Miss. Could Reapprove Miss. Power Coal Plant

Presley said he fears Bentz and Posey feel pressured to support the plant because of Mississippi Power's big investment.

"At some point, we get to the point of no return, and we're pretty much at the welcome sign," Presley said.

The Sierra Club's Glen Hooks also pointed to language in a proposal filed by Mississippi Power that it says could weaken even the $2.88 billion cost cap. That language argues that Mississippi Power should be able to exceed its original estimates for "distinct" reasons, especially if the extra investments "reduce total lifetime cost to the ratepayers."

Hooks said that because Mississippi Power is guaranteed a return on investment and because a recent state law allows it to charge ratepayers before the plant goes into service, it's to the company's advantage to build as expensive a facility as possible to increase profits.

Mississippi Power denies it wants any changes.

"We've not requested any changes related to the cost cap from the original order," spokeswoman Cindy Duvall wrote in an email.

Bentz said he would support no changes to the $2.88 billion cap.

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