Skip the Wait with Faster Service by Phone

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answers & insightsMarch 2013

Providing convenience to customers is a top priority for GRU’s local customer service representatives. A phone system upgrade means customers can save time with new self-service options. Customers can receive an estimated wait time and leave a call-back number instead of waiting on the phone.

Senior Customer Service Representative Amber DiTomaso said, “We launched the new services as a pilot in late 2012. Customers tell us they love being able to receive a call back from a representative without waiting on hold or losing their place in line.”

Another new feature, automated payment extension, is now available for customers upon request. Payments can be extended up to seven days beyond the scheduled disconnection date, or 14 days after the due date. The service can be accessed automatically, without any wait time, any time of day by calling Customer Service at 352-334-3434.

By the end of March, GRU will provide 24/7 automation so customers can check account balances or find out instantly if their account is in good standing.

For a complete list of customer service upgrades, visit www.gru.com.

March is Natural Gas Safety Month

Congratulations to the following organizations, which were selected for a 2013 Community Investment Program award and received (on average) a grant of $1,000:• American Cancer Society• Black on Black Crime Task Force• Bread of the Mighty Food Bank• Cinema Verde• Girl Scouts of Gateway Council• Girls Place Inc.• Habitat for Humanity• March of Dimes• Nonprofit Center• Omega Psi Phi Fraternity

– Beta Pi Chapter• PAVE, Inc.• Youth Combine

Each year, GRU’s Community Investment Program provides financial and volunteer assistance to support nonprofit organizations. Applications are accepted in October each year. For more information, visit www.gru.com and click “Our Community.”

The best way to identify a natural gas leak is by using your eyes, ears and nose. Hearing unfamiliar sounds such as hissing or roaring or smelling an unusual odor similar to rotten eggs could be signs of leaking gas. Seeing continuous bubbling in standing water or discolored vegetation in an otherwise healthy yard may also indicate a gas leak.If you suspect a gas leak inside your home or building:• Leave immediately! Do not use

electric switches, telephones (including cell phones) or anything that could cause a spark. Leave the door open as you leave.

• Go to a safe location, and call GRU at 352-334-2550. Never assume someone else has reported the leak.

• GRU will respond immediately to all reports of possible gas leaks at no cost to you. Never attempt to repair a leak yourself.

GRU Provides Support for 12 Nonprofits

Doing business with GRU is more convenient than ever.

Cash Back for New A/C

Try these simple tips to save money and energy:• Clean coils located under the

refrigerator every three months.• Caulk and weather strip

windows and doors to keep heat and dust out.

• Change A/C filters monthly or buy a reusable filter, which can last many years if cleaned regularly.

• Make sure A/C unit coils are clean and clear of plants and other debris.

For more tips, visit www.gru.com.

Spring Cleaning Tips

With GRU’s Instant Double Rebate offer, you can save $1,100 when purchasing a new high-efficiency air conditioning system. The rebate period begins March 11, and equipment must be purchased by April 19 and installed no later than April 26. To qualify, customers must purchase a new system from a GRU partnering contractor. Visit www.gru.com for the contractor list and further details.

How to Pay Less for Water

Brighter Tomorrow Tickets on Sale

march 2013

public serviceannouncements34th Annual 5th Avenue Arts FestivalThe Cultural Arts Coalition presents the 5th Avenue Arts Festival on April 20 and 21. Enjoy a weekend of entertainment, music, dancing, art and much more, including staged performances and educational exhibits. Local and national artworks are featured. For more information, please call 352-372-0216.

Stop Children’s CancerJoin the 25th Annual Stop Children’s Cancer Fantasy Event, April 20 at the O’Connell Center. The gala theme is “Silver Spurs and Stilettos.” Doors open 7 PM. $150 per ticket, $1,500 per corporate table of ten. Purchase online at www.StopChildrensCancer.org or at the door. For information: 352-377-2622.

Come to VIVA EUROPE!Family friendly and free, Viva Europe offers music, dance, languages, games, kids’ fun, food for sale and more. 11AM - 4 PM, Saturday, March 23, Bo Diddley Community Plaza. Sponsors: UF Center for European Studies, International Center, Santa Fe College. www.ces.ufl.edu/outreach/viva_europe or 352-294-7142 for information.

Scramble for PACEMary Wise “Scramble for PACE” Golf Tournament – Friday, April 26 – UF Golf Course – morning and afternoon flights. Sponsorships and playing spots available. Enjoy golfing while giving girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy. Visit www.marywisescramble.com or call 352-374-8799.

National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekApril 21 – 27. Events recognizing victims’ rights: Art in the Park at Squirrel Ridge Park, April 21, 2 PM. Candlelight Vigil at Kanapaha Veterans Park, April 23, 6:30 – 8 PM. Victim Assistance Academy, April 25, 2 – 4 PM. For event details and information about victims’ rights, laws and services, call 352-264-6760.

Submit a PSAGRU offers public service announcements in this customernewsletter to help local nonprofitorganizations that support the arts andsciences or provide a community service.To find out how to schedule a PSA with enough advance notice to ensure a reservation, call 352-393-1485 or emailjessede@gru.com.

Printed on recycled paper

Guests at GRU’s 3rd Annual Brighter Tomorrow Scholarship Banquet will hear from keynote speaker Hill Harper. Harper, who stars in CSI: NY, is an accomplished film, television and stage actor. The Brighter Tomorrow Scholarship Banquet benefits deserving, financially disadvantaged students in the Gainesville area who plan to pursue engineering careers through the University of Florida or Santa Fe College.

The event will be held on Thursday, April 25, at 6 PM at the University Hilton Hotel. Tickets are $50 and all proceeds go toward funding the scholarships. Buy tickets now at www.gru.com. Seating is limited, so act quickly. For more information, or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact Community Relations Coordinator Yvette Carter at 352-393-1207 or Cartersy@gru.com.

GRU rewards customers for conserving water. Thanks to tiered water prices, customers can save money by controlling their water use.

With tiered billing, customers pay different prices depending on consumption. This encourages water conservation and helps recover extra costs associated with higher-use customers.

Customers who use 7,000 gallons or less per month will pay the lowest price per gallon. Tier 2 is for water use

between 7,000 and 20,000 gallons per month, and Tier 3 for water use above 20,000 gallons. All customers benefit from the lower prices in the first and second tiers.

The average household in Gainesville uses 6,000 gallons per month, but the dry months of spring can drastically increase water use through irrigation. Rebates are available for equipment that helps reduce irrigation consumption. For rebate information and water saving tips, visit www.gru.com.

Irrigation can account for half of your monthly water use, especially in the dry months of April and May. Please follow these St. Johns River Water Management District rules, which are in effect until November:

• Water on scheduled days: Odd-numbered addresses can irrigate only on Wednesdays and Saturdays, even-numbered addresses on Thursdays and Sundays, and businesses on Tuesdays and Fridays.

• Water only before 10 AM or after 4 PM. It’s the law!

• Water only when needed and for one hour or less per zone.

These restrictions also apply to water from wells, but not to reclaimed water. Visit www.gru.com for water rebates, and other money and water-saving tips.

Keep your Lawn and Wallet Green

Hill Harper, star of CSI: NY, will speak at the Brighter Tomorrow Banquet.

Example using 8,000 gallons as it appears on the bill