JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The JEA Board of Directors voted to increase base rates for electricity, water and wastewater by six percent during a meeting on Tuesday.

The utility says the increase is needed in order to expand its services to meet the increase number of customers and their demands.

“The increasing cost of doing business and the growing water and energy demands of our community have had a significant impact on our operations,” JEA said in a statement in February. “To meet these needs, it is essential that we continue to invest in sustainability, new technologies and infrastructure while complying with state and federal regulations.”

For a customer who uses 1,000 kilowatt hours a month, which is typical for a three-bedroom house or apartment, JEA expects these changes to drive up their bill by about 3.6%. However, an average customer will only pay an average of 56 cents more per month for water, whereas for electric customers, their bill will increase from $15.75 to $17.50.

Ultimately, your bill will depend on the size of your property, how much water and/or electric you use and conservation measures you choose to take.

“JEA is the lowest electric, water, and sewer combined utility rate in the state of Florida compared to any major city,” JEA Chief of Staff Kurt Wilson told First Coast News in February.

The base rates increase is set to go in effect April 1.

If you are worried about your ability to pay your bill, JEA offers payment extensions and monthly installments as help.