Electricity in Kentucky

Of the 58 electric providers in Kentucky, 48.28% of them report that they offer net metering. Regulations put in place at the state level are restricted for consumers interested in installing solar or other alternative electricity generation sources.

The average energy loss for providers in Kentucky is 3.52%. This includes data from 42 companies, including Kentucky Utilities, Louisville Gas & Electric, and Duke Energy Kentucky. The United States average is 2.76%, resulting in Kentucky receiving a rank of 31st best in the United States for energy loss efficiency.

In order to foster personal solar, all a state needs to do is enact tax and rebate incentives. Kentucky currently offers no state tax credit to consumers who install private solar panels at their place of residence. There are currently no state sponsored rebates available to residents who are considering purchasing solar panels. The state of Kentucky offers no property tax exemptions to homeowners who install solar panels, making it less attractive for consumers to do so. Homeowners in the state do not have access to a sales tax exemption when installing private solar.

Whether a consumer is able to easily purchase electricity options with renewable sources is somewhat determined by initiatives at the state level. States that have Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) have requirements in place for electric suppliers who do business in the state. These standards require that a percentage of electricity must be generated from renewable fuels. Kentucky, unfortunately, has no standards in place. Furthermore, there are currently no low income solar programs to help low income families to install solar panels.