Gulfport, Miss. – Mississippi Power today filed to extend and enhance its business incentive plan, which is aimed at helping business customers temporarily reduce their energy rates to spur development and job growth.

Mississippi Power’s Business Incentive Plan will continue to help new and established businesses move forward in their expansion plans through the redevelopment of existing or vacant buildings. The company is excited to offer these incentives to advance the Public Service Commission’s strategy of stimulating job creation and significant economic growth in our state.

“With small businesses comprising nearly half of all private-sector employment, it’s critical to continue incentives that foster new development and expansion,” said Mississippi Power Marketing and Sales Director David Buckner. “Many downtown areas in the communities we serve are poised for an economic recovery, and we’re proud to be part of the job-creation solution.”

Mississippi Power’s Business Incentive Plan can be broken down into three parts:

Small Business Redevelopment:
• A two-year discount of 20 percent on base rates for locating in existing commercial space that has been vacant for at least six months with operable HVAC (15 percent discount if upgrades are needed)
• Requires the creation of two full-time jobs and a two-year contract signed before January 1, 2014

Small Business Expansion:
• A two-year discount of 15 percent on incremental base rates for existing small businesses adding at least 5 kilowatts to their current energy usage
• Additional five percent discount with a net increase of at least three full-time jobs above their highest level of employment
• Requires a two-year contract signed before January 1, 2014

Large Business Redevelopment:
• A three-year declining discount of 20 percent, 15 percent and 10 percent on base rates for locating in existing commercial/industrial space that has been vacant for at least six months
• Requires the creation of 20 full-time jobs and a five-year contract signed before January 1, 2014

Since the inception of the company, Mississippi Power has proactively worked with economic development agencies including, local and statewide Main Street associations, to assist new and established businesses grow and succeed.

“Mississippi Power has been helping our communities grow and prosper for 88 years,” said Mississippi Power Economic and Community Development Director Arnie Williams. “These incentives play an important part in the revitalization of both downtown areas and industrial development.”

To apply and learn more about the incentive program, customers can contact the Business Service Center at 1-877-656-1836 or visit mississippipower.com.

Mississippi Power, a Southern Company subsidiary, serves approximately 186,000 customers in 23 southeast Mississippi counties with rates well below the national average.

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