The Public Service Commission has selected its new Chairman and approved a rate decrease for Mississippians.
First-term Southern District Commissioner Dane Maxwell was elected to serve as Chairman by his fellow Commissioners during the PSC’s first meeting.
Maxwell was sworn in as Public Service Commissioner on January 2 after previously serving as Mayor for the City of Pascagoula.
“It’s an honor to have the confidence of my colleagues to serve as Chairman,” Maxwell said. “The PSC plays an extremely important role in state government and affects every Mississippian. I look forward to serving as Chairman of the Commission and plan to work side by side with Mississippi residents and with businesses to move Mississippi’s economy forward and protect customers’ interests across the state.”
During the meeting, the PSC approved a rate decrease for Entergy and Mississippi Power customers as a result of each company’s annual fuel filing. For Entergy, a company spokeswoman stated that the average customer using 1,000 kWh of electricity will see a monthly rate decrease of around $13. A Mississippi Power press release stated that the average customer will see around a $3 drop.
“Customers of Entergy Mississippi LLC and Mississippi Power Company can expect a decrease to their monthly utility bill. We know the utility companies are powerful economic development partners in our rural communities and facilitate the creation of good, high-paying jobs in places of need. Mississippi customers of these utility companies, myself included, recognize and appreciate their efficient generation and distribution of electricity and the positive economic impacts of lowered utility rates for homes and businesses,” new Central District Commissioner Brent Bailey said.
The rate decreases will go into effect in February.
Maxwell and Bailey serve on the PSC alongside Northern District Commissioner Brandon Presley, who has been in the position since 2007.
