As we face some of our coldest weather yet with freezing temperatures, JEA is focused on continuing to provide safe and reliable services to our most critical customers, including homes, hospitals, churches and other human needs organizations. These extremely cold temperatures could result in an all-time record for power demand, so we ask that customers help reduce that demand by taking steps to conserve energy.

Tips to help you save energy

• Since around half of your utility bill comes from heating your home, set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower and wear additional layers of clothing to keep warm.
• Instead of filling the tub for a bath, take showers instead and reduce shower time as much as possible.
• Unplug unused electronic devices and turn off any lights that are not in use.
• Use task lighting instead of lighting a whole room and turn off any lights that are not in use.
• Keep the fireplace damper closed when not in use.
• Keep garage doors closed if you have water supply lines in the garage.
• If you have a pool, run your pool pump during the coldest part of the day to circulate the water instead of using your pool heater to prevent freezing.

Tips to help you stay safe

• In the event of damage to utility lines, do not go near downed lines. Do not try to remove limbs from lines or move downed lines out of the area. Stay away and call JEA to report.
• If at any time you smell gas, leave the area immediately to move to a safe distance from the smell and call JEA and 911.
• Keep your gas meter protected by carefully removing snow and ice with a broom or brush. Do not kick, hit, or chip ice away from the meter.
• Make sure external vents for natural gas appliances are clear.
• If you remove snow and ice from your roof, make sure it doesn’t land on, cover or bury any meters or vents.
• Never use your oven or gas stovetop to heat your home.
• Do not use charcoal grills inside to heat your home.
• To help prevent frozen pipes, make sure any exposed water lines are wrapped, outside faucets are insulated, crawl space vents are closed, cabinets open where water lines have external wall exposure and faucets have a slow drip to keep water moving.
• Don’t get out unless it’s absolutely necessary. Utilize JEA’s self-service virtual features to manage your JEA bill from home. Visit www.jaxenergy.com/payments to find the best method to fit your needs.

It’s important during these extremely cold temperatures to stay alert to the changing weather conditions. Our crews work to provide the safest, most reliable services and we ask that our customers remember to stay safe during the winter storm. For more energy saving tips, visit the energy efficiency section of our website.