Central and Eastern Kentucky
(2009-09-02)
RICHMOND
(WEKU) -
Using a little less coal, Kentucky Utilities plans to rely more on wind as a renewable energy source.Spokeswoman Chris Whelan says Kentucky Utilities along with the Louisville Gas and Electric hope to add nearly 110 megawatts of wind energy. Whelan says that's enough to provide a month of power for 110,000 Kentucky homes.
"It is a good thing. It is obviously cleaner for the environment, but it comes with its pitfalls. Cleaner energy is more expensive. We are basically 98% powered by coal and that is the reason we have lower rates in this state," Whelan said.
Since there's an additional cost, the wind energy project must be approved by the State Public Service Commission. So far, Kentucky Utilities and the Louisville Gas and Electric Company have just over 100 megawatts of hydroelectric energy. If added, the wind energy will double their renewable energy resources.
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