February 27, 2025 -  A bill that would expand and the state Public Service Commission — which oversees Kentucky's utilities — was up for discussion Wednesday. The measure is part of a broader discussion about Kentucky's future energy policy, according to its chief backer.

Under the proposal backed by Senate president Robert Stivers, the commission would go from three members — all currently appointed by Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear — to five. The two new additions would be appointed by Republican State Auditor Allison Ball, potentially diluting the governor's power to shape the commission.

While Beshear spokesperson Crystal Staley said Republicans are "playing partisan politics" with the issue, Stivers maintains the push comes in the context of a necessary conversation about Kentucky's role as an energy producer amid the shuttering of coal fired-power plants.

We are at a point, a tipping point, where a state that is centrally located, rich in coal or electric-generating feedstock, is going to be on the outside importing energy, instead of exporting it," the Manchester Republican said. "That shouldn't be our position in this national discussion of energy."

Stivers pointed to rising energy costs for power customers, especially in the eastern part of the state.

The PSC is charged with reviewing power generation projects, protecting utility customers, and approving rate hikes among other duties.