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Insights > 2023: The centennial in review
2023: The centennial in review
12/18/2023
As we put a bow on 2023 and start building 2024, we’re looking at the top stories that shaped Entergy Mississippi’s centennial year. From an Entergy first, to a rate drop, and multiple community contributions – our year was packed with stories of impactful efforts across our 45-county service area.
We’ve compiled the top stories shared in our newsroom this year. But first – do you want to take an even further trip down memory lane? Check out Entergy Mississippi’s 100th anniversary website and interactive timeline.
Now, let’s count down to the top story of the year:
#10
As summer temperatures approached our customers, and energy usage began to rise, Entergy Mississippi made a $1.5 million commitment to help customers manage their energy bills. Funded by Entergy shareholders, the commitment included $1 million in free energy efficiency kits; more than $520,000 in emergency bill assistance for older adults and customers with disabilities; and 100 community events in honor of the company’s centennial anniversary.
#9
Entergy Mississippi announced six new experts joined its lead team, collectively bringing more than 130 years of knowledge. The team ushered in the company’s next century, with the goal of making it a premier utility. New executive members included Vice President of Reliability Shawn Corkran, Vice President of Power Plant Operations Demitrius Davis, Vice President of Customer Service Robbie Kemp, Assistant General Counsel Tianna H. Raby, Director of Resource Planning and Market Operations Aaron Hill, and Communications Manager Leyla Goodsell.
#8
The company rang in the new year with a major launch, in preparation for a growing electric vehicle market. Entergy Mississippi opened the first company-owned electric vehicle charging station of its kind in Entergy Corporation’s four-state service area. The $200,000 fast charging station is located at Renaissance at Colony Park in Ridgeland and will allow the company to study the impact of electric vehicles on the power grid.
#7
Some of the best news customers received this year – customers saw a decrease in their electric rates just in time for the summer temperature surge. Entergy Mississippi’s residential rates continue to be among the lowest in the nation and have grown more slowly than the cost of other goods since 2005.
#6
Did you know that during the warmer months, cooling costs make up more than 55% of an average customer’s electric bill? Entergy Mississippi armed customers with easy energy efficiency tips, to help save money on electric bills during the summer. In addition to the tips, the Entergy Solutions Marketplace offers products and services available for year-round energy efficiency upgrades at little to no cost.
#5
On April 12, 1923, Harvey Couch officially chartered The Mississippi Power & Light Company, which later became Entergy Mississippi. A century later, the company celebrated the anniversary with a $100,000 gift to Extra Table, and a commitment to pack 100,000 meals for families impacted by food scarcity. The centennial theme kicked-off with 100 employee volunteers gathering for the first red beans and rice meal packing event at the Mississippi Agriculture Museum.
#4
The first half of 2023 is marked with heroic recovery efforts from historic storms across our service territory. While boots were on the ground, Entergy Mississippi awarded grants to nearly 100 nonprofits – demonstrating a commitment to the communities it serves. The grants awarded in the first half of the year totaled more than $600,000, and a made a difference through education and workforce development, poverty solutions and environmental programs.
#3
The March 24 tornadoes that flattened parts of the Mississippi Delta changed the community forever. An EF-4 tornado destroyed nearly 300 homes, and more than 700 service and secondary poles. Because seeking assistance from governmental agencies after a disaster can sometimes be a frustrating and confusing process, Entergy offered customers free help with filing Federal Emergency Management Agency appeals. The company partnered with SBP, a national disaster recovery organization, to train more than 150 employees on the FEMA appeal process. Customers can sign up to receive assistance by calling 800-276-9511.
#2
Entergy Mississippi kicked off a new child savings account program at the Children’s Foundation of Mississippi Summit in January. Kids to College, powered by Entergy, in partnership with the Children’s Foundation of Mississippi, announced a $60,000 contribution to help low- and moderate-income Mississippi families establish child savings accounts. The Kids to College my529 account allows families to put money away to start saving for their children to attend a two- or four-year college, trade school or technical school.
#1
As a leader in helping advance the support for education and workforce development in the state, the company extended the legacy with two major gifts totaling $500,000. Entergy Mississippi committed to contributing $250,000 over five years to help fund the renovation of the Gore Arts Complex on the campus of Mississippi College in Clinton, and $250,000 over five years to the Foundation for Mississippi History to support a new initiative by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. The initiative will transform the Historic Jefferson College campus in Washington, Mississippi.
Editorial team favorite
Acknowledging that telling Mississippi’s history would be incomplete without the story of Medgar Evers and his efforts. Entergy proudly contributed $100,000 to the preservation of the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument. The contribution was made possible through Entergy’s Social Justice and Equity Fund, which advances social justice and equity for historically underserved communities across Entergy’s service territory. It was the second major grant awarded through the fund and the first in Mississippi.
