Despite a Pandemic and Historic Unemployment KU/LG&E File for Their Third Rate Hike in Four Years

OP-ED by Carrie Ray, Energy Programs Coordinator at the Mountain Association

Kentucky Utilities and Louisville Gas & Electric have filed new rate cases with the Kentucky Public Service Commission that propose higher rates for more than 1.3 million customers in 100 counties, and significant changes that disincentivize customer investment in rooftop solar. If approved, everyone’s energy bills will rise significantly no matter how little energy they use.

By Michelle M. Sanborn, MSW - President Children's Alliance

"How many of your foster children want to go home?" I remember asking a group of foster parents. One foster mother raised her hand and said, "110%.

By Robert Berry and Anthony “Tony” Campbell

L to R: Robert Berry, President and CEO of Big Rivers Electric Corp. & Anthony “Tony” Campbell, President and CEO of East Kentucky Power Cooperative

February’s bitterly cold temperatures, pushing deep into the southern U.S. and persisting for days, severely tested Texas’ electric infrastructure, exposing weaknesses and providing valuable lessons about reliability.

When the temperature plunges and people depend on electricity for heat, reliability is vitally important. Millions of Texans lost power for days, and at least 57 deaths have been attributed to the winter storm and bitter cold according to the Texas health department.

By Dale Toney, M.D., President, Kentucky Medical Association

An estimated 88 million Americans have prediabetes, and just over 1 in 10 have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. In Kentucky, nearly 12 percent of the adult population is affected by this disease. Week after week, Kentucky physicians care for patients with type 2 diabetes and the potentially debilitating complications it can cause. Unfortunately, it is also well-documented that pre-existing conditions such as diabetes can put patients at high-risk for complications should they contract COVID-19.