Some JEA customers are getting a jolt of sticker shock with their latest bill. Check out the bill from one Jax resident who says she had been paying less than $300 a month on her three-bedroom home and is wondering how she’ll be able to pay this month’s whopping $737.
It isn’t just a matter of using more power for air-conditioning to beat the summer heat. Some customers have seen their bills double or even triple even though they’re trying to conserve energy.
So what’s happening? JEA says bills are going up because the public utility is paying more for the fuel it needs to generate electricity. The cost of natural gas, which JEA burns to create power, rose 48% last month in the U.S., including 10% in a single day. And when it costs more for JEA to produce power, it costs more for ratepayers to use it.
JEA says it tries to lock in fuel supplies at a low cost, but it can’t control global price increases. The price could rise again next month before possibly falling by the end of the year.
The utility has suspended disconnection of electric and water service through Sept. 18th for customers who are behind in payments, and it’s also waived accrued late fees. In addition, it’s begun returning deposits in 12 months, down from 24, for residential customers with good payment history.
But overdue bills will have to be paid come mid-September, so JEA urges customers to stay current on their bills as much as possible. Payment extensions, payment plans and other assistance are also available. See options here. (News4Jax)