Mississippi’s Public Service Commission released Thursday the results of a yearlong investigation into its public utility infrastructure to prepare for more frequent winter storms. Although the PSC regulates rates for services such as telecommunications and electric, gas and water utilities, it does not have authority to appropriate funds. Brent Bailey, Central District Public Service Commissioner, stated that Mississippi was under the clutches of historic winter storms one year ago. “The combination of snow, freezing rain and days below freezing temperatures caused road travel to stop, nearly 200,000 customers lost power, more than 80 water systems had low or no pressure and some telecommunications were even interrupted. “For a few weeks it seemed almost like the entire state had been paralyzed.” The wide-ranging report also examined recent damage from tornadoes, hurricanes, and thunderstorms. It identified the most common vulnerabilities and suggested ways to fix them. The report did not recommend specific funding amounts but recommended more proactive communication between utilities and lawmakers to discuss mitigation investments. Bailey suggested that lawmakers could upgrade aging systems through the American Rescue Plan Act or the Infrastructure Bills. According to the state health department, 79 water utilities had issued boil water notices following last year’s winter storms. There are many issues that municipal water and sewer plants face, including old piping, pump stations and poor maintenance. Rural water associations reported that their water lines were too small and that they have aging wells and treatment plants. According to a presentation to lawmakers Mississippi’s average water system leakage from ruptures or leaks is 35% compared to 18% nationally. The PSC recommends the following fixes: