JEA is not stopping — Another rate increase is coming

Ervin Shkulaku/DUANEWS.NET

Jacksonville Residents Face Higher Bills as City Leaders Hold Public Meeting and CEO Salaries Raise Questions

Jacksonville residents are facing another wave of concerns over utility costs after JEA indicated that an additional rate increase is planned for the 2027–2028 fiscal year, even as customers are still adjusting to higher bills that took effect earlier this month.

The announcement comes amid growing public frustration, a petition opposing the increases and a public meeting at Jacksonville City Hall where residents and elected officials discussed the financial pressure facing local households.

On October 1, JEA implemented an approximately 6.2% increase in electricity rates and an 8% increase in water and sewer rates. The impact varies depending on how much electricity and water each household uses.

But the latest increases may not be the last.

According to News4JAX, JEA Chief Financial Officer Ted Phillips said another rate adjustment is being planned for fiscal year 2027–2028.

JEA has cited rising operating costs, infrastructure needs and a proposed natural gas power plant costing approximately $1.5 billion as reasons for its long-term financial plans.

The utility argues that major investments are necessary to maintain reliable service and accommodate growth across Northeast Florida.

For residents already struggling with housing, insurance, groceries and other expenses, however, the prospect of another increase is raising difficult questions.

City Hall Meeting Brings Residents’ Concerns Into Focus

On October 8, Jacksonville City Council members Jimmy Peluso and Reggie Gaffney Jr. held a public meeting at City Hall focused on JEA bills and assistance programs.

Residents expressed frustration over rising costs and difficulties getting help with overdue utility payments.

The meeting was not a formal vote to reverse JEA’s rate increases, and no cancellation of the increases was announced.

Instead, one proposal discussed would use approximately $2 million from city reserves to help customers struggling with unpaid utility bills and expand staffing for assistance services.

That proposal has not yet been approved.

Meanwhile, opposition to higher utility costs has been growing outside City Hall. A petition challenging JEA’s rate increases had collected more than 5,000 signatures, according to a News4JAX report published October 7.

The public reaction highlights a growing divide between JEA’s investment plans and the immediate financial concerns of its customers.

JEA Executive Pay Draws Attention

As customers face higher bills, compensation for JEA’s top executives adds another dimension to the debate.

Jody Brooks, who recently became JEA’s chief executive officer, was offered an annual base salary of $500,000 under a proposed employment agreement reported in September.

The proposed agreement also included a $2,000 monthly business expense allowance and an $850 monthly vehicle allowance. Together, those allowances would total $34,200 annually if paid in full.

Her predecessor, Vickie Cavey, had an approved annual base salary of approximately $700,000 in 2025.

These figures refer to base compensation and proposed allowances, not necessarily the total amount ultimately paid to either executive.

Executive compensation is determined separately from customer utility rates. However, the figures are likely to attract attention at a time when many Jacksonville families are being asked to pay more for essential services.

What Happens Next?

JEA maintains that its planned investments are needed to strengthen infrastructure and ensure dependable electricity, water and sewer services for a growing region.

But residents are increasingly asking whether additional costs can be reduced, delayed or offset through other measures.

The proposed $2 million assistance initiative could provide relief to some struggling customers if approved, but it would not automatically reverse the rate increases already in effect.

The exact amount of the potential 2027–2028 increase has not been announced, and it should not be treated as a finalized or approved rate adjustment.

For now, Jacksonville households are left with higher bills, the possibility of future increases and an ongoing debate over how JEA balances infrastructure spending, executive compensation and customer affordability.