If your Mississippi Power bill seems unusually high or something doesn't look right, it's worth taking a few minutes to verify the charges. While billing errors are uncommon, they do happen, and catching them early can save you money and frustration.
This guide walks you through how to check your bill for accuracy and what to do if you find a problem.
Check Your Meter Reading
The first step in verifying your bill is confirming the meter reading. If you have access to your meter, compare the reading shown on your bill to the actual meter display.
- Digital meters: Display the reading directly; note all digits
- Dial meters: Read each dial from left to right; use the lower number if the pointer is between two numbers
If the bill shows a reading significantly different from your meter, contact Mississippi Power immediately. A misread meter can result in substantial billing errors.
Verify the Rate Calculation
Once you've confirmed the usage is correct, verify that the charges are calculated properly:
- Check that you're on the correct rate schedule (R-61 for most residential)
- Verify the seasonal rates match the billing period (summer, shoulder, or winter)
- Recalculate the tiered charges using your usage and current rates
- Confirm the fuel cost recovery matches your total kWh × current fuel rate
Small discrepancies (a few cents) are usually due to rounding. Larger discrepancies warrant further investigation.
Compare to Previous Bills
Context helps identify anomalies. Compare your current bill to:
- Same month last year: Similar weather and seasonal patterns
- Previous month: Look for unusual jumps
- 12-month average: Understand your typical range
A bill that's 50% higher than the same month last year—with no changes in household size, appliances, or behavior—may indicate an issue worth investigating.
Calculate Your Effective Rate
Your effective rate (total bill ÷ total kWh) should fall within a reasonable range for Mississippi Power customers. Currently, most residential customers see effective rates between 8.5¢ and 13.5¢ per kWh.
If your effective rate is significantly outside this range, it could indicate a billing error, an incorrect rate schedule, or unusual circumstances that warrant review.
What to Do If You Find an Error
If you believe there's an error on your bill:
- Document everything: Note the discrepancy and your calculations
- Contact Mississippi Power: Call customer service or visit a local office
- Request a review: Ask for a formal bill review or meter test
- Pay undisputed amount: To avoid late fees, pay the portion you don't dispute while the issue is resolved
Mississippi Power is required to investigate billing disputes and correct any errors found. You may also file a complaint with the Mississippi Public Service Commission if you're not satisfied with the resolution.