JEA Prepared to Help During Extreme Cold

Northeast Florida is experiencing unseasonably cold temperatures, and many of us are turning up the heat. JEA wants to be sure residents know that we are here to help reduce the impact on utility bills and assist those with financial needs.

Throughout the year, almost 40 percent of JEA customers struggle to afford basic necessities, according to the United Way of Northeast Florida, and we know extreme weather makes times even tougher for many.

JEA offers a variety of billing and payment options for our residential and business customers, including payment assistance. Our options include:

• Payment Extensions: For when customers need a little extra time to pay their bills. Learn more
• Payment Arrangements: For when customers need to pay their balance due over a longer period of time with installments. Learn more
• Access to Community Resources: We can point the way to third-party groups that offer utility bill assistance, such as OUR Florida assistance program, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and others.
• MyBudget: This levelized billing program averages your past usage so your bill is about the same each month. Learn more about MyBudget

A cold front is expected to send temperatures lower this weekend with freezes likely during the mornings. Residents can prepare now with the following tips to keep energy use in check during cold temperatures.

• Set your thermostat lower at night or when you’re not at home. Heating accounts for up to 50% of energy consumption for the typical home, and every degree above 68 will add 5% to the heating portion of your electric bill..
• Only raise your thermostat one or two degrees at a time so that the heat strips don’t come on.
• Insulate and weather-strip your home to prevent heat loss and keep cold air out. Residents also can use rolled towels or blankets to block gaps under doors or leaks in windows.
• When weather is very cold, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Know where the master water shut off valve is for your house before you need to use it. Paint it a bright color, keep it accessible, and make sure everyone in the household knows where it is.
• Find more tips on winterizing your home