jea.com
I have worked in web content development since 2001. I create new pages and content as requested by internal customers in keeping with Brand guidelines and standards. I began working with the current look and feel of jea.com when I began work at JEA in 2006. I have made some changes to the site but it adheres strongly to the design standards that were in place as of the last redesign. I am currently working on a feasibility project for a potential redesign/upgrade of the site.
Click here to visit JEA's site.
Site copy samples.
Sometimes the goal is to target similar information to different audiences. Such was the case with a recent rate increase that received much media attention. Residential and commercial rates work differently and will be affected differently by the increase.
Commercial customer copy:
What You Need to Know About The Commercial Water and Sewer Rate Increase Effective October 1, 2009
Your Business is Important to Us
JEA is your not-for-profit community-owned utility. We are in the business of providing electric, water, sewer and reclaimed water services to our community, not making a profit. The rates we charge cover our operating costs and the costs to build and maintain the electric, water and sewer systems.
We know that water and sewer rates affect your business, too. Before proposing these increases, JEA first took cost-cutting measures, reduced our workforce and undertook a complete cost of service study to provide detailed analysis of our rate structure.
The result ensures JEA continues our vital mission of providing a safe, secure water source that is essential to the welfare of our community.
If you have questions, please contact your commercial account representative or phone our commercial customer service call center at (904) 665-6000 or (904) 665-6250. Commercial Call Center hours are Monday — Friday, 8 a.m. — 6 p.m.
What Does the Rate Increase mean to YOU?
To see how your business will be affected, check the section below that corresponds to your meter size.
(To view complete web page, click here.)
Residential customer copy:
We Don't Raise Rates Unless It's Absolutely Necessary
JEA is proud to be a not-for-profit, community-owned utility, and we think it’s important to be open about our operations. Here are answers to a few questions you might have.
Why are water and sewer rates going up?
Simply put, our expenses have gone up and revenue has gone down. As a not-for-profit, community-owned utility, JEA’s revenue must cover our costs. Providing clean, safe and secure drinking water and treatment of human waste in an environmentally responsible way is our number one goal. While we’ve streamlined our operations as much as possible, a rate increase remains necessary.
What expenses went up?
Our suppliers have increased their costs for materials and supplies. Our energy costs have increased by 10 percent. New environmental standards have increased our costs. And debt service on past money borrowed for mandatory system improvements continues to increase. These increased costs have put pressure on JEA’s credit rating, which affects the interest rates we pay for future system improvement loans.
Why is revenue down?
The economic downturn affects utilities, too. Conservation is already factored into JEA’s rates; however, extreme reduction in demand, as a result of the recession, has caused rates to increase more than they might have. Lower-than-expected growth and customers’ additional conservation measures have both decreased revenue.
What did JEA do to prevent this situation?
We’ve reduced staff costs by 5 percent, total operations and management costs by 9 percent ($10 million) and capital programs by 50 percent ($115 million). We will continue to reduce wherever possible. However, improvements deferred this year will need to be made in the future to prevent deterioration of our systems.
How much will bills increase?
In the first year of the increase, the average water and sewer customer using 6,000 gallons per month will have a $5.21 increase on their monthly bill plus taxes and City of Jacksonville franchise fee. Currently, 67 percent of our customers use 6,000 gallons or less. Heavy water users will have a much larger increase. See charts below.
(To view complete web page, click here.)