I am writing this petition in response to a deeply distressing situation with JEA, my local utility provider in Jacksonville, Florida. Since May 2026, I have been grappling with exorbitant electricity bills, reaching as high as $2,000, despite taking every possible measure to conserve energy. This financial burden has not only affected my ability to provide for my family but has also left me in significant debt.

To make matters worse, I discovered that my electricity had been stolen during this period, and previous to that there was an outside underground leak issue that JEA did not alert me to until I received a notice 180 days after the fact. Additionally, I was wrongfully billed for a leak I was unaware of, which was outside my home.

I am not alone in this struggle. Many residents in our community have reported similar issues with their JEA bills, leading to financial instability and stress. For those of us living paycheck to paycheck, a sudden $1,000 bill can be devastating. We understand that utility costs can fluctuate, but the recent rises in billing rates and poor communication are unacceptable.

I am calling for an immediate investigation into JEA's billing practices to ensure they are fair and transparent. The investigation should determine if electricity theft was widespread and how affected customers can be supported in rectifying unexpected charges. This includes establishing a more effective alert system for unusual usage patterns and leaks, ensuring customers are notified long before they accumulate significant debt.

Furthermore, JEA should consider implementing flexible payment plans and financial assistance programs to aid residential customers who face unexpected, exorbitant bills through no fault of their own. It's critical for us to have a reliable and fair utility service provider that recognizes the financial pressures on its customers, particularly in challenging economic times.

This situation has placed an unnecessary strain on countless families in Jacksonville. By signing this petition, you can help us demand accountability, fair treatment, and financial protection for all JEA customers. Please join me in urging relevant authorities to take swift and decisive action to address these concerns and rectify this distressing situation. Let's stand together for transparency, fairness, and necessary reform. Please sign this petition to demand an investigation and support corrective measures.