Research & Industry Spotlight - IEEE PES Mississippi Chapter

Power and energy companies and electrical power equipment manufacturers are crucial players in the energy industry, providing the necessary equipment and services to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity to end-users. In Mississippi, these companies have a significant impact on the local economy and are essential to the state’s power grid infrastructure.

This report provides a detailed overview of power and energy companies and electrical power equipment manufacturers in Mississippi, with a particular focus on the city of Jackson. It also looks into power system protection and consulting firms that design substations and relay protection work in the region. Additionally, the report covers the impact of these companies on the community and engineering programs in Mississippi and student opportunities at various universities in the area.

Power and Energy Companies in Mississippi

Mississippi is home to several major power and energy companies, including Entergy Mississippi, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and Southern Company. These companies generate, transmit, and distribute electricity throughout the state, providing power to businesses and residents alike.

Entergy Mississippi is the largest energy provider in the state, serving over 450,000 customers in 45 counties. The company has a diverse portfolio of power generation assets, including nuclear, natural gas, and renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is a federally owned corporation that provides power to over 10 million people in seven southern states, including Mississippi. TVA operates a network of hydroelectric dams, coal-fired power plants, and nuclear facilities, with a focus on low-cost, reliable power generation.

Southern Company is a leading energy provider in the United States, with subsidiaries such as Mississippi Power providing power to over 186,000 customers in Mississippi. The company generates electricity using a mix of coal, natural gas, and renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.

Electrical Power Equipment Manufacturers in Mississippi

Mississippi is also home to several electrical power equipment manufacturers, such as Eaton, Siemens, and ABB. These companies design and manufacture a wide range of electrical equipment, including transformers, switchgear, and circuit breakers.

Eaton’s Jackson plant produces a variety of electrical components for the utility industry, including switchgear and transformers. The plant employs over 500 people and has been operating in Jackson since 1943.

Siemens operates a plant in Richland, Mississippi, that manufactures motor control centers, switchboards, and circuit breakers. The plant employs over 400 people and serves customers in the utility, industrial, and commercial sectors.

ABB also operates a plant in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, that produces a range of electrical products, including switchgear and transformers. The plant employs over 300 people and serves customers in the utility and industrial sectors.

Power System Protection and Consulting Firms in Mississippi

Power system protection and consulting firms play a vital role in the design and operation of substations and relay protection work. In Mississippi, several firms offer these services, including S&C Electric Company, Power Grid Engineering, and Eaton’s Electrical Engineering Services and Systems division.

S&C Electric Company provides a range of services to the utility industry, including consulting, engineering, and design services for power systems. The company has a presence in Jackson, where it serves customers in the region.

Power Grid Engineering is a consulting firm that specializes in power systems engineering, design, and protection. The company has a presence in Jackson and serves customers in the utility industry.

Eaton’s Electrical Engineering Services and Systems division provides a range of engineering and design services to the utility industry, including power system protection and substation design. The company has a branch in Jackson that serves customers in the region.

Impact on the Community and Engineering Programs in Mississippi

Power and energy companies, electrical power equipment manufacturers, and power system protection and consulting firms have a significant impact on the community and engineering programs in Mississippi. These companies provide jobs for local residents, contribute to the local economy, and support engineering programs at universities in the region.

For example, Entergy Mississippi sponsors various engineering programs at Mississippi State University, including a scholarship program for students pursuing careers in engineering. Similarly, Southern Company supports engineering programs at the University of Mississippi, including the School of Engineering and the National Center for Physical Acoustics.

In addition to supporting engineering programs, power and energy companies also contribute to the local economy by providing jobs and generating revenue. For example, Entergy Mississippi employs over 2,000 people in the state, while Southern Company employs over 3,500 people in the Southeast region.