PSC Adopts Presley’s Rule To Limit Private Jet Expense By Corporate Utilities

Jackson, Mississippi (July 7, 2011) – Today Northern District Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley proposed a rule that would prohibit corporate utilities from passing along private jet expense to consumers through rates.  “Corporate utilities should not be able to pass along costs of flying around on private jets to their customers,” stated Presley.“Mississippi customers shouldn’t have to pay for lavish jet-setting by corporations.  If they want luxurious jets to fly around in, their stockholders and profits should pay for it – not consumers.”  The proposed rule would limit any costs passed on to customers to only those which are at coach rate on commercial airlines and supported by both documentation and justification. In a recent case, the Public Service Commission denied a request by Mississippi Power Company for the inclusion of $900,000 in corporate jet expense to be passed on to customers. The Public Service Commission unanimously adopted Presley’s proposed rule and set a hearing on the matter for September 8, 2011