EXHIBIT 23.1 Arthur Andersen LLP CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our reports on Mississippi Power Company dated February 21, 1996 included in Mississippi Power Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995 and to all references to our firm included in this Registration Statement. /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP Atlanta, Georgia January 24, 1997