The Round Up Program is an assistance program that uses funds to help those less fortunate in our community. Customers' monthly utility bills are rounded up to the next highest dollar. The amount rounded up is distributed by Area Relief Ministries.
Jackson Energy Authority’s Board of Directors responded to a request by the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation and the United Way of West Tennessee to implement a Round Up program. Many Jackson-Madison County residents face economic hardships. The money raised through the Round Up Program will have a positive impact on those residents and our community.

How does it affect my bill?

Customer’s bills are rounded up to the next whole dollar amount. For example, if a customer's utility bill is $178.45, the bill rounds up to $179.00. The extra 55 cents collected goes to the Round Up Program.

Does the bill round up even if the cents amount is less than 50?

Yes. A $149.01 bill and a $149.99 both round up to $150.00. Your average round up amount will be about 50 cents per month, and a total of $6 a year.

Do I have a choice in participating?

Yes. If you do not wish to participate, please contact Jackson Energy Authority at 422-7500 and we will take you off the program.

What if I decide later that I would rather not participate?

You can choose to exclude yourself at any time, and you can have your contributions refunded up to 12 months retroactively. In other words, you can wait a year to see what you think about the program, and then if you think it unworthy, you could have all your money credited back to you.

Why do I have to choose not to participate…why is this not voluntary from the start?

JEA’s Board of Directors chose to make the Round Up Program an “opt-out” program to save money on implementation and resources. We feel that more than 60% of our customers will choose to stay in the program.

Will this affect every customer’s utility bill…even industrial and commercial?

Yes. JEA’s Board of Directors voted to make participation in the Round Up Program available for each customer, without discrimination.

How much money does this raise?

We estimate the program will generate over $125,000 per year.

Who decides how the money is used, and which causes will benefit?

Funds collected from the Round Up Program will be given to West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation and the United Way of West Tennessee then disbursed to Area Relief Ministries. Area Relief Ministries is a non-profit, social services agency that has served low-income individuals and families since 1982. ARM is 501c3 agency that files an IRS 990 form and has a yearly audit by an outside CPA firm. Funds will be distributed by ARM to residents meeting the criteria of the agency.

How does one learn about applying for these funds?

Contact Area Relief Ministries at 423-9257.

Are Round Up Program contributions tax deductible?

Yes.