Gulfport, Miss. – The Mississippi Public Service Commission today approved Mississippi Power’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure filing which will allow for installation of advanced meters for residential and some commercial customers.

“AMI will allow Mississippi Power to serve our customers more efficiently from an operational standpoint, which in turn increases the value we provide to the communities we serve,” Vice President of Customer Services Organization Nicole Faulk said. “This technology, and our partnership with Itron, will benefit our customers in many ways. From real-time usage reporting to remote connect and disconnect and more, we will be installing meters that will help us enhance our customer’s experience and prepare for emerging smart grid applications.”

The company expects that it will take approximately 24 months to implement AMI technology across the entire service area once the process begins. A capital investment of approximately $39 million is required to complete the project.

After installation is complete, the company will read all meters remotely, eliminating manual steps, including downloading route and uploading meter results.

Itron, a world leading technology services company dedicated to the resourceful use of energy and water, was selected as the project’s technology vendor.

“With a more reliable, cost effective and efficient grid, Mississippi Power can better serve its customers, improve operational efficiencies and increase grid reliability. We look forward to working with Mississippi Power to modernize its grid and lay the foundation for smart grid applications,” said Mark de Vere White, president of Itron’s Electricity business line.

The company is expected to begin installation in the Coast, Pine Belt and Meridian divisions later this year.

About Mississippi Power

Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), produces safe, reliable and environmentally responsible energy for more than 187,000 customers in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. With nearly 160 megawatts of approved solar energy capacity, Mississippi Power is the largest renewable energy partner in the state. Visit our websites at mississippipower.com and mississippipowernews.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and YouTube.

About Itron

Itron is a world-leading technology and services company dedicated to the resourceful use of energy and water. We provide comprehensive solutions that measure, manage and analyze energy and water. Our broad product portfolio includes electricity, gas, water and thermal energy measurement devices and control technology; communications systems; software; as well as managed and consulting services. With thousands of employees supporting nearly 8,000 customers in more than 100 countries, Itron applies knowledge and technology to better manage energy and water resources. Together, we can create a more resourceful world. Join us: www.itron.com.

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