Your Mississippi Power bill contains several different charges that together make up your total amount due. Understanding each component helps you identify where your money goes and spot any potential issues with your bill.
This guide walks through each section of a typical Mississippi Power residential bill, explaining what each charge means and how it's calculated.
Account Information Section
The top of your bill shows your account details including your account number, service address, and billing period dates. Pay attention to the billing period—it's typically around 30 days but can vary, which affects your total charges.
This section also shows your meter number and the current and previous meter readings used to calculate your usage. If you see "EST" next to a reading, it means your meter was estimated rather than actually read that month.
Energy Charges Breakdown
The energy charges section shows how much you're paying for the electricity you used. Mississippi Power breaks this down by tier:
- Base Charge: A daily charge (about $1.60/day) for maintaining your connection
- First 650 kWh: Your lowest-cost electricity at the first-tier rate
- Next 350 kWh: Second-tier rate for usage between 651-1,000 kWh
- Over 1,000 kWh: Highest-tier rate for usage above 1,000 kWh
The rates for each tier vary by season, with summer rates being the highest.
Fuel Cost Recovery
The fuel cost recovery charge covers the cost of natural gas, coal, and other fuels used to generate your electricity. This is a pass-through charge that varies based on actual fuel market prices.
This charge is typically shown as a separate line item and is calculated by multiplying your total kWh usage by the current fuel rate. Learn more about how fuel charges work.
Taxes and Fees
The final section of your bill includes various taxes and regulatory fees:
- State sales tax: Mississippi charges sales tax on electricity
- Municipal fees: Some cities add local franchise fees
- Regulatory assessments: Small charges to fund state utility regulation
These charges are typically a small percentage of your total bill but add up over time.
Reviewing Your Bill for Errors
When reviewing your bill, check these common areas for potential errors:
- Verify the meter reading matches your actual meter (if accessible)
- Confirm the billing period length is approximately 30 days
- Check that you're on the correct rate schedule (R-61 for most residential)
- Compare your usage to the same month last year for context
If something looks wrong, contact Mississippi Power customer service or use our bill verification tool for an independent check.