Starting Monday, JEA customers will see the reintroduction of fees for using debit or credit cards to pay utility bills. Previously, the utility absorbed these fees, totaling over $9 million in the past two years. Customers will be responsible for these costs, which JEA describes as "normal utility sector practices." First Coast News reported that the new fee structure takes effect immediately.
Customers using cards will pay $2.35 for payments up to $400, $8.95 for those between $400.01 and $1,000, and $40 for payments ranging from $1,000.01 to $2,500. These rates come in as a relief compared to the initially announced top-tier fee of $150 for payments over $1,000.01, "a new structure reduces the top-tier fee level and caps the maximum payment," JEA said. This fee reduction was confirmed according to News4Jax report.
While the reestablishment of these fees may not please all customers, JEA spokesperson Karen McAllister explained that the utility has worked with its processing vendor, KUBRA, to minimize the financial burden on customers. As noted by News4Jax, these fees are "pass-through" costs, and JEA does not profit from them.
For those looking to avoid fees, JEA offers fee-free payment options. "JEA said customers can make fee-free payments by direct bank transfers, checks or cash payments," as reported by First Coast News. Customers using these methods will not face the additional charges associated with card payments.
