PSC Gives Solar Power Foothold in State

JACKSON, Miss. – Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley says that in a groundbreaking move last week, the Public Service Commission approved three separate solar power projects to be constructed by Entergy in Mississippi, ushering in the first utility-sponsored solar projects in the state.

The solar projects, slated to be constructed in Senatobia, Jackson and Brookhaven, will each be able to generate approximately 500kW of electric power and are part of a Commission-approved solar energy pilot program by Entergy designed to collect data on solar energy in Mississippi. Entergy will contract with a Hattiesburg manufacturing facility, Stion Corporation, to install the facilities.

“I am extremely proud that we have taken these first steps to make solar energy a reality in Mississippi. These projects are a great start to making sure we harness our natural resources to be more energy independent. I am committed to making sure the Public Service Commission is door-opener and not a gate-keeper when it comes to the production of solar energy in Mississippi.” Presley said. “Even better, we are using Mississippi products, made by Mississippians to produce this electricity.”

In a second similar project, the Commission has given the green light to construction of a solar farm in Chickasaw County. The joint project between Chickasaw County and Phoenix Solar will be a 30 acre site near Okolona capable of producing enough power for 300 homes by way of 9,804 solar panels.