JEA considers pilot program that could save customers money

JEA is working on a pilot program for residential customers that could save both customers and the utility money by eliminating one-size-fits-all billing

Customers would be able to control their bill based on when and how they use energy.

The goal of the the smart savings program is to discourage you from using multiple appliances at the same time during peak hours.

Typically, peak times are during the day in the summer, and mornings in the winter.

"Today, customers are billed based on the amount of energy they use regardless of when they use it. On this new plan, customers will be charged based on intensity of energy that they use," said Ryan Wannemacher with JEA.

This is how it would work: JEA customers would be billed for the intensity of usage based on the time of day, at $4.90 per kilowatt during peak times and $3.75 per kilowatt off-peak.

Phase one of the program could begin with JEA volunteers in April, followed by 2,000 customers being randomly chosen next January. There will be a public hearing Feb. 21.

Cox Media Group