Resolution Takes Aim At LG&E Rate Increase Request

by Gabe BullardA resolution addressing utility rate increases will be given first reading in Thursday's Metro Council meeting.The Louisville Gas and Electric company is asking the Public Service Commission to approve a rate increase. for infrastructure improvements and to recoup losses from ice and wind storms.The resolution asks the PSC to deny the request. Sponsor Kelly Downard says his chief concerns are that it will raise the flat fee for gas delivery on all users, and that it may be an effort to boost LG&E's value if the utility is put up for sale.The resolution is nonbinding, and Downard acknowledges that if it passes, the PSC will not be obliged to adhere to the council's request."If we're making a professional, thoughtful, apolitical review of a situation that's coming before them and we write them a letter and ask for something, they will certainly consider it," he says.The resolution will likely be sent to the Transportation and Public Works Committee for discussion."We're going to say that the method by which they're doing it we either agree or disagree and then the timing of when they do it we either agree or disagree, and let the Public Service Commission do their job," he says.