Utility companies all over Florida are increasing their rates. But the drastic bill increases have more to do with the time of year than the utility companies.

Chip Skinner thought his electricity meter might be broken after he saw his June GRU bill. It jumped from $230 in May to more than $450 in June.

"We don't understand especially with many of us taking energy saving precautions with our homes - replacing door seals, going to compact fluorescent bulbs - how could our bills go so high?" said Skinner.

GRU officials say the drastic utiltity bill increases have more to do with the time of year than the utility companies. In June, people tend to use their sprinkler systems and air conditioners more frequently.

"We have seen increases in our customer bills," said Karen Alford, Energy Supply Director. "A lot of that is due to the weather - when its warmer, folks turn air conditioning units on and that's why we always encourage our customers to conserve, but we can expect to see future increases because of the energy cost increases."

Gainesville City Commission will vote on GRU's fixed rate charge for the upcoming year in July. But, GRU officials expect their rates to continue to increase for the rest of 2008 and most of 2009.