GULFPORT, Miss., May 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Mississippi Power is expanding its renewable generation portfolio with an agreement to team on another utility-scale solar electric generating farm, this time with solar provider Origis Energy.

The company, and Origis, are working to develop a 52 MW solar project on 485 acres in Sumrall, Miss. pending approval by the Mississippi Public Service Commission.

"Adding a third renewable project continues the company's commitment to having a diverse generation portfolio to help keep rates affordable for our customers," said President and CEO Ed Holland. "This cost-effective, utility-scale solar energy project once again places the company at the forefront of the state's energy economy."

Mississippi Power will receive all of the energy and associated renewable energy credits generated by these projects, which it may use to serve its customers with renewable energy, use for future renewable energy programs, or sell at wholesale to third parties.

"Origis is honored to team up with Mississippi Power on this utility-scale solar project," said Origis Energy President Guy Vanderhaegen. "Our team has received great support with the development of this project, and we're excited about its possibilities."

This announcement comes on the heels of an April 23 agreement with two solar companies and the U.S. Navy to build utility-scale solar electric generating farms at two different locations in the company's service territory. Combined at 105 MW, these projects would represent the largest solar installations in Mississippi.

Mississippi Power is partnering with Strata Solar on a 450-acre, 50 MW electric solar generating station to be located at Hattiesburg-Forrest County Industrial Park in Hattiesburg, and with the U.S. Navy and Hannah Solar on a 23-acre, 3-4 MW facility at the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport.

As an intermittent energy resource, the solar facilities will not replace Mississippi Power's generating plants, but will have the capability to provide energy that will help diversify the company's generation portfolio.

If approved by the Mississippi Public Service Commission, the projects could be in service near the end of 2016.

Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), produces safe, reliable and environmentally responsible energy for more than 186,000 customers in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. Recognized throughout the utility industry for excellence in storm restoration and recovery efforts, Mississippi Power is the 2013 winner of the Edison Electric Institute's Emergency Assistance Award. As a leader in safety, Mississippi Power ranked first in the 2013 Southeastern Electric Exchange (SEE) Safety Performance Reports. Visit our websites at mississippipower.com and mississippipowernews.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and YouTube.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:
Certain information contained in this communication is forward-looking information based on current expectations and plans that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information includes, among other things, statements concerning the development, construction, and subsequent operation of the solar projects currently in development by Mississippi Power Company. Mississippi Power Company cautions that there are certain factors that can cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information that has been provided. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is not a guarantee of future performance and is subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Mississippi Power Company; accordingly, there can be no assurance that such suggested results will be realized. The following factors, in addition to those discussed in Mississippi Power Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, and subsequent securities filings, could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations as suggested by such forward-looking information: the ability to control costs and avoid cost overruns during the development and construction of generating facilities, to construct facilities in accordance with the requirements of permits and licenses, to satisfy any operational and environmental performance standards, including the requirements of tax credits and other incentives, and to integrate facilities into the Southern Company system upon completion of construction; and potential business strategies, including acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses, which cannot be assured to be completed or beneficial to Mississippi Power Company. Mississippi Power Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information.

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SOURCE Mississippi Power