Northern District Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley stood inside Old 82 restaurant in Columbus on Thursday to announce $1.2 million in savings generated by commission agreements with state utility providers.
“This is the most successful small-business rate program, instituted by a public service commission, anywhere in America,” Presley said. “The latest numbers show that 2,820 small businesses throughout Mississippi have saved over $1.2 million in up front startup costs, whether that be waiving the deposit or a discount on their utility rates for the first year or two.”
The small-business rate program began four years ago.
When Mark Eakes opened Old 82 on the corner of Main Street in Catfish Alley in January, he was able to take advantage of the savings. Old 82 had its deposit waved and 25 percent discount on first year’s gas bill through Atmos Energy.
“Early on, being an new, upstart business, that really did a lot for us, ” Eakes, who is also the head chef at Old 82, said. “Extra money going into advertising. We were able to bring our price point down for the initial opening, hire more staff early to have tickets coming out to our guests fast.”
Presley said the purpose of the program was to extend some of the benefits offered to large companies to those who will remain in Mississippi.
“Really, we designed this four years ago to help businesses like Mark’s business,” Presley said. “Those who open up in Main Street, those who open up in Mississippi towns, who hire Mississippians, who don’t pack up and go to China, who don’t go to Mexico when things get bad.”
Atmos Energy accounts represent approximately half of the savings achieved through the program.
William Senter, Atmos division vice president of rates and regulatory affairs, said the incentives given out to small companies ultimately help Atmos. “We serve communities,” Senter said. “When our communities grow, we grow.”
Presley said he would like to see even more utility providers announce these incentives to their customers throughout the state.
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