LG&E and KU to improve transmission systems in Kentucky

Louisville Gas & Electric (LGE) and Kentucky Utilities (KU) are replacing wooden poles, cross arms, lines and substation controls to improve electric transmission systems throughout the state of Kentucky.

They are also trimming back trees from power lines and removing dead and dying trees around transmission infrastructure. The utilities have implemented a tree trimming schedule to keep trees a safe distance from transmission lines. If they do not, the utilities could be subject to a fine from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC).

Company officials say these upgrades and improvements will reduce the duration of outages experienced by customers.

“These types of continuous infrastructure upgrades across our service territory help further enhance reliability for our customers, minimizing the frequency of outages as well as the duration of outages when they do occur,” Tom Jessee, LG&E and KU’s vice president of transmission, said. “Knowing they can count on safe, reliable service at a reasonable cost is something that keeps Kentucky an attractive place to live and do business.”

One of the projects will result in the construction and replacement of portions of overhead and underground electric transmission equipment in downtown Lexington. This equipment — including circuits, ducts, and other infrastructure — was installed in the 1970s. Replacing these older materials will reduce the risk of service interruptions. The project will be completed by the fall of 2019.