Energy News & Updates

November 2024| Issue 35

What We're Reading

LG&E and KU officially break ground on Mill Creek 5. Utilities expect new state-of-the-art natural gas combined-cycle generating unit to begin serving power to customers' homes and businesses in 2027.

New York City tests a solar-powered electric-school-bus microgrid

IRS finalizes direct pay rules, increasing access to IRA's clean energy tax credits

River City Housing unveils ultra energy efficient home in West Louisville

How winter storms impact Kentucky's power companies

Kentucky Power customers due refunds under proposed settlement

Anglo to sell Australian coal mines to Peabody for up to $3.78 bln

Market Report Says 2024 a Record-Breaking Year for Solar

TVA signs 10-year power purchase with 'Smoky'

New Foundational Guide to Energy Opportunities and Economic Growth in Eastern Kentucky Now Available

Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR), a nonprofit driving population growth in Eastern Kentucky has developed a new resource to simplify the process of accessing energy funding and economic growth opportunities in Kentucky's eastern region. With billions in grants, incentives, and tax credits community leaders, businesses, and nonprofits must identify regional needs and secure funding. Knowing what funding is available and how to apply can be overwhelming. This new Foundational Guide simplifies that process.

Access the Foundational Guide here.

This project is funded by the Energy and Environment Cabinet, through the combined efforts of the following organizations: the Kentucky Office of Energy Policy and SOAR, with support from the U.S. Department of Energy State Energy Program.

Home Energy Rebate Sessions Planned for Trade Allies, Contractors

The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet in collaboration with HORNE, LLP, will host the first in a series of regional stakeholder engagement and listening sessions. Primary topics to be presented include an overview of the Home Rebates Program, an outline of the rebates eligibility criteria and application process, an opportunity to engage, a timeline, and the next steps. There is no cost to attend, however advance registration is required. Registration and the agenda are available here. The schedule is as follows:

December 4, Hopkinsville, 8:30-10 a.m. CST.

December 5, Elizabethtown, 6-7 p.m. EST.

December 6, Pikeville, 8:30-10 a.m. EST.

December 16, Virtual Session, 7:30-9 a.m. CST and 8:30-10 a.m. EST.

Questions? Contact Ky. Energy and Environment Cabinet, Billie.Hardin@ky.gov.

Henderson County Schools Selected to U.S. DOE Energy CLASS Program

Kentucky's Henderson County Schools is among 60 local educational agencies selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) 2024-2025 Energy Champions Leading the Advancement of Sustainable Schools (Energy CLASS) program. This initiative aims to provide the training and support necessary to develop and implement strategies that enhance energy efficiency, foster healthier learning environments, and optimize costs within their school districts.

Learn more.

What's Happening at the Office of Energy Policy

Kenya Stump and Amanda LeMaster attended the Kentucky Petroleum Marketers Conference on November 4 in Lexington and presented on energy issues relevant to the petroleum sector.

Kenya Stump attended the TVA Integrated Resource Plan public meeting on November 7 in Hopkinsville, KY.

Kenya Stump and Emma Strong attended the Rural Renaissance Roadshow Southeast, sponsored by Groundswell, from November 11 to 14 in Macon, GA.

Steven Thomas-Barrera presented an informational webinar on November 12 for the Kentucky Grid Resilience Grant Program—Municipalities. The webinar is available here and on the EEC website.

Hailey Mattingly attended the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance Annual Summit in Nashville, TN, November 20-22.

Eileen Hardy attended the Kentucky Environmental Education Council Interagency Subcommittee on Environmental Education meeting on November 19 in Frankfort.

Lona Brewer participated in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Round 3, National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Application Review Panel, November 20-22 in Frankfort.

Amanda LeMaster, OEP's Energy Assurance Coordinator was recently recognized for her participation and contributions to the FEMA External Stakeholder Working Group (ESWG). Amanda was featured in the November 18 issue of the National Association of State Energy Officials, NASEO Energy Security Quarterly Newsletter. As a member of the national working group, Amanda contributes insight and feedback about how to improve and streamline the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs. Her extensive experience in hazard mitigation grant writing and managing Kentucky's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant is unique, and a valuable addition to the ESWG.

OEP Assistant Director Ashley Runyon joined local officials and representatives of River City Housing on November 4, to celebrate Louisville's first affordable, Zero Energy Ready, Passive House. The home, called "The Jenny" is designed to drastically reduce energy use and minimize the home's carbon footprint. With long-term affordability, the home offers lower energy bills and increases financial stability for working families. The OEP supports River City Housing, a nonprofit organization, to fulfill its mission of developing affordable housing that is sustainable, energy-efficient, and accessible to all. The OEP awarded RCH a grant through Kentucky's State Energy Program to provide rebates for the increased energy efficiency measures.

Data Visualization of the Month

Kentucky 2022 Distributed Generation Dashboard

This dashboard shows both net-metered and non-net-metered installed distributed generation capacity by utility service territories, balancing authority, and resource type. Data was sourced from Form EIA-86 1M, Monthly Electric Power Industry Report, which collects data from distribution utilities and power marketers of electricity. Access the Dashboard here:

2022 Kentucky Distributed Energy Resources

Partner Spotlight

River City Housing

River City Housing creates opportunities for low-income Louisville Residents to make one of the biggest commitments of their lives--purchasing their first home. River City Housing has been able to rehabilitate more than 230 houses throughout the city in areas such as Shively, Cane Run, and Shelby Park. Learn more.

Office of Energy Policy | Energy and Environment Cabinet | 300 Sower Blvd. Frankfort, KY 40601

Energy News & Updates﻿

What We're Reading﻿﻿