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Jacksonville Residents Brace for Potential Utility Rate Hikes

Jacksonville scene depicting utility services in a residential neighborhood.

News Summary

Jacksonville is facing potential utility rate hikes as the JEA Board of Directors meets to vote on proposed increases to electricity, water, and wastewater rates. If approved, the average bill could rise by 3.7% starting April 2025. While JEA cites the need for adjustments to maintain services and infrastructure, many residents express concerns over added financial burdens. Future increases are also anticipated, alongside plans to overhaul the billing structure. JEA faces backlash as executive salary raises add fuel to resident dissatisfaction.

Jacksonville Residents Brace for Potential Utility Rate Hikes

Jacksonville is buzzing with talk as the JEA Board of Directors gathers for an important meeting on Tuesday morning. A vote is on the table to approve proposed increases to the rates for electricity, water, and wastewater services. The adjustments were initially floated back in October 2024, and if they get the green light, customers can expect an average bill increase of about 3.7% starting in April 2025.

What’s Behind the Proposed Hikes?

According to JEA, these proposed rate hikes are necessary to keep revenue levels in sync with the actual costs of service, all while ensuring that their customers still enjoy some of the lowest utility rates in Florida. The planned increases are also aimed at helping maintain existing infrastructure, build new facilities, and meet regulatory requirements concerning carbon emissions and water pollution.

One of the main reasons for the hikes lies with obligations connected to Plant Vogtle, a nuclear power plant in Georgia that provides clean energy to JEA’s customers. This decision comes after a thorough analysis that shows the proposed increase remains below the current rate of inflation.

Customer Sentiments

For example, a typical customer using 1,000 kWh monthly will see an increase of approximately 3.6% under the proposed rates. To put that into perspective, a residential customer currently paying $83.96 would see their bill rise to $85.96 in April and climb to $91.62 by October of the same year.

Future Rate Increases Expected

5.4%, translating to an approximate $7 hike. This increase will affect customers in various ways, with proposed adjustments including a 6% increase for water and sewer services starting in FY-2025, and a 4.2% increase in FY-2026. For those using a 3/4″ meter size, which 60% of residential sewer customers have, this means an increase of $0.46 for sewer in FY-2025 and $1.76 in FY-2026. Water rates for the same meter size will see similar adjustments.

Managing Customer Dissatisfaction

A New Billing Structure

$15.75 to $17.50 in April and further up to $19.25 by October, which could hit low-use customers the hardest.

Concerns About Leadership Salaries

25% pay raise, bringing her salary to $700,000. This move has sparked criticism among residents, particularly in light of the proposed rate increases which many feel make it harder to meet everyday expenses.