NORTH ATTLEBORO - North Attleboro Electric Commissioners have approved a $32 million budget for the utility in the 2009 calendar year.

In addition, electric commissioners approved a $1.7 million capital improvement program.

"This year's budget and capital improvement program is well constructed fiscally and most respective of the North Attleboro ratepayer," said Thomas Corrigan, chairman of the electric commission. "Although departmental revenues are projected to be reduced due to factors such as reduced consumer sales due to local conservation efforts and reduced energy prices, the department will still be engaging in several important and valuable projects, such as implementation of a new financial system, integration of new technologies and a continued upgrade of the North Attleboro Electric Department's distribution system."

The budget includes reductions in both power expenses and administrative costs and assumes that the cost of fossil fuels - needed to generate and deliver electricity- will be lower than the costs at the beginning of 2008.

As part of the budget, the electric commission voted to reduce a fuel-related surcharge, known as a purchased power adjustment from .029 cents to .025 cents, resulting in a $2.29 or 3 percent savings for the average residential customer on the monthly bill. The budget provides support for North Attleboro Electric's potential participation in new power projects in both Taunton and Ludlow, plus funding to allow the department to review green energy opportunities, such as adding solar panels to the former landfill and development of a generator to offset peak electricity use.

The town will continue to receive $300,000 as a payment in lieu of taxes. In addition, the budget contains $50,000 for community service projects.

The capital improvement plan consists of $1.3 million for the operation, maintenance and construction of upgrades related to the department's distribution system. Other items include $70,000 for facility security upgrades, $35,000 for a new vehicle for the meter division and $17,800 for new meters.