Kentucky Public Service Commission Orders Melonie Smith to Amend Complaint Against Louisville Gas and Electric Company

Strategic Insights -

Melonie Smith, a resident of Goshen, Kentucky, lodged a formal complaint with the Public Service Commission against Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E) regarding an estimated bill of $629.66. Smith claimed that LG&E failed to physically read her meter for four consecutive months, resulting in an inflated bill. However, the Commission found that Smith's complaint failed to establish a prima facie case, as LG&E had previously been relieved from the requirement to complete physical meter reads once per quarter due to the implementation of its Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). The Commission granted Smith 30 days to amend her complaint to establish a prima facie case.

Key Takeaways:

  • Melonie Smith, a resident of Goshen, Kentucky, lodged a complaint with the Public Service Commission against Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E) regarding an estimated bill of $629.66.
  • The complaint alleged that LG&E failed to physically read Smith's meter for four consecutive months, resulting in an inflated bill.
  • The Public Service Commission found that Smith's complaint failed to establish a prima facie case due to LG&E's previous relief from physical meter reads.
  • A review of the complaint revealed that it did not allege billing inaccuracies, meter inaccuracies, or detailed allegations identifying the estimated reads.
  • The Commission granted Smith 30 days to amend her complaint to establish a prima facie case.
  • The case may be dismissed if Smith fails to amend her complaint within the specified timeframe.
  • The Public Service Commission used Commission regulation 807 KAR 5:001, Section 20(4)(a) to determine whether the complaint established a prima facie case.
  • The Commission cited Case No. 2020-00350 as precedent for LG&E's deviation from physical meter reads.

Statistics:

  • $629.66: The amount of the estimated bill challenged by Melonie Smith.
  • 4 months: The duration for which Smith alleged LG&E failed to physically read her meter.
  • 30 days: The timeframe granted to Smith to amend her complaint.
  • 807 KAR 5:001, Section 20(4)(a): The Commission regulation used to determine whether the complaint established a prima facie case.
  • 2020-00350: The case number cited as precedent for LG&E's deviation from physical meter reads.

Sources:

  • Commonwealth of Kentucky Before the Public Service Commission, In the Matter of Melonie Smith Complainant v. Louisville Gas and Electric Company Defendant, Case No. 2025-00146.
  • Case No. 2020-00350, Electronic Application of Louisville Gas and Electric Company For An Adjustment Of Its Electric And Gas Rates, A Certificate Of Public Convenience And Necessity To Deploy Advanced Metering Infrastructure, Approval Of Certain Regulatory And Accounting Treatments, And Establishment Of A One-Year Surcredit (Ky. PSC June 30, 2021).