LG&E and KU power Kentucky's growth with plans for new generation and battery storage

Rhea-AI Summary

PPL 's subsidiaries LG&E and KU have requested approval for additional generation capacity and battery storage to meet Kentucky's unprecedented economic growth and data center demands. The plan includes:

• Two new 645-megawatt natural gas combined-cycle units
• 400 megawatts of battery storage at Cane Run Generating Station
• Environmental control upgrades at Ghent Unit 2

The utilities are discussing potential projects requiring up to 8,000 megawatts, more than double their current energy demand. The first unit (Brown 12) is expected by 2030, followed by Mill Creek 6 in 2031. The battery storage and emission reduction facilities are planned for 2028. Economic load growth is projected to increase by 2,000 megawatts between now and 2032. The Kentucky Public Service Commission is expected to rule on the request by November.

Positive

• Significant expansion plan to meet growing energy demand
• Potential for 8,000 MW of new business demand, double current capacity
• Modern technology implementation with battery storage improving grid reliability
• Environmental improvements through emission reduction facilities

Negative

• Large capital investment required for new infrastructure
• Long implementation timeline (2028-2031) for capacity additions
• Heavy reliance on natural gas for new generation units

Insights

Utility Infrastructure Analyst

PPL's subsidiaries have taken a significant forward-looking step by requesting regulatory approval for substantial capacity expansion in Kentucky. The plan includes two 645-megawatt natural gas combined-cycle units and 400 megawatts of battery storage - representing a major capital investment positioned to capture unprecedented regional economic growth.

The timing and scale here deserve investor attention. LG&E and KU cite potential new business demand of up to 8,000 megawatts - more than double their current energy requirements. This isn't speculative planning; it's responding to tangible economic development already underway in Kentucky, including manufacturing growth and increasing data center interest.

From an infrastructure investment perspective, the phased implementation (battery storage by 2028, first gas unit by 2030, second by 2031) creates a measured capital deployment timeline that should provide earnings visibility through the early 2030s. As these assets would enter the regulated rate base upon completion, they represent potential long-term earnings drivers if approved.

The balanced approach - combining natural gas generation with substantial battery storage - demonstrates prudent planning that addresses both immediate reliability needs and future flexibility requirements. The November 2025 regulatory decision represents the next key milestone for this growth initiative.

Energy Regulatory Specialist

This filing represents a textbook example of how the regulated utility model is designed to function - identifying future demand growth and proactively seeking regulatory authorization for capacity additions. The Kentucky PSC's earlier acknowledgment (in 2023) of generation needs at the E.W. Brown facility suggests regulatory alignment with the capacity expansion concept, though the scale of investment will still face thorough review.

What stands out from a regulatory perspective is the explicit recognition of the utilities' obligation to serve this new economic development load "in the most reasonable least-cost manner." This statutory requirement creates a favorable regulatory framework for approval, particularly when tied to broader economic benefits for Kentucky.

The inclusion of environmental control upgrades (selective catalytic reduction) for the Ghent facility demonstrates regulatory compliance planning running parallel to capacity expansion. This integrated approach typically receives more favorable treatment than piecemeal requests.

For PPL investors, the regulatory timeline is clear: expect a ruling by November 2025. If approved, these assets would enter the rate base upon completion, creating a straightforward path to return on invested capital through regulated rates. The multi-year construction timeline would provide gradual, predictable capital deployment rather than immediate balance sheet impact.

Accelerated economic development and data center growth driving need for more energy

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Feb. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Record-breaking economic growth in the commonwealth is catching worldwide attention and benefiting all Kentuckians with more job opportunities, increased tourism and additional tax revenue.

The unprecedented economic growth and data center interest also means a greater need for electricity. As a result, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company, subsidiaries of PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL), requested approval for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity today from the Kentucky Public Service Commission for additional generation capacity and battery storage.

LG&E and KU are proposing a significant investment in Kentucky's energy future, including:

• Building two new, highly efficient 645-megawatt natural gas combined-cycle units. These modern generating stations will use advanced technology, similar to the one currently under construction at the company's Mill Creek Generating Station in Jefferson County.
• Adding 400 megawatts of battery storage to the power grid. Battery storage is a key component of a modern energy system, allowing for better management of power supply and increased reliability at all times of the day.
• Upgrading environmental controls on Unit 2 at the Ghent Generating Station to further reduce emissions.

"This is an exciting time for Kentucky as the interest in locating new and expanding businesses continues to grow," said John R. Crockett III, LG&E and KU President and PPL Chief Development Officer. "These investments in our system will allow us to continue serving our customers safely and reliably while meeting our regulatory obligation and the growing economic interest in the commonwealth – all while maintaining affordability."

LG&E and KU currently are in discussions with a variety of businesses that, all total, in the coming years have the potential generation need of up to 8,000 megawatts, more than double the utilities' current energy demand. As regulated utilities, LG&E and KU are required to serve this new economic development load in the most reasonable least-cost manner.

The potential need for additional generation at the companies' E.W. Brown Generating Station in Mercer County was acknowledged by the KPSC in 2023. Since that time, the unprecedented growth has increased even more than anticipated, creating the need for even more generation. As outlined in today's filing and pending approval, LG&E and KU expect to have the first unit, Brown 12, available in 2030 and the second unit, Mill Creek 6, available in 2031.

Additionally, given the anticipated economic load growth increases by 2,000 megawatts between now and 2032, the companies plan to install 400 megawatts of battery energy storage at the Cane Run Generating Station and a selective catalytic reduction facility to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions for Ghent Unit 2. Both will be available in 2028.

"We are pleased that our affordable generation and state regulations are encouraging growth that benefits all Kentuckians by bringing more jobs and additional tax revenue to the commonwealth," Crockett added. "Since the announcement of BlueOval SK, we have seen new and expanded manufacturing in our service territory. Now we're seeing unprecedented interest in locating data centers to Kentucky. When these large businesses choose Kentucky, it benefits all our customers."

The KPSC is expected to rule on the CPCN request by November.

Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company, part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies, are regulated utilities that serve more than 1.3 million customers and have consistently ranked among the best companies for customer service in the United States. LG&E serves 335,000 natural gas and 436,000 electric customers in Louisville and 16 surrounding counties. KU serves 545,000 customers in 77 Kentucky counties and 28,000 in five counties in Virginia. More information is available at www.lge-ku.com and www.pplweb.com.

For more information:
Contact the LG&E and KU 24/7 media hotline at (502) 627-4999.
For financial analysts: Andy Ludwig, 610-774-3389

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SOURCE LG&E and KU

FAQ

What new generation capacity is PPL adding in Kentucky through LG&E and KU?

Two 645-megawatt natural gas combined-cycle units and 400 megawatts of battery storage, with the first unit available in 2030 and second in 2031.

How much additional power demand are PPL's Kentucky utilities expecting?

Up to 8,000 megawatts from new businesses, more than double their current energy demand, with 2,000 MW growth expected by 2032.

When will PPL's new battery storage facility at Cane Run Station be operational?

The 400-megawatt battery storage facility is planned to be operational by 2028.

What environmental improvements is PPL implementing at the Ghent Generating Station?

A selective catalytic reduction facility to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions at Ghent Unit 2, available in 2028.

When will the Kentucky PSC decide on PPL's generation expansion request?

The Kentucky Public Service Commission is expected to rule on the request by November 2025.