The proposed fiscal year 2026 budget for Gainesville Regional Utilities recommends no electric base rate increases for the second consecutive year.
Florida public power utility GRU presented its proposed budget to the Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority during a meeting on May 14.
GRU has committed to holding electric rates steady as the industry trends toward rate increases. By sticking to this commitment, GRU rates have become more competitive in statewide bill comparisons in recent years.
Based on Florida Municipal Electric Association analysis, GRU’s 1,000 kWh monthly residential electric bills have dropped from second highest in the state in September 2022 ($179.59) to 12th highest currently ($136.40).
GRU CEO Ed Bielarski says the utility has accomplished this by following a simple formula:
• Reduce the amount GRU pays the city through its general fund transfer (from $15.3 million to $8.5 million) and use the difference to pay down debt.
• Enter into financial transactions, such as natural gas prepayments, that lower the cost of fuel by almost $5 million annually.
• Run a lean crew of professionals focused on productivity and efficiencies.
• Put customers first by considering how every expenditure furthers their interests.
In addition to no increases in electric base rates, GRU is recommending no base rate increases for natural gas customers and 1.75% and 1% base rate increases, respectively, for water and wastewater customers. Increases in the water and wastewater systems are required to complete major projects that will ensure safe and reliable services for decades to come.
GRU’s fiscal year runs between Oct. 1 and Sept. 30.
