Energy & Utilities

Patrick Rhode Sworn In as PUCT Commissioner

Patrick Rhode was sworn in as Commissioner of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) on April 2, 2026. He was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott effective April 1, 2026. His background includes service as Special Assistant to the President of the United States, NASA Senior Advisor, senior roles at the Department of Homeland Security, and Vice President of an international infrastructure company.

Kentucky Power Transmission Infrastructure CPCN

The Kentucky Public Service Commission granted Kentucky Power Company a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity authorizing replacement of Thelma Transformer #1 with a new 138/69/46kV transformer and rebuilding approximately 13 miles of the Prestonsburg-Thelma 46kV transmission circuit. The project in Floyd and Johnson counties also includes retiring certain switch and line facilities, with an April 3, 2026 decision date.

Duke Energy Kentucky Environmental Surcharge Six-Month Review

The Kentucky Public Service Commission issued an order initiating a six-month review of Duke Energy Kentucky's environmental surcharge mechanism per KRS 278.183(3). The review covers the billing period ending November 30, 2025, and assigns Case No. 2026-00041. Duke Kentucky is required to file prepared direct testimony and respond to information requests per the procedural schedule in Appendix A.

Water Usage Information Request - Russell v. Garrison-Quincy-Ky-O-Heights Water District

The Kentucky Public Service Commission issued a standard information request to Elwood Russell in a pending water utility dispute case. Russell must respond by April 20, 2026 regarding water leaks and usage patterns. The request stems from Case No. 2024-00412 involving Garrison-Quincy-Ky-O-Heights Water District.

Water Utility Rate Case Information Request

The Kentucky Public Service Commission issued a second information request to Bronston Water Association, Inc. in connection with Case No. 2026-00018, the utility's application for rate adjustment pursuant to 807 KAR 5:076. The Commission Staff requests detailed financial documentation including reconciliation of board member salary variances, rate case expense invoices, and employee meal expense records. Responses are due by April 30, 2026.

Bluegrass Water Rate Case Amended Schedule Motion

The Kentucky Public Service Commission granted in part Bluegrass Water Utility Operating Company's motion for an amended procedural schedule in Case No. 2025-00354. Bluegrass Water discovered an error in its financial workbook (Exhibit 9) affecting proposed rates and requested extension to May 8, 2026 to file an amended application. The Attorney General and Scott County were granted intervention status in the proceeding.

LG&E Gas Line Tracker Rate Adjustment Request - Data Request

The Kentucky Public Service Commission issued a data request to Louisville Gas and Electric Company requiring the utility to provide detailed financial reconciliations and rate base documentation for its Gas Line Tracker rate adjustment proceeding (Case No. 2026-00052). Responses are due by April 20, 2026, covering rate base figures of approximately $110-115 million and net asset values around $86-87 million. The Commission directs LG&E to provide responses under oath with proper certification.

Ledbetter Sewer District Rate Case Dismissed Without Prejudice

The Kentucky Public Service Commission dismissed Case No. 2025-00082 without prejudice. Ledbetter Sewer District filed an incomplete rate adjustment application on April 24, 2025, and was given ten days to cure deficiencies but failed to do so within 11 months. The case is now removed from the Commission's docket, though Ledbetter District may refile in the future.

Kentucky Frontier Gas Motion to Dismiss Intervenors

The Kentucky Public Service Commission denied Kentucky Frontier Gas's motion to dismiss seven intervenors from Case No. 2025-00042, but ordered the intervenors to comply with the procedural schedule by filing required written statements and responses to outstanding Requests for Information by March 18, 2026, or face dismissal from the proceeding.

Pending Jurisdictional Inquiry - Baldin Brook Hydroelectric Project

FERC received a jurisdictional determination request from Vermont DEC for the unlicensed Baldin Brook Hydroelectric Project located on Baldin Brook in Lamoille County, Vermont. Commission staff is investigating whether the project requires licensing under section 23(b)(1) of the Federal Power Act based on Commerce Clause jurisdiction, post-1935 construction, and interstate grid connection. The Commission is soliciting comments, motions to intervene, and protests with a deadline of May 15, 2026.