Encouraging Utilities to Help their Customers

Energy Efficiency Programs and Incentives for LG&E and KU Customers Louisville Gas & Electric (LG&E) and Kentucky Utilities (KU) is offering their customers financial incentives and technical assistance to conserve energy, improve energy efficiency, and reduce their electric bills. Check out the various programs and incentives offered below.

Residential or Small Business Energy Efficiency Program Options Louisville Gas & Electric (LG&E) and Kentucky Utilities (KU) residential and small business customers can conserve energy and receive program-specific incentives through participation in one or more of the following programs. Check the eligibility requirements at LG&E and KU’s website and find specific incentives available at the links below.

• Appliance Recycling– LG&E and KU’s residential and small commercial customers can receive a one-time financial incentive of $50 for allowing LG&E and KU to safely dispose of and recycle old refrigerators and freezers.

• Bring Your Own Thermostat– allows residential and small business customers to enroll their Wi-Fi thermostat which allows LG&E and KU to adjust the thermostat setting for energy reduction during short periods of extreme temperature or similar critical needs. LG&E and KU pay participants a one-time enrollment incentive and an incentive for each event that they participate in.

• Optimized EV Charging – allows residential customers to receive incentives if they allow LG&E and KU to shift their electric vehicle charging each day to periods of lower demand and participate in demand response events. LG&E and KU pay participants a one-time enrollment incentive and a monthly participation incentive.

• Online Marketplace– allows customers to purchase discounted smart or learning thermostats, smart plugs, and smart strips. After purchasing and installing a Wi-fi connected thermostat, customers may also enroll in the “Bring Your Own Thermostat” program.

• WeCare for Homeowners and Renters – provides residential customers who meet income eligibility requirements with a home energy audit and weatherization improvements at their home or apartment with the goal to reduce energy usage, improve comfort, and lower energy costs. These services are provided at no cost to the residents or property owner.

• WeCare for Apartment Building Owners – provides multifamily property managers and owners with a turnkey service to enhance the energy efficiency of the common areas at the property plus in each of the tenant units at no additional cost. Qualified participants will receive an energy audit report, installation of energy-efficient measures, and the option to receive incentives of up to 50% of the incremental cost for whole-building projects.

• Peak Time Rebates – pays residential and small business customers to voluntarily reduce their usage during times of extreme temperatures or similar critical need. Customers choose what they would like to reduce and how much over the event period. Participants earn incentives for each event where lower energy usage is determined and an annual participation bonus if they remain in the program for twelve full months. LG&E and KU will provide ideas for energy reduction ahead of the event for their consideration.

• Residential Online Audit and Kit – offers a self-guided online energy assessment of the home. It takes just a few minutes to complete the assessment and a personalized report and energy savings tips are provided when complete. Participating customers may elect to receive a package that contains a sample of energy efficient items for do-it-yourself installation in the home at no additional cost.

• Residential Rebates – allows residential customers to receive cash rebates for purchasing and installing qualified ENERGY STAR®-certified equipment including central air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, and heat pump water heaters.

• Small Business Audit and Direct Install – provides an onsite, customized energy audit and the installation of basic energy efficient equipment at no additional cost to eligible small business customers to help reduce their energy usage and lower utility costs.

Non-Residential Energy Efficiency Program Options LG&E and KU commercial and industrial businesses can make energy efficiency improvements or provide peak period load reduction by participating in the following programs and receiving program-specific incentives:

• Business Rebates – provides non-residential customers with incentives for buying and installing energy efficient equipment and materials. If you need help getting started with a list of potential projects, calculating the energy savings on various energy efficiency projects, completing LG&E and KU’s Business Rebates application, or other engineering support for your energy efficiency journey then the Business Rebates program is your place to start.

• Business Demand Response – participating customers agree to reduce usage during specific events and receive a performance-based incentive in return. In addition, participants receive metering and software for near real-time energy access and information. Should participants need assistance in outlining a load reduction plan, this is available at no additional cost.Business Midstream Lighting – helps distributors deliver savings to their LG&E and KU business customers, reducing project costs and making energy efficiency simple for customers. LG&E and KU customers receive rebates for energy efficient lighting that apply at the time of purchase.

Solar Advocacy Media Files

During KCC’s legislative advocacy work in 2018 and 2019, we worked alongside a coalition of solar advocates to produce media to help the public and legislators to better understand the basics of how solar works using net metering laws, and the legislative challenges related to these issues.