Mississippi Electricity Information
Mississippi generates most of its electricity from natural gas, with nuclear power and a small but growing share of renewables also contributing. Coal use has declined significantly, helping to reduce emissions over time. Thanks to its abundant natural gas resources and relatively low energy costs, Mississippi enjoys electricity prices below the national average. While emissions remain a challenge due to industrial energy use, the state continues to explore cleaner energy options.
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Ranks 20th Highest in the U.S.
Average Price: 13.94¢ /kWh
Ranks 23rd Cheapest in the U.S.
Average Electric Bill: $144.85
Ranks 38th Cheapest in the U.S.
Electricity Production By Source
Emissions From Electricity Generation
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Renewable Electricity Generation
0.87% of Total Production
Energy Usage in Mississippi
Electricity consumption in Mississippi is high, driven by its hot, humid climate and energy-intensive industries. Located in the Southeast, the state experiences long, sweltering summers, leading to heavy air conditioning use. The agricultural and manufacturing sectors also contribute to demand, making Mississippi one of the higher per-capita electricity consumers in the country.
Municipal Utilities in Mississippi
While most cities, towns, and villages throughout the state of Mississippi offer municipal essential services like providing clean water, sewage treatment and dealing with waste and storm water, some also offer other services like electricity, natural gas, sanitation or recycling. In Mississippi, 26 cities offer municipal electricity utility services to their residents.
Largest Electric Companies in Mississippi
The rest of Mississippi receives electric utility service from one of many primary providers. Here’s a list of some of the larger providers that might be available to your home:
Mississippi Natural Gas Information
Mississippi runs on natural gas in very different ways depending on the season and sector. The state sits in a humid subtropical climate with long, hot summers and mild winters, so gas-fired power plants do most of the heavy lifting for air-conditioning demand while home heating plays a smaller role. In 2023 the electric power sector used about 70% of the natural gas delivered in-state, industry used 23%, and the residential and commercial sectors each used around 3%. About three in ten households heat primarily with natural gas, well below the national share because many Mississippi homes rely on electricity or propane. Mississippi’s geography adds a unique advantage, since it holds almost 4% of U.S. underground gas storage capacity with salt caverns and fields that help buffer weather swings and keep supply steady.
Largest Natural Gas Companies in Mississippi
Many of the residents of Mississippi receive their natural gas utility service from one of the larger companies that service the state.
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Mississippi Internet Connectivity
Largest Internet Providers in Mississippi
When it comes to high-speed internet, homes in Mississippi have plenty of options to stay connected! From bustling cities to quiet rural areas, a variety of providers offer reliable service across the state. Here are some of the biggest names keeping Mississippi homes online and in the loop:
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Know Your Rights: The Mississippi Ratepayer Bill of Rights
Under the Mississippi Public Service Commission (PSC), you have specific protections against unfair service disconnection.
- Medical Necessity: If a licensed physician certifies that disconnecting your service would create a life-threatening situation, the utility must delay disconnection for 60 days. This gives you time to make payment arrangements or find alternative shelter.
- Extreme Weather Moratorium:
- Freezing: Utilities cannot disconnect residential service if the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a Freeze Warning for your county on the scheduled cutoff day.
- Heat: Disconnection is prohibited if an Excessive Heat Warning has been issued by the NWS for your county on the scheduled day.
- 60+ Senior Protection: If you are 60 years or older, you may be eligible to have your initial deposit waived (if you meet credit criteria) and can often request a specific payment due date that aligns with your Social Security or pension check arrival.
Going Solar in Mississippi: What You Need to Know
Mississippi’s solar rules differ from many other states. Before you sign a contract, understand how "Net Billing" works here.
- No "1-to-1" Net Metering: Unlike some states where you trade power with the grid dollar-for-dollar, Mississippi uses Net Billing.
- How it works: When your panels produce extra power, you sell it to the utility at a lower "wholesale" rate (avoided cost + a small premium). When you buy power at night, you pay the full retail rate.
- The Battery Strategy: Because of this price difference, many Mississippi residents find that adding a battery backup is financially smarter than solar alone. Storing your own free power to use at night is often better than selling it back cheaply.
- Incentives: While state-level rebates are limited, you can still claim the 30% Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) to significantly lower your installation costs.
Hurricane & Storm Preparedness Guide
In Mississippi, power outages from severe weather are a matter of "when," not "if."
- The "72-Hour Kit": Prepare a kit specifically for utility outages. It should include flashlights (avoid candles due to fire risk), a manual can opener, a solar-powered phone charger, and a battery-operated radio to track NWS alerts.
- Gas Safety: If a storm damages your home and you smell rotten eggs (sulfur), leave immediately. Do not turn lights on or off. If you know how, shut off the main gas valve outside, but never turn it back on yourself, this requires a professional pressure test.
- Generator Safety: Never plug a portable generator into a wall outlet (back-feeding). This sends high voltage back onto the neighborhood power lines and can kill utility linemen working to restore your power.
How to Read Your Mississippi Utility Bill
If your Entergy or Mississippi Power bill looks high, check these specific line items before calling customer service.
- Fuel Adjustment Charge: This is the most common reason for bill fluctuation. It covers the cost of the natural gas or coal used to generate electricity. This is a "pass-through" cost, meaning the utility makes zero profit on this line item, it rises and falls strictly with global fuel prices.
- Storm Recovery Rider: You will likely see a small fee dedicated to paying off bonds from past hurricanes and ice storms. This allows the utility to spread the massive cost of rebuilding the grid over many years rather than hitting customers with one giant bill immediately after a storm.
- Estimated vs. Actual: After severe weather, utilities may not be able to read your meter. Check your bill for an "E" (Estimated) next to the usage. If they over-estimated, your next bill will be lower to correct the difference automatically.
Scam Alert: Protect Yourself
Utility scams are frequent in Mississippi, especially after storms or during holidays.
- The "Pre-Paid Card" Call: Legitimate companies like Entergy, Atmos, or Mississippi Power will never call you demanding immediate payment via a pre-paid debit card (like Green Dot), Gift Card, or Bitcoin to avoid disconnection. This is always a scam.
- The "Meter Check" Trick: Be wary of anyone showing up at your door claiming they need to "inspect your meter" or "offer a lower rate" without an appointment. Always ask to see their official company ID badge through a window or peephole before opening the door.
New Resident Checklist
Moving to Mississippi? Follow these steps to ensure your lights and A/C are on when you arrive.
- Lead Time: In Mississippi summers, a home without A/C can become dangerous in hours. Call to set up utilities at least 5 business days before your move-in date.
- Deposit Waivers: Deposits generally range from $100 to $300. You may be able to wave this fee if you can provide a "Letter of Credit" from your previous utility provider showing 12 months of on-time payments.
- Transfer Service: If you are moving within the same service territory (e.g., moving from one Entergy-serviced town to another), ask to transfer your service rather than cancel it. This often avoids new deposit fees.
Utility Costs in Mississippi
The average monthly total utility bills in Mississippi is $269.43, which is 2.79% lower than the national average.
Assistance for Paying Utility Bills in Mississippi
If you are struggling to keep up with utility payments in Mississippi, several state and local programs can help. These range from federally funded energy assistance to charitable programs run by utility providers.
General Energy Assistance Programs
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Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): This federally funded program helps low-income households pay for heating and cooling energy costs. It consists of two main parts: the Regular Assistance Program (RAP) and the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) for households facing immediate disconnection.
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How to Apply: You can apply online through the Mississippi Department of Human Services Virtual ROMA website or find your local community action agency.
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Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): This program reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes (e.g., adding insulation, sealing leaks).
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More Info: Visit the MDHS Community Services page.
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2-1-1 Mississippi: For a comprehensive list of local resources, you can dial 2-1-1 or visit 211 Mississippi to be connected with local non-profits and charities that offer emergency financial aid.
Utility-Specific Charitable Programs
Many providers in Mississippi offer their own emergency assistance funds, often administered by local charities like the Salvation Army or Catholic Charities.
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Mississippi Power Project SHARE: Provides emergency assistance to the elderly and disabled who need help with energy bills.
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Contact: Call Catholic Charities at 855-847-0555.
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Entergy The Power to Care: Helps low-income seniors and people with disabilities pay their utility bills in times of financial hardship.
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Atmos Energy “Sharing the Warmth”: Helping customers pay their natural gas bills.
Special Programs for Seniors
Seniors in Mississippi are often prioritized for weatherization and emergency funds.
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Mississippi Power Bill Discount: Mississippi Power offers a daily base charge waiver (approximately $0.59/day) for eligible low-income and elderly customers receiving SSI or TANF. Contact customer service at 800-532-1502 to inquire.
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Third-Party Notification: Most utility companies, including Entergy and Mississippi Power, allow seniors to designate a third party (like a relative or friend) to receive a copy of any disconnect notices, ensuring bills aren’t missed due to illness or travel.
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Priority Service: If you rely on life-sustaining medical equipment, ensure your utility provider knows so you can be prioritized during restoration efforts or given advanced notice of planned outages.
Resources for Students
While there are fewer utility-specific programs strictly for students, those living off-campus may qualify for general low-income assistance.
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Internet Assistance: Students may qualify for reduced-cost internet services. Mediacom’s Connect2Compete program offers low-cost internet to students in K-12 who qualify for free or reduced lunch.
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University Emergency Funds: Many Mississippi universities (such as MSU and Ole Miss) have Student Emergency Funds designed to help students cover unexpected expenses, including utility bills, to prevent them from dropping out. Contact your university’s Dean of Students or Financial Aid office.
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Entergy Programs: Entergy offers the “Power Your Future” scholarship and “Kids to College” savings matching programs, which can indirectly assist with financial stability.
Learn more in the Student Utility Setup Guide
Assistance for Veterans
Veterans facing financial hardship can access specialized support networks in Mississippi.
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Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF): This program provides temporary financial assistance for rent and utilities to veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
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Contact: Organizations like Oak Arbor (serving South MS) at 601-545-3668 or search for a local SSVF provider.
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Operation Homefront: Offers a Critical Financial Assistance program to help veterans with overdue utility bills.
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County Service Officers: Every county in Mississippi has a Veteran Service Officer who can help you apply for “Aid and Attendance” or other VA benefits that can increase your monthly income to cover utility costs.
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Find Your Officer: Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board
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Find Utility Providers In Mississippi
Utility Providers by City in Mississippi
| City Name | Population | Municipal Electricity |
|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen | 4,976 | Yes |
| Amory | 6,665 | Yes |
| Baldwyn | 3,254 | No |
| Batesville | 7,404 | No |
| Bay St. Louis | 9,568 | No |
| Beechwood | 3,814 | No |
| Belmont | 2,537 | No |
| Belzoni | 2,188 | No |
| Biloxi | 49,061 | No |
| Booneville | 8,702 | No |
| Brandon | 24,887 | No |
| Bridgetown | 2,705 | No |
| Brookhaven | 11,855 | No |
| Byram | 12,591 | No |
| Canton | 10,955 | Yes |
| Carthage | 5,622 | No |
| Centreville | 2,087 | No |
| Charleston | 2,618 | No |
| Clarksdale | 15,124 | Yes |
| Cleveland | 11,285 | No |
| Clinton | 27,830 | No |
| Collins | 2,430 | Yes |
| Columbia | 5,998 | No |
| Columbus | 23,858 | Yes |
| Corinth | 14,545 | No |
| Crystal Springs | 4,851 | No |
| D'Iberville | 12,736 | No |
| Diamondhead | 9,417 | No |
| Drew | 2,335 | No |
| Durant | 2,470 | Yes |
| Ellisville | 4,544 | No |
| Escatawpa | 2,954 | No |
| Eupora | 2,628 | No |
| Farmington | 2,351 | No |
| Flora | 2,265 | No |
| Florence | 4,531 | No |
| Flowood | 10,019 | No |
| Forest | 5,464 | No |
| Fulton | 4,036 | No |
| Gautier | 18,932 | No |
| Gluckstadt | 2,613 | No |
| Greenville | 30,175 | No |
| Greenwood | 14,521 | Yes |
| Grenada | 12,675 | No |
| Gulf Hills | 8,825 | No |
| Gulf Park Estates | 6,284 | No |
| Gulfport | 231,423 | No |
| Guntown | 2,585 | No |
| Hattiesburg | 85,086 | No |
| Hazlehurst | 3,662 | No |
| Hernando | 16,730 | No |
| Hollandale | 2,240 | No |
| Holly Springs | 6,743 | Yes |
| Horn Lake | 26,623 | No |
| Houston | 3,763 | No |
| Indianola | 9,679 | No |
| Iuka | 3,084 | No |
| Jackson | 326,977 | Yes |
| Kiln | 2,277 | No |
| Kosciusko | 7,128 | Yes |
| Latimer | 6,066 | No |
| Laurel | 17,375 | No |
| Leakesville | 5,598 | No |
| Leland | 4,052 | Yes |
| Long Beach | 16,654 | No |
| Louisville | 6,108 | Yes |
| Lucedale | 2,910 | No |
| Macon | 2,590 | Yes |
| Madison | 27,459 | No |
| Magee | 3,984 | No |
| Magnolia | 3,309 | No |
| McComb | 12,400 | No |
| Mendenhall | 2,846 | No |
| Meridian | 35,625 | No |
| Mississippi State | 3,005 | No |
| Morton | 3,688 | No |
| Moss Point | 12,282 | No |
| Natchez | 14,435 | No |
| Nettleton | 2,061 | No |
| New Albany | 7,657 | Yes |
| New Hope | 3,478 | No |
| Newton | 3,217 | No |
| Nicholson | 2,014 | No |
| Ocean Springs | 18,275 | No |
| Okolona | 2,590 | Yes |
| Olive Branch | 39,136 | No |
| Oxford | 25,859 | Yes |
| Pascagoula | 22,001 | No |
| Pass Christian | 5,655 | No |
| Pearl | 27,017 | No |
| Pearl River | 3,884 | No |
| Petal | 11,342 | No |
| Philadelphia | 7,107 | Yes |
| Picayune | 11,777 | No |
| Pontotoc | 5,621 | No |
| Poplarville | 2,837 | No |
| Richland | 7,126 | No |
| Ridgeland | 24,330 | No |
| Ripley | 5,412 | No |
| Rolling Fork | 2,311 | No |
| Ruleville | 2,669 | No |
| Saltillo | 4,915 | No |
| Sardis | 2,150 | No |
| Senatobia | 8,075 | No |
| Southaven | 54,141 | No |
| St. Martin | 7,984 | No |
| Starkville | 24,578 | Yes |
| Summit | 3,120 | No |
| Sumrall | 2,043 | No |
| Tchula | 2,207 | No |
| Tupelo | 37,872 | Yes |
| Tutwiler | 2,994 | No |
| Tylertown | 2,107 | No |
| Union | 2,750 | No |
| University | 3,541 | No |
| Vancleave | 4,940 | No |
| Verona | 2,818 | No |
| Vicksburg | 21,748 | No |
| Water Valley | 3,343 | Yes |
| Waveland | 7,063 | No |
| Waynesboro | 4,599 | No |
| Wesson | 2,224 | No |
| West Hattiesburg | 6,447 | No |
| West Point | 10,148 | Yes |
| Wiggins | 4,282 | No |
| Winona | 4,512 | No |
| Yazoo City | 10,887 | Yes |
About the Author
David has been an integral part of some of the biggest utility sites on the internet, including InMyArea.com, HighSpeedInternet.com, BroadbandNow.com, and U.S. News. He brings over 15 years of experience writing about, compiling and analyzing utility data.























