The Kroger Co. Seeks Intervenor Status in Louisville Gas & Electric Rate Case

Strategic Insights -

The Kentucky Public Service Commission has received a motion from The Kroger Co. to intervene in the rate case of Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E). The Kroger Co. seeks to influence the outcome of the rate case, citing its substantial interest in the matter due to its large commercial customer status and its need for LG&E's electric services. The company intends to focus on intra-class rate design for secondary voltage rate schedules and will not disrupt the proceedings.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Kroger Co. filed a motion to intervene in the rate case of Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E) on June 25, 2025.
  • The company seeks to ensure that LG&E's rates properly recover demand-related costs through demand charges.
  • Kroger's facilities are high-load factor facilities that use energy for food storage, lighting, heating, cooling, and distribution, often on a 24-hour a day, 7-day a week basis.
  • The company has a special interest in ensuring that LG&E's rates are designed to properly recover demand-related costs through demand charges.
  • Kroger's intervention is limited to intra-class rate design for secondary voltage rate schedules and the company will not present testimony or arguments concerning inter-class rate allocations of base rates or riders.
  • Kroger has participated in regulatory commission proceedings in over 20 different states and is well-versed in revenue requirement and rate allocation issues.
  • The company intends to play a constructive role in the Commission's decision-making process and will not unduly complicate or disrupt the proceedings.

Statistics:

  • The Kroger Co. is one of the largest retail food companies in the United States, measured by total annual sales.
  • Kroger operates high-load factor facilities that use energy for food storage, lighting, heating, cooling, and distribution, often on a 24-hour a day, 7-day a week basis.
  • The company has participated in regulatory commission proceedings in over 20 different states.
  • LG&E's electric rates will be influenced by Kroger's intervention in the rate case.

Sources:

  • COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY BEFORE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION IN THE MATTER OF: ELECTRONIC APPLICATION OF LOUISVILLE GAS & ELECTRIC COMPANY FOR AN ADJUSTMENT OF ITS ELECTRIC AND GAS RATES AND APPROVAL OF CERTAIN REGULATORY AND ACCOUNTING TREATMENTS CASE NO. 2025-00114 MOTION TO INTERVENE OF THE KROGER CO.
  • KRS 278.310, KRS 278.040(2), 807 KAR 5:001, Section 4(11)