JEA making call center managers available during public board meeting to help customers understand new charges

JEA customers frustrated by higher electric bills this summer may soon get some answers — and some changes could be on the way.Higher fuel costs pushed JEA’s summer electric rates up this year, even as overall demand remained similar to last year. That was one of the biggest takeaways from Monday’s finance committee meeting, as customers continue to raise concerns about rising costs on their monthly bills.JEA says staff will be available inside its lobby to answer questions about individual bills.What’s behind the higher billsJEA’s fuel and purchased-power costs were about 17% higher from July through September compared to the same period last year. Officials noted, however, that those costs were passed through to customers — meaning customers did not necessarily see a 17% increase on their own bills.Those concerns come on the heels of a rate increase that took effect earlier this month, raising electric rates by 6% and water and sewer rates by 8%.During Monday’s meeting, JEA leaders a