By: Mariel Carbone

August 29, 2016

TALLAHASSE, Fla. (WCTV)— Potential changes could be coming to your utility bill.

Each year the city forecasts what the cost of fuel will be. For budget year 2017, it believes the cost will be less than last year, which allows for a potential rate reduction.

A discussion will be brought forward at the September 14th City Commission meeting. An exact number has yet to be determined, but Reese Goad, Deputy City Manager said they are looking at a potential two to three percent decrease.

The goal is to stay below state average and give money back to consumers.

"We understand that as it relates to our homeowners, the more money they have to spend elsewhere is good for our economy. As it relates to our businesses and institutions, the more budgetary freedom they have, they can reinvest in Tallahassee,” said Goad.

Right now, the average household utility bill in Tallahassee is about $108. That’s below the Florida state municipal average of $113.49, as released by the Florida Municipal Electric Association in June. FMEA also ranks Tallahassee as the lowest in two categories for commercial rates: non-demand 750 kWh and non-demand 1,500 kWh.

Goad said the city has been investing in efficient energy since the 90’s.

“We use less fuel to generate the same amount of electricity today, then we did in years past. And so that’s been a continuation of effort by the city commission to invest in the system to make sure we are as efficient as we can, and that investment has paid off,” he said.

Goad said there has been a steady decrease in rates over the past eight years.

Tallahassee primarily runs on natural gas. Right now, Tallahassee gets its energy from three sources: The Hopkins Power Plant, Sam Purdom Power Plant, and the C.H. Corn Hydroelectric Plant on Lake Talquin. A solar power plant is also set to be built at the Tallahassee International Airport.

Tallahassee Utilities delivers to roughly 117,000 points across the city.