Large Ticket Energy Users Paying "Fair Share" - says Commissioner
Mississippi Public Service Commissioner De'Keither Stamps publicly challenged language used by a colleague at the commission's Oct. 7 open meeting, saying large electricity users already pay their share of costs.
The remarks came during commissioner discussion that followed comments from Commissioner Wayne Carr, who had urged utilities to make sure new large customers cover the cost of facilities built to serve them. Stamps said he wanted clarity in how the issue is described publicly. "My goal is to lead and not mislead," Stamps said, according to meeting audio. He added that "large ticket users are paying their fair share in Mississippi. Period," and said that as a regulator he would "require" fair payment from large customers rather than merely "advocate" for it.
The exchange was not framed by either commissioner as a formal vote or rule change but took place as part of commissioners' public remarks during the meeting.
The disagreement highlights how Mississippi's elected utility regulators are discussing the cost burden tied to large electricity users, including the kind of big industrial and data-center loads increasingly seeking service in the state. A public split between sitting commissioners over whether such customers already pay adequately shapes how that debate is presented to ratepayers going forward.