In a pair of rate proceedings resolved by settlement, the Kentucky Public Service Commission approved rate increases for Kentucky Utilities (KU) and Louisville Gas & Electric (LG&E). The KU agreement allows the utility to raise its rates by $51 million, compared to its application for an $82.4 million increase. The LG&E settlement provides $33.7 million in additional electric revenues and $15 million in additional natural gas revenues.
By opening the field to far-flung deals, PUHCA’s repeal changes the merger game.
The repeal of the 1935 Public Utility Holding Company Act has attracted a surprising amount of attention in the business and consumer press. But while some analysts predict a wave of utility M&A activity, others are more sanguine about the change.
Should transmission owners get paid extra for distance and voltage?
STATE REGULATORS:
Can natural gas supply keep up with demand for power?
Interviews
Things are looking up for the energy industry, but tough issues remain. Regulators-forced to grapple with the mismatch between volatile natural-gas prices and years of building gas-fired power plants-have learned a thing or two. They now insist on new rate schemes and risk-management methods while promoting the use of liquefied natural gas.
Fortnightly
News Analysis