TVA Utilities Grant would support LPCs

Senate Bill 2844 would use tax in lieu of payments from the Tennessee Valley Authority to establish a utilities grant fund to provide grants to local utility providers in the TVA service area in Mississippi.

The bill, introduced by Sen. Benjamin Suber and Sen. Bob Bryan January 20, would provide for the distribution of $25 million to the Mississippi Development Authority’s office of energy to distribute to eligible entities.

The general obligation bonds under this act would provide that future monies in excess of the first $25 million would provide monies to the Oklolona Electric Department, if it signs an agreement committing to spending from other sources an amount equal to half the state grant to improve distribution distribution lines outside the city of Okolona.

The bill has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee

HB1507 by Rep. Lancaster, which parallels SB2844, died in committee Feb. 4, 2025 and has been referred to the Ways and Means committee. Eligible entities seeking assistance under this fund must apply to MDA a description of eligible expenditures for assistance, the amount requested and the type of matching funds.