Louisville, KY – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), the leading energy and environmental advocate for families and businesses, applauded the Kentucky House of Representatives for overwhelmingly passing HB 207, bipartisan legislation which would protect the rights of consumers to keep their existing energy services that are allowed by the Kentucky Public Service Commission.
“CEA thanks House Natural Resources and Energy Chairman Jim Gooch and the members of the Kentucky House of Representatives for passing this important legislation that will protect our hard-working families, seniors and small businesses from ill-conceived and irresponsible prohibitions on the use of reliable, safe and clean fuels like natural gas in homes or communities,” said CEA Vice President of State Affairs Brydon Ross.
“As I testified about during a recent house committee hearing on HB 207, here in Kentucky, over 40% of households use natural gas or propane for home heating needs. Therefore, an energy ban could require the replacement of major appliances and the installation of a heat pump. Along with the equipment and other wiring and labor costs, that change could top out at more than $10,300 for an average Kentucky household. While we all agree on the need for continued energy diversity and environmental stewardship, with Kentucky having one of the highest poverty rates in the country, a reckless and unnecessary energy prohibition could have a ruinous effect on the Commonwealth, and especially on those struggling to get by during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery.”
“We look forward to the Kentucky Senate considering and approving this commonsense consumer protection measure to help get our Commonwealth to a cleaner future, and protect our families, seniors and businesses’ right to make their own energy choices, free from obtrusive dictates.”