C.J. Gish
Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) will continue waiving late utility fees for October, continuing the policy started for July, August and September.
The policy started as an effort to help customers struggling with high summer bills, according to a press release. GRU also returned security deposits 12 months early for some customers.
High bills have prompted discussion over the summer at town halls and commission meetings. GRU has pointed to the price jump of natural gas, nearly tripling in the last year, and high summer heat.
On Sept. 22, the commission voted 4-3 to continue a 7-year rate increase plan for GRU.
The city of Newberry has also waived late fees and disconnections for certain customers during the summer and into the fall.
Only gave deposits back to people who never paid past the due date for 24 months - very small percentage of people in need really helped by policy. Most the people that needed the help were probably paid after due date at least once in that period. Very deceptive.