Mississippi Power customers have between Oct. 12 and Oct. 30 to choose whether they want to receive refunds via bill credit or refund check.

On Aug. 7, the Mississippi Public Service Commission approved Mississippi Power’s refund plan and is allowing up to 120 days for the power company to complete the refund process. The refunds were due to a court ruling by the Mississippi Supreme Court declaring that a rate increase caused by cost overruns on the construction of the Kemper County energy facility was illegal, according to previous Item coverage.

Jeff Shepard, spokesman for Mississippi Power, said the average residential refund will be $650, depending on the customer’s bill and usage. That refund will be issued to customers who received service during the entire 28-month period where rates increased from April 2013 to July 2015.

“We want to remind everyone their refund will be determined on their individual usage and the number of months they paid during the 28-month period,” Shepard said.

In a press release from Mississippi Power, Vice President of Customer Services Organization Nicole Faulk said, “Mississippi Power’s commitment is to provide customers with the superior service they have come to expect. The company also wants to make sure customers fully understand the refund process and seamlessly make a choice that best suits their situation.”

Customers who wish to receive bill credit don’t have to take any action; the credit will be place into their account on Nov. 9. If customers decide to opt for a refund check, they can visit mississippipower.com beginning Oct. 12 to choose that refund option. Customers can also choose the option by talking to a customer service representative at their local Mississippi Power office or by calling customer service at 1-800-532-1502, according to the press release.

The power company will begin mailing checks on Nov. 9, the press release stated.

Former customers will automatically receive a refund check, which will be mailed to their last known mailing address. Shepard said they’ve already received calls from former customers inquiring about receiving the refund check. He encourages former customers to contact the company to notify them about any address changes.

For more information, visit mississippipower.com/refund.