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Customers see high electric bills after snowstorm

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Customers see high electric bills after snowstorm


LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – The Kentucky Senate passed legislation today that would help regulate electric customers’ monthly bills by allowing increased fuel costs to be spread out over time.

Senate Bill 172 would change Kentucky law to allow fuel costs that are traditionally passed down to customers immediately to be distributed over longer periods.

“Energy prices are a problem,” said Sen. Phillip Wheeler, who sponsored the bill.

Wheeler said the legislation would allow the Public Service Commission to give electric companies more time to collect fuel adjustment costs.

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“We’re hoping to get this tool to the PSC so that we can mitigate these fuel spikes and help people who are desperate and in need,” Wheeler said.

Wheeler said during the most recent cold snap, prices of fuel needed to generate electricity were at least 16 times higher than average.

“These prices are going to be passed on to the consumers,” Wheeler said.

Drea Hurley experienced the impact firsthand. She and her husband moved back to Kentucky from California last summer to escape high electric bills.

“When we opened the February KU bill I was floored,” Hurley said.

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After nearly two weeks of freezing temperatures, their heat bill was more than $500 compared to $130 in the summer.

“We had done everything right we did everything the utility company asked us to do,” Hurley said.

That included buying a new heat pump recommended by Kentucky Utilities. Hurley said once outside temperatures reach 30 degrees, the pump switches to emergency heat, driving her bill up.

“And it’s definitely a huge burden considering that $500 is just for the electric bill that doesn’t include all the rest of your living expenses,” Hurley said.

Hurley said she is not alone in battling significantly higher electric bills. Many customers took to Facebook to share their experiences with different central Kentucky power and gas companies.

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“And to see everyone else commenting it definitely softened the blow a little bit I don’t think that my checking account appreciated it as much as I did but at least it made me feel better,” Hurley said.

She said she will continue to monitor how much heat she is using but hopes more potential solutions come into play.

Columbia Gas is offering several programs to help ease costs for customers waiting on high bills this month. That includes a budget payment plan which evens out bills over time and an extended payment plan that would spread the balance due over several months.

Families that meet income eligibility requirements can apply for LIHEAP federal funding. Wintercare is also available through donations from customers. Customers who meet income eligibility requirements can also apply for the furnace replacement program.

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Six Kentucky hospitals to receive portion of $105 million in FEMA funds

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Six Kentucky hospitals to receive portion of 5 million in FEMA funds


FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT) – Gov. Andy Beshear announced today that Kentucky has secured $105 million in FEMA disaster funds for six hospitals.

The awards are for expenses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic from January 2020 to May 11, 2023.

The hospitals include:

  • AdventHealth Manchester
  • Appalachian Regional Healthcare
  • Baptist Health
  • Pikeville Medical Center
  • T.J. Samson Community Hospital (Glasgow)
  • UofL Health
  • Kentucky Emergency Management

The governor said the funding is much needed years later.

“What our hospitals did during the pandemic is nothing short of heroic, and my administration worked hard to make sure the reimbursements they were owed under the president’s emergency declaration were delivered,” Beshear said. “While this funding is being received years later, it couldn’t come at a better time, as our hospitals face challenges due to federal Medicaid cuts. This $105 million will make a difference for these hospitals and the Kentucky families who depend on them, which is why today’s news is so great.”

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Sentiments echoed by the commonwealth’s emergency management director.

“Our first responders and hospitals went to great lengths to protect the lives of Kentuckians during the pandemic, and I am grateful that we were able to secure this funding and provide the reimbursements these hospitals and our team deserve,” said Eric Gibson. “We are processing the funds as quickly as possible so teams can put those dollars to good use as they continue to care for and protect people across our commonwealth.”

Copyright 2026 WKYT. All rights reserved.



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Chase Lumpkin planning visit to Kentucky Basketball

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Chase Lumpkin planning visit to Kentucky Basketball


Kentucky Basketball head coach Mark Pope and his staff have been busy on the recruiting trail during the Memphis Nike EYBL session, and now the Wildcats are beginning to line up official visits with top prospects.

According to Jacob Polacheck of KSR, class of 2027 4-star shooting guard Chase Lumpkin is planning to visit Kentucky in the near future as his recruitment continues to take off nationally.

Lumpkin, a 6-foot-4, 170-pound guard from Powder Springs, Georgia, has quickly become one of the hottest names in the 2027 recruiting class following a strong recent stretch of play on the EYBL circuit. He currently holds nearly 20 scholarship offers, including Kentucky, Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Indiana, Louisville, and several others, with more programs expected to enter the mix soon.

Kentucky officially offered Lumpkin in late April after new assistant coach Mo Williams visited his school. However, the Wildcats had already been building a relationship with the talented guard since last summer. Lumpkin also made two visits to Lexington during the 2025-26 season.

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“They showed a lot of belief in me,” Lumpkin tells Polacheck of KSR. “They watched me last session and, of course, were here today. It’s just showing that I can come in and make an impact as a freshman. Hopefully, I can do that one day.”

Lumpkin added that his recruitment remains open and other schools still have time to make a push as his stock continues to rise nationally.



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KSP investigating fatal collision in Eastern Kentucky

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KSP investigating fatal collision in Eastern Kentucky


GREENUP COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) – Kentucky State Police are investigating a deadly collision that took place Wednesday.

State police said at 9:25 p.m., troopers responded to reports of a two-vehicle collision at Industrial Parkway and County Road 1630 in Greenup County.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a vehicle driven by 21-year-old Abigail Miller of Vanceburg crossed the center line and struck an oncoming vehicle head-on.

Miller was pronounced dead at the scene by the Greenup County Coroner.

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The individuals in the other vehicle were transported to the hospital for treatment of their injuries.

The investigation into the collision is ongoing.

Copyright 2026 WKYT. All rights reserved.



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