approach. They are known for transparency and were the first in Texas to allow customers to choose their own bill due date to match their personal budgeting cycles.
Why They Rank Here: Rhythm scores perfectly in Plan Breadth (10%) and Fees & Fine Print (15%) due to their “no-gimmick” fixed-rate plans and lack of hidden fees. They also offer a 30-day “Test Drive” that allows customers to switch away penalty-free if they aren’t satisfied, which bolsters their Trust Signals. Their rates are competitive for mid-tier providers, starting around 9.1¢ per kWh for 18-month terms.
What Plano Residents Say: Tech-savvy Plano professionals often praise Rhythm for its modern app and the “pick your due date” feature, which is highly popular for aligning bills with salary schedules. While some have noted their PUCT scorecard is currently at 2 stars due to rapid growth, their Google rating remains high at 4.7 stars.
Best For: Professionals and tech-savvy homeowners looking for a modern, flexible, and 100% green energy provider with industry-setting digital tools.
#5 4Change Energy – 4.1 / 5.0
Best for High-Usage Homes
4Change Energy was founded on the principle of social impact, donating 4% of its annual profits to Texas-based charities like Feeding Texas and the American Cancer Society. They are backed by Vistra Energy (the parent company of TXU), giving them significant operational scale and financial stability.
Why They Rank Here: They excel in Price & Value (35%) for high-usage households by offering substantial bill credits (up to $125) once usage thresholds are met. This results in “all-in” rates as low as 8.8¢ per kWh for Plano homes. They benefit from high Trust Signals due to their corporate parentage, though they require auto-pay and have stricter credit requirements.
What Plano Residents Say: Families in larger Plano suburban homes often recommend 4Change as the most cost-effective option for cooling large spaces during the summer. Community feedback often highlights the “feel-good” aspect of their charitable donations, though residents caution others to carefully read the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) to ensure they hit the required usage for the bill credits.
Best For: Families in larger homes with high monthly consumption who want to maximize savings while supporting local charitable causes.
Why Trust These Rankings?
The integrity of this evaluation is maintained through an unwavering commitment to data-driven analysis and consumer transparency. Unlike many comparison websites that prioritize providers based on affiliate commissions, these rankings are derived from the objective application of our Methodology for Ranking Electric Providers. This scoring system weights six critical factors, Price, Fees, Reliability, Plan Breadth, Trust Signals, and Customer Sentiment, to ensure every provider is judged on a level playing field.
Data is sourced directly from the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), independent consumer protection agencies, and real-time market aggregators to provide an accurate reflection of value and performance in Plano.
Selection Strategy: Shopping for Electricity in Oncor Areas
If you are in an Oncor area, the Texas market is famous for “gimmick” plans that look cheap but hide high fees. Follow this protocol to find the best deal:
- Avoid “Time of Use” (TOU) Plans: Unless you can strictly avoid using power between 6 PM and 10 PM, these plans (like “Free Nights”) often result in much higher bills.
- Check the EFL: Always download the Electricity Facts Label (EFL). Look for the fixed Oncor TDU charges, which include a $4.23 monthly fee plus a per-kWh usage charge.
- Time Your Renewal: Late fall and early winter (December–February) are historically the cheapest times to lock in a 12- or 24-month contract. Avoid renewing in the summer when demand and rates spike. Learn more about the Best Time to Shop for an Electric Provider.
- Consider Automation: For a $10 monthly fee, services like Energy Ogre will automatically shop and switch your provider for you to ensure you’re always on the lowest rate.
Municipal Utilities: Water, Sewer, and Trash
The City of Plano handles water, sewer, and waste services directly. Unlike electricity, there is no choice in providers, but there are strict rules for activation.
Activation Requirements
You must apply for service within 10 business days of your move-in date. The city requires:
- A government-issued ID and proof of residency (signed lease or closing disclosure).
- A one-time service fee and deposit, which will appear on your first bill .
- Safety Warning: All faucets must be in the “off” position during activation. If the city detects water flow, they will not connect the service to prevent flooding, and you will be charged a rescheduling fee .
2026 Residential Rates
As part of the 2025–26 budget, residents should expect the following tiered rates:
- Water Base Rate: Includes the first 1,000 gallons for approximately $28.89.
- Consumption: Tiered rates start at $4.19 per 1,000 gallons (up from $3.85 in previous years).
- Standard Trash (95-gal): $25.60 per month.
- Small Trash (68-gal): $18.32 per month .
Understanding the WQA (Sewer Charges): Your sewer bill is calculated using your “Winter Quarter Average” (usage in Dec, Jan, and Feb). This ignores your summer lawn watering to save you money . New residents are charged a “City Average” until their first winter cycle is complete.
Internet and Connectivity
Plano is one of the most fiber-rich cities in the US. You generally have three high-speed choices:
- Frontier Fiber: Offers the fastest speeds in the city, reaching up to 7 Gbps symmetrical. Coverage is nearly city-wide (approx. 98%).
- AT&T Fiber: Available in approximately 84% of Plano with speeds up to 5 Gbps.
- Spectrum: A reliable cable alternative covering nearly 97% of the city with speeds up to 2 Gbps.
Natural Gas: Atmos vs. CoServ
Natural gas service follows the same geographic split as electricity.
- Atmos Energy: Serves the majority of Plano. Setting up an account usually requires a soft credit check via your SSN to avoid a deposit.
- CoServ Gas: Serves far north and west Plano. This is often integrated with your electric bill if you are in their territory.
Safety Note: If you suspect a gas leak, call Atmos at 866-322-8667 or CoServ at 844-330-0763 immediately.
Saving Money: Local Rebates and Incentives
Plano offers some of the best conservation incentives in North Texas. Don’t leave this money on the table:
- High-Efficiency Toilets: Homes built in 1994 or earlier can get up to $100 back for replacing old toilets with WaterSense models.
- Smart Thermostats: Atmos Energy offers a $75 rebate for ENERGY STAR-rated smart thermostats. Retailers like Rhythm Energy also offer plans that include a free thermostat and $10–$15 monthly bill credits for participating in grid stability programs.
- Rain/Freeze Sensors: Get up to $75 in credits for installing sensors that prevent your irrigation system from running during rain or freezes.
Pro Tips for the Plano Mover
- Bulky Trash Days: Each neighborhood has a monthly day for large item pickup (couches, mattresses). Items can be placed curbside up to 5 days before the date .
- Free DIY Disposal: Plano residents get two free drop-offs per month at NTMWD transfer stations. You must bring a current utility bill and a matching driver’s license.
- The “Hail Shelter”: North Texas is prone to severe hail. When choosing a home, prioritize a garage or find a nearby “hail shelter” (like a parking garage) to protect your vehicle.
- Get Your TollTag: Driving in Plano almost always requires using the Dallas North Tollway or PGBT. Get a North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) TollTag immediately to avoid much higher “ZipCash” rates.
Relocation Checklist: Your First 30 Days
| Timeline | Action Item | Link/Contact |
| Day -10 | Apply for Water/Trash | Service Request |
| Day -7 | Shop Electricity | Power To Choose |
| Day -7 | Schedule Internet | Frontier / AT&T / Spectrum |
| Day +1 | Register Car/License | Dept. of Public Safety |
| Day +7 | Get a Library Card | Plano Public Library |
| Day +14 | Apply for Rebates | Water Conservation Rebates |
About the Author
David has been an integral part of some of the biggest utility sites on the internet, including InMyArea.com, HighSpeedInternet.com, BroadbandNow.com, and U.S. News. He brings over 15 years of experience writing about, compiling and analyzing utility data.
Plano Internet Connectivity
Fastest Internet Providers in Plano
| Provider | Connection Type | Download Speed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | Cable | 2 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Frontier | Fiber | 7 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| AT&T Fiber | Fiber | 5 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Verizon 5G Home Internet | 5G | 300 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| T-Mobile 5G Home Internet | 5G | 415 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| AT&T Air | 5G | 300 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Starlink | Satellite | 400 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Earthlink | Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite | Varies Not all speeds available in all areas |
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Plano Drinking Water Quality Information
Clean drinking water is essential for maintaining good health and overall well-being. Safe, contaminant-free water helps prevent the spread of diseases, supports proper hydration, and ensures the body's vital functions operate smoothly.
Plano's Primary Drinking Water Source: Surface Water
Drinking Water Contaminant Levels
Legal limit: 15 ppb
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: 100 ppb
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: 60 ppb
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: 80 ppb
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Utilities in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my address is served by Oncor or CoServ?
Plano is split between two electricity providers. Generally, central and eastern Plano are in the deregulated Oncor service area, while far north and far west Plano neighborhoods are served by the CoServ cooperative. You can verify your specific address using an ESID (Electric Service Identifier) lookup tool; if your address does not appear in competitive databases, you are likely in the CoServ zone.
Are there deposits required to set up utilities in Plano?
Yes, but they vary by provider. The City of Plano typically charges a $100 service deposit for water and trash, which appears on your first bill and is usually refunded after 12 months of on-time payments. For natural gas, Atmos Energy uses a soft credit check via your Social Security Number to determine if a deposit is necessary; if you do not provide an SSN, a deposit will be assessed.
What happens if I miss the 10-day window for water activation?
The City of Plano is strict about its 10-business-day application window. Applications submitted too early or too late may be rejected or result in service delays. If your water is already off, service may not be restored until 5:00 PM on your requested date, and late submissions may be subject to additional fees.
Why is my sewer bill the same every month?
Plano uses a Winter Quarter Average (WQA) to calculate residential sewer charges. The city averages your water usage during December, January, and February to determine your sewer rate for the entire year. This ensures you aren’t charged sewer fees for water used on your lawn or pool during the summer. New residents are billed at a city-wide average until their first winter cycle is complete.
What is the best way to dispose of moving boxes and large furniture?
Plano residents receive two free drop-offs per month at North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) transfer stations. You must bring a current utility bill and a matching Texas driver’s license to qualify. For curbside pickup, each household has one scheduled Bulky Waste day per month for items like furniture and mattresses.
Do I need a permit for my home security alarm?
Yes. The City of Plano requires all residential and business alarm systems to be permitted through the Plano Police Department. If you are moving into a home that already has a permitted system, the permit must be transferred into your name; permits do not automatically transfer between different owners or tenants.
How can I protect my utilities during a Texas winter storm?
Local experts recommend finding a home on a “priority grid” near a hospital, fire station, or police station, as these areas are typically the last to lose power during extreme weather events. Additionally, ensure your Atmos gas meter is in an accessible space and free of debris, as estimated readings during storms can lead to significant billing errors.
Can I opt out of digital smart meters on the Oncor power grid?
If you prefer not to have a wireless digital smart meter attached to your home for data privacy or transmission reasons, Oncor allows you to request an analog meter. However, opting out is financially steep: you must pay a one-time upfront equipment swap fee of approximately $41.72, followed by a mandatory monthly service surcharge of nearly $28.29 added to every electric statement just to cover the cost of dispatching a human technician to manually read your dials.
What is the "Green Cart" trap for new Plano residents?
In most U.S. cities, a green rolling cart is designated for organic yard waste or compost, while a blue cart is used for recycling. Plano completely flips this standard: your green cart is exclusively for loose recycling, and regular garbage goes into a grey cart. If you move in and treat the green cart as a yard waste container or fill it with plastic trash bags, automated sorting cameras will flag the contamination, and the collection crew will leave the bin on the curb with a formal warning violation.