The Mississippi Public Service Commission voted to approve the City of Fulton’s proposed change to its monthly minimum gas rate, increasing the jurisdictional minimum from $10.01 to $11.50.

Staff presenter Miss Myrick told commissioners Fulton filed the petition on Jan. 10, 2024, citing a multi‑year gas fund deficit. The city serves about 990 jurisdictional customers and about 1,200 non‑jurisdictional customers, and staff estimated the proposed minimum bill change would generate roughly $41,000 in additional annual revenue (about $18,000 from jurisdictional customers).

Staff recommended approval of the tariff change but included multiple conditions: Fulton should work with staff to resolve issues in its purchase gas adjustment (PGA) calculation, file an annual summary of PGA activity to permit staff audits, and begin accruing interest on customer deposits in accordance with commission rules. Staff emphasized these inclusions were not an allegation of improper transfers to municipal general funds but were standard language staff places in municipal rate orders to remind cities of statutory limits.

Commissioners asked whether the $1.49 increase applied equally to customers inside and outside city limits; staff confirmed the increase to the minimum bill would be the same amount but that inside/outside rate structures remain distinct. Several commissioners suggested staff consider outreach or training to small municipal utilities to prevent recurring calculation errors; staff said it has discussed internally preparing basic training materials to help municipalities with PGA calculations and billing.

After discussion, a motion to approve the proposed order passed by voice vote.

What happens next: Fulton is expected to implement the minimum bill increase and to work with PSC staff on PGA calculation corrections and annual reporting.