The rate hike isn't as high as the one originally requested by KU, but it will tack an extra $8.73 onto the average KU electric bill. The utility will receive a 6.5% increase, down from the 11.5% they were seeking.
During hearings about the increase, Lexington customers raised concerns about a range of issues from affordability to the increasing allure of energy-hungry data centers.
The commission did reject a mechanism allowing for automatic adjustments between July 2027 and July 2028 meant to keep utility returns inside a set range.
KU serves 545,000 customers in 77 Kentucky counties and 28,000 customers in five Virginia counties.