Walmart Seeks Intervention in Louisville Gas and Electric Company Rate Adjustment Case

Strategic Insights -

Walmart, a leading retail giant, has filed a motion to intervene in the Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E) rate adjustment case before the Kentucky Public Service Commission. The company, which purchases over 49.6 million kWh of electricity and approximately 905,000 therms of natural gas from LG&E annually, seeks to ensure that its interests are represented in the proceedings. Walmart's intervention would allow the company to provide unique testimony and evidence regarding its operations, energy usage, and the potential impact of the rate adjustment on its business.

Key Takeaways:

  • Walmart is a significant commercial customer of LG&E, purchasing over 49.6 million kWh of electricity and approximately 905,000 therms of natural gas annually.
  • The company has 18 retail facilities in Kentucky that are served by LG&E and employs over 31,000 associates in the state, indirectly supporting another 46,400 supplier jobs.
  • Walmart's electricity needs are unique, with substantial amounts of energy purchased for numerous accounts across multiple locations, differing from other commercial customers.
  • The company's load profile is also distinct, with a higher energy usage pattern than other customers in its rate class.
  • Walmart's interests in this case cannot be adequately represented by the Attorney General's Office of Rate Intervention, which primarily focuses on issues impacting residential customers.
  • The company has significant experience participating in rate cases and other proceedings before the Kentucky Public Service Commission, having intervened in several cases in the past.
  • Walmart expects to present testimony from Lisa Perry, Director of Utility Partnerships - Regulatory, and may choose to present additional witnesses.
  • The company's motion to intervene is timely, as it precedes the June 25, 2025, deadline set by the Commission's June 18, 2025, Order.

Statistics:

  • Walmart purchases over 49.6 million kWh of electricity from LG&E annually.
  • The company purchases approximately 905,000 therms of natural gas from LG&E annually.
  • Walmart employs over 31,000 associates in Kentucky, indirectly supporting another 46,400 supplier jobs.
  • The company has 18 retail facilities in Kentucky that are served by LG&E.

Sources:

  • Commonwealth of Kentucky, Before the Public Service Commission, In the Matter of: Electronic Application of Louisville Gas and Electric Company for an Adjustment of Its Electric and Gas Rates, 2025-00114.
  • Wikipedia, Walmart, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walmart.
  • Kentucky Public Service Commission, 807 KAR 5:001 Section 4(11).
  • Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS), Sections 278.310 and 278.040(2).