FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – The Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) announced on Thursday that it has granted East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCNs) for two proposed solar power projects.

This approval paves the way for EKPC to build a 96-megawatt solar facility in Marion County, known as the Northern Bobwhite Solar Project, located north of Lebanon, east of Highway 55. Additionally, EKPC will construct a 40-megawatt facility in Eastern Fayette County, called the Bluegrass Plains Solar Project, situated south of Interstate 64 and north of Winchester Road (US 60), about 3.2 miles from the Clark County line.

The PSC held an evidentiary hearing in October to review the proposal, during which public comments were welcomed at the start of the session. A video of the hearing is available on the Commission’s YouTube channel.

The Commission determined that these projects meet the statutory criteria established by the Kentucky General Assembly. The facilities were deemed necessary to ensure reasonable rates and services for Kentucky electric customers, and will not lead to wasteful duplication of services. The PSC also required EKPC to implement appropriate mitigation measures to reduce any potential impact on surrounding properties during construction and operation.

The Kentucky Public Service Commission, an independent agency under the Energy and Environment Cabinet, regulates more than 1,500 utilities in Kentucky. The three PSC Commissioners are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Kentucky Senate.