Exhibit 23 ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our report dated February 12, 1997 on the financial statements of Mississippi Power Company, included in this Form 8-K, into Mississippi Power Company's previously filed Registration Statement File Nos. 33-49320, 33-49649 and 333-20469. /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP Atlanta, Georgia February 27, 1997