Vickie Cavey has stepped down from her position as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Jacksonville Energy Authority, with her resignation taking effect on September 25. Cavey had served in the role since 2024 and had taken an extended leave of absence in July following substantial public criticism and concurrent investigations conducted by both the JEA Board of Directors and Jacksonville City Council.
The departure represents the fifth change in the CEO position within a six-year timeframe. During Cavey’s tenure, the utility’s customer base of 541,000 experienced a 3.7 percent increase in overall utility bills in 2025. Additional rate increases are set to take effect on October 1, with residential electric bills rising up to 3.1 percent and residential water and sewer bills increasing up to 7.5 percent depending on customer usage patterns.
As JEA navigates ongoing internal challenges stemming from leadership transitions and multiple rate increases, the organization plans to release an updated Integrated Resource Plan this year. This plan will outline the optimal mix of energy sources intended to serve Jacksonville residents and businesses.
In response to the resignation announcement, Suzanne Sapp, Sierra Club’s Senior Campaign Organizer in Jacksonville, released a statement emphasizing that Jacksonville residents warrant stable utility leadership responsive to community concerns. Sapp highlighted the interconnection between upcoming JEA decisions regarding its Northside coal plant, potential new gas plant construction, and renewable energy integration with customer billing impacts. The statement stressed the importance of establishing public trust and enabling meaningful community participation as JEA develops its resource plan, asserting that Jacksonville residents deserve a voice in long-term energy decisions affecting the utility.
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