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Electric bills expected to go up this summer

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High energy burden for Mississippians expected to get worse this summer

Booming natural gas prices, along with retiring coal plants and limited oil production, mean electric bills will likely go up across the country this summer.

That includes Mississippi, where both energy consumption and the inability to pay for electric bills rank among the highest of any .ย 

Earlier this month, the Energy Information Administration projected that electric bills nationwide will go up 4% on average this summer to 2021. EIA projects a 3% increase in the East South Central region, comprising Kentucky, Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi.

Generally, homes in southeastern states consume more electricity than those in the rest of the country. In 2020, the average Mississippi residence was using more electricity than only two other states, and Tennessee.ย 

โ€œA lot of that is due to the climate,โ€ said Central District Public Service Commissioner Brent Bailey. โ€œBut we also have older housing stock, many (homes) that have not gotten extensive upgrades, retrofits or weatherization.โ€

Bailey also said Mississippi has a lot of manufactured homes, which tend to be less energy efficient.ย 

Even though the retail cost of energy in Mississippi is cheaper than the national average, paying energy bills is relatively challenging because the state consumes so much power and has by far the lowest median household income.ย 

For low-income residents, the โ€œenergy burdenโ€ โ€“ how much of a person’s income goes to paying their power bill โ€“ is higher in Mississippi at 12% than in any other state, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.ย 

โ€œPeople will very often take care of rent and utilities first before they’re taking care of other and food needs,โ€ she said. โ€œIt is a common issue that a lot of the families we work with have to think about, and will have to figure out how to deal with payment plans if they get behind and, if they experience a shutoff, have to pay the fees to get things turned back on.โ€ย 

Both Entergy Mississippi and Mississippi Power raised retail rates in response to the natural gas price hike, increasing the average monthly bill $7.81 and $5.27, respectively, WLBT reported.ย 

Bailey and Lee both called for improving the state’s energy efficiency standards to reduce people’s power bills.ย 

โ€œAs far as a statewide basis, we don’t have a minimum construction code built around efficient construction in housing, which is something I think needs strong consideration,โ€ Bailey said.ย 

While some have their own measures, Mississippi has no uniform energy efficiency standards for construction like many states do, he explained. He added that landlords lack incentives to make those changes.ย 

โ€œWhat is the motivation of a landlord to invest in weatherization upgrades if they’re still getting the same price for that rental?โ€ he said.

The PSC-regulated utilities, such as Entergy Mississippi, Mississippi Power, and Atmos, all offer programs to encourage efficiency, such as rebates for replacing old appliances or in-person audits to check for things like insulation.ย ย 

Lee said those measures have a limited reach.ย 

โ€œThe way that the programs are currently administered don’t have any energy reduction targets for utilities,โ€ she said. โ€œThere’s no metrics to track how they’re improving efficiency overall.โ€

A scorecard of energy efficiency policies, put together by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient , ranked Mississippi 48th in the country in 2020.

Even after accounting for the differences in weather, home age and home size, low-income homes in Mississippi, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Arkansas use 36% more electricity than those in other states, according to the DOE.

โ€œThat’s to me showing that our housing stock has a significant need for upgrades that they’re not getting because we’re not investing in it enough,โ€ Lee said.ย 

As part of new from the Infrastructure Investment and Act, Mississippi received over $28 million to implement its Weatherization Assistance Program, which provides funding for installing insulation, updating appliances and other efficiency measures through the Mississippi Department of Human Services.ย 

This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Mississippi News

Cloudy and humid weekend – Home – WCBI TV

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www.wcbi.com – Sadie Morris – 2024-11-02 10:13:00

SUMMARY: In Columbus, Mississippi, humid and cloudy weather is expected, with temperatures remaining above average in the lower 80s for the upcoming . Rain is forecasted for Election Day on Tuesday, continuing into the week with isolated showers likely. This Saturday will see patchy fog in the morning, clearing by midday, with a high around 80 degrees. Sunday will bring similar humidity, with a high in the lower 80s and mild overnight lows in the mid-60s. Throughout the week, expect persistent clouds and humidity alongside mild temperatures.

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Mississippi News

Sports Zone Saturday: A must-win weekend for Mississippi's college football teams

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www.wjtv.com – Blake Levine – 2024-11-02 09:43:00

SUMMARY: College football is back in Mississippi for the 2024 season, with a lineup of exciting games this Saturday. The Zone team will special coverage from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on . Notable matchups include No. 19 visiting Arkansas at 11:00 a.m. CT on ESPN, while Mississippi celebrates Homecoming against UMass at 3:15 p.m. CT on the SEC Network. State UAPB for their Homecoming at 2:00 p.m. CT on ESPN+, and Alcorn State travels to face Alabama State at 4:00 p.m. CT on ESPN+. Southern Miss has a bye .

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Mississippi News

Danver’s celebrates forty seven years of continued success

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www.wcbi.com – Allie Martin – 2024-11-01 19:01:00

SUMMARY: Danver’s restaurant in , Mississippi, recently celebrated its 47th anniversary, maintaining a loyal customer base since its opening in 1977. General Larry Wade, who started as a cook, emphasized the restaurant’s focus on consistency, quality, and customer service. Despite economic challenges, Danver’s has thrived due to its enduring values and community connections, which patrons appreciate. Regular customers, like Tom Robinson, value the reasonable prices and consistent quality. The restaurant aims to continue this legacy, looking forward to its 50th anniversary in three years as it remains a cherished community staple.

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