The commission was created in 1884 and in its early history was tasked with regulating various transport and telecommunications industries in the state.

[2] The first commissioners were appointed by the governor of Mississippi and then selected thereafter by the legislature to serve two-year terms until 1892.

[3] In January 1988, Public Service Commissioner Lynn Havens resigned from office before pleading guilty in June 1989 to conspiracy charges related to an attempt to coerce a power company to settle a lawsuit.

[4] They rejected a plan to have the commissioners chosen by appointment and instead opted to move the Public Utilities Staff—responsible for supplying the commissioners technical advice—to a new Public Utilities Staff agency under the control of an executive director appointed by the governor.

[4][3] The legislation also barred commissioners from having private meetings with or accepting gifts and campaign contributions from utility representatives.

[5] In 2003, the legislature passed the Mississippi Telephone Solicitation Act, creating an official state do not call list and giving the PSC the power to fine telemarketers who called persons who registered their phone numbers on the list.

[3][6] On July 1, 2004, the responsibility for regulating motor carriers was transferred from the PSC to the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

[7] The Public Service Commission is responsible for regulating telecommunications, electric, gas, water, and sewer utilities in Mississippi.

[28] The Utility Investigation Department fields consumer complaints and monitors service delivery.

[30] The Public Utilities Staff is not controlled by the commission but is tasked with advising it on the suitability of rates charged and services delivered to consumers and making recommendations for courses of action it should pursue.