MS SB2170

Prohibits municipalities with populations over 150,000 (based on 1990 census) from charging water rates to consumers within one mile outside corporate limits that exceed rates charged within the municipality, unless justified by additional service costs.

Requires municipalities seeking higher rates for out-of-corporate-limits customers to file a detailed written report with the Public Service Commission and Public Utilities Staff showing that higher rates are just, reasonable, and necessary.

Mandates the Public Utilities Staff to review and make a written recommendation within 45 days, followed by a Public Service Commission final determination after a public hearing within 30 days.

Caps any approved higher rates at twice the rate charged within municipal corporate limits, with municipalities required to cooperate fully with staff investigations or face rate disapproval.

Amends Section 77-3-1 to make municipal water utilities subject to rate provisions in Section 21-27-39 when extending service outside corporate boundaries.