On behalf of Mississippi’s 25 distribution and 1 generation and transmission electric cooperative, which serve more than that 1.8 million Mississippians, ECM’s Government Relations Department represents its members before numerous governmental entities, including:
- Mississippi State Legislature
- Mississippi Public Service Commission
- Broadband Expansion and Accessibility of Mississippi (BEAM) Office
- United States Congress
- Numerous other state and federal regulatory agencies
The primary responsibility of the government relations department is to ensure that legislation and regulations will promote our member systems’ ability to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity. Our staff works to:
- Educate lawmakers and regulators about Mississippi’s electric cooperatives,
- Monitor legislation which affects electric cooperatives and our members, and
- Coordinate efforts to influence and pass legislation when necessary.
Staff
Paul Purnell
Counsel and Vice President
Kern Hoff
Director
Legislative Affairs
Brittany Bailey Ridinger
Director
Regulatory Affairs and Counsel