PSC approves Mississippi Power plan to replace Plant Daniel transformer bank

The Mississippi Public Service Commission on the August docket approved Mississippi Power’s certificate application to replace and relocate an aging 230/500 kV transformer bank at the Plant Daniel substation in Jackson County.

Staff presented the application and recommended approval, saying the work — including bus extensions, upgrades to several 500 kV switches, and a 150-foot substation yard expansion — is “critical for the long term reliability of the 500 kV transmission system.” Miss Myrick, presenting staff’s review, said the project is estimated to take about 18 months once construction begins and carries an estimated cost of approximately $53,000,000. “The project is expected to require approximately 18 months to complete following the start of construction,” Miss Myrick said.

Alexander Martin, speaking for Mississippi Power, told commissioners the company plans to start construction in the fourth quarter of 2026 and preferred approval at the meeting but said tabling would not be fatal to the schedule. He also said the company expects to absorb the work without new rights-of-way and estimated the project would increase a 1,000 kWh residential monthly bill by about $0.27.

After brief questioning from commissioners about the timing and need for additional data, the commission moved and approved the order to grant the certificate application by voice vote. The approval was accompanied by staff conditions and findings as presented.

The commission did not place any contingencies on the project’s engineering or environmental review beyond standard permitting and staff oversight. The matter was recorded on the docket as 2026UA26 and is now subject to the company’s construction schedule and any required follow-on filings.