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Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A data center is not a utility. Don't shove it down Oldham County's throat.
In the final days of the legislative session, language was added to a bill and passed before anyone in the public could look at it and learn more. That bill provides a massive tax incentive package to create a 267-acre data center in our county. No one asked us if we wanted such a noisy, environmentally destructive monstrosity. They knew not to ask. We would have told them no. And now, we are. Through a series of open records requests we have obtained, we have learned that the powers that be have made the unilateral decision that a data center is a 'utility,' which means they think the project can proceed without public comment or planning and zoning approval. Unfortunately, this blatant attempt at bending the law is being exercised on land that is zoned for agricultural use. The attorney on the case at a high-powered law firm is single-handedly making this assumption. She doesn't live here. And she's not one of us, but she's gathering billable hours at our expense every day. Data centers are springing up all over the country, and in almost every case, they are being shoved down the people's throats with the same playbook they're using here. No community wants a data center on prime agricultural land that can never return to its state once they start pouring concrete all over the county. They are associated with devastating environmental impacts, including alterations to important ecosystems as a result of the noise and light pollution and emissions they chug out. Further, they use vast amounts of water to cool their systems, because, well, they use a lot of energy. LG&E would love to sell it to them with their local monopoly. And a large data center can gobble up to 5 million gallons of water each day. Gerth: Greenberg finally did right rejecting tennis center in Joe Creason Park | Opinion State law (KRS 278.010) makes absolutely no allowances for 'data centers' as utilities, and as they provide nothing to the public, that makes sense. To be considered a utility, per state law, the project would have to generate energy 'to or for the public.' We find that a stretch. We, the people, have told our elected leaders we are opposed to the project. We have raised our voices at fiscal court meetings, at coffee shops and at community meetings. They think they can slide this under the rug and get it done before anyone notices. We've noticed. We are unhappy with the lack of concern from the people elected by us to represent our interests. We call on them to speak up on our behalf now, before it's too late. Agree or disagree? Submit your letter to the editor. Nathan Oberg is a long-time resident of Oldham County, graduate of Oldham County High School and president of 'We Are Oldham County,' a nonprofit organization that actively opposes 'Project Lincoln.' Owning a 50-acre family farm, Nathan has deep roots in the area and a strong commitment to preserving the county's heritage and natural beauty. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Oldham County data center offers nothing to the public I Opinion
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kentucky power providers to propose first rate increase since 2020: What we know
KENTUCKY (FOX 56) — Louisville Gas and Electric (LG&E) and Kentucky Utilities (KU) customers could owe over $100 more a year based on a new proposal. The electricity providers announced on Thursday, May 15, that leaders plan to file the request to increase rates on May 30. This will be the first rate hike since November 2020. If approved by the Kentucky Public Service Commission, the increases would take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. Officials wrote that residential rates for LG&E and KU would remain below the national average even with the proposed increase. FEMA officials ask Kentucky residents to watch for fraud and scams following April storms Police 'unit' involved in crash closing Man O War at rush hour 6 years of the lottery pays off for Nelson County woman: 'It saved the day' 'We understand that increasing customer bills is impactful and not a decision we take lightly. Our employees, who are also our customers, work hard to operate and maintain our systems to be among the best in the nation, and we have held true to our commitment to not increase rates for the last five years. Even now, our request is significantly less than the rate of inflation,' said Crockett. 'However, we're at a tipping point in which the foundational portions of our system—poles, wires, substations, and technology—are reaching the end of their useful lives.' If approved, officials said KU residential customers using an average of 1,085 kilowatt hours per month would see an increase of $18.14 monthly in their electric bill. L G&E residential electric customers using an average of 866 kilowatt hours per month would see an increase in their total monthly bill of $11.04, and LG&E natural gas customers using an average of 52 centum cubic feet would see an increase of $11.12 in their monthly bill. Here's a look at the additional cost annually: KU residential customers using an average of 1,085 kWh per month: $217.68 per year LG&E residential electric customers using an average of 866 kWh per month: $132.48 per year LG&E residential natural gas customers using an average of 52 Ccf per month: $133.44 per year Residents raise concerns about new Kroger construction project on Winchester Road The providers said it's to ensure that utility infrastructure can withstand severe storms, wildfires, and tornadoes while still providing affordable power to customers. In a news release, leaders with Louisville Gas and Electric (LG&E) and Kentucky Utilities (KU) said that in 2025 alone, Kentucky was hit by up to three-quarters of an inch of ice, 2 feet of snow, extreme cold, more than 30 reported tornadoes, and historic flooding from both the Ohio and Kentucky rivers. 'Increasingly, scientists—including at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration—are noting the extreme weather pattern of 'Tornado Alley' is expanding eastward,' LG&E and KU officials wrote. FEMA officials ask Kentucky residents to watch for fraud and scams following April storms Miniscule number of migrants smuggle drugs, survey of CBP data shows Kentucky weather tomorrow: Significant severe weather possible Police 'unit' involved in crash closing Man O War at rush hour 6 years of the lottery pays off for Nelson County woman: 'It saved the day' The increased risk of severe weather has reportedly prompted enhancements from infrastructure upgrades to advanced meter technology to improving the billing experience and protecting customers from cyber threats. 'We continually evaluate how to best serve our customers and ensure that we are providing safe, reliable, affordable energy with award-winning customer service,' said John R. Crockett, LG&E and KU president. 'Our system enhancement plans will help us defend against Mother Nature and improve service for our customers.' According to a news release, the utility providers have programs to help customers manage their energy use in the event that a proposed increase gets approved. Officials also said in a news release that adjustments were also proposed to help lessen the impact on customers who need to pay their bill with cash by asking to waive the current $1.95 transaction fee tied to cash payments at third-party locations. More information about assistance programs can be found at the LG&E and KU website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
LG&E and KU investing in system enhancements for customers
Utilities upgrading aging equipment to defend against stronger storms and support increased energy needs. LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- If it feels like Kentucky has experienced Mother Nature's wrath more frequently over the last few years, that's not your imagination. Increasingly, scientists – including at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – are noting the extreme weather pattern of "Tornado Alley" is expanding eastward. In 2025 alone, Kentucky has experienced up to three quarters of an inch of ice, 14 inches of snow, extreme cold, more than 30 reported tornadoes and the worst flooding on the Ohio River since 1997. For utility providers, including Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company, stronger, more frequent storms underscore the importance of system hardening to withstand the effects. Already, LG&E and KU's ongoing system investments for customers have achieved a reduction in power outage frequency by 40% and duration by 30%. As the risks of these more severe storms, wildfires and demand for energy continue to rise, LG&E and KU are working to mitigate the threats with stronger wires and poles; increasing vegetation management to further control this leading cause for power outages; and installing advanced technologies to identify and prevent outages. Coupled with system enhancements, LG&E and KU are making it even easier for customers to do business. New advanced meter technology gives customers access to near real-time data to better pinpoint savings and manage their energy bills. Behind the scenes, the utilities also are upgrading information technology systems, improving customer billing processes and adding even more protections against cyber-related threats. "We continually evaluate how to best serve our customers and ensure that we are providing safe, reliable, affordable energy with award-winning customer service," said John R. Crockett, LG&E and KU President. "Our system enhancement plans will help us defend against Mother Nature and improve service for our customers." Stronger poles and wires and updated substationsWhile the utilities continuously invest in their transmission and distribution systems, some equipment dates back to the 1920s and is reaching the end of its life, posing a significant risk to system reliability. Currently, 55% of the wooden transmission poles are more than 60 years old and in need of replacement with steel structures that offer greater strength and durability against wind and ice; upgraded components, and, in some cases, additional lightning protection. Likewise, system hardening, real-time monitoring and automated technologies, coupled with advanced metering functionality, is greatly improving the utilities' distribution system. Since 2017, customers have collectively experienced 150,000 fewer power outages each year, preventing 27.7 million outage minutes in total. However, to maintain or improve this performance, the system not only needs additional stronger wires and poles, but upgrades to its aging substations, some of which are nearly 100 years old. Natural gas system safety and reliabilityLG&E also is investing in its gas system, including pipeline integrity and safety projects, to ensure it continues to provide safer, more reliable gas service. The most notable project is the 12-mile Bullitt County pipeline project that began this year. Due in large part to legal challenges, hundreds of requests for new or expanded natural gas service were delayed over the past six years. Once complete, the line will provide much needed reliability for current customers in the area and allow for new and expanded service, including those additional delayed requests, to be fulfilled. Meeting customers' needs in the most reasonable, least-cost mannerTo support the necessary system enhancements, LG&E and KU plan to file, on May 30, requests with the Kentucky Public Service Commission for adjustments to their total revenues. LG&E and KU have not requested increases in base rates since November 2020. KU will request an increase of 11.5% in total revenues. LG&E will request an 8.3% increase in total revenue for the electric business and 14.0% for its natural gas business. Over the last five years, as inflation increased nearly 20% and labor and material costs escalated, LG&E and KU have held down costs and maintained residential rates that are more than 24% below the national average. "We understand that increasing customer bills is impactful and not a decision we take lightly. Our employees, who are also our customers, work hard to operate and maintain our systems to be among the best in the nation, and we have held true to our commitment to not increase rates for the last five years. Even now, our request is significantly less than the rate of inflation," said Crockett. "However, we're at a tipping point in which the foundational portions of our system – poles, wires, substations and technology – are reaching the end of their useful lives." LG&E and KU also are proposing several new services to help lessen the impact for customers and allow for more flexibility. For customers who pay with cash, the utilities will ask for approval to waive the current $1.95 transaction fee required for cash payments at third-party locations. And to help customers better manage their energy usage and budget, the utilities are requesting a pre-pay program that allows all residential AMI customers to deposit funds in advance to pay for energy as it is used. If approved, these adjustments would likely go into effect not before Jan. 1, 2026. Even with the proposed increase, residential rates for both LG&E and KU electric service will remain below average U.S. residential rates. If approved, KU residential customers using an average of 1,085 kWh per month would see an increase of $18.14 in their total monthly electric bill. LG&E residential electric customers using an average of 866 kWh per month would see an increase in their total monthly bill of $11.04. LG&E residential natural gas customers using an average of 52 Ccf per month would see an increase of $11.12 in their total monthly bill. LG&E and KU offer programs to help customers manage their energy use, including the largest portfolio of energy efficiency offerings in the company's history; a new advanced meter portal that allows customers to view their energy usage in near real time; and tips to save energy and money. However, LG&E and KU understand customers can sometimes have difficulty paying their utility bills. Customers who are eligible to set up payment arrangements can do so via the mobile app or online My Account, in addition to reaching out to LG&E or KU for assistance and be connected with a number of agencies that provide assistance. To learn about these assistance programs, visit 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 LG&E and KU Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Kentucky officials left scrambling as rumor dam gates were accidentally opened spreads
CARROLLTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — As Kentucky battles deadly statewide flooding, officials are scrambling to clear the air after an inadvertent evacuation notice was issued. On Sunday, April 6, in a live Facebook video, Carrollton Mayor Robb Adams warned that 10 gates at Dix Dam on the Kentucky River were accidentally opened and that anyone downstream needed to evacuate immediately. RELATED | Carroll County residents ordered to evacuate as water level rises: Here's what we know 'If you're on the Kentucky River corridor, anywhere, and you're seeing this video, you need to evacuate and evacuate immediately,' Adams said. Adams claimed that the warning came from state officials in Frankfort. Later that evening, LG&E and KU stated that the information being spread was false, the release was planned, and there was no need to panic. We want to clarify some incorrect information that was shared today regarding a release at our Dix Dam generating station in Burgin. Reports that 10 gates were inadvertently opened at Dix Dam are inaccurate. On Friday evening, we opened spill gates in a controlled fashion according to our Dam Safety Procedures. Per protocol, a notification was sent out Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. alerting local officials and emergency personnel that a planned release would be beginning in a few hours. The National Weather Service was provided the same notification which was then relayed to the Ohio River Forecast Center to be factored into its river forecasts. For additional context, we only release inflow to Lake Herrington and no additional water into the river—meaning the flow of water is what would normally be in the river under current conditions. Flow into Herrington Lake has since subsided, and we are in the process of closing gates to maintain lake level until the Kentucky River crest subsides. Only 6 gates are currently open, and we are expecting to close additional gates this evening. LG&E and KU Later that evening, Adams apologized for the mistake. Fight in Pike County parking lot ends in fatal gunfire Kentucky officials left scrambling as rumor dam gates were accidentally opened spreads Swollen rivers are flooding Kentucky towns after a prolonged deluge of rain 'All I did was pass along what we had at the time; all I'm doing now is passing along new, clear information,' Adams said. 'Somewhere, there was a miscommunication.' However, he stated that it is expected to have the same impact on Carroll County, and mandatory evacuations are still in place for the Carrollton area. In Gov. Andy Beshear's severe weather update on Monday morning, he said that the state is 'working to get to the bottom' of how this occurred. 'I think KU said that they were operating under their plan, but we need to make sure that we're all operating under one plan that benefits every single community that can be impacted,' Beshear emphasized. Latest central Kentucky weather forecast He said the next steps include speaking with KU and emergency management to ensure transparency regarding 'how many of those gates are being opened and about what the potential impact can be.' Beshear admitted that communication is one area for improvement. 'That's one area where we need to do better, and on the communication side, we need to do better. Let me tell you, the mayor of Carrollton was only operating under, trying to help his people and others the best he could,' he said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
LG&E and KU power Kentucky's growth with plans for new generation and battery storage
Accelerated economic development and data center growth driving need for more energy LOUISVILLE, Ky., Feb. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Record-breaking economic growth in the commonwealth is catching worldwide attention and benefiting all Kentuckians with more job opportunities, increased tourism and additional tax revenue. The unprecedented economic growth and data center interest also means a greater need for electricity. As a result, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company, subsidiaries of PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL), requested approval for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity today from the Kentucky Public Service Commission for additional generation capacity and battery storage. LG&E and KU are proposing a significant investment in Kentucky's energy future, including: Building two new, highly efficient 645-megawatt natural gas combined-cycle units. These modern generating stations will use advanced technology, similar to the one currently under construction at the company's Mill Creek Generating Station in Jefferson County. Adding 400 megawatts of battery storage to the power grid. Battery storage is a key component of a modern energy system, allowing for better management of power supply and increased reliability at all times of the day. Upgrading environmental controls on Unit 2 at the Ghent Generating Station to further reduce emissions. "This is an exciting time for Kentucky as the interest in locating new and expanding businesses continues to grow," said John R. Crockett III, LG&E and KU President and PPL Chief Development Officer. "These investments in our system will allow us to continue serving our customers safely and reliably while meeting our regulatory obligation and the growing economic interest in the commonwealth – all while maintaining affordability." LG&E and KU currently are in discussions with a variety of businesses that, all total, in the coming years have the potential generation need of up to 8,000 megawatts, more than double the utilities' current energy demand. As regulated utilities, LG&E and KU are required to serve this new economic development load in the most reasonable least-cost manner. The potential need for additional generation at the companies' E.W. Brown Generating Station in Mercer County was acknowledged by the KPSC in 2023. Since that time, the unprecedented growth has increased even more than anticipated, creating the need for even more generation. As outlined in today's filing and pending approval, 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. Additionally, given the anticipated economic load growth increases by 2,000 megawatts between now and 2032, the companies plan to install 400 megawatts of battery energy storage at the Cane Run Generating Station and a selective catalytic reduction facility to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions for Ghent Unit 2. Both will be available in 2028. "We are pleased that our affordable generation and state regulations are encouraging growth that benefits all Kentuckians by bringing more jobs and additional tax revenue to the commonwealth," Crockett added. "Since the announcement of BlueOval SK, we have seen new and expanded manufacturing in our service territory. Now we're seeing unprecedented interest in locating data centers to Kentucky. When these large businesses choose Kentucky, it benefits all our customers." The KPSC is expected to rule on the CPCN request by November. 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) financial analysts: Andy Ludwig, 610-774-3389 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE LG&E and KU Sign in to access your portfolio
