Entergy Mississippi Inc. plans to increase spending on energy efficiency for 2017 to approximately $8.8 million, which will cost customers using an average of 1,000 kWh per month an additional 55 cents.

The Mississippi Public Service Commission on Dec. 6 voted 2-1 in favor of allowing the Entergy Corp. subsidiary to raise its spending power. Southern District Commissioner Sam Britton voted against the increase, saying he opposes subsidies to individual utility customers, The Associated Press reported Dec. 11.

Entergy Mississippi in 2017 also aims to spread the use of more efficient light bulbs and residential appliances, and cut small-business power use, among other goals.