STEUBENVILLE, Ohio -- Commissioners in Jefferson County approved a utility rate program through Direct Energy expected to save the county at least $110,000 a year for the next three years.

"There are a number of companies that go out and bid with different electric companies and try and get lower rates," said Commissioner Tom Graham. "They compete with one another. (Direct Energy) came in and did that for us. It's a huge savings for the county."

Utility rates for all departments in Jefferson County will be locked in at 5.6 percent for the next three years. Currently, the rates vary from department to department and range from 7 to 30 percent.

The utility rate program comes on the heels of an energy audit done by Johnson Energy Controls to improve the energy efficiency of county buildings. The energy audit was approved by the Jefferson County Commission. Changes made after the audit were expected to save the county roughly another $100,000 a year.

"Hopefully, we can use that for budgetary situations," said Graham. "It will enable us to provide more services to people."