ORLANDO, Fla. — Channel 9 is hearing more details about Orlando Utilities Commission’s proposal to raise utility rates by 10% this summer.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

In a public workshop Tuesday, the utility company reiterated what it said last week: the high cost of supply chain issues and natural gas leave them no choice but to raise their rates.

The company said not doing so could eventually wipe out its reserves.

READ: OUC customers: Your power bill could soon go up, here’s why

“In the last year we have spent $90 million just to mitigate the fuel cost increases compared to what we are charging our customers,” OUC director of financial planning Gina Johnson said.

While other companies, like Duke Energy and Florida Power and Light, are already passing some of the higher costs of natural gas onto consumers, OUC general manager Clint Bollock said its cost “is what customers pay.”

Bollock maintains OUC’s services are still the best deal.

READ: OUC customers, your bill could be higher beginning this summer. Here’s why

“I think that’s a really important point to make during these challenging times,” he said.

If approved, a three-tiered proposal starts in June. It will increase bills by an average of $5 to $15 a month, with some customers paying up to $180 more a year.

No customers showed up to comment on the meeting.

READ: Why are some local street lights purple?

OUC said new conservation programs teamed with existing partnerships should help residents feel less of a pinch to the pocket this summer.

A final vote on the potential hikes is expected in early May.

VIDEO: OUC customers, your bill could be higher this summer. Here’s why OUC customers, your bill could be higher this summer. Here’s why

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2022 Cox Media Group