Electric Company Options In Mississippi: Who Powers My Home?

who is my electric company mississippi

Mississippi has several electric companies serving its residents. These include the East Mississippi Electric Power Association (EMEPA), which is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperative serving parts of East Mississippi, and the North East Mississippi Electric Power Association, which serves 920 square miles, including parts of Lafayette, Marshall, Union, Pontotoc, and Benton counties.

Characteristics Values
Name East Mississippi Electric Power Association
Type Not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperative
Services Outage reporting, energy savings tips, billing and payment options, storm and outage center, electrical safety, generator safety, community initiatives
Service Area North East Mississippi Electric Power Association serves 920-square-miles, including parts of Lafayette, Marshall, Union, Pontotoc, and Benton counties

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East Mississippi Electric Power Association

EMEPA serves a large area of East Mississippi, including parts of Lafayette, Marshall, Union, Pontotoc, and Benton counties. The company offers a range of services, including new service starts and stops, payment and billing options, and rates, fees, and charges information. They also provide a member portal and account services, allowing customers to manage their accounts and access various resources.

EMEPA has a strong focus on safety, with specific resources dedicated to storm and outage centres, electrical safety, and generator safety. They also prioritize energy savings and community engagement, with initiatives such as a youth tour, volunteer fire department donations, and sponsorship requests.

In addition to its core electricity business, EMEPA offers services such as solar interconnection, outdoor lighting, and broadband. The company is committed to transparency and provides easy access to information about its board of directors, cooperative documents, news, careers, and contact details.

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North East Mississippi Electric Power Association

NE SPARC offers all-fibre internet and voice services to members within the North East Mississippi Electric Power Association's service territory, as well as parts of Pontotoc and Union Counties. This subsidiary was formed with the understanding that broadband internet access is just as essential as electricity was in the 1930s and 1940s. In fact, the company draws a direct parallel to 1930, when fewer than 10% of farms had access to electricity. Now, North East Mississippi Electric Power Association intends to do the same with broadband, providing it to members just as they provided electricity in 1938.

The North East Mississippi Electric Power Association's commitment to its members is clear, with a focus on both reliable electricity and modern telecommunications services. By investing in fibre optic cable and smart grid technology, the company is working to increase the automation and reliability of its electric service. At the same time, through their subsidiary NE SPARC, they are ensuring members have access to high-speed internet and voice services, bridging the digital divide and empowering their community.

The Association's dedication to its members is further demonstrated by its commitment to affordability. Recognising the essential nature of both electricity and broadband, the company strives to make these services accessible to all, just as electricity became accessible to a greater number of farms in the past. With their holistic approach to community empowerment, North East Mississippi Electric Power Association is not just an electric company but a driving force for progress and development in the region.

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Outage reporting and storm preparation

Storms can cause power outages, which can be dangerous and require careful planning to restore electricity safely and quickly. Here are some important instructions to follow regarding outage reporting and storm preparation in Mississippi:

Before a Storm:

  • Be aware of the potential risks associated with power lines during a storm. Treat all power lines as if they are energised, even if they appear to be disconnected or damaged.
  • Keep an eye on power lines hidden by debris or located in trees, as these can pose a significant hazard.
  • Have a plan for alternative power sources:
  • If you intend to use a generator, never connect it directly to your home's wiring. This can unintentionally energize power lines and endanger linemen working to restore power.
  • Always avoid operating a generator in standing water or enclosed spaces to prevent accidents and carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Remember to follow safety guidelines when using generators, and never leave them unattended.

During a Storm:

  • If you notice downed power lines, immediately report them by calling 911 or your local power company (in this case, East Mississippi Electric Power Association, or EMEPA).
  • Warn others to stay away from the area to prevent accidental contact with live wires.
  • Avoid driving through flooded areas, especially at night, as it can be difficult to gauge the depth and current of the water.
  • Exercise caution when driving and give way to emergency personnel and utility workers on the roads. Follow any instructions they provide to ensure their safety and yours.

After a Storm:

  • In the event of a major outage, understand that restoring power is a complex process. Power companies follow detailed plans to get electricity back on safely and as soon as possible.
  • Stay informed by signing up for power outage alerts in your area, so you can be prepared and make any necessary arrangements.

Remember, always put safety first when dealing with power outages and storms. By following these instructions, you can help ensure the well-being of yourself, your community, and those working to restore power.

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Energy savings tips

There are several ways to save energy and, in turn, save money on your utility bills. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Appliances

  • When buying new appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR label. These appliances use less energy and water, leading to lower utility bills. For example, an ENERGY STAR refrigerator can save you about $270 over five years.
  • If possible, replace your old refrigerator, washing machine, and dishwasher with ENERGY STAR models. Top-freezer refrigerators are more energy-efficient than side-by-side models.
  • Keep your refrigerator condenser coils clean and ensure there is good air circulation behind it to save energy and avoid future repair costs.
  • Only run your dishwasher and washing machine when they are full.
  • Avoid using the heated dry setting on your dishwasher, and let your dishes air-dry instead.
  • Wash your clothes with cold water whenever possible.
  • Clean the lint screen in your dryer after every load to maximize efficiency.

Heating and Cooling

  • Set your thermostat to 68°F or lower in the winter and 78°F or higher in the summer.
  • Use ceiling fans in occupied rooms to make the room feel warmer in the winter or cooler in the summer.
  • Open your blinds and curtains during the day in the winter to help heat your home. Close them during the summer to block the sun's heat.
  • Check your insulation. Insulation reduces heat flow through your home, lowering your heating and cooling costs.
  • Seal air leaks around plumbing and lighting fixtures, light switches, windows, and doors. Use weather stripping on windows and doors that don't close tightly.
  • Have your heating and air system serviced annually by a licensed professional.

Other Tips

  • When buying or replacing a stove, consider purchasing an induction cooktop. Induction stoves are safer, improve indoor air quality, and are 85-90% efficient because all the energy goes directly to the pot or pan.
  • Keep the exhaust vent for your dryer clean and make sure the exterior area is free from obstructions.
  • Avoid over-drying your clothes by using the moisture sensor to automatically turn off the dryer when they are dry.

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Billing and payment options

Mississippi Power offers several options for billing and payment to fit your needs and preferences. You can choose from a range of methods to pay your monthly bill, including simple Budget Billing, which keeps your payments consistent each month, taking the pressure off. Alternatively, you can pay online with or without logging into their website. If you choose to log in, your account information will be readily available, whereas if you opt to pay without logging in, you will need your account number. Mississippi Power also accepts payments through BillMatrix, an independent automated payment service.

For added convenience, Mississippi Power offers Auto Pay, a free service that automatically drafts your bank account for the bill amount each month. This option eliminates the hassle of writing checks, paying postage, or remembering due dates. You will continue to receive your bill as usual, with the date of the automatic payment printed on it. Additionally, Mississippi Power has over 1,500 authorised payment locations where you can pay your bill in person at a time and place that suits your schedule.

To make things even easier, Mississippi Power provides online tools to help you manage your account. By logging in or registering for an online account, you can monitor your daily electricity usage and project your monthly bill. This information is updated every 24 hours, enabling you to adjust your energy consumption according to your budget. You can also set email alerts for daily or monthly usage and receive notifications for outages and account history.

For customers with special needs, Mississippi Power offers the Third-Party Notification program. This program allows customers to designate a person of their choice to receive a duplicate copy of any disconnect notice due to overdue bills. This service is particularly useful for the elderly, individuals with sight disabilities, or those who may be away from home for extended periods. Additionally, the L.I.V.E. (Lines Into Vital Equipment) program flags accounts to ensure special attention and prevent accidental disconnection of electric service for customers who rely on essential medical equipment.

Frequently asked questions

There are at least two electric companies in Mississippi: East Mississippi Electric Power Association and North East Mississippi Electric Power Association.

The East Mississippi Electric Power Association (EMEPA) is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperative.

The North East Mississippi Electric Power Association is an electric company serving 920 square miles, including parts of Lafayette, Marshall, Union, Pontotoc, and Benton counties.

You can pay your bill online through the East Mississippi Electric Power Association website.

You can contact the East Mississippi Electric Power Association through their website or by using the contact information provided on their website.

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