Mississippi Power Co. officials will meet before the Mississippi Public Service Commission this week for key hearings on whether or not the proposed lignite coal gasification plant in Kemper County is needed.
This should be a no-brainer for the PSC. While there is no doubt the plant would be an economic windfall for a region in much need of a boost, the need goes well beyond that.
The project's naysayers point to the cost of the project —more than $2.2 billion — and the up-front financing. They argue about the increased rates. What they fail to mention is the fact that without the plant, rates will still go up ... and likely much more in the long run without it.
For starters, if the PSC decides to kill the project, Mississippi Power will have to spend at least $1 billion to refurbish older plants that are better off retired. The reason: stricter federal regulations. Secondly, and probably most importantly for ratepayers, without the plant the utility would have to rely more heavily on the volatile natural gas commodity for generation. They will make rates unstable at best and much higher at worst.
"It would basically be irresponsible," said Anthony Topazi, president and chief executive officer of Mississippi Power. "(Lignite gasification plant) is the best option for our customers."
The best thing about the prized resource in Kemper County: it's cheap and it's a stable commodity. The utility will be leveraging a resource that's under the soil in rural Kemper County, not on a highly unpredictable commodity like natural gas that's subject to the market.
Anything to reduce the company's reliance on gas is a good thing. Furthermore, we believe the company's new technology will be a win-win for customers, the economy and, ultimately, the state.
Editorials
Kemper County plant decision a no-brainer
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- A tiny little straight line fracture – the show must go on!
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Fruits of investments becoming evident
Investments by Mississippi State University and the Riley Foundation continue to breathe life into downtown Meridian.
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Questionable decision by outgoing governor
When former Gov. Haley Barbour left office last week he was supposed to enjoy a comfortable legacy as one of Mississippi's most popular governors.
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Election day is right around the corner
Tuesday will be here before you know it.
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East Miss. welcomes new plant with open arms
If you haven't driven north of the Lauderdale County line on Highway 493 into Kemper County lately you need to.
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The public deserves answers
Sometimes in life we drive down the same road in the wrong direction for miles, too stubborn to admit we need to change course or turn around. Doing so, we believe, will only serve to make our passengers question our ability to drive. They should just trust us.
- Today’s Need – $1,662.89
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Article 13 removal needs revisiting
A down economy is never easy on anyone, especially businesses and their employees.
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