The season when electricity bills are most noticeable for residents of Florida, including Jacksonville, is summer.

Unlike northern regions where winter heating costs can be significant, electricity bills rise during the summer when air conditioning use peaks.

Here's a look at how electricity costs actually play out in Jacksonville, along with some figures.

Jacksonville's electricity and water services are exclusively provided by JEA (Jacksonville Electric Authority). JEA is a city-owned public utility that, unlike private electric companies, does not operate for profit, but it is still affected by the overall trend of rising electricity costs in Florida.

The average summer electricity bill for a typical Jacksonville household (about 1,500–2,000 sqft) ranges from $200 to $350. Older homes with poor insulation or outdated air conditioning systems can see bills exceeding $350. Newer homes with good energy efficiency can manage to keep their summer bills between $150 and $200.

In winter, electricity bills are significantly lower than in summer. Jacksonville winters are cool, but there are not many days that drop below freezing, so heating demand is not high. Most Jacksonville homes use electric heat pumps for both heating and cooling.

Winter electricity bills typically range from $80 to $150, which is less than half of summer costs. Spring and fall are the lowest electricity cost periods, as neither air conditioning nor heating is usually needed, with bills potentially as low as $60 to $100. While some households use natural gas for cooking and heating, Jacksonville has a higher reliance on electricity than gas.

To save on electricity bills, tips include replacing your thermostat with a smart thermostat for automatic temperature management or reducing the use of large appliances during peak summer hours.

JEA also runs rebate programs to support energy efficiency improvements. Checking your home's insulation and regularly changing air conditioning filters can help reduce electricity costs. Sealing windows and door gaps to prevent cool air from escaping can be effective in the long run.