FY23 Budget & Rates
The Gainesville City Commission approved GRU’s fiscal year 2023 budget Thursday, Sept. 22. The $463 million budget supports GRU’s mission of providing safe and reliable utility services in an environmentally responsible manner. New rates go into effect October 2022.
The approved budget includes previously agreed-upon rate increases for electric and wastewater service but no increases for natural gas or water. The average GRU residential electric customer (800 kWh) will see a $2.42 increase on their monthly bill and the average wastewater customer (5 kgal) will see a $2.25 increase. Both increases are below the rate of inflation.
During the 2022 budget cycle, the City Commission agreed to gradually increase electric and wastewater rates through 2027 to rebuild reserves to predetermined target levels. Anything above those levels would be used to pay down debt.
The commission also agreed to reduce the general fund transfer to the city by $2 million each year through 2027. The general fund transfer, or GFT, is utility revenue transferred to the city’s general fund to pay for a broad range of services, including fire, police, parks and recreation and public works. GRU will transfer $34.2 million in FY23.
This year’s budget also includes key investments in meter technology, upgrades to GRU’s billing and customer information system and several projects to address aging infrastructure throughout the utility. The Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project involves the installation of digital, remote meters that will offer customers more control over usage.
“This year’s budget puts us in a position to continue providing essential services to the community at the high level they expect and deserve,” said interim General Manager Tony Cunningham. “It will be exciting to see the positive impact upgrades to our metering technology have on customers over the next couple of years.”