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.,
For utility providers, including
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
Stronger poles and wires and updated substations
While 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 reliability
LG&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
Meeting customers' needs in the most reasonable, least-cost manner
To support the necessary system enhancements, LG&E and KU plan to file, on
"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
If approved, these adjustments would likely go into effect not before
If approved, KU residential customers using an average of 1,085 kWh per month would see an increase of
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
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 lge-ku.com/assistance.
For more information:
Contact the LG&E and KU 24/7 media hotline at (502) 627-4999
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SOURCE LG&E and KU