Understanding Your Bill

New Utility Bill Format Effective July 1, 2008

The City of Allen began using a new utility bill format in July of 2008. The new format is easier to understand and helps track your water usage over a 12 month period. More

Billing Cycles

The City is divided into 4 billing cycles, which are on a monthly billing period. Each billing cycle has its own dates for reading meters and billing accounts, and a clearly established due date for the bill.

Water

The water charge is based on actual usage per unit (unit=1,000 gallons).   In order to encourage conservation, the per unit charge (unit = 1,000 gallons) increases at higher volumes of usage.

Sewer

The sewer charge is a per-unit charge based on the meter size and the amount of water used during the billing period. Sewer charges on residential accounts are billed based on your water consumption.

Waste Services (Trash/Recycling Collection)

All residential trash and recycling services are provided weekly by Community Waste Disposal (CWD) and are billed through the utility bill.   Your service is activated through the utility billing division when you establish your water service. Allen residents are required to use City-provided trash and recycling services.  Refer to the Trash & Recycling section of the web-site for more detailed information on trash and recycling services.

Household Hazardous Waste Fee

The City of Allen provides household hazardous waste collection service for household chemicals generated by Allen residents. City staff collects small HHW items that are taken directly to the City of Plano’s HHW Reuse Center. In return, the items suitable for reuse are available FREE to Allen residents at the Plano Reuse Center.

Drainage Fees

It is necessary to maintain and repair existing storm drainage systems and minimize natural stream erosion.   This charge is billed to the customer through monthly water bills and is a flat rate of $2.75 for the residential drainage fee. Non-residential drainage fees are calculated based on total acreage as it relates to impervious coverage.

Explanation of Your Statement

Account Number— identifies your metered account number.

Cycle — identifies which of the four billing cycles you are on.

Bill Date — shows the date the bill was sent.

Due Date — payment is due prior to 5 pm on the date shown, which is 20 days after bill date.

Total Current Charges — shows charges for current billing cycle, past due amount and total due and the date due.

Pay and After — this section shows the amount due if payment is received after the due date defined.

Service Period — Identifies the period of water use and total number of days in this cycle for which you are being billed.

Usage — Shows the total gallons of water used this cycle. The number represents 100’s of gallons. So, the usage of 22 is 2,200 gallons. The second number shows the previous year’s usage for the same month.

Summary of Charges — shows the service, consumption and charge for each item being billed.