Walmart Seeks Intervention in Duke Energy Kentucky Rate Adjustment Case

Strategic Insights -

Walmart, a major commercial customer of Duke Energy Kentucky, has filed a motion to intervene in the company's rate adjustment case before the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC). The retail giant seeks to participate in the proceedings to address its specific interests and advocate for the interests of other commercial and industrial customers. Walmart's motion highlights its unique circumstances as a large commercial customer with significant energy needs and renewable energy goals.

Key Takeaways:

  • Walmart is a major commercial customer of Duke Energy Kentucky, purchasing over 17.6 million kWh of electricity in 2021.
  • The company has a special interest in the rate adjustment case due to its significant energy needs and renewable energy goals, including its goal to be supplied 100% by renewable energy by 2035.
  • Walmart has a unique perspective as a large commercial customer that takes service on different rate schedules than residential customers, and its interests are dissimilar to other commercial or industrial customers.
  • The company has participated in numerous proceedings before the PSC, advocating on its own behalf and for other commercial and industrial customers.
  • Walmart seeks to present issues and develop facts that will assist the Commission in fully considering the Application, including the proposed Clean Energy Connection (CEC) program and the 10.35% requested return on equity.

Statistics:

  • 17.6 million kWh: The amount of electricity Walmart purchased from Duke Energy Kentucky in 2021.
  • 5: The number of retail facilities Walmart operates in Duke Energy Kentucky's service territory.
  • 31,000: The number of associates employed directly by Walmart in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
  • 44,700: The number of supplier jobs indirectly supported by Walmart in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
  • 2035: The year by which Walmart aims to be supplied 100% by renewable energy.

Sources:

  • Motion to Intervene in the matter of Duke Energy Kentucky's rate adjustment application, Case No. 2022-00372.
  • 807 KAR 5:001 Section 4(11).
  • K.R.S. SSSS 278.310, 278.040(2).
  • https://corporate.walmart.com/about/kentucky (Walmart's corporate website).