Find Utility Providers in Kentucky Search for electricity, natural gas, water, internet and trash providers for your home.

Kentucky Electricity Information

Kentucky has long relied on coal for electricity generation, though natural gas and renewables are slowly gaining ground. While coal still provides the majority of the state’s power, its decline has helped lower emissions over time. Hydropower and solar are growing, but fossil fuels remain the backbone of Kentucky’s energy mix. Thanks to its coal resources, the state enjoys some of the lowest electricity prices in the country, making energy affordable for residents and businesses.

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Electricity Production

Primary Source

Coal

Total Generation: 63,217,080 MWh
Ranks 24th Highest in the U.S.
Average Price: 13.62¢ /kWh
Ranks 12th Cheapest in the U.S.
Average Electric Bill: $140.88
Ranks 31st Cheapest in the U.S.

Electricity Production By Source

Emissions From Electricity Generation

Carbon Dioxide Emissions Rank

6th Highest

50,039 TMT

Sulfer Dioxide Emissions Rank

7th Highest

37,690 tn

Nitrogen Oxide Emissions Rank

12th Highest

32,085 tn

Renewable Electricity Generation

Renewable Production Rank

36th Highest

4,110,093 MWh
6.5% of Total Production

Source U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Based on data from 2023

Energy Usage in Kentucky

Energy Usage Per Capita Rank

38th Lowest

Average Per Person: 371 million BTU

Electricity consumption in Kentucky is high, driven by its energy-intensive manufacturing sector and seasonal climate. Located in the southeastern U.S., the state experiences hot, humid summers and cold winters, leading to significant energy use for both cooling and heating. Industrial demand, particularly from industries like aluminum production, also plays a major role in overall consumption.

Municipal Utilities in Kentucky

While most cities, towns, and villages throughout the state of Kentucky offer municipal essential services like providing clean water, sewage treatment and dealing with waste and storm water, some also offer other services like electricity, natural gas, sanitation or recycling. In Kentucky, 31 cities offer municipal electricity utility services to their residents.

Largest Electric Companies in Kentucky

The rest of Kentucky receives electric utility service from one of many primary providers. Here’s a list of some of the larger providers that might be available to your home:

Kentucky Natural Gas Information

Kentucky leans on natural gas in different ways across the year. About one-third of households use it for primary heat, so cold snaps drive a noticeable winter bump at home, while power plants burn more gas in summer to help cover air-conditioning loads. The big swing comes from business and industry. In 2023 the industrial sector used about 41% of the state’s gas and electric power about 35%, with residential around 13%, which tells you how much the economy shapes demand here. Kentucky also has notable storage depth with about 22 underground storage sites holding roughly 2% of U.S. capacity, a helpful buffer when weather turns.

Choice exists, but it isn’t statewide. Columbia Gas of Kentucky runs a Customer Choice program that lets residential and small commercial customers buy supply from certified marketers while the utility still delivers through its pipes. Other territories tend to be bundled service for households, with transportation options more common for larger users. That hybrid setup is Kentucky’s twist. Some customers can shop, others stick with the utility, and the whole system leans on strong storage and pipeline access to ride out winter peaks and summer surges.

Average Natural Gas Price

$3.145 /CCF

Ranks 30th Cheapest in the U.S.

Average Natural Gas Bill

$128 /month

Ranks 42nd Cheapest in the U.S.

Natural Gas Usage Per Capita

21st Lowest

Average Per Person: 99.07 MCFs Annually

Largest Natural Gas Companies in Kentucky

Many of the residents of Kentucky receive their natural gas utility service from one of the larger companies that service the state.

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Kentucky Internet Connectivity

Broadband Availability

83.55%

Ranks 15th in the U.S.

Percent of Ppopulation with access to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload

1 Gig Availability

55.88%

Ranks 44th in the U.S.

Percent of population with access to download speeds of 1 Gbps

Fiber Availability

50.55%

Ranks 41st in the U.S.

Percent of population with access to Fiber Internet

Largest Internet Providers in Kentucky

When it comes to high-speed internet, homes in Kentucky have plenty of options to stay connected! From bustling cities to quiet rural areas, a variety of providers offer reliable service across the state. Here are some of the biggest names keeping Kentucky homes online and in the loop:

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Water & Sewer Services

While many Kentuckians receive water services directly from their local municipality (City Hall), several large regional providers serve significant portions of the state.

Louisville Water Company: Serves Louisville Metro and supplies water to parts of Bullitt, endless, and Oldham counties.
Kentucky American Water: Serves Lexington (Fayette County) and surrounding communities.
Northern Kentucky Water District (NKWD): Serves Campbell and Kenton counties (Covington, Newport, etc.).

Regulation & Quality

Most private water districts and associations are regulated by the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC), which ensures fair rates and service standards. Municipal water departments are generally regulated by their local city councils. Every water utility is required by the EPA to provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) detailing the quality and safety of your drinking water.

Trash & Recycling Providers

Service Structure

In Kentucky cities, trash pickup is often treated as a municipal utility, you are automatically enrolled when you buy a home, and the cost is often bundled with your water or tax bill. However, in many rural counties and unincorporated areas, waste removal is a private subscription service. You must contact a provider directly to set up a contract.

Major Private Providers

Rumpke Waste & Recycling: One of the largest providers in the state, serving Louisville, Lexington, Northern Kentucky, and many surrounding counties.
Scott Waste Services: A primary provider for Bowling Green and much of Southern Kentucky.
Republic Services & Waste Management (WM): These national carriers operate in various territories across the Commonwealth.

Recycling Note: Curbside recycling is not mandatory statewide. If your private provider does not offer it, check with your county’s Solid Waste Coordinator to find the nearest free drop-off center.

Going Solar in Kentucky

Kentucky homeowners are increasingly looking to solar to offset rising energy costs. Here is the financial reality of going solar in the Commonwealth as of 2025.

Federal Tax Credit: Homeowners can utilize the Federal Residential Clean Energy Credit, which covers 30% of the cost of installing solar panels and battery storage.
Net Metering II (NMS II): Kentucky law regarding net metering changed in 2020. For new solar customers of large utilities (like LG&E, KU, and Kentucky Power), you generally do not receive a 1-for-1 credit for the energy you send back to the grid. Instead, you are credited at a slightly lower "avoided cost" rate. It is still profitable, but the payback period may be longer than it was under the old rules.
Solar Share: If your roof isn't suitable for panels, or you rent your home, utilities like LG&E/KU offer Solar Share programs. These allow you to pay a small monthly fee to "subscribe" to energy generated from local solar farms, supporting green energy without installing equipment.

Consumer Protection & Safety

If you have a dispute with a regulated utility (investor-owned electric, gas, or water company) that you cannot resolve directly with them, you have the right to file a complaint.

Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC): You can contact the Consumer Services Division at 1-800-772-4636.

Moving Tips

Deposit Waivers

Most Kentucky utilities require a security deposit for new customers. You may be able to waive this by providing a "Letter of Credit" from your previous utility provider showing 12 months of on-time payments.

Safety Inspections

In cities like Louisville and Covington, if electricity has been disconnected at a property for an extended period (usually 6 months or more), the city may require a safety inspection by a certified electrical inspector before the utility company is allowed to reconnect power. Always ask about this if you are buying a vacant home.

Utility Costs in Kentucky

The average monthly total utility bills in Kentucky is $299.68, which is 8.13% higher than the national average.

Average Electric Bill

$141

Higher than national average

Average Natural Gas Bill

$128

Higher than national average

Average Water Bill

$31

Lower than national average

Assistance for Paying Utility Bills in Kentucky

If you are struggling to pay your energy, water, or gas bills, Kentucky offers several statewide programs designed to keep your services running. These resources range from federally funded grants to local community initiatives.

Statewide Assistance Programs

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): This is the primary resource for utility aid in Kentucky. Administered by Community Action Kentucky (CAPKY), LIHEAP operates in two main phases:
- Fall Subsidy: Typically runs from November to December. It provides a one-time benefit to eligible households to help offset heating costs.
- Crisis Component: Typically runs from January to March. This is for households facing an immediate loss of heat (e.g., received a disconnect notice or running out of fuel).
- Summer Cooling: A summer program is also available in some years to assist with electric costs during high-heat months. To apply, you must contact your local Community Action agency. Find your local Community Action office here.
United Way 211: For immediate referral to local charities, food pantries, and emergency utility funds in your specific zip code, you can dial 2-1-1 or visit United Way of Kentucky.
Utility Company Programs: Many providers in Kentucky manage their own assistance funds, often supported by customer donations.
- LG&E and KU: Offer the WinterCare Fund and the WeCare weatherization program.
- Duke Energy: Provides distinct Energy Assistance and Weatherization programs for Kentucky customers.
- Kentucky Power: Offers the THAW (Temporary Heating Assistance in Winter) program.

Special Programs for Seniors

Seniors (typically age 60+) often receive priority status for state assistance programs.

Early Application Windows: Seniors are often eligible to apply for LIHEAP benefits earlier than the general public. Check with Community Action Kentucky for early registration dates.
Project Warm: This non-profit focuses on energy conservation for the elderly and those with disabilities. They provide free weatherization services (like window sealing and insulation) to lower monthly bills. Learn more about Project Warm.
LG&E/KU WeCare: This program prioritizes elderly customers for free home energy audits and improvements to reduce long-term costs.

Assistance for Veterans

Veterans in Kentucky have access to dedicated funds to prevent homelessness and ensure housing stability, which includes utility connections.

Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA): The KDVA Homeless Veterans Program provides financial assistance specifically for utilities (electric, gas, and water) to veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. View the Veteran Grant Application requirements here.
Veterans Inc. (SSVF): The Supportive Services for Veteran Families program helps veterans find housing and can assist with paying back-due utility bills to establish a stable home. Get support from Veterans Inc.

Resources for Students

While there is no single statewide “student utility grant,” students in Kentucky can access support through institutional and general channels.

Student Emergency Funds: Most colleges and universities in Kentucky (such as UK, UofL, and KCTCS colleges) maintain Student Emergency Funds for non-academic expenses, including utility bills. Contact your campus Financial Aid or Student Affairs office immediately if you are facing a disconnect.
Income Eligibility: Students living off-campus who meet income guidelines (and are not claimed as dependents on another’s tax return) may be eligible for LIHEAP.
Community Resources: Colleges often maintain lists of local utility resources for off-campus students, similar to this Utility Assistance resource page from Gateway Community & Technical College.

Learn more in the Student Utility Setup Guide