MS Power Customers Outraged Over Potential Rate Increase

The potential increase is the result of cost overages for controversial Kemper Power Plant. Over the last few days, Mississippi Power customers have started to receive some troubling news. The company sent out letters to their customers alerting them of a possible 40% raise in their energy bill, which could be the result of a pending Supreme Court ruling.

Previously, Mississippi Power raised customers’ energy bills by 18% over two years. A Supreme Court eventually found they were improperly granted that permission. As a result, Mississippi Power could have to refund its customers over $200 million. Mississippi Power says they don’t want to impose this fee, but may have to because of the refund and to help pay for Kemper Power Plant. Community activists, such as Howard Page of the Steps Coalition, are still questioning the reason behind the initial increase.

Page says, “The fact still remains, was that plant necessary in the first place? A lot of people are arguing it really wasn’t necessary. Also, was that expensive of a plant necessary? And then the most important thing is these cost overruns. The people shouldn’t have to pay many times over in the billions and billions.”

Ed Holland, C.E.O. of Mississippi Power, did release an opinion editorial regarding the possible 40% increase.