In 1943, the Baldwin Interconnector comes online, providing backup power to nearby Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Camp Blanding.

JEA is created for the express purpose of acquiring, constructing, operating, financing and otherwise have plenary authority with respect to electric, water, sewer, natural gas and such other utility systems as may be under its control now or in the future.

[4] Royce Lyles became JEA Managing Director on September 1, 1979 and the utility began diversifying its fuel mix.

Bussells embraced new technology and in 2002, JEA introduced online bill payment and implemented network meter reading.

Chilled water clients include Vystar Veterans Arena, 121 Financial Ballpark, Downtown Public Library, State Attorney Office, Duval County Courthouse and UF Health Hospital Campus, among others.

During Bussells's tenure, Jacksonville's electric rates had remained artificially low throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s, despite large expenditures following the water/sewer acquisition in 1997, technology improvements, and construction of chilled water equipment.

COO Melissa Dykes was elevated to Managing Director & CEO on an interim basis until May 5, 2020, when Paul McElroy returned to lead JEA until a permanent replacement was selected.

In June 2020, McElroy placed the majority of the leadership team that served under Zahn on paid administrative leave and appointed interim leaders.

Following Stowe's resignation in April 2024,[12] JEA veteran Vickie Cavey was named Interim Managing Director & CEO, and she was elevated to the permanent role[13] in September 2024.