GRU Joins National Hurricane Preparedness Week Initiatives
April 29, 2024 - GRU is observing National Hurricane Preparedness Week May 5-11 by encouraging customers to prepare now for the upcoming hurricane season.
“GRU stresses the importance of focusing on preparation for hurricane season rather than the projected number of storms,” said Utility Emergency Manager Scott Holowasko. “It only takes one storm to produce long-lasting impacts.”
In recognition of preparedness week, GRU has compiled four integral steps to preparing for a hurricane. Read More.
GRU Lowering Fuel Charges in April
March 28, 2024 - GRU customers will see a continued downward trend in electric charges this April as the utility is lowering its Electric Fuel Adjustment for the fifth time in the past year.
With natural gas prices lower than projected and a healthy balance in GRU’s fuel account, CEO/GM Tony Cunningham has authorized reducing the Electric Fuel Adjustment and Purchased Gas Adjustment beginning April 1.
This reduction will save a residential electric customer using 1,000 kWh $5 a month and a natural gas customer $2.50 a month. Read More.
GRU Unveils Preliminary Integrated Resource Plan Results
February 6, 2024 - After a year of study and analysis, GRU will present the preliminary results of its most recent Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) during the GRU Authority meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 7.
While evaluating the IRP over the next several months, GRU will weigh many factors, including cost, timing and evolving technologies as it comes up with a plan to prioritize meeting future power needs while also lessening the financial burden on customers and stabilizing the utility’s financial picture. Read More.
GRU Focused on Reducing Debt, Stabilizing Rates
January 16, 2024 - As GRU begins the budget process for fiscal year 2025, the utility is aggressively pursuing opportunities to further reduce debt and stabilize rates by reducing expenses. These reductions include across-the-board budget cuts and a potential reduction to the Government Services Contribution (GSC), GRU’s annual payment to the city’s general fund.
In a GRU Authority meeting on Jan. 17, CEO/GM Tony Cunningham will initiate a conversation about alternatives to reducing the GSC and returning the resulting savings to customers. Read More.
COMFY AT 68°
December 21, 2023 - Winter is officially here and GRU remains committed to providing reliable utilities while empowering our customers to maintain comfort without compromising their budget. To help prepare for the colder weather, GRU has some tips to help you and your loved ones stay cozy at 68° while mindfully limiting energy usage. Read More.
GRU Lowering Fuel Charges in December
December 1, 2023 - GRU is reducing its electric fuel adjustment today, saving a residential electric customer using 1,000 kWh $5 a month as the weather begins cooling down. This continues a trend of reducing electric bills. A 1,000 kWh residential electric customer’s December bill is about $36 less than last December. Read More.
GRU's LEEP Program Helps Record Number of Eligible Customers in 2023
Nov. 7, 2023 - Since 2007, GRU’s Low-Income Energy Efficiency Program Plus (LEEPplus) has provided low-income customers with home improvements that can lower their electric bill, improve comfort and reduce energy use. GRU works with eligible customers to determine improvements that suit their homes best. These home improvements can include: replacing or servicing central air conditioning and heating systems, replacing water heaters with high-efficiency units, repairing and sealing duct systems, installing additional insulation, installing a programmable thermostat, weather stripping and caulking of doors and windows, and providing up to 10 LEDs. Read More.
GRU Lowering Fuel Costs in November
Nov. 1, 2023 - GRU is reducing its electric fuel adjustment today, Nov. 1, saving a residential electric customer using 1,000 kWh $5 a month as the weather starts cooling down.
GRU is reducing the electric fuel adjustment from 50 mills to 45 mills, which equates to a $5 savings on a 1,000 kWh residential electric bill and a $4 savings on an 800 kWh residential electric bill. Read More.
GRU Authority Holds First Meeting
Oct.3, 2023 - The Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority will meet for the first time at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 4, at the Gainesville City Hall Auditorium. During the first meeting, the authority will elect a chair and vice-chair, as required by House Bill 1645, the legislation that created the independent board.
Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed the first three members to the five-member board on Tuesday, Sept. 26. Those members are:
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James Coats: Coats is the CEO of Phalanx Defense Systems, serves as a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society, and was awarded the “Spirit of Gainesville” Award by the Alachua County Chamber of Commerce. Coats earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from American Military University.
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Robert Karow: Currently retired, Karow previously served as the manager, legal counsel and contracts manager for Oleoductos de Crudos Pesados. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Earning his bachelor’s degree in economics and business administration from Chapman College and his juris doctor from the University of Florida, Karow has over 40 years of energy experience with an emphasis in oil and natural gas, pipelines, facilities, and power generation.
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Eric Lawson: Lawson is the CEO of HCA North Florida Regional Hospital. Holding multiple executive leadership positions in hospitals over the past 30 years, he most recently served as the Division Chief Financial Officer for HCA TriStar. Lawson earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Tennessee Technological University. Lawson satisfies the requirement for a “private, nongovernment customer consuming at least 10,000 kilowatt hours per month.” Read More.
Requested Rate Increases to help Reduce Debt; Cover Rising Expenses
Aug. 8, 2023 - In its fiscal year 2024 budget presentation on Wednesday, Aug. 9, GRU will request rate increases in the electric and wastewater systems to cover rising costs and to support the utility’s long-term plan to reduce debt and become more financially stable.
“We don’t take rate increases lightly, but this request is a crucial part of our debt-reduction plan,” said GRU General Manager Tony Cunningham. “We have committed to reducing net debt by $315 million over the next 10 years, and these increases, while still below the rate of inflation over the last couple of years, are critical to the success of that plan. We have kept the increases as low as possible to balance customer needs with fiscal responsibility.”
The average residential electric customer will see a $2.50 increase in their monthly bill, and the average wastewater customer will see a $2.25 increase. GRU gas and water rates will not increase. Read More.
STUDENT RUSH: SUBMIT SERVICE REQUESTS IN ADVANCE
July 26, 2023 - As students eagerly return to Gainesville for the upcoming academic year, GRU is gearing up to meet the surge of over 14,000 additional utility service demands. With the anticipated influx of residents, GRU encourages customers to act promptly by submitting service requests for starting, stopping, or relocating utility services online at www.gru.com/welcome. By doing so, customers help ensure a more seamless transition and prevent potential delays in accessing essential utilities. READ MORE.
MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER: HB1645
July 3, 2023 - As the General Manager of GRU, I am responsible for ensuring that our customers receive high-quality, essential utility services every moment of every day, and I am absolutely committed to this mission.
A new law took effect on July 1, 2023, that creates a governor-appointed, five-member board called the Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority to oversee GRU instead of the Gainesville City Commission, GRU’s current governing body.
I want to assure customers that GRU will remain a public utility and continue to provide safe and reliable electric, water, wastewater, natural gas and telecommunications services to our community. READ MORE.
GRU LOWERING FUEL CHARGES IN JULY
June 26, 2023 - GRU is reducing its electric fuel adjustment on July 1, saving a residential electric customer using 1,000 kWh $15 a month just as summer temperatures begin to rise.
July’s reduction marks the second time in four months GRU has reduced its fuel adjustment. The fuel adjustment recovers costs GRU incurs to purchase fuel and provide power. GRU makes no money on this charge. READ MORE.
SUMMER SURVIVAL GUIDE 2023
June 21, 2023 - In 2022, Americans paid about 14% more for electricity according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In Gainesville, and throughout Florida, record-breaking heat and skyrocketing fuel costs led to higher-than-expected energy bills.
Fast forward to 2023. Summer is here, and GRU wants to help customers prepare for the seasonal increases in usage that lead to higher utility bills. GRU’s Summer Survival Guide offers tips to beat the heat and fun activities to savor summer while mindfully decreasing energy usage.
Download the guide at gru.com/summer or pick up a copy in our lobby at 301 SE 4th Ave. Customers who would like to schedule a free in-home energy and water survey can call 352-393-1460. READ MORE.
GRU CELEBRATES DROP SAVERS WATER CONSERVATION WINNERS FROM ALACHUA COUNTY
June 6, 2023 - GRU General Manager Tony Cunningham and Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward celebrated the local winners of this year's Drop Savers Water Conservation contest on Tuesday, May 30 at the GRU Administration Building. The students shared the inspiration for their artwork and enjoyed visiting with the mayor and general manager.
Students from around Alachua County are invited to participate in the annual Drop Savers Water Conservation contest each March. In this contest, students create a poster that portrays a water conservation idea in a slogan and/or drawing form. The student entries focus on the importance of conserving our most precious resource - water. READ MORE.
GAINESVILLE WINS MY WATER PLEDGE CHALLENGE FOR WATER CONSERVATION
May 30, 2023 -Gainesville Regional Utilities is pleased to announce that Gainesville has placed first in its population category in the National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation.
“This recognition shows how committed Gainesville neighbors are to protecting our water resources and ensuring a sustainable community for the future of Gainesville,” said Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward.
The Mayor’s Challenge is an annual competition held across the U.S. to raise awareness about water conservation and encourage citizens’ participation in becoming “water-wise.” Citizens pledge to reduce their energy and water waste and consumption, with the winning city from each population category being the one with the greatest percentage of its population taking the pledge.
The Wyland Foundation will award hundreds of prizes to participants from each of the winning cities. READ MORE.
THE HEAT IS ON: SIGN UP FOR A FREE HOME SURVEY
May 23, 2023 - If you walk over to your thermostat and set it at 78 degrees or higher this summer, you will have taken the No. 1 step toward lowering your utility bill. “At GRU we promote the cooling setting of 78 degrees or higher during summer months,” says Gainesville Regional Utilities Residential Efficiency Program Coordinator Brandi Shatto. “When outside temperatures exceed 90 degrees, your home will feel nice and cool at 78.”
“The more your A/C runs, the more electricity it’s using and the more electricity it’s using, the higher your bill could be,” Shatto says.
As summer approaches, GRU is encouraging customers to take advantage of free home surveys conducted by the utility’s Energy & Business Services Department. These surveys help identify low- to no-cost potential ways to save energy and water throughout the year but can be particularly helpful in the summer. READ MORE.
GRU COMMITTED TO RELIABLE SERVICE
May 15, 2023 - With a bill that would create a new independent board to oversee Gainesville Regional Utilities on the governor’s desk, GRU General Manager Tony Cunningham is ensuring customers, employees, vendors and all other partners that a change in governance would not alter the utility’s obligation to deliver safe and reliable services and honor all agreements.
“Our duty is to provide essential everyday services like electric, water and wastewater treatment at all times, day or night, rain or shine, 24/7/365,” Cunningham says. “Make no mistake, every one of our employees is aware of this and committed to fulfilling this responsibility. That is our sole focus.” READ MORE
DRINK UP, GAINESVILLE
May 10, 2023 - In conjunction with Drinking Water Week, the 2022 Water Quality Report is here! Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) is proud to serve our community safe and high-quality drinking water. The water that flows through the pipes of our Gainesville community comes from the Floridan aquifer and is treated at the Murphree Water Treatment Plant to ensure its quality and safety. The Murphree Water Treatment Plant provides our Gainesville community with nearly 25 million gallons of water every day, and it operates around the clock. READ MORE
GRU METER UPGRADES PROGRESSING
May 5, 2023 - Gainesville Regional Utilities has installed or retrofitted approximately 19,500 electric, water, and gas meters or modules this year as it moves forward with its Meter Upgrade Project. These new units will allow customers to track energy usage and water consumption more effectively.
As GRU continues to install digital meters, or what’s technically known as Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), here is what you need to know: READ MORE
GRU UPGRADES TRANSFORMER
May 1, 2023 - GRU and contractors from Rountree Transport & Rigging moved a 114,000-pound transformer into place Monday, May 1, at GRU’s Sugarfoot Substation.
The transformer, which replaces a 50-year-old model, is part of a seven-year project to upgrade GRU substations with higher-capacity, more efficient units that can accommodate system growth and improve reliability. Transformers “step-down” the power from high-voltage transmission lines to make the electricity safe for homes and businesses. READ MORE
GRU LOWERS FUEL CHARGE
March 23, 2023 - GRU is reducing its electric fuel adjustment and purchased gas adjustment charges beginning April 1, bringing well-timed relief to customers as summer approaches. A residential electric customer using the industry standard 1,000 kWh will save $15 on their monthly bill. GRU makes no money on fuel charges; these are pass-through costs used to cover the utility’s fuel expenses. READ MORE
GAINESVILLE WINS MY WATER PLEDGE CHALLENGE FOR WATER CONSERVATION
May 30, 2023 GAINESVILLE -Gainesville Regional Utilities is pleased to announce that Gainesville has placed first in its population category in the National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation.
“This recognition shows how committed Gainesville neighbors are to protecting our water resources and ensuring a sustainable community for the future of Gainesville,” said Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward.
The Mayor’s Challenge is an annual competition held across the U.S. to raise awareness about water conservation and encourage citizens’ participation in becoming “water-wise.” Citizens pledge to reduce their energy and water waste and consumption, with the winning city from each population category being the one with the greatest percentage of its population taking the pledge.
The Wyland Foundation will award hundreds of prizes to participants from each of the winning cities. READ MORE.
GAINESVILLE WINS MY WATER PLEDGE CHALLENGE FOR WATER CONSERVATION
May 30, 2023 GAINESVILLE -Gainesville Regional Utilities is pleased to announce that Gainesville has placed first in its population category in the National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation.
“This recognition shows how committed Gainesville neighbors are to protecting our water resources and ensuring a sustainable community for the future of Gainesville,” said Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward.
The Mayor’s Challenge is an annual competition held across the U.S. to raise awareness about water conservation and encourage citizens’ participation in becoming “water-wise.” Citizens pledge to reduce their energy and water waste and consumption, with the winning city from each population category being the one with the greatest percentage of its population taking the pledge.
The Wyland Foundation will award hundreds of prizes to participants from each of the winning cities. READ MORE.