According to the agency, the combined budget for the electric and generating systems for 2013 is $368.8 million – $8.2 million less than 2012 due to projected power supply savings. Power supply remains the large majority of the budget at 69 percent and the operating and maintenance budget is 13 percent. The remainder is comprised of taxes, debt service, rate funded capital and conservation funding.
“The utility runs lean, with fewer employees and a lower operating cost per customer than any other utility in the state,” said CPU Commission President Carol Curtis in a press release. “Despite upward pressure on power supply expenses, the staff continues to do a good job of maximizing savings, minimizing risk and operating efficiently.”
Commissioners also approved $14.6 million for the 2013 water system budget, compared to $14.3 in 2012. The minimal increase is due to planned infrastructure improvement projects.
“The objective of this public utility is to provide customers with reliable service as affordably as possible with excellent customer service and our budget process is based on continuous improvement against these goals,” Curtis added.