VIDALIA, La. – The Town of Vidalia’s electric rates are lower than those of Entergy Louisiana but higher than four other electric companies that serve the Miss-Lou, according to Public Service Commission and company figures.

With a rate increase that took effect in November, Vidalia now charges $86.06 for 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity, up from $76.15, according to town figures. Some residents have questioned the need for a rate increase.

For the same amount of electricity, Entergy Louisiana – which serves the Ferriday area and most of Tensas Parish – charges $87.20, including two additional &uot;riders,&uot;&160;or charges.

But other electric companies charge less, including:

4The Southwest Mississippi Electric Power Association, which charges $71.95 per 1,000 kilowatt-hours for residential customers.

That association serves unincorporated southwest Mississippi, including Adams County outside Natchez.

4Entergy Mississippi, which charges $71.60.

&uot;That’s for 1,200 kilowatt-hours, which we use as an average for residential use,&uot;&160;said Forest Persons, customer service manager for Entergy.

That company serves incorporated towns and cities in southwest Mississippi, including Natchez.

4Northeast Louisiana Electric Power Association, which charges $69.52 for 1,000 kilowatt-hours. That cooperative serves a portion of Tensas Parish close to its border with Franklin Parish.

4Concordia Electric, which charges $65.87 for 1,000 kilowatt-hours.

That cooperative’s area includes unincorporated Concordia and Catahoula parishes and the Town of Sicily Island.

Employees of the Town of Jonesville would not release that town’s utility rate schedule, referring such questions to Mayor Billy Edwards. But Edwards was not available for comment Tuesday.