AM850.com

The cost of coal and natural gas has forced Gainesville Regional Utilities to raise the fuel adjustment charge for a portion of customers' electric bills. Spot coal prices have doubled since 2007 and natural gas pricing has increased more than 45 percent in the same period. GRU's existing coal contracts have insulated customers from extreme fluctuations in that market, but high natural gas market prices are driving fuel costs higher. Assistant General Manager for Strategic Planning for GRU, Ed Regan says there is very little Gainesville can do to control the fuel prices.

In an effort to help customers control their bill, Regan reminds residents that GRU offers a number of ways to conserve electricity and improve a home's efficiency to save money and assist in performance.