Commission approves fuel adjustment

JACKSON — The Mississippi Public Service Commission (MPSC) has approved Entergy Mississippi Inc.’s quarterly fuel adjustment, meaning customers rings in the New Year with the lowest electric bills in six years, according to the utility. From January through March, the typical residential bill will drop 11 percent.

Based on the latest adjustment, typical residential customers using 1,000 kilowatt hours a month will pay about $79.50 for the first quarter of 2010, compared to $89 for the first quarter of 2009. That’s a difference of nearly $10.

“Natural gas prices continue to remain low to the benefit of our customers,” said Haley Fisackerly, president and CEO of Entergy Mississippi. “We’re also working closely with the MPSC and the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff to do everything we can to keep rates stable through at least summer.”

Natural gas prices peaked at more than $13.50 per MMBtu in July 2008 before falling under $3.00 per MMBtu in Sept. 2009. Prices have since settled in above the $5 per MMBtu range, and predictions are they will remain near this level or move slightly higher.

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