We’re making an update to how electricity service is provided at Swindoll Tower. This page explains what’s changing, when it starts, what you need to do (if anything), and answers to common questions.
What's Changing?
Starting June 1, 2026, electricity will be included in your monthly rent.
Dallas Theological Seminary will provide and pay for electricity for your apartment
You will no longer need to maintain an individual contract with a separate provider
There are no usage caps or limits based on consumption
Important Dates
May 23, 2026 – Deadline to cancel any electricity account currently in your name
TBD – Scheduled Construction Date for Electricity Transition in Swindoll Tower
June 1, 2026 – Electricity is officially included in rent
What You Need to Do
Cancel your current electricity contract:
You must cancel or terminate your electricity account with your Retail Electric Provider (REP) by May 23, 2026.
Contact your REP directly to cancel service
DTS Housing cannot cancel or modify your electric account for you
After May 23, 2026, you should not maintain an electricity account for this unit in your name
If canceling your contract incurs an early termination fee, please present the following letter to your provider. It is an industry standard for the fee to be waived in situations where the resident is not voluntarily terminating their contract but is instead complying with a change in property policy.
Sign the Electricity Inclusion Notice & Tenant Acknowledgment Form:
All adult residents (age 18 or older) listed on the lease are required to sign the Electricity Inclusion Notice & Tenant Acknowledgment.
Signing the form confirms that you:
Received notice of the electricity change
Understand when electricity will be included in rent
Understand your responsibility to cancel any existing electricity account in your name
Please bring your signed form to the Housing Office, email to housing@dts.edu, or drop it in one of the DTS Housing Rent Boxes in your building.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my rent increase because of this?
No separate electricity charges will be billed. Electricity will be included as part of your rent beginning June 1, 2026.
Is there a usage limit or cap?
No. There are no electricity usage caps or limits.
What happens if I forget to cancel my electricity account?
If you keep an electricity account in your name past May 23, 2026, you may continue to be billed by your provider even though DTS Housing will be providing electricity. Please cancel on time to avoid unnecessary charges.
What happens if my electricity contract expires before May 23, 2026?
For residents who are renewing their lease: If your contract happens to expire between March 1 and May 23, 2026, please contact the Housing Office prior to renewing your contract. For your convenience, you may sign a form and join a DTS electricity contract that will bill you through AppFolio until the transition is complete.
For residents who are moving out: Most electricity contracts allow you to cancel with no penalty if you are cancelling because you are moving out. Therefore, you should be able to renew your contract without issues. Please refer to your contract for the accurate terms before making a decision. You are responsible for reaching out to Housing if you need an alternative option.
Can DTS Housing cancel my electricity account for me?
No. Only the account holder can cancel or modify an electricity contract.
What if multiple roommates live in my unit?
Each resident who has an electricity account in their name must cancel their own account. All adult residents must sign the acknowledgment form.
What happens between May 24 and May 31?
Electricity will be provided at no charge during this transition period for residents who have canceled their individual accounts.
Is this a change to my lease?
No. This is a notice regarding how electricity service is provided. All other lease terms remain the same. However, please note that if you had a 2025-26 lease with DTS, this change to electricity is reflected in the 2026-27 lease.
What if I need to pay an early termination fee for ending my contract?
Please send the following letter to your electricity provider. It is the industry standard that early termination fees may be waived in circumstances outside of the tenant’s control.
If you have any issues with waiving the fee after sending the letter to your provider, please submit an exception request with the full details of your situation as well as the contract that you have signed. We will review your applicable fees and determine how we may be able to support you.
