JACKSONVILLE, Florida — The Jacksonville Electric Authority board will hold a public hearing and vote Tuesday morning on proposed rate increases for electric and water service, with the typical residential customer facing a combined monthly increase of $8.16 if the plan is approved.
Under the proposal, a residential electric bill for 1,000 kilowatt-hours would rise by $2.41, from $153.92 to $156.33 per month. The average water and sewer bill would increase by $5.75, from $77.75 to $83.50. The combined monthly bill for a typical customer would go from $231.67 to $239.83. If approved, the new rates would take effect October 1.
JEA officials say the increases are necessary to cover projected revenue gaps of 6 percent on the electric side and 8 percent on the water and sewer side. The utility is funding several major capital projects, including a $1.57 billion natural gas power plant to replace the aging Northside Generation Station, as well as raising power lines over the Fulton Cut of the St. Johns River to accommodate larger ships at Jaxport.
"The problem is, we sort of got the perfect storm," former JEA Board Chair Joe DiSalvo said. "We're committed to a lot of capital projects that have to come. Otherwise, it could get worse."
