- Gainesville to increase electricity rates
- Commissioners approve a 7% increase in electricity rates for 2022
The Gainesville City Commissioners voted to increase electricity and wastewater rates by 7% and 5%, respectively. The commissioners say the increase in rates will help strengthen the struggling Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU). They also voted to approve additional increases through 2027.
Speaking on the voting measure, Commissioner Hayes-Santos said, “The majority of the commission voted to increase our rates so we can stabilize our utility,” “Our utility is not in the greatest financial shape, and we need to take these steps to make sure we have a sustainable utility in the coming years. Moving to 100 per cent renewable has a cost to it.” Hayes-Santos added.
GRU Spokesperson, in a statement, said, “We are extremely pleased with the City Commission’s decisions on July 19. The Commission displayed a forward-thinking approach to the entire city’s fiscal year 2022 budget, including its gradual reduction of the general fund transfer over several years and its establishment of utility rates through 2027, both of which will provide long-term security to our community. This measured approach stabilizes GRU’s financial health now and in the future while also supporting renewable energy goals.”