Cochran won't seek re-election to Miss. Public Service Commission

JACKSON - Nielsen Cochran, a member of the state board that regulates power and telecommunications companies for the past 23 years, said Tuesday that he will not seek re-election.

Cochran, the brother of U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran, represented the central district on the three-member Public Service Commission, was elected to the PSC in 1983.

"From a utility regulatory standpoint, the future looks bright for our state and I'm glad to have played a role in its development," Cochran said in a statement.

The Public Service Commission regulates rates for natural gas, telephone, water, sewer and electrical service. It also handles the state's no-call telephone marketing list and investigates consumer complaints about utilities.

Cochran led efforts to get the Legislature to enact a "no-call" to prohibit telemarketers from calling Mississippians who registered with the PSC.

Cochran is the second PSC member to announce that he would not seek re-election.

Earlier, Bo Robinson, who represents the northern district, has said he will not run again.