Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E) and the Kentucky Utilities Company (KU), subsidiaries of PPL, have submitted a request to the Kentucky Public Service Commission for a certificate of convenience and necessity.
The request aims to expand generation capacity and battery storage in response to Kentucky’s growing energy demands.
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The proposal includes constructing two 645MW natural gas combined-cycle units, leveraging advanced technology similar to the Mill Creek generating station in Jefferson County.
The companies also plan to integrate 400MW of battery storage into the power grid to enhance energy management and reliability.
LG&E and KU will also upgrade environmental controls on Unit 2 at the Ghent generating station to further reduce emissions.
These initiatives align with the companies’ commitment to serving the new economic development load cost-effectively.
LG&E, KU and PPL stated: “This is an exciting time for Kentucky as the interest in locating new and expanding businesses continues to grow.
“These investments in our system will allow us to continue serving our customers safely and reliably while meeting our regulatory obligation and the growing economic interest in the commonwealth – all while maintaining affordability.”
The Kentucky Public Service Commission acknowledged the potential need for additional generation at the EW Brown generating station in Mercer County in 2023.
LG&E and KU anticipate that the Brown 12 unit will be operational by 2030 and the Mill Creek 6 unit by 2031.
With an expected economic load growth of 2,000MW by 2032, the companies plan to install 400MW of battery energy storage at the Cane Run generating station.
They also intend to implement a selective catalytic reduction facility to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions for Ghent Unit 2, both set to be available in 2028.
The Kentucky Public Service Commission is expected to decide on the certificate of convenience and necessity request by November 2025.
