Residents of Garland will soon have the option for paperless billing for their utilities, a move aimed at enhancing convenience and efficiency. During the recent work session on August 4, 2025, city officials discussed the implementation of this new billing method, emphasizing the importance of clear communication to residents.

City representatives confirmed that bill inserts will be one of the ways to inform residents about the transition to e-billing. However, there were suggestions to improve outreach efforts. One official proposed that notifications regarding the new billing option should be sent as separate emails rather than included with utility bills. This approach aims to ensure that residents are fully aware of the changes and can easily opt out if they prefer traditional billing methods.

The opt-out process was also a key topic of discussion. Officials outlined three ways for residents to opt out of paperless billing: in-person at the customer service center, through the My Meter app on the city’s website, or by calling customer service. To accommodate residents who may not immediately notice the change, a three-month opt-in and opt-out period will be established. This means that if a resident becomes aware of the new billing method two months after its introduction, they will still have the opportunity to cancel their enrollment.

This initiative reflects Garland's commitment to modernizing utility services while ensuring that residents have control over their billing preferences. As the city moves forward with these changes, officials are focused on making the transition as smooth as possible for all residents.