PSC: Doesn’t Miss. elect ‘consumer advocates?’

The Clarion-Ledger Editorial, 12/19/8

A survey by the AARP shows overwhelming support for a law to create a consumer advocacy office to represent Mississippians when utility companies ask for raise hikes.

Members of the state Public Service Commission seem agreeable to the idea. Commissioner Brandon Presley said it would keep consumers’ voices where they can be heard.

Commission Chairman Leonard Bentz pointed out that more funding would be needed to hire someone with legal and accounting experience for such a post.

He estimated a salary higher than the $78,000 commissioners earn. AARP said a 50-cent hike on ratepayers’ monthly bills could generate money for the office.