JEA is buying Cinergy's customers

How does this affect Aeneas?

Jackson Energy Authority acquires Cinergy Communications' Internet and telephone customers

The Jackson Sun

Jackson Energy Authority today announced its plan to directly offer Internet and telephone service in Jackson as early as Oct. 1, according to a press release.
"The announcement came on the heels of the JEA Board of Directors' decision to approve a wholesale services agreement between the JEA and Cinergy Communications," the release says.

"Under the terms of the deal, JEA will utilize Cinergy Communications' network and expertise to provide certain 'core' telephony and Internet 'back office' functions while utilizing JEA's state-of-the-art broadband network and unrivaled local customer service to offer customers with superior phone and Internet services under the JEA brand name," the release says.

Danny Wheeler, JEA's chief executive officer, said “JEA has a reputation for treating customers like family. This agreement will allow us to provide the high level of individual customer care our customers have come to expect from us.

"In 2004, JEA installed one of the nation's most advanced fiber-to-the-home networks directly providing cable television," the release says. "Internet and telephone services have been delivered by other carriers. This decision enables JEA to directly provide Internet and telephone over its own fiber network. Other companies may continue to use the network to offer competitive Internet and telephone services.

“Retailing these services will not only be good for our customers, but it will be good for JEA” said Kim Kersey, senior vice president of telecom at JEA. “We are bringing Jackson another choice in telephone and Internet service; one that can only benefit our customers and enhance our fiber-to-the-home investment.”

"The agreement also calls for the transition of Cinergy Communications' existing customer base to JEA to allow for convenient customer billing and a single point of contact for customer service issues," the release says.

Pat Heck, vice president of Cinergy Communications, stated the benefits of such a transition, “We believe this will make it easier for customers to manage their telecom services. With this new model, customers will know that they are customers of JEA for all of their services and know that they can turn to JEA with questions and support. Behind the scenes, Cinergy Communications will continue to ensure that customers receive the highest level of service.”

Ken Marston, JEA board chairman, said the decision was consistent with JEA's original telecom service plan and reflective of the positive response to its broadband system.

“More than 14,000 Jackson households and businesses have signed on to JEA's EPlus Broadband,” Marston said. “Directly providing them more services through this system makes sound business sense.”