US EditionNew Study Shows Kentucky's Reliance on Aging Coal-Fired Power Plants Is No Longer the Least-Cost Electricity Option for Ratepayers
Replacing coal with renewables, storage, and efficiency can save Kentucky customers $2.6 billion by 2050 despite legal barriers that increase electricity bills, the study finds.
- On Dec. 11, 2025, a study commissioned by Kentucky Resources Council, Mountain Association, Metropolitan Housing Coalition and Earthjustice in Frankfort, Ky., found the least-cost path shifts from coal and avoids new gas, saving electricity customers $2.6 billion through 2050.
- Kentucky laws SB 4 and SB 349 have constrained the transition, raising Kentucky households' electricity bills while the report shows 95% clean energy by 2050 could save $1.6 billion.
- Researchers used detailed power-system and economic modeling through 2050 to compare multiple energy pathways in an independent analysis commissioned by Kentucky Resources Council and partners.
- Modernizing Kentucky's energy system will strengthen reliability, prevent outages, and `Energy costs have direct economic, environmental, and health impacts on low- and fixed-income households,` said Tony Curtis.
- Including carbon-related compliance costs increases the savings, the study notes, while rising utility costs threaten housing affordability and urge legislative and regulatory leaders in Kentucky to pursue policy reassessment.
30 Articles
30 Articles
As utility rates rise, study makes case for renewables
A new study says Kentucky ratepayers could save billions of dollars through 2050 if electric utilities invested more in renewable energy and energy storage, retired “uneconomic” and aging coal-fired power plants, and avoided overbuilding natural gas-fired power.
Kentuckians could save billions if utilities moved beyond fossil fuels, study finds • Kentucky Lantern
East Kentucky Power Cooperative's coal-fired Hugh L. Spurlock Generating Station in Mason County. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Liam Niemeyer)A new study says Kentucky ratepayers could save billions of dollars through 2050 if electric utilities invested more in renewable energy and energy storage, retired “uneconomic” and aging coal-fired power plants, and avoided overbuilding natural gas-fired power. The 65-page study, published Thursday and writ…
Bennington Banner
New Study Shows Kentucky's Reliance on Aging Coal-Fired Power Plants is No Longer the Least-Cost Electricity Option for Ratepayers
Report shows investing in more renewables, battery storage, and demand-side resources would lower electricity costs while maintaining grid reliability for Kentuckians
Solar, storage, and demand-side resources offer least-cost path in Kentucky, study finds
Solar and energy storage offer a pathway to lower electricity costs, performing better than continued reliance on coal and natural gas, found a study by Kentucky Resources Council and Earthjustice.A least-cost portfolio analysis for Kentucky, commissioned by Kentucky Resources Council (KRC), Metropolitan Housing Coalition, Mountain Association, and Earthjustice confirms that adopting renewable energy, energy storage, and demand-side resources is…
Study finds it's more expensive to use coal in Kentucky instead of switching to solar
A new study evaluating Kentucky’s electricity needs shows that new state laws are hindering a transition to a cheaper, cleaner and more dependable energy portfolio — at a time when many Kentuckians are struggling to afford their utility bills. The study compares multiple energy pathways through 2050 and concludes that replacing aging coal-fired power plants… The post Study finds it’s more expensive to use coal in Kentucky instead of switching to…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 69% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
