Entergy Mississippi and Mississippi Power Company have been reimbursed by customers for more than $3.1 million in charitable contributions to schools, colleges, civic organizations and businesses over the past three years, according to public records. These regulated public utilities plan to recoup even more in 2010.
Credit for donations to entities such as Boy & Girls Clubs, cities, museums, private and public schools and universities, neighborhood associations, Junior Auxiliary chapters, state agencies, chambers of commerce, theater and arts associations and more have gone to Entergy and Mississippi Power, when the majority of the tab was picked up by customers.
State law allows public utilities to recover charitable contributions that were made “in the public interest” in rate base, provided the donations are approved by the Mississippi Public Service Commission.
Other Southern states, such as Alabama, Arkansas, Florida and Georgia, do not allow this practice. Louisiana does.
Many ratepayers are unaware that the Mississippi Public Service Commission, and its counterpart the Public Utilities Staff, allow utilities to donate ratepayer money.
MBJ
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