Jacksonville Bold for 8.5.26: Bar rescue
Jacksonville Bold for 8.5.26: Bar rescue
“In 2023, JEA claimed a new methane gas plant was the most affordable option for Jacksonville’s energy needs. Just two years later, projected costs have increased 139%, and an independent analysis found the project could cost customers an additional $2.5 billion over its lifetime, plus roughly $1 billion in health impacts from pollution,” said Susan Glickman, vice president of Policy and Partnerships at The CLEO Institute.
From Florida Politics
Resources reconsidered
Mystery still surrounds the reasons for JEA CEO Vickie Cavey’s leave of absence amid a series of political controversies.
But for a consortium of environmental groups, Cavey’s extended time off this summer offers an opportunity for the public to have more input into the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) process.
The last IRP, completed in 2023 before Cavey assumed her current role, established a commitment to 35% clean energy, phasing out inefficient generating assets, exclusively using clean energy in JEA facilities, and working to “increase and enhance energy efficiency programs.”
But external groups argue the flux atop the utility creates an opportunity for a renewed discourse.
“This moment also presents an opportunity to build a stronger, more accountable JEA — one that’s rooted in trust, transparency, and real partnership with the community it serves,” said Suzanne Sapp, senior campaign organizer with The Sierra Club.
“Jacksonville deserves a municipal utility that listens to its residents, includes them in the decisions that shape our energy future, and earns the public’s trust. We’re ready to work alongside JEA and our neighbors to help build that future together.”
Critics say the natural gas plant to be built by GE Vernova at the former St. Johns River Power Park site, approved at a $1.57 billion price tag, is shaping up to be a boondoggle.
“In 2023, JEA claimed a new methane gas plant was the most affordable option for Jacksonville’s energy needs. Just two years later, projected costs have increased 139%, and an independent analysis found the project could cost customers an additional $2.5 billion over its lifetime, plus roughly $1 billion in health impacts from pollution,” said Susan Glickman, vice president of Policy and Partnerships at The CLEO Institute.
“Jacksonville can’t afford more shortsighted decisions, and the community deserves a transparent process to determine the best path forward.”
This push for public accountability is supported by the Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign, the Florida Chapter of the Sierra Club, The CLEO Institute, Jacksonville Branch of the NAACP, the Duval Affordable Clean Energy Coalition, Sunshine Power Faith Coalition, True SCLC Florida Jax Leadership Coalition, local volunteer leaders, and ratepayers.
“In 2023, JEA claimed a new methane gas plant was the most affordable option for Jacksonville’s energy needs. Just two years later, projected costs have increased 139%, and an independent analysis found the project could cost customers an additional $2.5 billion over its lifetime, plus roughly $1 billion in health impacts from pollution,” said Susan Glickman, vice president of Policy and Partnerships at The CLEO Institute.
