JEA customers struggling with high utility bills are getting a reprieve.
The utility announced Tuesday that, beginning Aug. 1, it will temporarily stop disconnecting water and electric service for customers with delinquent payments. JEA also will waive new late fees. The grace period will continue through Sept. 18.
JEA says the relief measures are intended to address high utility bills due to increased fuel costs and higher consumption during extreme summer heat.
Rising costs for rent, gas and groceries have walloped many families at a time when utility bills are also peaking in Northeast Florida.
“As a community-owned utility, we provide services that are among the top two or three bills our customers pay each month. And summer utility bills can be particularly tough for some,” JEA Managing Director Jay Stowe said in a news release.
JEA pointed out that payments will be deferred, not waived, so customers need to do their best to stay current with their bills. Late bills will be due once the grace period is over, including those that went unpaid during the six-week gap.
The relief efforts, including the grace period, apply to both residential and business customers.
JEA also took steps this month to offer longer-term relief. The utility shortened the deposit return time from 24 months to 12 months for residential customers with good payment histories. And beginning Oct. 1, JEA will eliminate the fees customers pay when using a credit or debit card.
More information, including additional payment assistance for customers, is available at JEA's website.
