MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Ellis, Bailey, Broomfield, Coleman (29th), Dickson, Eakes, Espy, Flaggs, Fredericks, Gibbs, Green, Henderson, Holland, Huddleston, Livingston, Martinson, Middleton, Moss, Robinson (63rd), Rotenberry, Stevens

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE MISSISSIPPI PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TO INVESTIGATE THE INCREASED COST OF GAS AND OTHER ENERGY SOURCES.

WHEREAS, in recent months, Mississippians have endured the coldest winter the state has seen in countless years; and

WHEREAS, government estimates show that the residential price for gas has increased forty-six percent (46%) since the same time last year; and

WHEREAS, the average family is facing natural gas bills that are sixty-two percent (62%) higher from last winter and heating oil costs up thirty-eight percent (38%); and

WHEREAS, many Mississippians, particularly those on fixed incomes, have found themselves in need of help in paying their excessively high heating and utility bills during this significant crisis; and

WHEREAS, in addition to the undue hardship being placed on residential gas consumers, skyrocketing heating bills and energy prices have a significant impact on the entire economy; and

WHEREAS, soaring energy bills are eating deeply into the budgets of schools, hospitals, churches and homeless shelters across the state, which entities cannot raise the prices on their products or services to make up for the higher energy costs:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That the Legislature does hereby urge the Mississippi Public Service Commission to conduct a thorough investigation into the rising cost of gas and other energy sources and to identify the basis for the significant increases faced by residential and commercial consumers throughout the state.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Mississippi Public Service Commission and the Capitol Press Corps.