Understanding your Mississippi Power rate per kWh is essential for managing your electricity costs. Mississippi Power uses a tiered rate structure where the cost per kWh increases as you use more electricity, with additional seasonal variations that affect your effective rate throughout the year.
The average Mississippi Power customer pays approximately 11.0¢ per kWh when all charges are included, though this can range from about 8.5¢ to 13.5¢ depending on usage level, season, and current fuel costs.
Current Rate Structure (R-61)
Mississippi Power's standard residential rate schedule (R-61) uses a three-tier structure with seasonal variations:
| Usage Tier | Summer | Shoulder | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| First 650 kWh | 4.704¢ | 4.704¢ | 4.704¢ |
| Next 350 kWh | 7.799¢ | 5.831¢ | 6.061¢ |
| Over 1,000 kWh | 8.294¢ | 5.831¢ | 6.061¢ |
Note: These are base energy rates only. Fuel costs and other charges are added to determine your total effective rate.
Monthly Service Charge
In addition to energy charges, Mississippi Power charges a daily base charge of $1.60 for single-phase service (about $48/month). This charge covers the cost of maintaining your connection to the grid and is charged regardless of how much electricity you use.
Understanding this fixed charge is important because it means even if you use very little electricity, you'll still have a minimum bill of around $50 per month.
How Mississippi Compares
Mississippi's average residential electricity rate of approximately 13.75¢/kWh is slightly below the national average of about 18¢/kWh. However, rates vary significantly by utility and region within the state.
Mississippi Power's rates are generally competitive within the state, though customers in the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) service area in northern Mississippi may see different rate structures. The tiered structure rewards conservation, as keeping usage below 650 kWh results in the lowest effective rate.
Calculating Your Effective Rate
To calculate your effective rate, divide your total bill amount by your total kWh usage. This gives you a single number that includes all charges—base rates, fuel costs, taxes, and fees.
For example, if your bill is $150 and you used 1,200 kWh, your effective rate is 12.5¢/kWh. Tracking this number over time helps you understand how rate changes and usage patterns affect your costs.