MS HB178

Changes board of directors election procedures for electric power associations effective July 1, 2024, shifting from three-year terms to four-year terms with elections held the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2024 and every four years thereafter, conducted similarly to public school board elections with three-week runoff periods if necessary.

Brings forward all sections (77-5-201 through 77-5-259) of the Electric Power Association Law for possible amendment, comprehensively codifying provisions governing formation, governance, powers, and operations of electric cooperatives and generation and transmission cooperatives in Mississippi.

Establishes specific governance requirements for generation and transmission (G&T) cooperatives, including board composition with two directors from each member cooperative and up to three at-large directors, and clarifies their limited regulatory jurisdiction under the Mississippi Public Service Commission.

Specifies that corporations' rates are not regulated by the Mississippi Public Service Commission except for disconnection restrictions during weather emergencies, life-threatening situations, and deposit requirements for domestic violence victims, while preserving commission authority over pole attachment rates and energy efficiency programs.

Implements a six-year statute of limitations for billing error claims and establishes procedures for member dispute mediation with the Public Service Commission for disputes meeting minimum thresholds.