JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Difficult economic times are not only limited to families; businesses like JEA are also feeling the crunch, and they're passing rising costs on to its customers.

JEA Plans To Boost Water, Sewage Rates

The utility company once again has plans to boost bills in Jacksonville. A rate increase for water and sewage is scheduled to take effect in the fall in addition to a planned electric rate increase.

JEA officials said the cost of everything needed to produce electricity and provide water and sewer has gone up, thus they have little choice but to pass it on to consumers.

"Those costs tied to really the price of oil globally have gone up so significantly," said JEA Chief Financial Officer Paul McElroy.

He said the impact for JEA and its customers is similar to what is being seen at the gas pump.

The average electric bill for the average home is about $133/month. Another increase is set for October, and that average will rise to 155 dollars.

Now, water and sewer bills could also be in for a bump.

"All of the elements of the JEA business -- the cost elements concrete, asphalt, wires, piping, chemicals -- are all increasing at a rate that we just haven't seen in many, many, many years," said McElroy.

"I guess it's just part of life. Everything is going up," said one woman paying her JEA bill downtown on Monday.

Her reaction was a general reflection of several others downtown paying their JEA bills, saying they don't like the rate hikes but they are not mad at JEA.

"The cost of living is what it is -- it's going up anyway. My electric bill I think is fair," said another.

"I have friends of mine who say $5 a gallon gas is going to be here by the end of the year. Everything's going up, and until somebody does something about it, it's going to stay that way," said another JEA customer.

JEA said it's trying to hold down the rates, but the company is also asking for the public's help.

As rates continue increase, McElroy stressed the importance of conservation.

"A lot of times people say, 'Why does a utility want us to conserve?' Well, we want you to conserve so you can keep your bills down," said McElroy.

The water and sewer bill increase is not yet official. There is expected to be a hearing about the issue next week.