The Montgomery County Council took steps to reduce the increase in the county’s energy tax during its preliminary budget discussions. If approved, residential customers will see an average yearly reduction of $11 in their utility bills and the average commercial customers will save $111.

As reported by the Gazette:

Three years ago, the County Council agreed to nearly double the energy tax to increase revenue during the recession. In fiscal years 2013 and 2014, the council cut the increase by 10 percent each year. Some council members wanted to have another 10 percent cut in fiscal 2015, but the council voted 5-4 against that proposal and settled on a 7 percent decrease instead.

The Council is set to give final approval to the budget on May 22.