On February 18, 2026, the Mississippi Public Utility Regulation Board made the decision to approve a rate increase for electrical services provided by the state's largest utility companies. The decision comes after months of deliberation and public hearings regarding the need for additional revenue to support infrastructure upgrades and maintenance.The rate increase, which will go into effect on April 1, 2026, will result in an average monthly increase of $15 for residential customers. Commercial and industrial customers can expect to see a slightly higher increase, with rates going up by an average of 10% across the board.In a statement released following the board's decision, Board Chairman John Smith emphasized the necessity of the rate increase in order to ensure the reliability and safety of the state's electrical grid. He stated, "While we understand that any increase in rates is difficult for customers, it is critical that we invest in our infrastructure to prevent future outages and ensure that our state has a reliable source of electricity."Despite the approval of the rate increase, the Board also announced several initiatives aimed at providing relief for low-income customers. These initiatives include an expansion of the state's energy assistance program and a freeze on rates for customers below the poverty line.The decision to approve the rate increase was met with mixed reactions from the public. While some consumer advocacy groups criticized the Board for burdening customers with higher costs, others praised the decision as a necessary step to modernize the state's electrical grid.Overall, the rate increase approved by the Mississippi Public Utility Regulation Board is expected to generate approximately $100 million in additional revenue for the state's utility companies. This revenue will be used to fund critical infrastructure projects and improve the overall reliability of the state's electrical system.