Although Mississippi has gotten on board in recent years with alternative energy generation, both solar and to a lesser extent wind, it still remains far behind much of the country, according to a recent news report.
This is not surprising, given that solar power has had few champions in this state, other than former Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley, among those who set Mississippi’s energy policy. Fossil fuel-based companies carry a lot of sway with those who call the shots in the Legislature and on the Public Service Commission.
Still, it is ironic that such a sun-drenched state has not come close to maximizing its potential. According to the nonprofit newsroom Floodlight, Mississippi is the 13th sunniest state, yet solar power and other sources of renewable energy only account for about 4% of all the utility-generated electricity in the state. The national average is six times that.
Certainly, you must consider the source. Floodlight has an acknowledged agenda to investigate “the powerful interests stalling climate action.”
But its findings should not be totally discounted. Renewables are the future in energy, and this state is behind in embracing them.
