Dive Summary:

• On Thursday, Mississippi's Public Service Commission (PSC) unanimously passed new energy efficiency rules requiring all gas and electric companies with more than 25,000 customers to begin offering programs within six months and a full-fledge energy efficiency plan within three years.
• Utilities will be allowed to recover the costs of implementing energy efficiency plans through rate hikes. Entergy Mississippi had petitioned for the delay of efficiency programs for several months to allow for planning but says the company is supportive of the new rules. Mississippi Power Co. opposes the rules, saying the rules will increase electricity rates for customers who don't engage in energy efficiency.
• Mississippi was ranked last in the nation for energy efficiency policy, spending and results in a survey published earlier this year by the American Council on an Energy Efficient Economy.

From the article:
“An economic impact study that was demanded by public commenters says the proposals could cost utilities $90 million in the first year, in addition to $70 million that customers would spend after rebates. But positives include reducing demand by 93 megawatts and cutting the need for 800 megawatts of new generation, almost the size of two new natural-gas fired power plants statewide.”