STARKVILLE, Miss. (WTVA) — Starkville Utilities customers will see a modest increase in electric rates beginning in November as the utility moves forward with a long-term investment in the reliability, safety and performance of the electric system.

The approved adjustment will provide approximately $650,000 annually for improvements designed to strengthen the infrastructure customers depend on every day and ensure Starkville Utilities is prepared to meet the community’s growing electricity needs.

“This investment is about giving our customers the reliable service they expect today while making sure our system is ready for tomorrow,” said Edward Kemp, general manager of Starkville Utilities. “We will continue to focus on the infrastructure, technology and service improvements that make a difference to our customers.”

The adjustment represents the first electric rate increase for Starkville Utilities since 2016. The average residential customer’s monthly base rate will increase from $17.03 to $19.03 beginning in November, followed by $2 increases in 2027 and 2028. Non-residential rates will increase by an overall 2% each year.

Starkville Utilities plans to replace aging poles and electrical equipment, upgrade substations and expand smart grid technology that allows the utility to better monitor the system, identify problems and respond more efficiently when issues occur. The utility also will continue converting streetlights to energy-efficient LED fixtures and making the electrical upgrades needed to support new homes, businesses and development throughout Starkville.

Even with the adjustment, Starkville Utilities’ residential electric rates will remain among the lowest in the Golden Triangle.

The investment builds on improvements already underway to modernize the system and enhance the customer experience, including the SmartHub customer account system, electrical upgrades associated with the Highway 182 revitalization project and continued efforts to improve energy efficiency.