FY20 Budget & Rates
The Gainesville City Commission approved GRU’s approximately $410 million fiscal year 2020 capital and operating budget on Sept. 26, 2019.
The budget includes a $5.26 increase on the electric bill of a GRU residential customer using 1,000 kWh per month. Even with this increase, GRU has reduced a monthly 1,000 kWh electric bill 4.9% percent since fiscal year 2016. Visit gru.com/ratecalculator to see how the increase will impact the electric portion of your bill and for tips on how to save.
The approved budget enables GRU to continue providing safe and reliable utilities in a financially and environmentally responsible manner. It also helps the utility continue to support community initiatives such as improved efficiency for low-income customers and to continue leading the state in renewable energy production thanks to our sensible management the Deerhaven Renewable Generating Station, GRU’s biomass plant.
This year’s budget also includes minimal increases in water, wastewater and natural gas due largely to a city-wide compensation study that will be implemented over three years and enable GRU to recruit and retain top-notch employees in an increasingly competitive environment.
GRU was able to minimize all increases by cutting expenses despite mounting pressures from wages, contractor costs and flat revenues. Thanks to utility-wide efforts, GRU’s fiscal year 2020 expenses are $23 million less than our fiscal year 2017 expenses, and the utility remains in excellent standing with financial ratings agencies.
The chart below illustrates how the aforementioned increases will impact a GRU customer’s monthly bill using industry standard comparisons.
