The Clarion-Ledger Editorial, 1/12/9
Mississippi electric utility customers in central Mississippi had the shock of a 28 percent increase from Entergy based on the adjustment allowed for the cost of fuel.
It since has dropped 14 percent, but it highlighted attention on the process that allows public utilities to adjust rates dramatically due to fuel costs.
It also brought scrutiny on how Entergy arrives at those numbers.
State Attorney General Jim Hood has sued Entergy and its subsidiaries, claiming the companies manipulated the sale of electricity to maximize profits. The state Public Service Commission also is investigating.
Entergy denies the allegations that it improperly manipulated the process to make more money. It had resisted turning over documents and has filed a measure to move the matter to other venues than local courts.