LEXINGTON, KY – In a two-day meeting packed with policy updates and information sharing, the managers of Kentucky’s local distribution cooperatives last month heard updates concerning safety records, United Utility Supply, political action, economic development, benefits planning and remarks from Kentucky Public Service Commission Chairman Michael Schmitt.
In his comments, Schmitt complimented Kentucky’s electric cooperatives as well-managed and safe and updated managers on how the commission has evolved under his leadership.
A Paintsville attorney, Schmitt was appointed to the PSC by Governor Matt Bevin in 2016, who he said has not tried to influence the PSC, only to use best judgment.
He said that while the PSC used to have a “bottom-up” operation, it is now “top down,” meaning that commissioners are very engaged and not relying solely on PSC staff for information.
Schmitt said the PSC wants to work with co-ops to help facilitate the rate-making process and offered suggestions on how co-ops can supply information. KAEC President Chris Perry immediately accepted Schmitt’s invitation and plans to meet with commissioners on behalf of the co-ops.
Other speakers included a panel of Louisville real estate developers who explained the current dynamics of recruiting companies to Kentucky, stressing the importance of a ready workforce and infrastructure.
Jackson Energy CEO Carol Wright, the Safety Subcommittee Chair, provided an update on the shared safety goals of Kentucky co-ops.
The NRECA’s Laura Vogel and Gabe Snow explained recent developments with ACRE and the Co-ops Vote Program. Both the Kentucky Farm Bureau’s Joe Cain and Dustin Miller of Government Strategies gave political briefings.
