Jackson Energy Authority
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Electric power, manufactured gas, and a public water and wastewater system were first provided in Jackson in the late 19th century. In order to gain efficiency and keep costs low for residents, three separate utility departments joined together in 1959 to create Jackson Utility Division (JUD). The merger of natural gas, electricity and water/wastewater companies was accomplished by a private act of the Tennessee legislature.
"Most utilities are not combined," said Jim Ferrell, JEA president and CEO. "All systems under one roof is unique, and it is a huge convenience for the customers to keep costs down and create value."
In 2001, under the leadership of president and CEO John Williams, JUD obtained legislative approval for another private act to modernize the corporate structure and allow it to offer broadband services to the community. The name was changed to Jackson Energy Authority (JEA).
In 2004, JEA, sensing the communication opportunities of the future, committed to building one of the country’s most advanced fiber-optic broadband networks. This network makes Jackson one of the few "gig-cities," offering speeds as fast as one gigabit per second, a capacity that can be expanded to meet future needs. "The demand for more information is becoming greater and greater," Ferrell said. "The Internet has the most long-term growth potential. We have upgraded to a one-gigabit speed which is 100 times faster than what most people need right now."
Today, JEA provides cable television, high-speed Internet and telephone service, along with its traditional utility services of electricity, gas, water and wastewater.
As Jackson experiences economic and industrial growth, the community has turned to JEA as a dependable partner in economic development. JEA’s affordable and reliable utility services are attractive to new industries that visit the area, and JEA is eager to act as a catalyst in the recruitment of those industries.
JEA has continued to grow by adding services and convenient locations to meet the needs of the community. The facilities include a customer center in downtown Jackson at 351 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, and a customer center in The Columns in north Jackson at 2030 Pleasant Plains Ext.
JEA has received numerous awards for its fiber-optic system: the Reliable Public Power Award for its Electric Division, and the prestigious APGA System Operation Achievement Recognition for its Gas Division. JEA’s Water Division continues to receive top scores on annual state water quality inspections.
"At JEA, we want to stay ahead of the demand," said Ferrell. "Communication and information needs are growing, and we have prepared ourselves to take care of both the present needs of our customers and their needs in the future."
The Jackson Energy Authority, with its leadership and employees, has positioned Jackson to receive service in electricity, natural gas, water, wastewater treatment, propane, telephone, cable and GIG Internet, from one source. JEA works every day to preserve Jackson’s competitive position in economic development and life quality.
"Most utilities are not combined," said Jim Ferrell, JEA president and CEO. "All systems under one roof is unique, and it is a huge convenience for the customers to keep costs down and create value."
In 2001, under the leadership of president and CEO John Williams, JUD obtained legislative approval for another private act to modernize the corporate structure and allow it to offer broadband services to the community. The name was changed to Jackson Energy Authority (JEA).In 2004, JEA, sensing the communication opportunities of the future, committed to building one of the country’s most advanced fiber-optic broadband networks. This network makes Jackson one of the few "gig-cities," offering speeds as fast as one gigabit per second, a capacity that can be expanded to meet future needs. "The demand for more information is becoming greater and greater," Ferrell said. "The Internet has the most long-term growth potential. We have upgraded to a one-gigabit speed which is 100 times faster than what most people need right now."
Today, JEA provides cable television, high-speed Internet and telephone service, along with its traditional utility services of electricity, gas, water and wastewater.
As Jackson experiences economic and industrial growth, the community has turned to JEA as a dependable partner in economic development. JEA’s affordable and reliable utility services are attractive to new industries that visit the area, and JEA is eager to act as a catalyst in the recruitment of those industries.
JEA has continued to grow by adding services and convenient locations to meet the needs of the community. The facilities include a customer center in downtown Jackson at 351 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, and a customer center in The Columns in north Jackson at 2030 Pleasant Plains Ext.JEA has received numerous awards for its fiber-optic system: the Reliable Public Power Award for its Electric Division, and the prestigious APGA System Operation Achievement Recognition for its Gas Division. JEA’s Water Division continues to receive top scores on annual state water quality inspections.
"At JEA, we want to stay ahead of the demand," said Ferrell. "Communication and information needs are growing, and we have prepared ourselves to take care of both the present needs of our customers and their needs in the future."
The Jackson Energy Authority, with its leadership and employees, has positioned Jackson to receive service in electricity, natural gas, water, wastewater treatment, propane, telephone, cable and GIG Internet, from one source. JEA works every day to preserve Jackson’s competitive position in economic development and life quality.
