LOUISVILLE, Ky. — LG&E and KU’s efforts to grow business, attract jobs and empower economic vitality in the commonwealth have again earned global attention. Site Selection, the international economic development magazine, has named LG&E and KU among the “Top 10 Utilities” in the U.S. for economic development.
The magazine recognized the company’s Economic Development team for its work in 2017, which included 155 projects in LG&E and KU’s service territories that created nearly 7,500 jobs in Kentucky, with a related capital investment of more than $4 billion. The company also provided more than $1.2 million in economic development rider credits to customers.
“Our Economic Development team works diligently to bring growth and expansion to our service territories, so we’re honored for this recognition,” said Beth McFarland, LG&E and KU vice president–Customer Services. “Our company is making significant investments in our state’s energy future. With our competitive rates and excellent reliability, there’s no question that Kentucky is the best place for business.”
As further commitment to its ongoing focus on fostering growth and expansion across the state, LG&E and KU recently created and filled a new role, hiring John Bevington as the company’s director of Business and Economic Development. Bevington previously worked at the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development for nine years, most recently as commissioner for the Department for Business Development, a key role in promoting business development statewide.
“I’m looking forward to using the skill and expertise I’ve gained through my previous roles to take the company’s already outstanding efforts to the next level,” said Bevington. “The business landscape is constantly evolving and we need to continue moving with it. Creating and delivering energy solutions that align with our customers’ needs and rising expectations is a critical part of continuing to attract more businesses here to the Bluegrass.”
With the fourth quarter still underway, LG&E and KU are on track to complete another notable year for economic development efforts in 2018. In addition to creating Bevington’s new role, the company’s efforts so far this year have led to 112 site announcements, the creation of nearly 5,000 Kentucky jobs and investments of more than $884 million. LG&E and KU has also proposed the addition of a new Green Energy tariff further promoting renewable energy growth in the state. With approval from the Kentucky Public Service Commission, the tariff would roll the company’s Business Solar and Green Energy programs into one tariff and provide a third option for purchasing renewable power to make it easier for businesses wishing to participate in the programs.
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