PSC Sets Dates for Public Comment on Rate Increases

The Kentucky Public Service Commission has scheduled four public meetingsnext month around the state so commissioners can hear testimony from the public about proposed utility rate increases.Louisville Gas & Electric and Kentucky Utilities have requested the PSC allow them to raise utility rates to pay for environmental upgrades to their power plants. LG&E estimates total electric bills will rise by about 19 percent by 2016 for their customers, and KU customers will see bills increase by about 12 percent.PSC spokesman Andrew Melnykovych says each meeting will begin with an informational presentation, and will end with a public comment session.“At a time when electric utilities in Kentucky are being affected by a number of new environmental regulations, these meetings offer the public an opportunity to learn more about how environmental compliance costs are reflected in rates,” he said.The public meetings are scheduled for:Henderson: Thursday, September 1, 2011 at 5:30p.m. CDTHenderson Fine Arts Center, Henderson Community College2660 S. Green StreetLouisville: Tuesday, September 6, 2011, 5:30p.m. EDTAuditorium, Johnson Traditional Middle School2509 Wilson AvenueLexington: Wednesday, September 7, 2011, 5:30p.m. EDTAuditorium, Bryan Station High School201 Eastin RoadCorbin: Thursday, September 8, 2011, 5:30p.m. EDTAuditorium, Lynn Camp High School100 North Kentucky Highway 830