JEA CEO Resigns Amid Rate Hikes and Leadership Turmoil
Vickie Cavey has resigned as CEO of Jacksonville Energy Authority, effective September 25, following investigations and public pressure. Her tenure saw multiple utility bill increases for customers, with another round of hikes scheduled for October. Sierra Club Florida is urging stable leadership and meaningful public input as JEA prepares its updated Integrated Resource Plan.
Cavey's departure continues a pattern of instability at JEA's top post, marking the fifth leadership change in six years. Her exit follows a July leave of absence triggered by investigations from both the JEA Board and Jacksonville City Council. During her tenure, the utility's 541,000 customers absorbed a 3.7 percent rate increase in 2025, with additional hikes scheduled for October affecting electricity, water, and sewer bills.
The utility is preparing an updated Integrated Resource Plan, which will determine future energy sourcing. Sierra Club Florida has emphasized that decisions on the Northside coal plant, new gas infrastructure, and renewable energy adoption will directly shape customer costs, while calling for stronger public engagement in the planning process.
This leadership churn at a major municipal utility could erode public confidence in JEA's ability to manage long-term energy planning responsibly. Ratepayers, already facing repeated bill increases, may bear the financial consequences of unstable governance, particularly as the Integrated Resource Plan determines future fuel choices. The outcome could influence how other cities approach utility oversight, with residents potentially demanding greater transparency and accountability in energy decisions that affect household budgets and environmental health.