Home / Business and Economy / JEA Hikes Rates Again: Electric Bills to Soar
JEA Hikes Rates Again: Electric Bills to Soar
1 Jul
Summary
- JEA electric base rates will increase to $99.15 in October.
- Water and sewer services will also see a rate hike.
- New plant costs and aging infrastructure drive utility increases.
Starting October 1, Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) customers will experience increased base rates for electricity, water, and sewer services. The typical residential electric bill's base rate will climb to $99.15, an increase from the current $91.62. This marks an annual rise since 2021.
The primary drivers for these adjustments include JEA's commitment to constructing a new natural gas-fired plant, estimated at up to $1.57 billion, to replace the aging Northside Generating Station Unit 3. Board members emphasized that this investment is crucial for ensuring reliable electricity delivery.
Water and sewer rates are also set to increase, with the combined monthly cost for a typical user rising to $94.10 before taxes and fees. These changes are attributed to managing growth and adhering to environmental sustainability regulations for Florida's water resources.
While some customers advocated for increased investment in solar power, citing its affordability and environmental benefits, JEA's board plans to further examine solar's viability against fossil fuel generation later this year. The utility maintains that even with the rate adjustments, combined electric and water costs are expected to remain competitive among peer utilities in Florida.
