NATCHEZ — Even if temperatures stay high, Entergy customers can count on their electric bills to fall — slightly.

The 5 percent decrease follows a 28 percent increase in made in July.

“We’re heading in the right direction,” said Stephen Caruthers, Entergy customer service manager.

The initial price hike was due to a sharp increase in the cost of natural gas.

However, fuel prices have fallen by more than 10 percent since July.

Because of this, the Mississippi Public Service Commission ordered Entergy to lower its prices.

“Entergy and the public service commission came to an agreement,” Caruthers said.

The power company usually doesn’t make mid-quarter adjustments, but made an exception because of the substantial price increase in July.

Customers were excited about the decrease, but said they wished it was more substantial.

“I’m thrilled that we’re getting a rate decrease,” said Mary Emrick, owner of Turning Pages bookstore.

“It will definitely be a savings,” Emrick said. “It’s not going to get (my employees) a raise, but it will definitely help.”

She figured the decrease would save her $12.50 a month, not nearly enough for a tank of gas, she added, but still enough to help.

“With $12.50 a month I can buy two more books for the store and that’s two more books for my customers to buy.”

Verna Scott, who is retired, was surprised but happy that Entergy would give a rate decrease.

“I say more power to them,” Scott said.

However, she did not really notice the initial increase.

“It was probably there, but I didn’t notice it,” she said.

Caruthers could not predict if natural gas prices and rates will continue to fall as the summer draws to a close.

“With the volatility of natural gas prices, nobody is really sure what it’s going to do,” he said.

“I’d say we are optimistically hoping it will drop (again).”