AARP Survey: Mississippi Utility Customers Want A Voice

Mississippi’s utility consumers want someone to represent them in rate increase decisions before the state Public Service Commission, according to an AARP survey of people who live in Entergy and Mississippi Power Company service territories.  According to the survey, conducted in November, 86 percent of respondents strongly support a law that would establish a consumer advocate office to represent and protect residential customers.

“Utility rate increases have a direct impact on the financial security of Mississippians,” said Sherri Davis-Garner, AARP Mississippi Senior State Director.  “This survey shows that Mississippians want utility companies to be accountable to customers. Now more than ever Mississippians are demanding fairness from utility companies. The days of quietly accepting rate increases without a voice at the table are over.”

Before the Mississippi legislature changed the law in 2008, utilities had the responsibility of borrowing money from banks to build new power generating plants.  Customers did not start paying for new construction until power was provided to them from the new plant.

A new law, Senate Bill 2793 passed in 2008, allows electric companies to charge customers upfront for all planning, pre-construction, and construction costs of new power plants.  Eighty-four (84) percent of respondents strongly support returning to the old law whereby customers did not pay for power plants until they were completed and providing service.

Electric companies sometimes purchase electricity, fuel, or other products directly from an affiliate company that it owns or from a company with which it is in partnership.  Eighty-seven (87) percent of respondents strongly support a requirement that their electric company purchase fuel at the lowest possible cost.  Also, 91 percent of respondents strongly support a requirement that their electric companies must prove they got the best deal possible when they make purchases from an affiliated company.

Eighty-six (86) percent of respondents would support PSC requirements that utility companies share future plans for providing electricity to its customers through the use of coal, natural gas, nuclear, wind and solar power.

Finally, 82 percent of respondents said they would support an energy assistance program, even if it meant they would have to pay an additional $1 each month to their electric bills.

See the report online
2008 Survey of Mississippi Residents 18+ on Electric Utilities