People on both sides of the energy debate in Kentucky seem to agree that costs for the consumer are going to go up. Clean energy and federal emissions standards were widely discussed this week at the 39th Governor’s Conference on Energy and the Environment.
The panel discussing the clean energy plan included environmental, coal, utility, and public service commission representatives. Bill Bissett with the Kentucky Coal Association believes greenhouse gas standards will mean a double digit increase in electricity rates. “So now we have a final rule that is must larger in scope, far more aggressive in its control of carbon fuels and fossil fuels like coal," said Bissett. "I think we can expect those rate increases to increase at least by double as well.”
Kentucky Resources Council Director Tom Fitzgerald says helping those who need assistance with utility bills is good practice but he says low income homes also need weatherization updates. “Why don’t we also invest in energy efficiency, particularly targeted for low income home owners, low income renters?” asked Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald agrees there will be additional energy costs, but he says the cost of in-action every year in climate induced disasters and migration is worse.?
