JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – JEA is making significant progress toward its clean energy goals, aiming to have 35% of its energy mix sourced from clean energy by 2030.

The utility company’s clean energy efforts rely heavily on two primary sources: nuclear power and solar energy. JEA spokesperson Karen McAllister says all customers are already benefiting from these cleaner sources of electricity.

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“We are providing clean energy through nuclear energy, through our renewables, through solar, and so all of our customers benefit from that,” McAllister said.

Just two years ago, clean energy made up only 2% of JEA’s overall energy mix. As of 2024, that number has jumped to up to16%, thanks in part to carbon-free nuclear power from Plant Vogtle in Georgia and investments in solar farms.

Currently, JEA has eight solar farms online and is planning to open three more solar facilities by 2026 in Baldwin and North Jacksonville.

The upcoming solar projects are projected to reduce carbon emissions significantly. Once operational, the three new solar farms will avoid nearly 200,000 metric tons of carbon emissions annually, equivalent to taking 47,000 cars off the road.

“Renewable energy is part of JEA’s overall goal of providing a clean and diverse energy portfolio that will provide for our customers for the long term,” McAllister said.

However, these clean energy investments come at a cost. JEA customers saw a 4% increase in base rates this year, equating to about $3.50 more per month for the average household. Additional rate increases are being proposed for 2025.

McAllister emphasized JEA’s commitment to balancing sustainability and affordability when asked what she would say to customers more concerned about their monthly bills than clean energy.

“We listen to our customers and we continually assess the market and continue to make decisions based upon our goals of providing sustainable, reliable energy at affordable rates. So we have to balance those three facets of reliability, sustainability, and affordability,” McAllister said.

JEA acknowledges that about 40% of its customers struggle to make ends meet, and affordability remains a priority alongside its sustainability goals.

The utility offers financial assistance programs and resources for those needing help with their utility bills. For more information, click here.