FAQs About Billing, Fees and Other Topics
Q: What is the customer charge?
A: The customer charge is assessed each month, or partial month, in which service is active, regardless of whether the service is used. This charge includes the cost of:
- Meter reading
- Managing customer accounts
- Maintaining facilities
- System readiness
Q: How are my wastewater charges determined?
A: For most residential customers, wastewater is not a metered service. Instead, wastewater charges are based on the volume of water usage for the month being billed, up until 12,000 gallons. For those who must use significant amounts of water for outdoor purposes throughout the year, we offer a special "irrigation meter" account. Learn more about wastewater charges
Q: What is the fuel adjustment part of my bill?
A: Fuel adjustments are “pass-through” costs based on how much GRU pays for the fuel it uses to generate electricity or provide gas. GRU makes no profit on fuel, and the fuel portion is exempt from utility tax. The fuel adjustment is evaluated monthly, and is subject to change. To learn more about the fuel adjustment visit gru.com/fueladjustment.
Q: What is the utility tax and surcharge?
A: For customers living inside Gainesville City limits:
- Electric: 10% City utility tax
- Gas: 10% City utility tax
- Water: 10% City utility tax
- Wastewater: No City utility tax
For customers living outside Gainesville City limits:
- Electric: 10% surcharge plus 10% County utility tax
- Gas: 10% surcharge plus 10% County utility tax
- Water: 25% surcharge plus 10% County utility tax
- Wastewater: 25% surcharge (no County utility tax)
Utility taxes go to the City of Gainesville's General Fund, which supports:
- Police
- Fire
- Recreation and parks
- Streets
- Other City services
Q: What is the stormwater fee?
A: GRU is the billing agent for stormwater fees. Revenues are passed directly to the City and used to improve the City's storm drainage system. Benefits include:
- Less flooding
- Reduced erosion
- Improved mosquito control
- Less pollution of groundwater
- Generally higher property values
For more information on the storm water program, please call the City of Gainesville Public Works Department at 352-334-5070 or visit the City's Stormwater Management Web page.
Q: What are my refuse (garbage) fees?
A: GRU collects refuse fees for the City of Gainesville. Single-family residential customers located in the City limits are assessed a monthly fee for garbage pick-up, recycling and yard trash pick-up. Multi-family residential customers using the City's pick-up service rather than a commercial service are also assessed a monthly refuse fee. Customers are now charged by the size of the cart used. For more information, visit the City of Gainesville's Solid Waste Management website.
Q: When is my bill due?
A: Utility bills are due on the date shown on the customer's monthly GRU bill.
- A late fee will be assessed on any unpaid balance if payment is not received in full by the due date (view payment options and deadlines).
- Residential accounts are eligible for service disconnection for any bill not paid in full on the 14th day after the respective due date.
- Business accounts are eligible for service disconnection for any bill not paid in full on the 21st day after the respective due date.
- GRU does not assume liability for any start-service or service reconnection performed remotely without an occupant present. Your request to start-service or payment resulting in service restoration indicates your acknowledgement and acceptance of this statement.
Q: Where can I pay my bill?
A: Customers have several options for paying their bills, including online, in person, by phone and by mail. In-person payments can be made at the GRU Administration Building in downtown Gainesville or at one of more than 25 Neighborhood Stop 'N Pay locations throughout Alachua County. Visit our Payment Options page for more information.
Q: Where is the GRU Administration Building located?
A: The GRU Administration Building is located at 301 SE 4th Avenue in Gainesville. Map
Q: What are your hours of operation?
A:
- Lobby: M, T, Th, F: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
W: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
-
Drive-thru: M-F: 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Call Center: M, T, Th, F: 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., W: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
GRU is closed for City holidays.
Q: Who do I call to have the utility lines in my yard marked before I dig?
A: Call 811. Digging in unmarked ground is very dangerous, so please call 811 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to have utility lines marked free of charge. Electric, gas, water, wastewater, cable television and telephone lines buried on your property will be marked within two business days, not including the day you call. So dig safely, and call 811.