The JEA Board hosted a virtual meeting Friday afternoon to vote on a "fuel credit" for all of their electric customers. To alleviate the financial burden from the coronavirus pandemic, the board unanimously approved a $25 reimbursement to each electric customer who has used 1,000 kWh per month.
Pursuant to the State of Florida's Executive Order 20-69 (Emergency Management-COVID-19-Local Government Public Meetings), the meeting was permitted to be conducted by communications media technology, contrary to what typical Sunshine Law requires.
Like all of their meetings, it is posted in full on their website.
JEA leaders said they had been working to lower the fuel rate over the past five years, so they were in a position to offer the fuel credit. The $25 reimbursement per electric customer will cost JEA approximately $27 million total.
After reaching unanimous approval, board chairman April Green said they would like to launch a "communications campaign" that will explain how the reimbursement works and help answer customer's questions. If a customer wishes to pass on their credit to another customer in need there will be steps provided to make that possible.
“This is definitely something that’s needed at this time and I commend the team,” Green said.
Interim CEO Melissa Dykes said they were taking all precautionary steps to keep employees safe and healthy during this time. They have over 100 people working from home now. They are offering health and temperature screenings for employees at "critical sites". That screening will begin Saturday and continue to expand.
To help customers Dykes said they are waiving late fees, suspending credit card fees and are vowing to not disconnect service for any customers at this time. For anyone having trouble paying their bills, they can call 904-665-6000 where they can arrange payment plans or find more guidance.
Dykes also reminded the board that June 1 marks the beginning of another hurricane season and they will have to work to remind customers on how to be prepared for that amid a pandemic.