Thursday, March 30, 2023

Keeping DC out of our Energy Business

The Mississippi Energy Institute sponsored and authored this post. 


Federal energy policy has reached a record level of bad, making state level policy evermore important. Kudos to the Legislature and Governor Reeves for taking action this year choosing state level electric utility regulation over federal control. SB 2341, authored by Senator Joel Carter, did just that on a fairly narrow issue of interstate electric transmission construction where MS electric customer rates may be impacted. The measure passed with near unanimous votes in each chamber.

While U.S. energy policy has long been somewhat incoherent, today's national energy policy for the workhorse of our economy - the electric grid - is the worst it's ever been. Essentially, policies being pushed out of DC are to aggressively build only intermittent sources of energy (solar and wind), shut down baseload coal plants, decrease supply of natural gas, have no baseload nuclear energy policy to replace old retiring nuclear plants, and subsidize the increased electrification of vehicles and appliances. This is a recipe for high prices and blackouts, which have begun in places. Even in the midst of severe economic consequences, some states, like California and New York, continue to double down on anti-fossil fuel policies. Consequences will likely worsen in the form of unaffordable energy and supply disruptions. 

Regulation is critical in the energy sector to balance standards, fairness and long-term health of complex systems.While not perfect, in Mississippi, we've managed through many years to regulate energy production and delivery to consumers far more efficiently than the political appointees in DC and, comparatively, better than most all other states.. Importantly, energy utility regulators in MS are elected to ensure customers today and years from now are getting what they want from their energy providers - affordable, reliable energy. 

It's not in the interest of MS businesses and households to turn over any energy regulation to federal agencies with foolish agendas. Thanks to our policymakers here, both Republicans and Democrats, for recognizing that. While energy policies have been corrupted by politics in DC, energy issues have stayed out of the fray in MS and other like states. As long as we stay that way and keep DC out of our energy business, MS should continue to get good policy outcomes for affordable, reliable energy. 

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I find this news electrifying. There is a spark of hope in the Capitol.

Anonymous said...

I guess this is the logic behind Mr. Brown's PSC District Commissioner campaign ads on Supertalk.

I had failed to understand why the ad (on Supertalk all day long) would be about Joe Biden, liberal political correctness and keeping DC out of Mississippi.

Anonymous said...

We need to lure Disney to relocate from big-government and expanding state control to a much more business friendly state like Mississippi.

I'm just surprised that places like California and New York continue to keep businesses (entertainment, banking and financial) in such overly controlling state and local government environments. There's plenty of office space in downtown Jackson that could easily hold Citi, 20th Century Fox, and Chase, among others.

Anonymous said...

The longer we hang on to old technology and refuse to adapt, the further we fall behind. We are dead last for a reason. Texas manages their own grid and haven’t faired well.

Anonymous said...

@12:00 You are absolutely correct. There is zero government control in the City of Jackson - rampant crime, failing streets, bridges, water, sewer, etc. It is the perfect example of what you can achieve when you get government out of your business.

Anonymous said...

Translation:
The tiny groups of well connected individuals at energy co-ops want to keep our six figure salaries and government subsidies, but don’t want any accountability!

Anonymous said...

!2:00 --You're joking -- right? First, the companies aren't going to move to a city with out-of-control crime, a water crisis that is under federal court supervision, sewage running on streets and in the river, a school system that turns out graduates who can't read, on and on an don. Face it, we're worse than many third world counties. And our work force -- don't even go there. Our buildings are a joke and do you really think the executives would move to this crap hole after living in New York? OH, BUT WE HAVE AN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT... SORT OF. Frequented by puddle jumpers going to Dallas or Atlanta. I could go on, but it's not worth the effort. By the way, have you visited the zoo lately? It's one of our finer attractions...and a disgrace.

Anonymous said...

!2:00 --You're joking -- right? First, the companies aren't going to move to a city with out-of-control crime, a water crisis that is under federal court supervision, sewage running on streets and in the river, a school system that turns out graduates who can't read, on and on an don. Face it, we're worse than many third world counties. And our work force -- don't even go there. Our buildings are a joke and do you really think the executives would move to this crap hole after living in New York? OH, BUT WE HAVE AN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT... SORT OF. Frequented by puddle jumpers going to Dallas or Atlanta. I could go on, but it's not worth the effort. By the way, have you visited the zoo lately? It's one of our finer attractions...and a disgrace.

Anonymous said...

1:42/2:10 the problem is Mississippi not Jackson.

Anonymous said...

12:00 - Turn that cap around, cuz. 90% of the states don't have those corporate headquarters.

And you thought Mississippi is the only one.

Anonymous said...

There is zero government control in the City of Jackson - rampant crime, failing streets, bridges, water, sewer, etc. It is the perfect example of what you can achieve when you get government out of your business.

Jackson is the poster child for what happens when government abandons it's true purpose in favor of wokeness - a convenient disguise for corruption.

The fundamental role of government is provide a system (funded by taxes and staffed by elected representatives) to ensure basic collective services for communities such as... roads, bridges, law enforcement, water, sanitation, and national defense. Citizens have no way to effectively organize or fund those individually.

Jackson's mayor, and some of his bootlicker councilpersons, have no care for that concept and are only concerned with promoting and enriching themselves, even at the expense of the citizenry. I live here and I know. It's hard to accept that 'someone' is so callous as to purposefully conceal and allow the distribution of unclean drinking water and offer poor or no sanitation, but 'someone' has done that, and is continuing to do that. For money.

See also: New Orleans, Mexico, et al.



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Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


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Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

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