jacksonville, florida – JEA bill could rise again, but not by much. A rate increase due this spring is likely to be offset by lower fuel costs.
The JEA is also learning that a planned nuclear power plant in Georgia, where it invests, is again behind schedule, which could cost it more.
Plus, utility CEOs are getting raises.
All of which was discussed at the JEA Board’s monthly meeting on Tuesday.
During the meeting, the board voted to hold a fee hearing next month as it plans to increase the fees paid for JEA services. Today, the average residential customer’s base rate (the price they pay for billing or customer service) is expected to jump from $5.50 to $15 per month. But to offset that, the JEA plans to eliminate energy tariffs, so your average bill could only go up by about $4.
The JEA also said it expects fuel prices — the prices customers pay for natural gas and coal have surged recently, nearly doubling what customers bill — to drop by this spring. . According to the JEA, this could lead to further reductions in billing.
“There will be other increases and changes in the next few years. This will not be the last time we do this. It shows that fuel costs will drop significantly over time,” said Jay Stowe, CEO of the JEA.
These other factors involve Plant Vogtle in Georgia. JEA is being asked for over $3 billion, and the price tag keeps going up. There is yet another delay due to testing issues that have added him $9 million to the cost. Once Plant Vogtle is online, customers will have to start claiming his $3 billion.
“Vogtle’s cost is a big concern,” says Stowe. “And we do everything we can to keep all costs under control so that we can best support our customers.”
The board also voted on Tuesday to determine Stowe’s salary increase — an increase of about 9%. Stowe earns approximately $675,000 in annual salary and benefits. He has been with the JEA for two years and joined the JEA after a very turbulent period in which the former CEO and top of his staff were fired for his unsuccessful attempt to sell the JEA.
The board said it hopes to keep Mr. Stowe for many years to come.
The board also discussed a new JEA headquarters in downtown Jacksonville, which was supposed to be in the new headquarters by now, but that hasn’t happened and probably won’t happen until March. had problems connecting computers and technology to .
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