Clemons announces opening of application period for GRU Authority

Press release from Speaker Pro Tempore Chuck Clemons

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In response to the creation of the Gainesville Regional Utility Authority through the recent passage of CS/HB1645, applications are currently being accepted by the Governor’s Office of Executive Appointments to fill the Authority’s five Director positions. 

As stated in the legislation, the Authority will manage, operate, control, and have broad authority with respect to the operation of Gainesville Regional Utilities. Additionally, the terms of office for each of the Authority’s Directors will commence on midnight of October 1, 2023, with an initial meeting of the Authority targeted for October 4^th. Applications will be accepted throughout July and August.

The law lists the following requirements for the Directors:

• One must be a residential customer with substantial knowledge of GRU, its operations, and its history.
• One must be the owner or representative of a private, nongovernmental GRU customer consuming at least 10,000 kilowatt-hours per month of electricity during the previous 12 months.
• Three must be competent and knowledgeable in one or more specific fields including, but not limited to, law, economics, accounting, engineering, finance, or energy.

In order to be eligible for appointment and to continue their service as a Director, each must

• Maintain their primary residence within the electric service territory of GRU’s electric utility system;
• Receive GRU electric utility system service at all times during the term of appointment;
• Have no felony convictions; and
• Be a qualified elector of the City, except that at least one member must be a resident of the unincorporated area of Alachua County or a municipality in the county other than the City of Gainesville.

For the purposes of providing for steady turnover, the initial appointments will consist of staggered terms with the inaugural Authority having one member each for one, two, and three-year terms and two members with four-year terms.

Applicants are directed to download the blank Gubernatorial Appointments Questionnaire to their computer, then input their information and save it as a PDF file. The questionnaire is available at the following link: https://flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/pdfs/Board_Appointments_Application_v1.pdf

After completing the questionnaire, go to this website, upload the completed questionnaire, and fill out the remaining questions located on that page.

Members of the Alachua County Legislative Delegation will be working closely with the Governor’s office during this application period and throughout the appointments process. Applicants are welcome to notify the Delegation of their interest and/or submission by emailing HD022@myfloridahouse.gov.