Mississippi House Bill HB1753

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/15/22
• Refer: 3/15/22
• Failed: 4/5/22

Caption

City of New Albany; authorize to possess same powers as a rural EPA and to enter into certain interlocal agreements.

Impact

This bill facilitates the City of New Albany Light, Gas and Water's ability to provide essential utility services. The proposed powers are expected to benefit the residents by allowing for better resource management and service delivery, particularly for unserved customers. Furthermore, the city would be able to extend some of its services beyond its municipal boundaries to one third of its operational capacity, thus potentially increasing accessibility to services in nearby areas.

Summary

House Bill 1753, proposed by Representative Creekmore IV, aims to empower the governing authorities of the City of New Albany, Mississippi, to possess the same powers as a corporation formed under the Electric Power Association Law. This legislative action enables the city to enter into interlocal agreements with adjacent public utilities, enhancing its capacity to serve the community effectively. The primary objective of this bill is to address the significant customer density in New Albany, which is reported to have a density of fourteen or more customers per mile, one of the highest in Northeast Mississippi.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1753 may revolve around the implications of expanding municipal authority and its impact on existing relationships with adjacent utilities. While proponents argue that the bill will enhance service delivery and efficiency, critics may raise concerns about potential overreach in municipal powers and the implications for competition among utility providers. Another potential point of contention could be the prioritization of service provision within the jurisdiction, which raises questions about equity and accessibility for all residents.