Sierra Club Florida Reacts: Vickie Cavey Resigns as JEA Chief Executive Officer

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JACKSONVILLE, Florida — Vickie Cavey has resigned as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Jacksonville Energy Authority (JEA) effective September 25. Serving as CEO since 2024, Cavey first undertook an extended leave of absence in July following intense public scrutiny and investigations by the JEA Board of Directors and Jacksonville City Council.

Cavey’s exit marks the fifth change in JEA CEO in six years. Under Cavey’s leadership, JEA’s 541,000 customers faced a 3.7 percent increase in their overall utility bill in 2025. On October 1, residential customers will notice another electric bill increase of up to 3.1 percent and up to 7.5 percent increase for residential water and sewer bills, depending on usage.

Amidst internal turmoil and repeated customer bill increases, JEA is scheduled to release an updated Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) this year. The purpose of the IRP is to determine the best combination of energy sources for the Jacksonville families and residents.

In response to Cavey’s announcement, Suzanne Sapp, Sierra Club’s Senior Campaign Organizer in Jacksonville, issued the following statement: 

“Jacksonville is more than just a customer base for JEA. We are a community of people buckling under the weight of bill increases and repeated failures on the part of JEA leadership. Jacksonville families and businesses deserve a utility they can count on, one with stable leadership that considers public concerns and values local voices in making long-term energy decisions.

“Ultimately, decisions regarding JEA’s Northside coal plant, build-out of new gas plants, and onboarding clean, renewable energy will impact customer bills. Building public trust and fostering meaningful public participation are critical as JEA prepares its IRP. We are committed to ensuring Jacksonville has a seat at the table, as the people of this city rightfully deserve.”