MS SB2542

Amends Section 77-3-44 of the Mississippi Code to authorize rate-regulated natural gas public utilities with certificated service areas to undertake economic development activities, matching existing authority for electric utilities.

Permits utilities to provide capital, invest in, acquire, and develop business and industrial sites, infrastructure, and services to attract new or existing businesses, create employment, or promote the sale of natural gas within their service areas.

Allows facilities developed or constructed with Public Service Commission approval after July 1, 2015, and capital investments in natural gas reserves to be deemed "used and useful" for rate recovery purposes, even if no customers are currently taking service from those facilities.

Takes effect upon passage.