Big Rivers Continues Rates Dispute with Aluminum Smelters Plants
By: Chris Veech
Updated: October 5, 2012
The fight between Big Rivers Electric and two western Kentucky aluminum smelters continues. A study commissioned by Kentucky lawmakers to help find a solution to a rate dispute recommended that Big Rivers not give in to a request to tie power rates to aluminum prices. It also advised against using state resources to save the smelter plants in Hawesville and Sebree. Consultants recommended the utility rebalance its rates, so one category of customer doesn't subsidize another. They also suggested the state allocate funding to employee retraining and give incentives to companies looking to invest in energy efficiency projects.
