Kinston residents could soon see lower electric bills as city officials move forward with a proposed 4% rate reduction, the first in several years. The change, which follows a cost of service study by Booth & Associates, will be the subject of a public hearing on Oct. 7 at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall.

If council adopts the proposal that night, the new rates will take effect Oct. 15. For the average household, that means about $6 off the monthly bill.