FY22 Budget & Rates
The Gainesville City Commission approved GRU’s approximately $540 million fiscal year 2022 capital and operating budget on Sept. 23, 2021. New rates go into effect October 2021.
The approved budget includes rate increases for electric, water and wastewater and supports the overall financial health of the utility in addition to its continued commitment to safety, reliability and environmental stewardship. More than 30 percent of the power GRU generates comes from renewable resources, 70 percent of the water we draw from the Floridan aquifer is later returned to the aquifer and 100% of the wastewater we collect is beneficially reused.
This is the first time since 2019 GRU has raised rates despite increased expenses and relatively flat revenues. GRU felt it was inappropriate to request rate increases last year due to COVID-19.
As a result of this year’s rate increases, a residential electric customer using the industry standard 1,000 kWh will see a $6.46 monthly increase. A residential customer with GRU electric, gas, water and wastewater will see a monthly increase of $9.40, also using standard industry comparisons.
In addition to this year’s increase, the City Commission committed to a plan to lower the general fund transfer GRU pays to the city $2 million per year through 2027 while incrementally increasing electric rates (3%) and wastewater rates (5%) every year between fiscal years ‘23 and ‘27.
“The City Commission displayed a forward-thinking approach to the budget, and this will provide long-term security to our community,” said GRU General Manager Ed Bielarski. “This measured approach stabilizes GRU’s financial health now and in the future, while also supporting renewable energy goals.”
Visit gru.com/savewater and gru.com/saveenergy for tips and tools for managing your usage.