GRU reduces electric, natural gas rates in December. See how much.

Gainesville Regional Utilities reduced its electric fuel charges Dec. 1, the fourth time this year residents have seen a decrease in their utility bills.

The change, which is based on lower current and projected natural gas prices, is expected to save residential electric customers — who use 1,000 kWh — about $5 a month, according to a news release. The utility is also dropping its gas charges, saving a natural gas customer who uses 25 therms about 75 cents a month.

Compared to last year, those GRU customers are spending about $36 less this December due to the series of changes.

The change comes not at the direction of the new GRU Authority board but as a standard adjustment GRU makes when regularly assessing fuel charges. GRU reduced fuel charges in July, saving the average customer $15 a month.

GRU's rates are the sixth highest in the state, according to October data released by the Florida Municipal Electric Association. Gainesville falls behind Florida Power & Light Northwest, Ocala Electric Utility, Chattahoochee, Duke Energy and Florida Public Utilities. In November, GRU ranked fifth.

Earlier GRU coverage: GRU Authority discusses obtaining legal counsel, cutting funds given to city budget

When compared to municipal utilities, GRU ranks third behind Ocala and Chattahoochee.

In March, GRU ranked first in the state for high electric bills, with averages teetering around $185.

The utility is set to raise electric rates 3% and wastewater rates 5% next year, moves previously adopted by the Gainesville City Commission. The change will cost the average electric customer $2.50 more each month and the average wastewater customer $2.25 more each month. Future moves will need to be made by the GRU Authority.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: How much will GRU electric customers save this December?