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⚡ Does JEA Need Competition?⚡

⚡ Does JEA Need Competition?⚡

😡 Every Summer Utility Prices Are One Of The Recurring Complaints In Jackson. 😡

March 30, 2025

Happy Sunday In The Hub City!

Spring is here, which means that summer is right around the corner & that means people posting how their utility bills are too high!

In Today’s “HubCity Newsletter”:

One Of The Most Powerful Companies In Jackson 💪
The Common Complaints 💸
Would Competition Change Prices? 🏷️
Weekly Events For The Kids 🛝
Weekly Events For The Whole Family 🎡

Read Time: 3 - 5 Minutes

Jackson Energy Authority (JEA) has been the sole provider of utilities in Jackson for years. While they provide an essential service, many residents often wonder: Would competition bring better prices and service? In 2025 the average utility price in the U.S. is around $266 per month and the average for Tennessee sits around $244 per month. So with that in mind let’s dive right in!

💪 One Of The Most Powerful Companies In Jackson 💪

JEA isn’t just another company in Jackson—it’s one of the most powerful entities in the city. Since they are the only utility provider, every single household and business has to use their services. This gives them significant influence over Jackson’s infrastructure, economy, and daily life.

That being said, we’re not knocking the hard-working people who keep our lights on and water running. JEA employs hundreds of people who work year-round to ensure that Jackson has reliable electricity, water, and gas.

💸 The Common Complaints 💸

Every summer and winter, social media lights up with frustrated Jackson residents complaining about skyrocketing utility bills. Many say that their bill increases even when they try to use less energy!

We’re not energy experts here, but some of this can be explained by basic supply and demand 📈. This past winter was a perfect example—Tennessee experienced historically low temperatures ❄️, which caused energy demand to spike to record levels. When demand is high and supply is stretched, prices go up—whether we like it or not.

🏷️ Would Competition Change Prices? 🏷️

If Jackson were to get another utility provider, would that mean cheaper prices? Maybe, but not right away. Here’s why:

1️⃣ JEA owns all of the infrastructure (power lines, water systems, etc.), meaning a new competitor would either have to pay JEA to use their system or build their own—both of which are expensive.

2️⃣ It would likely take years before a new company could establish itself in Jackson. The initial savings for customers would probably be small, but in the long run, competition could help lower prices.

3️⃣ Any new company would have to invest hundreds of millions 💰 just to compete, making it a huge financial risk.

🤔 Summing Things Up!? 🤔

JEA is one of the pillars of Jackson, and while they’re far from perfect, they provide a service that everyone needs. As Jackson continues to grow, utility costs will likely keep rising. Another factor that can’t be overlooked is the role that TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) plays in the prices since they supply JEA’s electricity.

But all of these factors might eventually encourage another company to take the risk of competing with JEA.

But until that happens, Jackson residents will continue asking the same question:
❓ Do we need competition, or is JEA just the cost of living in Jackson?

Let us know your thoughts by answering our poll below! ⬇️🔥

As always, support a local business, organization or venue below with our curated list of events happening in and around Jackson.

Advertise In One Of The Fastest Growing Newsletters In West TN!
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The Kid Zone
This Week’s Curated Events!
Monday, March 31st - Sunday, April 6th

Monday, March 31st

Teen Book Club 📚
Date: Monday, March 31st
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Main Library
Price: Free
Ages: 13 - 18 Years Old
Additional Details: Teens Come Out & Converse With Other Book Lovers! The Book For This Week Will Be Megan Lally’s Book “That’s Not My Name”!

Tuesday, April 1st

Seasonal Stargazing 🔭
Date: Tuesday, April 1st
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Wednesday, April 2nd

Flower Storytime With Miss Ashley 🌺
Date: Wednesday, April 2nd
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Humboldt Public Library
Price: Free
Age: 4 - 7 Years Old

Thursday, April 3rd

Coding Club (Meet Fellow Programmers) 🖥️
Date: Thursday, April 3rd
Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free
Ages: 9 Years Old & Up

Friday, April 4th

Easter Bunny Photos In The Garden 🐰
Date: Friday, April 4th
Time: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Location: Old Hickory Mall
Price: (Click For Pricing)

Fortnite Gamer Hangout 🎮️
Date: Friday, April 4th
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: E-Gamers Cafe
Price: (Check For Pricing)
Additional Details: You Asked & We Delivered! This Year We Will Be Testing Out Hangout Events For All Ages! This Gives You The Opportunity To Meet & Form Communities With Others You Share Interests With.

Saturday, April 5th

World Wildlife Day Story Time 🐅
Date: Saturday, April 5th
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free

Easter-Palooza At Lazy Sunday 🧺
Date: Saturday, April 5th
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Lazy Sunday
Price: Free Entry
Additional Details: Spend Some Time WIth Us & Enjoy An Easter Egg Hunt, Door Prizes, Easter Basket Picks & Much More!

Family Fun
This Week’s Curated Events!
Monday, March 31st - Sunday, April 6th

Monday, March 31st

Phase 10 Night 🎉
Date: Monday, March 31st
Time: 6:00PM - 7:30PM
Location: Beech Bluff Recreation Center
Price: $10 Per Plate (Dinner and Phase 10)
Meal: Ham and Cheese Sliders, Drink & A Brownie.

The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (Auditions) 🎭
Date: Monday, March 31st
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: The Ned
Price: Free (Signup Here)

Tuesday, April 1st

Car-Mart Of Jackson Hiring Event
Date: Tuesday, April 1st
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Car-Mart of Jackson
Additional Details: Need A Job? We Have Several Positions Open, With Immediate Opportunities Available For Qualified Candidates. (Please Bring Your Resume With You!)

The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (Auditions) 🎭
Date: Tuesday, April 1st
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: The Ned
Price: Free (Signup Here)

Crafternoon Special 🧶
Date: Tuesday, April 1st
Time: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Main Library
Price: Free
Additional Details: Bring Your Kids In For A Great Crafternoon & Let Them Craft Whatever Their Hearts Desire!

Wednesday, April 2nd

Keto Meal Planning Class🍖
Date: Wednesday, April 2nd
Time: 11:30 PM - 12:30 PM
Location: Westwood Community Center
Price: Free
Additional Details: Get Ready To Learn Recipes From A Certified Instructor/Author In Our Free Keto Planning Class!

Flower Storytime With Miss Ashley 🌺
Date: Wednesday, April 2nd
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Humboldt Public Library
Price: Free
Age: 4 - 7 Years Old

Thursday, April 3rd

Coding Club (Meet Fellow Programmers) 🖥️
Date: Thursday, April 3rd
Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free
Ages: 9 Years Old & Up

Thursday Adult Game Night 🎮
Date: Thursday, April 3rd
Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: E-Gamers Cafe
Price: (Click For Pricing)
Age: (18+ Gamers Only)
Additional Details: Come Hangout & Find Your Late Night Gaming Community! This Event Is Exclusively For Gamers 18 and Older.

Dungeons & Dragons Night 🛡️
Date: Thursday, April 3rd
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free
Additional Details: Both Teens & Adults Alike, Are Invited On This Night! Whether You’re A Veteran Or A Newcomer, Come Join Us & Have Some Fun!

Friday, April 4th

Glow In The Dark Dodgeball 🟢
Date: Friday, April 4th
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Location: Beech Bluff Recreation Center
Price: $5
Additional Details: Come Glow Up With Us For This Unique Experience! We Will Have Glow In The Dark Dodgeballs, Strobe Lights Music, Glow Sticks & More!

April Hub City Flea Market 🛍️
Date: Friday, April 4th
Time: 5:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Location: Jackson Fairgrounds
Price: Free Entry

Shakespeare In The Park (A Comedy Of Errors) 🎭
Date: Friday, April 4th
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Rotary Park
Event By: Hub City Theatre Company
Price: (Click For Pricing)

Easter Bunny Photos In The Garden 🐰
Date: Friday, April 4th
Time: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Location: Old Hickory Mall
Price: (Click For Pricing)

First Friday Art Walk 🖼️
Date: Friday, April 4th
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: 201 E Main St
Additional Details: Explore local art throughout Downtown Jackson during the First Friday Art Walk. (Food Trucks, Art Venders, and Live Music On Site.)

Saturday, April 5th

Easter Bunny Photos In The Garden 🐰
Date: Saturday, April 5th
Time: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Location: Old Hickory Mall
Price: (Click For Pricing)

April Hub City Flea Market 🛍️
Date: Saturday, April 5th
Time: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: Jackson Fairgrounds
Price: Free Entry

VSS Competitive Showcase 2025 👯
Date: Saturday, April 5th
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: 200 S Church St
Price: Free Entry (Donations Are Appreciated)
Additional Details: Join Us At This Family Friendly Event, As We Show Support For Our Local Hard Working Dancers, Who WIll Be Presenting You With A Night Full Of Talented Performances.

Shakespeare In The Park (A Comedy Of Errors) 🎭
Date: Saturday, April 5th
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Rotary Park
Event By: Hub City Theatre Company
Price: (Click For Pricing)

Deals & Steals Consignment Event 🛍️
Date: Saturday, April 5th
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Old Hickory Mall
Price: Free Entry
Additional Details: This Is The Perfect Place To Find Gently Used Clothes For The Whole Family!

Jackson Sports Cards & Collectibles Show ⚾
Date: Saturday, April 5th
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: VFW Post 1848
Price: Free Entry
Additional Details: Sports Card Dealers From All Over The Mid-South Will Be Present Displaying Cards From All Sports!

World Wildlife Day Story Time 🐅
Date: Saturday, April 5th
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free

Sunday, April 6th

Shakespeare In The Park (A Comedy Of Errors) 🎭
Date: Sunday, April 6th
Time: 3:30 PM
Location: Rotary Park
Event By: Hub City Theatre Company
Price: (Click For Pricing)

The Easter Bunny Comes To Little Loves 🐰
Date: Sunday, April 6th
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Little Loves
Price: $25
Additional Details: Come Search High & Low And Enjoy Some Cookies As You Go! Remember That Searching For The Golden Eggs And Winning Prizes Are All Part Of The Fun! (Tickets Here)

Deals & Steals Consignment Event (1/2 Off Sale) 🛍️
Date: Sunday, April 6th
Time: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Old Hickory Mall
Price: Free Entry
Additional Details: This Is The Perfect Place To Find Gently Used Clothes For The Whole Family!

Easter Bunny Photos In The Garden 🐰
Date: Sunday, April 6th
Time: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Old Hickory Mall
Price: (Click For Pricing)

April Hub City Flea Market 🛍️
Date: Sunday, April 6th
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Jackson Fairgrounds
Price: Free Entry

Advertise In One Of The Fastest Growing Newsletters In West TN!
(Click Here For More Details.)

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