Louisville area groups push back against LG&E data center proposal

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - Several local groups are pushing back against an LG&E plan to build two new natural gas power plants.

Groups such as the Metropolitan Housing Coalition, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, Louisville Climate Action Network and the Louisville Metro Watchdog Alliance hosted a press conference Monday to express their concerns.

The organizations say they oppose LG&E’s and KU’s proposal to spend up to three billion dollars for fossil-fuel-powered generating capacity. They say they are doing this to lure prospective data centers to their service area.

WAVE heard from one woman who addressed concerns for ratepayers making ends meet.

“This is concerning. 16% of Jefferson County residents are energy cost-burdened. Imagine an average Kentuckian worker, working at minimum wage, $7.25 an hour. They would have to work 19.5 hours to pay for one typical energy bill. With already high energy rates, additional increases could lead to unaffordability of housing and other essentials like food and medicine,” Sarah Pierce with the Metropolitan Housing Coalition said.

A hearing on the matter began Monday, Aug. 4, in Frankfort over the proposal. It’s expected to take several days. Public comment is accepted both virtually and in person. Directions for virtual public comments will be posted on psc.ky.gov.