KENTUCKY, September 6, 2017 - Critical infrastructure improvements will come at a price of $49 million to Kentucky electric customers. Duke Energy Kentucky seeks the first base rate increase in 11 years for consumers in Boone, Kenton, Campbell, Pendleton, Grant and Gallatin counties. If the Kentucky Public Service Commission approves the request, it would mean a 15 percent rate increase across all customer groups. The hike would allow Duke to make repairs to infrastructure damage caused by Hurricane Ike in 2008. The utility also intends to convert a wet ash coal system to a dry ash coal system in compliance with federal regulation. The charge for a typical residential customer, using 1,000 kilowatt-hours monthly, would increase $15.17 from $88.60 to $103.77. The higher rate still falls short of the national average by $29. Duke plans to employ advanced metering technology, generate cleaner energy and provide for long-term capacity with the funds generated.
Start your day with the Agri-Pulse Daily Harvest Email. Sign up for a four-week free trial by clicking here!
