NORTH ATTLEBORO - For the third time in four months, North Attleboro Electric is lowering a fuel-related surcharge, resulting in a 3 percent savings for the average residential customer each month.

The electric commission voted this week to reduce its purchased power adjustment, which covers the cost of fuel used to generate and deliver electricity. The surcharge has been reduced from about .029 cents to .025 cents per kilowatt-hour, effective with the January billings.

As a result of the reduction, the average residential customer, who uses 500 kilowatt-hours of electricity each month, will see their bill drop by $2.29 to $70.04.

Electric commissioners voted to reduce the "purchased power adjustment" as part of their deliberations on the department's annual budget and capital improvement program, which goes into effect on Jan. 1. The decision also reflects declining energy costs.

"The commissioners' action in again reducing the purchased power adjustment for the third time since October 2008 illustrates once more the commitment of the members of this board to act in a fiscally responsibly manner and whenever possible reduce the costs that our fellow citizens pay for electricity," said Thomas Corrigan, chairman of the electric commission. In October, North Attleboro Electric reduced the surcharge, resulting in a 12 percent savings for the average customer. The most recent reduction was approved for the December billing cycle and resulted in a 7 percent savings.

Corrigan said there is no assurance that the volatility in energy costs will end soon, but North Attleboro Electric will continue to monitor events and the energy market and make changes as needed.

Corrigan also said that North Attleboro Electric Department has programs and services to help its customers address energy costs. Customers who are in need of assistance with their electric bills are encouraged to call North Attleboro Electric at 508-643-6300.

AMY DeMELIA can be reached at 508-236-0334 or at ademelia@thesunchronicle.com.