By Randy Smith
When you open your electric bill each month, you probably think what most of us think: I hope it's not too high. That's understandable—nobody wants to pay more than they have to. But when we talk about price, it's important to also talk about- and understand- what you’re actually paying for.
Electricity is one of the few things in life we expect to be available 24/7—without fail. You flip a switch, and the lights come on. Your fridge hums along. Your air conditioning keeps you cool during the hot Mississippi summers. That kind of reliability doesn’t happen by accident. It takes people, planning, and investment in materials and technology—all of which have increased in cost, especially since COVID-19 disrupted global supply chains.
At the same time, the way we use electricity has changed drastically over the last 10-15 years. We’re using electricity in ways we never imagined just a few decades ago. More demand means more responsibility to ensure our system can handle the load.
So, when we talk about the cost of electricity, we have to consider more than just the cost to produce electricity. We also have to ask ourselves: Are we doing everything we can to keep your power reliable? Because when it comes down to it, no one wants a lower bill if it comes at the cost of unreliable service.
That brings us to the idea of “affordability.” It’s a word we hear a lot, but the truth is, affordability looks different to everyone. What feels affordable to one household may be a stretch for another. That’s why we try to avoid using the word “affordable” as a blanket term when it comes to rates. Instead, we focus on “reasonable and reliable.”
Even with all the changes and challenges in recent years, the value of electricity remains relatively cost-stable. Although inflation has led to increasing costs in many areas of our lives, the cost of powering your home rises more slowly when compared to other common goods.
We know your power bill is personal. That’s why we work hard every day to balance reliability with cost, and to serve you with rates that are fair and sustainable.
Because at the end of the day, you count on us, and we don’t take that for granted.