PSC Approves End to Most Big Rivers DSM Programs

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 12, 2018) – The Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) has authorized the discontinuation of nearly all demand-side management (DSM) programs conducted by Big Rivers Electric Corp. and its member distribution cooperatives.

In an order issued today, the PSC approved a request by Big Rivers, Jackson Purchase Energy Corp., and Meade County Rural Electric Cooperative Corp. (RECC) to end the programs. The utilities stated in their filing that the majority of the programs were no longer cost-effective.

PSC Names Karen Wilson as Legislative Director

22-year veteran of state government will also advise commissioners

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 10, 2018) – Karen Wilson, a 22-year employee of Kentucky state government, has joined the staff of the Kentucky Public Service Commission as its legislative liaison and executive advisor to the commissioners.

Wilson most recently served a policy advisor in the Department of Energy Policy in the Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC). She previously held several other posts in EEC and also worked in the Governor’s Office of Energy Policy.

“With her extensive experience and knowledge, Karen will be an effective liaison between the PSC and the Kentucky General Assembly,” PSC Chairman Michael Schmitt said. “This is a time of rapid change in the energy sector, and we are fortunate to have someone like Karen to both advise the commission and provide information to legislators.”

Martin County Water Ordered to Obtain Outside Management

PSC grants rate increase, but imposes stringent conditions

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 5, 2018) – The Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) has granted Martin County Water District a permanent rate increase, while also ordering the district to contract with an outside party to manage the troubled utility.

In an order issued today, the PSC told Martin County Water that a failure to comply with the terms of the order could prompt the commission to either force a merger with another water system or seek appointment of a receiver to operate the utility, removing all local control.

The rate increase granted today will add another $3.30 to the average monthly bill for Martin County Water residential customers, bringing it to $54.37. The PSC in March granted Martin County Water an emergency rate increase that brought the average bill to $51.07, an increase of $11.17, from the previous $39.90 for a customer using 4,000 gallons per month.

Natural Gas to Cost Less Than a Year Ago

Energy efficiency improvements can help reduce bills, PSC says

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 1, 2018) – Kentucky residents who heat their homes with natural gas will see somewhat lower prices at the start of the 2018-2019 heating season than they did a year ago, the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) advised today.

Natural gas prices have fallen, on average, about 13 percent from this time last year, and are now about 64 percent below their level ten years ago.

When base rates – which include monthly customer charges and delivery fees – are factored in, Kentucky residential customers can, on average, expect their total gas bills to be about 6 percent lower this November than last, based on heating season consumption of 10,000 cubic feet of natural gas per month. The average total bill for 10,000 cubic feet – including gas costs and base rates, but not miscellaneous charges and credits – is projected to be about $93.71.