MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) White (29th), Minor, Dearing, Frazier, Harden, Gordon, Nunnelee, Stogner, Bean, Smith, Little, Browning, Ross, Mettetal, White (5th), Hall, Hawks, Hamilton, Horhn, Burton

A RESOLUTION TO CREATE A SPECIAL COMMITTEE TO STUDY RESTRUCTURING OF THE ELECTRIC UTILITY INDUSTRY; TO DIRECT THE COMMITTEE TO MAKE A WRITTEN REPORT OF ITS FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 1999; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

WHEREAS, electricity is a necessity for all individuals, industries, businesses and municipalities in the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the generation and transmission of electric power and the sale and distribution of electricity to consumers within the state are affected by the public interest; and

WHEREAS, markets for electricity are changing nationally and appear to be moving toward increased competition; and

WHEREAS, changes in the electric utility industry could enhance the competitive position of Mississippi's businesses and industries, including Mississippi's ability to compete more effectively in business development; and

WHEREAS, there is a need for careful consideration of all issues involving customer choice and the potential restructuring of, and competition in, the electric utility industry and the system of electric utility regulations; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Public Service Commission is currently studying electric industry restructuring and competition in the provision of retail electric service in its active Docket Number 96-UA-389:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MISSISSIPPI SENATE, That a special study committee is created to study restructuring of the electric industry and competition in the provision of retail electric service. The committee shall be composed of seven (7) members of the Senate to be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor. The committee shall be chaired by a chairman selected by the appointed members of the Senate.

Within ten (10) days after the final passage of this resolution during the 1999 Regular Session of the Legislature, the Lieutenant Governor shall appoint the members of the committee. Within ten (10) days after the members are appointed, the membership shall meet on a date mutually agreed upon by a majority of the members for the purpose of organizing the committee and establishing rules for transacting its business and keeping records. A majority of the members of the committee shall constitute a quorum at all committee meetings. An affirmative vote of a majority of the members present and voting shall be required in the adoption of rules, resolutions and reports, and in any other actions taken by the committee. All members of the committee shall be notified in writing of all regular and special meetings of the committee, which notices shall be mailed at least five (5) days before the dates of the meetings. The committee shall hold a minimum of three (3) regular special meetings.

The committee shall make a written report of its findings and recommendations, and shall mail copies of the report to each member and member-elect of the Senate not later than December 1, 1999.

For attending meetings of the joint committee, each member shall be paid, from the Contingent Expense Fund of the Senate, per diem compensation in the amount authorized by Section 25-3-69, Mississippi Code of 1972, and a mileage allowance and an expense allowance in the amount authorized by Section 5-1-47, Mississippi Code of 1972. However, no per diem compensation, mileage allowance or expense allowance shall be paid for attending meetings of the committee while the Legislature is in session, and no per diem compensation, mileage allowance or expense allowance shall be paid without prior approval of the Senate Management Committee.

All expenses incurred by and on behalf of the committee shall be paid from funds made available by the Senate Management Committee from the Contingent Expense Fund, from any funds appropriated for the purpose of this resolution, and from any grants or contributions made to the committee for its purpose.

In carrying out the provisions of this resolution, the committee may utilize the services, facilities and personnel of all departments, agencies, offices and institutions of the state, including the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff.