JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Do you owe money to the JEA? Better take some action now to avoid having your utilities disconnected. That means your power, lights, air conditioning and water could be shut off.
A summer grace period by JEA is ending on Sept. 18.
The utility company says more than 73,000 residential and business customers still have unpaid balances.
JEA announced starting Aug. 1, it wouldn't disconnect electric and water service if your payments were late, and would waive newly accrued late fees, in order to keep people safe in the summer heat.
A release from JEA also said the measures are part of a broader plan to help address high utility bills due to increased fuel costs and higher consumption.
If you are behind on your bills, you will need to pay them by Sept. 18 to avoid having your power or water turned off.
Here's JEA's statement:
"JEA decided to suspend electric and water disconnections for six weeks to allow customers extra time to make payments or seek assistance during the peak of summer heat and at a time of rising fuel costs. We can't continue this indefinitely. The longer it continues, the greater the burden on other JEA customers."
Can't afford to pay your bill?
JEA recommends you go to JEA.com and pay as much as you can of your balance. You can also apply for a payment extension or a payment plan.
"Customers can expect to experience long wait times to talk with a JEA representative over the phone," said JEA in a statement to First Coast News. . "To avoid the wait time, JEA is encouraging customers to visit JEA.com to make a payment or request a payment arrangement or payment plan."
JEA says it does have the system capacity to process requests through the online system. As long as the criteria are met, the system will approve the request automatically.
- To be considered for a payment arrangement, you must first make a down payment equal to one-third of your balance, plus additional funds as needed to ensure your balance is below $1,000 (payment arrangement maximum). Click here to pay your down payment now.
- When determining your eligibility, we consider several factors such as payment history, past due amount, service status and prior payment extension history. Our self-service system will offer you the best installment terms available.
- If you are unable to commit to the terms provided, JEA has other options that may be beneficial to you. Click to view payment assistance options.
Other options
Another agency is also helping JEA customers through it's Low Income Energy Assistance Program, which is administered by the Northeast Florida Community Action Agency
Residents may be eligible if they meet the following requirements:
- Have a total household income no more than 60% of the Florida State Median Income;
- Be responsible for paying your home heating or cooling bills;
- Be a resident of Florida;
- Be a U.S. Citizen, qualified alien or permanent resident of the U.S.
Contact: 904-362-8052
You can also reach out to United Way by calling 211. United Way works to connect people with various non-profits. If the wait times are too long, you can leave a call back number, and, according to United Way's Jeff Winkler, your message will be checked that same business day. You will be contacted by United Way to steer you to some help.
You can also text the word "HELLO" to United Way at 211904.