Orlando Utilities Commission to Lower Rates
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
By: Nicole Creston

August 22, 2012 | WMFE - The Orlando Utilities Commission says it is lowering electric rates for the second time this year. The organization provides power and water service for more than 225,000 area customers.

OUC says it has approved a five percent decrease in its rates, effective October 1^st. Utility officials say the reduction should lower the average residential customer's bill by about five dollars per month.

The company credits cost-cutting initiatives and budget reductions for making the decrease possible. Those cuts include the elimination of more than 60 open jobs.

The rate decrease was approved by OUC’s board at its monthly commission meeting Tuesday. In March, OUC reduced the rate it charged customers by a similar amount thanks to a drop in natural gas costs, according to the organization. OUC says the two rate reductions add up to a savings of about $125 per year for the average residential customer.