Exhibit 23 Arthur Andersen LLP Suite 2500 133 Peachtree Street, NE Atlanta, GA 30303-1816 404-658-1776 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our report dated February 16, 2000 on the financial statements of Mississippi Power Company, included in this Form 8-K, into Mississippi Power Company's previously filed Registration Statement File No. 333-45069. /s/Arthur Andersen LLP Atlanta, Georgia February 28, 2000