ENTERGY INVESTIGATION 07-06-08

THE MISSISSIPPI PUBLIC COMMISSION CALLS FOR ENTERGY RATE INCREASE INVESTIGATION. COMMISSIONERS WILL HOLD A HEARING MONDAY ON ENTERGY'S 28 PERCENT RATE INCREASE THAT'S IN EFFECT UNTIL SEPTEMBER. THE COMPANY SERVES CUSTOMERS IN 45 OF MISSISSIPPI'S 82 COUNTIES, PRIMARILY IN THE WESTERN HALF OF THE STATE.  THE COMMISSION WILL ALSO INVESTIGATE AND AUDIT ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI'S FUEL PURCHASING PRACTICES TO ENSURE RESIDENTS AREN'T PAYING MORE THAN NECESSARY. COMPANY OFFICIALS SAY A 120 PERCENT SPIKE IN NATURAL GAS PRICES HAS FORCED THE INCREASE WHICH WILL COST THE AVERAGE ENTERGY CUSTOMER NEARLY $26 A MONTH.