Public Service Commission to review City of Clinton case

Amanda Jones
Director of Communication and Tourism
601-813-6379
MEDIA RELEASE

Public Service Commission to review City of Clinton case

Clinton, MS (May 24, 2022) In an action that could impact 138 other municipalities, the City of Clinton filed a Formal Billing and Services Complaint against Entergy Mississippi, LLC in 2020. In the filing, City officials were asking the Public Service Commission (PSC) to investigate and determine if Entergy’s charges in regards to street lighting are unreasonable in accordance with Mississippi Code §77-3-41.

The City of Clinton has been attempting to have the streetlight rates, paid by Clinton taxpayers, examined for appropriateness for over two years. Entergy Mississippi has consistently fought that examination requested by the City of Clinton. By Entergy Mississippi’s own admission, they cannot produce the work papers necessary to provide a complete analysis and justification of the rate components that Clinton has challenged.

As an example, one billing item the City of Clinton has questioned is a group of 331 concrete poles that were installed in 1979. These are estimated to have cost approximately $100,000 at the time of installation. However, the City of Clinton has paid over $1,100,000 for these poles to date, with payments ongoing every month.

During the May 2022 Public Service Commission meeting, PSC Chairman Dane Maxwell stated, “I will request the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff to review the regulatory framework associated with municipal street lighting in the state and prepare a report for the Commission; particularly addressing the manner in which the rates are designed for this service”.

This review and report regarding municipal street lighting could possibly benefit Clinton and 138 other municipal customers that also pay for street lighting from Entergy Mississippi.

“These charges are unconscionable on its face, particularly given the City's position as a guardian of taxpayer dollars,” said Phil Fisher, Mayor of Clinton. “We sincerely appreciate and commend the leadership and actions of Chairman Dane Maxwell, for being willing to take a fresh look at this matter and bring clarity to the City of Clinton and the other 138 municipalities across the Entergy Mississippi service area.”