Below is a press release from the Mississippi Public Service Commission:
The newly adopted rules include policies that look to increase distributed generation facilities, enhancing grid reliability and economic development, in addition to improving access to solar for low and middle income residents.
The Mississippi Public Service Commission, in a bipartisan vote, approved amendments to the former Net Metering and Interconnection Rules, now referred to as the “Mississippi Distributed Generation Rules”.
“The amended Rules will provide Mississippi customers of investor-owned utilities with the option to invest in their own ability to self-supply and interconnect with the grid, increasing sustainable energy adoption,” Commissioner Brent Bailey said. “The Rules also make Mississippi open to business for clean energy technology developers, manufacturers, and installers, which will create countless good paying jobs in the industry. These Rules not only drive economic growth but will also have a positive impact within our school districts. We have seen substantial support from our school districts across the Central District as they recognize the positive impact this can have on their budgets.”
In addition to these amendments to the Rules themselves, the Order sets forth provisions instructing the utilities to make separate filings for the approval of Solar-for-Schools programs and up-front incentives for distributed generation systems. For the 85 school districts who are eligible to participate, this initiative will give them an opportunity to grow their energy savings, reinvest in academic programs, and make students aware of these new technologies.
“We are seeing a transition across the nation, from coast to coast, as we embrace the benefits of developing a diversified market for energy. The new Rules provide customer incentive programs that reduce risks, reduce energy consumption, and puts money back into customers’ pockets, while at the same time diversifying the energy fleet in the state, resulting in a more resilient, reliable, and affordable power system.”
