East Kentucky Power Cooperative wants to build a solar energy facility on 387 acres in eastern Fayette County, an area currently zoned for agricultural uses. But the city is petitioning the Kentucky Public Service Commission – which regulates utilities in the state – for the right to intervene in the case.
The reason: Mayor Linda Gorton says, while the city supports renewable energy, the project isn’t currently the type that would fall under the city’s zoning ordinance. She says the city is concerned about permanent consequences on land use policies as they relate to solar generation on commercial and agricultural zoned land.
Gorton went on to say Lexington needs time to study and create a plan concerning solar facilities that serve “the best interest of Fayette County.” The city believes all or nearly all of the energy produced by the project would be sold on a wholesale market and provide little to no energy to Lexington consumers.
WUKY contacted the cooperative late Wednesday and is awaiting comment.
UPDATE (5:54 PM): In a statement from East Kentucky Power Cooperative, spokesman Nick Comer writes, "With this proposed solar project, EKPC plans to serve Kentucky residents and businesses, including more than 6,000 electric cooperative members in Fayette County. This project will provide clean renewable energy for Kentucky homes and businesses, and help to reduce the carbon intensity of Kentucky electricity."
