JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Very soon local business owners here in Jacksonville will face a higher electricity bill. 

The JEA Board of Directors met Tuesday to discuss the proposed increase to electric, water, and wastewater rates in fiscal years 2025 and 2026.

According to JEA, small commercial utility rates can see a 6.4% increase if the JEA board votes and approves this increase on March 25.

Alison Vaughan, owner of 1748 Bakeshop, told First Coast News her business has been open for five years. And she said on average during the warmer months she pays $2,000 a month for her electric bill. With this potential increase, she’s left no choice but to increase her prices.

“At this moment I’m so frustrated because it’s all out of our control,” said Vaughan.

“Electricity, I have to have it, I can’t not run my AC, I can’t not run my ovens. We’re already as diligent as I feel like we’re gonna be,” said Vaughan. “And my only option moving forward if the increase is high enough will be to pass those costs along to our consumer.” 

For business owners here in Jacksonville concerned about affording the potential price hikes, Karen McAllister with JEA says the utility company offers payment-savings programs.

“We are facing increase in cost of doing business, we are investing in clean energy, also investing in infrastructure,” said McAllister. “We are planning for $9 billion in capital project infrastructure improvements over the next 10 years.”

Vaughan tells First Coast News that she’s doing her best to keep her business afloat by raising the cost, but she still wants to do her best to accommodate her customers.

“And it’s so important that we can stay in this community hub, for socio-economic, for all neighbors, and neighborhoods,” said Vaughan. “I do not want to start pricing people out.”

For business owners here in Jacksonville concerned about affording the potential price hikes, McAllister with JEA says the utility company offers payment-savings programs.