Did you know that East KY Power Cooperative is planning to build a $500 million mega-generator in Liberty, KY? 

Eastern Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC), which provides power to over 1 million of people in 16 electric co-ops across Kentucky*, is choosing to build a dangerous and risky gas plant in Liberty. It's up to US to stand up for our community, air, land, and water and stop this threat. Find out more information about this proposal below, and check out our toolkit for more ways to take action. 

As a member-owner of the cooperative, your voice is needed! Our state's energy regulator, the Public Service Commission, will decide on this proposal and we have the power to stop it. 

What is EKPC proposing? 

EKPC is proposing to build a $500 million natural gas powered mega-generator north west of Liberty, KY. It is true that EKPC, and we as member-owners, need more reliable and resilient electricity. However - we're not willing to sacrifice our health, safety, and wallets for it. There are a number of concerns about this proposal:

1. It's a threat to our health and safety.

• EKPC has chosen a greenfield in northern Casey County as the site of this project. Not only is the area surrounded by local beauty, with rolling hills, trees, and streams - but is also extremely close to homes. 
• Kentuckians unfortunately know all too well the dangers of gas plants and pipelines. In 2019, a gas pipeline explosion killed and injured Kentuckians in Junction City, KY. On top of the risk of accidents, folks living close by will also have to deal with threats to their clean air and water. 

2. It's a dirty, wasteful way of generating electricity. 

• Unlike a regular gas plant, EKPC wants to build a Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine (RICE) unit - or, in more simple terms, a mega-generator built of 12 smaller generators. Just like generators that we use at home to keep the lights on during a storm, these generators will use lots of natural gas. Unlike those home generators, though, these will need to be connected to a gas pipeline, which could lead to the dangerous consequences listed above. 

3. It's going to cost half a BILLION  dollars. 

• EKPC is making a risky investment with our cash. It's not smart or safe to lock member owners into paying for a for an expensive mega-generator that may not be useful long term. 
   

*If you get your power from any of the following co-ops, this proposal will affect you and your power bill. 

• Big Sandy RECC
• Blue Grass Energy Cooperative
• Clark Energy Cooperative
• Cumberland Valley Electric
• Farmers RECC
• Fleming-Mason Energy Cooperative
• Grayson RECC
• Inter-County Energy
• Jackson Energy Cooperative
• Licking Valley RECC
• Nolin RECC
• Owen Electric Cooperative
• Salt River Electric Cooperative
• Shelby Energy Cooperative
• South Kentucky RECC
• Taylor County RECC

How can I help?

Let the Public Service Commission know what you think about this proposal! We've set up a form that sends an email from you right to their inbox. The Public Service Commission wants to hear how you as a customer will be impacted by their decision. Your comment can be simple - don't overthink it! You don't have to write a novel, or be an expert in energy systems.Below are some questions to get you started:

• What is your experience like with your power company now?
• How will you and your family be impacted if your electric bills go up?
• What will happen in your community if folks' air and water are polluted?