Latest news with #CPCN
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
LG&E and KU reach agreement with several key stakeholders on plans to meet Kentucky's growing energy needs
Stipulation agreement with several intervening parties in the utilities' CPCN case was filed today with the Kentucky Public Service Commission LOUISVILLE, Ky., July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Louisville Gas and Electric Company, Kentucky Utilities Company and several intervening parties involved in the utilities' current request before the Kentucky Public Service Commission to add new generation have reached a stipulation agreement that will support LG&E and KU's ability to continue serving customers safely and reliably, while keeping pace with Kentucky's record-breaking economic development needs. The agreement was filed today with the KPSC for approval. Unprecedented economic growth in the commonwealth prompted LG&E and KU, subsidiaries of PPL Corporation (NYSE:PPL), to request approval on February 28 for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the Commission to add two new, highly-efficient natural gas combined-cycle units, install more battery storage and upgrade environmental technologies on Unit 2 at Ghent Generating Station. Through the regulatory process, LG&E and KU have responded to hundreds of requests for information on their generation investment plans from parties involved in the case. The stipulation agreement supports: Construction of two 645-megawatt natural gas combined-cycle units as initially proposed. These modern generating units will use advanced technology, similar to Mill Creek 5 currently under construction at the company's Mill Creek Generating Station in Jefferson County. LG&E and KU expect to have the first unit, Brown 12, available in 2030 and the second unit, Mill Creek 6, available in 2031. Installation, as initially proposed, of a selective catalytic reduction facility, available in 2028, to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions for Ghent Unit 2. The companies agreeing to request to extend the operation of Mill Creek Unit 2, subject to environmental permitting, beyond its previously planned 2027 retirement date until Mill Creek 6 is in-service in 2031. LG&E and KU withdrawing the request to add battery storage at Cane Run, with the companies reserving the right to file a separate CPCN request tied to battery storage at a future date if necessary. "Kentucky has a very open and transparent regulatory process that allows for customer input and representation, and we appreciate that this process enables thoughtful discussion, opportunities for public input and extensive reviews among the parties involved," said John R. Crockett III, LG&E and KU President. "As Kentucky's largest regulated utilities, we have an obligation to serve all customers and new economic development load in the lowest reasonable cost manner. This agreement reflects the importance of that role and the critical needs addressed in our long-term generation investment plans." LG&E and KU forecasted last fall through their Integrated Resource Plan record-breaking economic growth and data center development. This forecast remains on pace and is not dependent upon any one specific project. The settlement agreement was reached with the Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Kentucky; Kentucky Industrial Utility Customers, Inc., Southern Renewable Energy Association and the Kentucky Coal Association, Inc. Parties to the case who did not join the stipulation agreement have the same opportunities as normal to continue participating in the regulatory process. The KPSC is expected to rule on the utilities' CPCN request, including the stipulation agreement, by November. Visit to learn more about LG&E and KU's long-term plans and projects to support Kentucky's energy future. Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company, part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies, are regulated utilities that serve more than 1.3 million customers and have consistently ranked among the best companies for customer service in the United States. LG&E serves 335,000 natural gas and 436,000 electric customers in Louisville and 16 surrounding counties. KU serves 545,000 customers in 77 Kentucky counties and 28,000 in five counties in Virginia. More information is available at and For more information:Contact the LG&E and KU 24/7 media hotline at (502) 627-4999. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities
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GMA Network
12-07-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Tech groups throw support for Konektadong Pinoy Act
Technology industry groups are backing the Konektadong Pinoy Act, saying it can "help close the country's connectivity gap." In a joint statement Saturday, the Global AI Council Philippines, the Blockchain Council of the Philippines, the Cybersecurity Council of the Philippines, the Data Center Association of the Philippines, the Fintech Philippines Association, and Go Digital Philippines said they support the measure, which is now awaiting the signature of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The tech industry groups said the bill would be a 'critical reform that will modernize the Philippines' digital infrastructure.' 'By replacing outdated, analog-era regulations with a forward-looking legal framework, the bill will promote competition, streamline the entry of new players, enable infrastructure sharing, and improve spectrum management," the groups said. "These changes will lower the cost of Internet services, accelerate network rollout, and expand access especially in underserved areas,' they added. The measure, however, has its fair share of critics, including the Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO), composed of the country's leading telcos, and the Philippine Association of Private Telecommunications Companies (PAPTELCO). PCTO called for a review of the ratified version of measure, citing national security concerns and weakening of regulatory oversight among new entrants in the country's connectivity service sector. PAPTELCO, on the other hand, urged Marcos to veto the bill, also flagging national security issues, as new players would no longer be required to secure a legislative franchise. Dara security Under the measure, new data transmission players are no longer required to secure a legislative franchise or Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN). The tech industry groups, meanwhile, urged Congress 'to exclude any data localization or sovereignty provisions in the final version of the law. Requiring that data be stored or processed only within Philippine territory will drive up business costs, disrupt operations, and limit access to technologies such as cloud computing and Al.' 'This would hurt SMEs, deter investment, and weaken the competitiveness of the Philippine IT-BPM and digital sectors. Data security is not about where data is stored, it is about how it is protected,' they said. 'The Konektadong Pinoy Act has the potential to be a foundation for digital transformation. We look forward to its passage and to working with government to realize a more connected Philippines,' they added. Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda is also backing the passage into law of the Konektadong Pinoy Act, saying it would increase competition in the country's telecoms space and eventually lower cost of services for the benefit of the consuming public. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
01-07-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
PCC backs Konektadong Pinoy Act
The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) is supporting the enactment into law of the Konektadong Pinoy Act, ratified by both chambers of Congress and is now awaiting President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.'s signature, as it will encourage further competition in the country's telecommunications space. 'The PCC believes that incorporating competition principles into the country's digital connectivity framework is essential to improving telecommunications services,' the antitrust-trust body said in a statement. The PCC said the Konektadong Pinoy law is a landmark reform that will help build a more inclusive, competitive, and consumer-centric digital economy, where innovation and accessibility are driven by market competition. The bill, however, is facing criticism from telecoms stakeholders including the Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO), composed of the country's leading telcos, and the Philippine Association of Private Telecommunications Companies (PAPTELCO). The PCTO called for a review of the ratified version of the measure, citing national security concerns and weakening of regulatory oversight among new entrants in the country's connectivity service sector. PAPTELCO, on the other hand, urged Marcos to veto the bill also flagging national security issues as new players would no longer be required to secure a legislative franchise. Under the measure, new data transmission players are no longer required to secure a legislative franchise or Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN). PCC chairperson Michael Aguinaldo, in the bill's defense, said provisions of the Konektadong Pinoy Act such as streamlining the approval process for telecommunications providers, promoting open access, and reducing market entry barriers, 'are aligned with the PCC's mandate to foster fair and open markets.' 'By institutionalizing competition in the digital infrastructure sector, the bill can help lower costs, improve service quality, and expand access, especially in underserved areas,' Aguinaldo said. The PCC chief said the bill also reinforces the state's commitment to data inclusivity and consumer welfare by encouraging a more dynamic and responsive telecommunications market. Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda earlier defended the bill, noting that it would increase competition in the country's telecoms space and eventually lower cost of services for the benefit of the consuming public. — BAP, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
26-06-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
DICT chief Aguda defends Konektadong Pinoy Act
There's a high chance of the Konektadong Pinoy Act becoming a law, DICT Henry Aguda told reporters on Thursday, June 26, 2025. Ted Cordero/GMA Integrated News Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda is backing the passage into law of the Konektadong Pinoy Act, which faces opposition from various telecommunications industry stakeholders, saying it would increase competition in the country's telecoms space and eventually lower cost of services for the benefit of the consuming public. 'We've already endorsed it, me and Secretary [Arsenio] Balisacan of DEPDev [Department of Economy, Planning, and Development], we're awaiting the schedule on when it will be taken to Malacañang,' Aguda told reporters at an informal briefing in Quezon City on Thursday. 'Mataas ang chance na matutuloy na 'yun [There's a high chance it will become a law],' the DICT chief added. However, he clarified that he does not want to preempt what President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s decision would be. Critics of the Konektadong Pinoy Act include the Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO), composed of the country's leading telcos, and the Philippine Association of Private Telecommunications Companies (PAPTELCO). PCTO called for a review of the ratified version of measure, citing national security concerns and weakening of regulatory oversight among new entrants in the country's connectivity service sector. PAPTELCO, on the other hand, urged Marcos to veto the bill also flagging national security issues as new players would no longer be required to secure a legislative franchise. Under the measure, new data transmission players are no longer required to secure a legislative franchise or Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN). Aguda, in the bill's defense, said that 'there's no denying that Konektadong Pinoy will increase competition in the industry… and nobody is going to deny that [increased] competition will be good for the industry.' 'Konektadong Pinoy squarely addresses affordability because the more competition… the public will have more choices, which would bring down prices,' the DICT secretary said. The ICT chief said major telcos would even benefit from increased competition as they could divert revenues from end-users to wholesale as new entrants could tap into their existing internet infrastructure. 'Actually maganda nga 'tong Konektadong Pinoy sa major telcos kasi 'yung mga magtatayo para sa 'middle mile' makikigamit ng kanilang broadband service kasi hindi naman sila magtatayo ng transmission na malaki eh… So malilipat ang revenue nila from retail to maybe wholesale,' Aguda said. (Actually this bill will be good for the major telcos because those putting up the "middle mile" will need to use their broadband service, because they won't be putting up a big their revenue will be transferred from retail to maybe wholesale.) As to concerns on national security and other issues raised by critics of the bill, the DICT secretary said the ICT Department and its attached agency, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), would address it in crafting the measures implementing rules and regulations (IRR) once the bill is signed into law. 'We just have to be very exacting on the specific concerns of the industry. What I was hearing were… one is national security… we hear them and we'll address that with the help of the telcos. Another concern was… spectrum refarming… the NTC will set the specific regulatory [oversight] on frequency allocation,' Aguda said. On PH's dip in Mobile Connectivity Index The DICT chief also emphasized that the Konektadong Pinoy Act, which he said would result in increased competition in the telecoms space, would help in improving the Philippines' ranking in the GSM Association Mobile Connectivity Index. The latest edition of the GSMA's index—which assesses countries' performance on key factors in adopting mobile internet such as infrastructure, affordability, consumer readiness, and content and services— saw the country's score drop by 0.52 to 67.69. Aguda said that 'while this marks a slight decline from the previous year, it serves as a timely reminder of the work that remains in achieving universal, reliable, and affordable digital access for all Filipinos.' 'We see this report not as a setback, but as a guide that reinforces our focus on closing the digital divide, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to have an inclusive and digitally connected Philippines,' he said. The DICT reiterated that the agency is pushing for the passage of the Konektadong Pinoy Act, which he described as a "landmark legislation" that promotes open-access policies, infrastructure sharing among telecommunications providers, and streamlining of permitting processes for broadband rollout. 'By lowering operational barriers and fostering competition, the measure is expected to reduce internet costs by 2028, while accelerating the deployment of high-quality connectivity across urban and rural areas alike,' Aguda said. The ICT Department, he said, is also expanding the Free Wi-Fi for All Program, particularly in remote and underserved communities. — BM, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
16-06-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
DICT wants internet service costs down by as much as 50%
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is looking to bring down internet service provider (ISP) costs by as much as 50%, with the expected increase in competition and facility sharing. According to DICT Secretary Henry Aguda, the agency is looking to make internet in the country more affordable, as it targets to bring down ISP costs by 30% to 50%. 'Over time po 'yan (This will be over time). As technology becomes more advanced, the price per megabyte drops. As competition increases and as telcos become more efficient, the price will really drop,' he said during the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP) Infrastructure Forum in Makati City. Aguda said competition is expected to increase with the Konektadong Pinoy Bill, which has been ratified by both chambers of Congress and is now awaiting the President's signature. 'That's one, kasi darating na 'yung mga (because of the arrival of the) third-party providers that go straight to internet services, but we will harmonize it with the current telcos ngayon,' he said. Under the measure, new data transmission players are no longer required to secure a legislative franchise or Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN), a move that removes key filters historically used to evaluate legal, financial, technical, and cybersecurity readiness. Sought for the timeline for the cost reduction, Aguda said that this should come before the end of the administration's term in 2028. 'Before pa dapat yan. Mahirap kasing i-pin it down. You need to mix the price together with the free services that they provide. Confident ako 'yung mga telco magco-compete na eh, so malamang bababa 'yan,' he said. (It should be before (2028). It is quite difficult to pin down. You need to mix the price together with the free services that they provide. I am confident that the telcos will compete, so this will come down.) Moving forward, Aguda said the DICT also targets to increase the government's free wifi access points to 50,000 in 2028 from 15,717 in 2024. 'We are not building just fiber or satellites. We're building a more just, informed, and inclusive republic,' he said. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News
