We Are Committed to Providing Customers with Excellent Value and Service

The City of Green Cove Springs is dedicated to providing you with reliable and affordable electricity. We understand that any rate change can be a concern, and we want to assure you that this adjustment is necessary to maintain and improve the quality of your electric service. Prior to 2024, we worked hard to keep rates stable, but rising costs, negative general fund and electric fund balances, and the need for critical infrastructure upgrades, such as substation upgrades and replacing aging power lines, require us to take action.

On May 20, 2025, the City Council rejected the proposed 20% and 16% staged rate increases. Acknowledging the urgent need to restore the general fund and electric fund while maintaining reliable service, the City Council tasked staff with developing a lower-rate option. The City proposed a 12% rate adjustment during the public meetings held on June 17 and July 1, 2025. This adjustment, which is subject to annual review as part of the City’s standard process, was approved by the City Council on July 1. The new rates take effect on July 2, 2025, with no additional increase proposed for Fiscal Year 2026.

You can find answers to commonly asked questions below. If you have any further questions, please reach out to the City at 904-297-7500, ext. 1.

Link to formal notice: Proposed Electric Rates Notice 

Links to City Council Meeting Agenda and Packet: City Council Meetings June 17, 2025 & July 1, 2025

  1. What’s changing?


Monthly Customer Service Charge


Residential CustomersInformational graphic explaining the City of Green Cove Springs' proposed 12% electric rate incre

  • Increases from $16.50 to $18.48 on July 2, 2025

Small Commercial Customers

  • Increases from $16.50 to $18.48 on July 2, 2025

Large Commercial Customers

  • Increases from $66.00 to $73.92 on July 2, 2025

Monthly Energy Charges (per kWh)

Residential Customers (Usage under 1,000 kWh)

  • Increases from $0.11869 to $0.12937 on July 2, 2025

Residential Customers (Usage over 1,000 kWh)

  • Increases from $0.12344 to $0.14813 on July 2, 2025

Small Commercial Customers

  • Increases from $0.12617 to $0.14131 on July 2, 2025

Large Commercial Customers

  • Increases from $0.09275 to $0.10388 on July 2, 2025

View all electric rates on the Electric Services and Rates tab.

  1. How will these rate adjustments impact my bill?

The exact impact on your bill will depend on factors such as the size of your home, energy consumption, and any conservation efforts you implement.

The new rates will take effect for billing cycles ending on or after August 1, 2025, applying to services provided during that cycle and moving forward.


  1. Why are rate adjustments needed?

The City of Green Cove Springs is facing an urgent need to replenish its depleted general fund and electric fund balances to ensure the continued delivery of safe, reliable electric service. Rising operational costs, critical infrastructure investments, and compliance with state and federal regulations require rate adjustments to align the cost of operating our municipal utility with the expenses needed to meet community expectations.

Before 2024, electric rates remained unchanged since 2016. In 2020, in response to public concerns during the pandemic, the City began using reserve funds to balance the budget rather than raise rates. This decision led to a significant decline in reserves from $10 million in 2020 to just $3 million by 2023. Even with the rate increases implemented in 2024, the Electric Department continues to operate at a deficit of $1.8 million.

Like most household expenses, the cost of running an electric utility has risen significantly since 2020, upwards of 200%. In addition, the City's electric system requires critical capital investment, including:

  • Two substation transformers, now 48 years old, require replacement. With an estimated lifespan of 30 years and transformer prices having surged over 200% since 2019, this upgrade is critical.
  • Voltage conversions to enhance power reliability.
  • Upgrading aging distribution lines is essential to ensure reliable service. The cost of overhead wires has increased by 121%.

These investments are vital to ensuring a safe, reliable, and sustainable electric system for our growing community. The proposed rate adjustments will help replenish the general fund and electric fund balances, begin to restore reserves, cover rising costs, and fund necessary upgrades while keeping service quality high. We appreciate your understanding and are committed to transparency and support during this process.


  1. How will the growth in Green Cove Springs impact my bill?

The rate increase is not driven by growth within or outside the City of Green Cove Springs. Many new developments in the area fall outside City limits and are not serviced by the City’s electric utility. For developments within the City’s service area, developers contribute through Per Lot subdivision fees, Cost-In-Aid-of-Construction fees, and by covering a portion of infrastructure costs themselves.

  1. How can I share my thoughts on this proposed increase?

Utility customers had the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed rate increases during public hearings held on June 17 and July 1, 2025. The City Council held its final vote on the adjustment at the July 1 meeting.

Any future rate adjustments will be clearly communicated to the public in advance, with public hearings scheduled to give residents the opportunity to share their input before any decisions are made by the City Council.


  1. How can I reduce my electric bill?

We recognize that proposed rate increases can be challenging for our customers. That’s why we are committed to providing energy-saving tips, programs, and solutions to help you reduce costs and manage your energy use efficiently.

For more information on programs and solutions, please visit Rebates section or contact us at 904-297-7500, ext. 4229.

For energy-saving tips specifically, visit this section on our website.

Please keep in mind that your bill includes all utility services—electric, water, solid waste, and wastewater —not just electricity. It reflects the total usage and charges for all utilities provided by the City.

For help with your bill, please contact the City at 904-297-7500, ext. 1.


  1. I still have questions. Who should I contact?

We want to make sure you have all the information you need. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the City directly at 904-297-7500, ext. 1.

  1. Additional Resources

Energy Efficiency and Rebate Program

Energy Saving Tips

Get Assistance