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Committee approves developer-led utility plan for large developable tract; JEA withdrew earlier
Summary
Committee approved a developer-led utility plan to provide service to a large development after Jacksonville Electric Authority withdrew from the partnership.
The Neighborhoods Committee on March 31 approved bill 2025-193, which clears the way for private development of utilities to serve a large, undeveloped tract. Committee members discussed JEAs prior involvement and the structure of financing and operation.
Paul Harden, identified as speaking for the project, told the committee that JEA "doesn't have a dog in this hunt... they chose to withdraw from it. We're gonna build it privately." He said the bonds financing the work will be issued by the state capital infrastructure bond authority and that the project was structured so the city has no liability; the borrower would carry the debt.
Harden said First Coast Regional Utilities would operate the facilities in the interim. "At some point, the JEA is gonna acquire this thing or it'll become part of their service area 5 years, 10 years, at some point down the road," Harden said, adding the developer and JEA previously had an acquisition agreement and the developer would be open to discussions if JEA chose to reacquire service.
Councilmembers pressed on construction standards and interoperability so the system could be taken over without major work if JEA wished to do so. A JEA representative in the room confirmed the utility had earlier approved a design when it was partnered, though the design had changed somewhat after JEA withdrew.
The committee approved bill 2025-193 by voice and recorded a roll call of 7-0. Committee members said they expected additional coordination among the developer, JEA and city staff during permitting and project implementation.
