Branch off from the JEA thread (Jacksonville: how much, utilities, electric bill)

[FLPL75]

Hey all
I was looking at my new electric bill and something I just don't get so
Here lets do some comparing


We are billed for either 3000 or 4000 gal each month.
I find it strange that I use a even amount of gallons per month and the same amount.
I called and well lol you can guess how that conversation went
She said something about rounding up but couldn't quite "explain" how they did this

Reviewing the account I can't see any month where I used lets say 2500 gal or 3500 gals or even 3125 gals

So if they "round up" does that mean if I use 2700 gals they are going to bill me for 3000 ?

So Jax folks

How much water do you use each month ?

Are you also "use" an even amount ?

[EricBoyd]

Funny you mention this. I was JUST thinking about this, after reading an article about the possibility of JEA building some desalination plants in the distant future. I just checked online for my water usage history, and it appears to be rounded to the nearest 200 CF, which I assume is cubic feet.

[FLPL75]

Eric I am glad I am not the only one
ok so I pulled out my bill on the one usage area it says I used 500 cu ft and it says 1 cu ft equals 7.48 gal so if you do the math I "used" 3740 gallons, however on on the consumption history it says I used 3000 gals

I may have to look up some previous bills to see what the cu ft usage was

I am almost tempted to call back but the woman I spoke with today appeared to be enjoying her lunch while speaking to me and she kept saying so does that answer your question is there anything else. Giving me the impression that she wanted to end the call asap

[mawipafl]

Your JEA bills don't show the meter readings?

[tamcim72]

I use SJC water utilities and we get an actual meter reading (I've seen the guy drive by slowly and it automatically goes to his computer). My last two bills state 2.61 or 3.02 (in 1000's gallons).

That number is multiplied for consumption ($$2.92/unit) and waste water ($3.48 per unit). Most of my bill comes from the $22.53 base fee. Irrigation is off lake and my highest water bill has been $42 for a family of 4. I have friends in other areas who have gotten a separate meter for irrigation use so they don't have to pay wastewater fees on that portion.

[riveree]

Originally Posted by mawipafl

Your JEA bills don't show the meter readings?

We do get a meter reading and the date for the reading. Water and sewer do get a rounding, but electric is billed by exact kwh used.

I don't know why water can't be billed to the exact gallon? Karla, I await the answer .

[riveree]

Originally Posted by EricBoyd

Funny you mention this. I was JUST thinking about this, after reading an article about the possibility of JEA building some desalination plants in the distant future.

I'd love a link to to article if you have one, Eric. Hopefully the plan and the funding isn't too far in the future, salination is a pressing issue for our water supply in NEFL .

[EricBoyd]

Originally Posted by riveree

I'd love a link to to article if you have one, Eric. Hopefully the plan and the funding isn't too far in the future, salination is a pressing issue for our water supply in NEFL .

It was the story in the T-U yesterday (4/22). Here's the link to the archive.

http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/...418&p_docnum=5

[riveree]

Originally Posted by EricBoyd

It was the story in the T-U yesterday (4/22). Here's the link to the archive.

http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/...418&p_docnum=5

Ah-ha....

Dickenson said that’s because tougher restrictions from the St. Johns River Water Management District could be on the way. In worst case scenarios, the restrictions could make it tough enough to pump ground water that the utility would have to turn to surface water treatment or seawater desalinization methods that carry roughly 10 to 12 times the production cost, Dickenson said.

JEA water bills might jump 10% annually for next four years | Jacksonville.com

[riveree]

Originally Posted by EricBoyd

It was the story in the T-U yesterday (4/22). Here's the link to the archive.

http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/...418&p_docnum=5

Oh wait, maybe this was the article (your link was expired when I clicked on it, so I had to do a search)......

Desalination: In our future, but no silver bullet for cure | Jacksonville.com

This more in-depth article shows the familiar face of denial well at work...

Although the water management district's executive director, Kirby Green, said it's almost inevitable that Jacksonville will need a desalination plant in the next 20 years, managers at JEA don't appear to agree.

...and...

Karl Hankin, JEA's water/sewer system manager, said Tuesday the company will use all other options before considering desalination, including searching for brackish groundwater to pump and treat, and increasing the number of people who use reclaimed wastewater on their lawns.

No mention of industry. Industry is the largest contributor to freshwater waste, why aren't we hearing what JEA will insist industry do? Lawns are an issue, but the even bigger issue is industry.

Let's hope JEA comes to their senses .