Entergy officials tout joining transmission organization

JACKSON — Officials with Entergy Mississippi Inc. say joining a regional transmission organization will allow New Orleans-based Entergy Corporation’s six utility operating companies to achieve as much as $1.4 billion in future customer benefits, relative to other available options.  Of that estimate, up to $284 million in future benefits could be realized by Entergy Mississippi customers, resulting in continued affordable, reliable service to customers.

Today, those benefits and how they will be realized took center stage when company officials, representatives from MISO and interested stakeholders met for a technical conference to discuss the proposal to join MISO.

Bob Grenfell, vice president of regulatory affairs for Jackson-based Entergy Mississippi Inc., said this technical conference was “an opportunity for interested stakeholders to hear why we think MISO is a good choice that will benefit our customers, improve transparency, and provide further independence in the operation of our transmission system. Joining MISO, one of the largest regional transmission organizations in the United States, means two things for our residential, commercial and industrial customers: continued reliability and reasonable costs. MISO brings more options, more transparency and more independence that will enhance our service to customers.”

Grenfell explained that the federal government began encouraging the formation of regional transmission organizations a number of years ago for the purpose of more efficiently managing the flow of electricity on the high voltage lines that transport energy over large areas.

“Upon joining MISO, Entergy Mississippi will still have the same responsibility and commitment we do today to provide safe, reliable power to meet customer needs,” said Grenfell.