CS/HB 1645 Summary

• Repeals the position of general manager for utilities in Gainesville Regional Utilities and creates the Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority as the new governing board for GRU.

• Establishes a 5-member Authority appointed by the Governor, including one residential customer, one large commercial customer, and three members with expertise in law, economics, accounting, engineering, finance, or energy; members must reside in GRU's electric service territory and receive GRU service.

• Authority has power to manage utilities, establish rates and fees, acquire property, issue revenue bonds, prepare budgets, and appoint a Chief Executive Officer/General Manager; operates independently from the City Commission but remains a unit of city government.

• Limits the Government Services Contribution (annual transfer to the City) to aggregate utility system net revenues minus flow of funds, with surplus funds dedicated to debt service or capital projects.

• Requires the Authority to base policy and operational decisions solely on pecuniary factors and utility industry best practices, excluding consideration of social, political, or ideological interests; effective July 1, 2023.