WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: PSC approves new Entergy rates

PSC approves new Entergy rates

By David Kenney - bio | email

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - The Mississippi Public Service Commission has voted on how much Entergy Mississippi will be able to charge customers in the coming year. While some are calling it a rate increase, others say it's a direct savings to their customers.  

Commissioners voted on Entergy's formula rate plan on Tuesday. Basically that allows the company to set rates based on customer satisfaction.  

Northern District Commissioner Brandon Presley was the only commissioner to vote against Entergy's rate plan. Presley says he feels the way Entergy's service is being evaluated is not fair and impartial to its customers.

While many people will see their rates drop about $1.91 for every 1,000 kilowatt hours they use, Presley says the savings should have been more.  

"I don't think the current plan does that objectively or independently," Presley said. "It allows the company to hire its own consultant -- in essence, to grade its own papers."

As part of the rate agreement, Entergy says it will drop its appeal of the PSC's denial for a $3.7 million increase from 2007.  

On average, Entergy customers could see a decrease of almost $2 in their bills. Presley said he had hoped it would have been closer to $3.