JEA resource fair will help seniors with utility bills

JEA will host its monthly senior resource fair Wednesday to share tips with customers about how they can reduce their utility bills.

Along with information on ways to save money, free flu or shingles vaccines will be available from the Florida Department of Health.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at JEA Headquarters, 225 N. Pearl St. People can get free parking at the Duval County Courthouse parking garage a block away on Clay Street. Seniors should bring their parking voucher to the JEA event to get it validated.

JEA officials will be on hand to help people understand their utility bills, learn ways to reduce energy use and connect with community resources. The event comes as some customers may have received higher-than-normal electric bills after early February’s cold snap, which increased energy usage across Northeast Florida.

JEA said it experienced near-record electric demand during those cold days and below-freezing nights. Peak demand totaled about 3,101 megawatts, just below the all-time winter peak of 3,250 megawatts set in January 2010.

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“While electric rates have not changed this winter, heating systems worked harder during the cold weather, which can lead to higher energy consumption and higher bills,” JEA said in a news release. “Heating systems run longer and may activate high-energy auxiliary heat to maintain thermostat settings, increasing electricity use.”

JEA assistance

Customers, particularly seniors on fixed incomes, can speak directly with JEA representatives about ways to manage bills, access payment options and learn energy-saving strategies. JEA energy advisers will also share steps to help reduce winter electricity usage, including thermostat management and improving home insulation. 

Also on hand will be representatives from the city’s Community Outreach and property appraisers departments, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, ElderSource, Lutheran Social Services, Catholic Charities and United Way. 

Eligible seniors going to critical services such as Senior Day can receive transportation assistance through Ride United’s pre-scheduled Lyft rides. More information is available by dialing 2-1-1 — United Way 211 — to determine eligibility.