MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2006 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Guice, Bentz, Bounds, Broomfield, Carlton, Compretta, Davis, Dedeaux, Fillingane, Formby, Fredericks, Hamilton (109th), Ishee, Janus, Lane, Lott, Parker, Patterson, Peranich, Read, Robinson (84th), Simpson, Snowden, Staples, Stringer, Upshaw, Walley, Warren, Watson, Wells-Smith, Young, Zuber

House Concurrent Resolution 50

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING MISSISSIPPI POWER FOR ITS DILIGENCE, COMMITMENT AND SUCCESS IN RESTORING POWER TO SOUTHEAST MISSISSIPPI AFTER HURRICANE KATRINA.

     WHEREAS, Mississippi Power demonstrated untiring commitment, diligence and service to its customer base, as well as the state as a whole, by restoring power in an efficient and prompt manner after Hurricane Katrina; and

     WHEREAS, Mississippi Power, which is led by its dedicated President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Anthony J. Topazi, faced a seemingly daunting task of restoring electricity to its 195,000 customers who cover 23 counties in Southeast Mississippi; and

     WHEREAS, after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast of Mississippi on August 29, 2005, 100% of Mississippi Power's customers were left with no service; and

     WHEREAS, Mississippi Power had 65% of its transmission and distribution facilities damaged with 23,500 spans of downed wire, 300 downed transmission structures, 9,000 downed distribution poles and 2,300 damaged transformers; and

     WHEREAS, the first day after Hurricane Katrina, all of Mississippi Power's substations and its two major power plants were out of service, and only 3% of 3,000 MW of generation were available; and

     WHEREAS, in the midst of the company's having to deal with its damaged infrastructure, Mississippi Power also had over 700 of its employees who suffered personal losses; and

     WHEREAS, despite all of the overwhelming challenges Mississippi Power faced, it took only 12 days after Hurricane Katrina hit the coast, for Mississippi Power to have 100% of its customer base, who could receive power, back on line; and

     WHEREAS, the incredible feat of restoring power to Southeast Mississippi could not have occurred without CEO, Anthony J. Topazi, and his capable staff, along with nearly 11,000 outside personnel who helped Mississippi Power restore power in such an efficient and prompt manner; and

     WHEREAS, it is with great gratitude that the Legislature commends Mississippi Power for its excellent work in restoring power to the citizens of Southeast Mississippi during such a trying and dark time in this great state's history:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend Mississippi Power and its CEO, Anthony J. Topazi, for their tireless efforts in ensuring that  power was restored, which in turn, helped those in Southeast Mississippi, who were devastated by Hurricane Katrina, to begin the healing process.

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