Energy

Kentucky is one of the most complex states in the nation with regard to energy production, consumption, and energy policies. This state is highly dependent on coal for its electricity (87% in 2015, down from 95%), and Kentucky is the third-largest coal mining state in the nation. But this is reliance on a coal-based economy is quickly changing.

During recent years, a wave of bankruptcies in the coal mining industry and the shuttering of many coal-fired plants have opened the markets to more influence from natural gas, biofuels, solar, wind and efficiency.  KCC is working for a just transition to a sustainable energy mix that benefits communities at all economic levels.

  • In 2015, 87% of Kentucky’s net electricity generation was produced by coal and 7% by natural gas. The previous record share for natural gas was 3% of net generation.
  • Most of Kentucky’s natural gas currently comes from the Big Sandy field in the state’s east, but the Devonian Shale underlying two-thirds of Kentucky may contain more than 100 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
  • Increasing amounts of customer-sited solar photovoltaic capacity have been installed across Kentucky, and the state is home to the nation’s first net-zero energy public school.

Whitepaper Explores Potential Rate Impacts

“The Potential Rate Impacts of Net Metering for KU/LG&E” Analysis of KU/LG&E Data Shows Net Metering Has Negligible Impact on Electric Rates By Andy McDonald, Director of Sustainable Systems Programs, Earth Tools, Inc., February, 2017. Download HERE or visit our Sustainable Energy and Efficiency information page.

Media:

 

 Thanks to all who came out to support home-grown solar and oppose SB214 from the 2017 session. See link here.

Thanks to those who joined us on March 7, 2017 for Clean Energy Lobby Day with the Kentucky Council of Churches. Contact us for information on clean energy lobby days in 2018.