Gulfport, Miss. - Mississippi Power on Monday filed a multi-party settlement agreement with the Mississippi Public Service Commission.  The agreement would not raise customers’ rates to pay for the costs of the natural gas plant in Kemper County, which has been providing customers with electricity since 2014.

The filing from Mississippi Power fully complies with the Commission’s directives to settle the Kemper issue – including no rate increase to customers. Mississippi Power’s settlement agreement includes:

• The removal of risk to our customers for the gasifier and related assets.
• No rate increase to customers.
• Operation of Kemper as a natural gas facility.

“The company believes this is a fair resolution that will make sure customers are not subjected to a rate increase related to the Kemper gasifier,” said Mississippi Power Chairman, President and CEO Anthony L. Wilson. “It is unfortunate that some parties are more interested in proposals that could decrease the strength of the company and place our operations at risk. We stand ready to continue discussions with other parties on this settlement to reach an equitable solution for all.”

The terms of the multi-party settlement agreement that was filed on Monday ensure the company will maintain the trusted, reliable service that customers expect. Mississippi Power and Southern Company have paid more than $6 billion in costs for the remainder of the project. These costs will not be charged to customers.

The settlement must be approved by the Public Service Commission. Without an agreement and its approval to provide for stable customer rates for the Kemper natural gas plant, it is unclear if the company can continue the same level of service and community involvement it has in the past.