JACKSON, Miss. (Legal Newsline) - The state Public Service Commission is backing up Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood in his request for documents from power provider Entergy.

Last week, the PSC encouraged Entergy to provide all documents sought by Hood. Entergy has called Hood's investigation "a fishing expedition," while Hood feels the company may be overcharging customers.

"I applaud Mississippi's Public Service Commissioners Brandon Presley, Lynn Posey and Leonard Bentz, for issuing the resolution to encourage Entergy to come clean," Hood said.

"One of the more rewarding aspects of serving as Attorney General is working with other state agencies to make government work for the people. Entergy executives should be ashamed for trying to keep their ratepayers in the dark."

Entergy had said Hood needed to go through the PSC to receive the information, requested in his Civil Investigative Demands in August.

Entergy unsuccessfully tried to block the request in federal court. The dispute then moved to Hinds County Chancery Court, where a judge heard arguments in October.

Hood has said he requested the documents because of Entergy's past in Louisiana. He says the state's Consumer Protection Act allows him to investigate, and that Entergy Mississippi buys electricity and fuel for Mississippi at inflated rates from its sister companies and overcharges Mississippi customers.

Entergy agreed to refund $72 million over similar allegations in Louisiana in 2000 and was ordered to pay $34 million to New Orleans customers in February.

Entergy recently asked the PSC to approve a plan that would lower its fuel adjustment rate by 14 percent.

From Legal Newsline: Reach John O'Brien by e-mail at john@legalnewsline.com.