Nuclear Workgroup Final Report

The Kentucky Office of Energy Policy has published the Nuclear Workgroup's Final Report which is available on the Energy Cabinet website. The Nuclear Development Working Group presents a comprehensive and strategic document that stems from the objectives set forth by SJR 79 (2023). It offers a detailed exploration of Kentucky's energy landscape, with a specific focus on nuclear energy. This report lays the groundwork for the establishment of a permanent nuclear energy organization within state government.

Solar panels at Edmonson County High School

Students in Kentucky's Edmonson County High School's engineering and electrical construction program are putting up solar panels, bringing a new power source to the district, for the first time in its history. Instructor Shane Wilson said students are getting some valuable skills from the class. They’re able to get certifications along with setting themselves up for success on a collegiate level if they choose to do so. (Michael Ridgeway, News 40, Dec. 5, 2023)



U.S. Approves a Non-Water-Cooled Nuclear Reactor

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has issued a construction permit for a new nuclear test reactor to be built in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Construction of the 35-megawatt thermal reactor, which uses molten salt to cool the reactor core, at the Heritage Center Industrial Park is expected to begin next year.

Read the full story here.



As US Defense Facilities Face Rising Outage Risks, Regional Transmission Could Help: American Council on Renewable Energy Panel

The United States electric grid will face unprecedented reliability challenges this winter, and that means the nation's military and defense installations will also see rising energy-related risks, experts said at a panel hosted by the American Council on Renewable Energy. (Utility Dive Dec. 6, 2023) Learn more.



Why You Should Be #Winter Ready

Being #WinterReady means understanding the winter risks you face and taking steps now to prepare. Do you know the signs of frostbite and how to respond? Or, that home heating is the second leading cause of home fires, and winter is when most home fires happen? Learn how to be prepared, and be safe this winter. Visit Ready.gov, the official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to obtain free safety tips for kids, your home, travel, and community, and much more.

EIA Residential Energy Consumption Survey Dashboard

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) administers the Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) to a nationally representative sample of housing units. Data is collected on energy characteristics on the housing unit, usage patterns, and household demographic and includes energy costs and usage for heating, cooling, appliances and other end uses. View the Dashboard here.

Kentucky Habitat for Humanity

OEP partners with Kentucky Habitat for Humanity to support their mission of providing safe, affordable, and energy-efficient housing for people in need. This past year, Kentucky has experienced unheard-of natural disasters that have resulted in the loss of not only family homes and entire communities, but precious lives. Kentucky Habitat for Humanity works daily for the healing and restoration of these communities. Learn more about their many initiatives and how you can volunteer.