150th running of the Kentucky Derby to be powered by renewable energy
(LOUISVILLE, Ky.) ― It’s a partnership that’s off and running for a second year. Churchill Downs Racetrack (“Churchill Downs”) and longtime local partner LG&E and KU Energy announced today they have renewed their Green Energy partnership for the 150th Kentucky Derby and Derby week.
LG&E and KU Energy is the holding company for Kentucky’s two largest utilities, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company, and presenting sponsor Saturday, April 27, of Churchill Downs’ Opening Night program. Officially billed as “Opening Night Powered by LG&E,” the partnership will kick off Kentucky Derby week with Churchill Downs’ renewed commitment to offset the racetrack’s energy usage with renewable energy ― including the running of the 150th Kentucky Derby.
Churchill Downs will participate again in LG&E and KU’s Green Energy program by purchasing blocks of Green Energy from LG&E, which provides power to the track. The utility program will purchase equivalent Renewable Energy Certificates on the track’s behalf from renewable energy generators of solar, wind or biomass in Kentucky or neighboring states. The program is within a suite of sustainable energy offerings that can be customized to best meet LG&E and KU customers’ needs and interests.
The blocks of Green Energy will be equivalent to the total energy consumed by the track during live racing taking place Derby week, including: Opening Night Powered by LG&E (Sat., April 27), 502’s Day (Tues., April 30), Champions Day (Wed., May 1), Thurby presented by Old Forester (Thurs., May 2), the Longines Kentucky Oaks (Fri., May 3) and the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (Sat., May 4).
“Churchill Downs is an iconic community partner, and we’re thrilled to be the track’s official Green Energy partner for the second year,” said John Crockett, president of LG&E and KU Energy. “Through this partnership, we’re helping Churchill Downs in its journey to contribute renewable power to the horsepower charging Kentucky Derby Week and the much anticipated 150th Run for the Roses.”
“We are excited to welcome back LG&E and KU Energy to Churchill Downs and appreciate their partnership in our green energy journey,” said Casey Ramage, Vice President of Marketing and Partnerships at Churchill Downs Racetrack.
In celebration of the partnership during Opening Night, the Twin Spires will be illuminated green during Opening Night Powered by LG&E and KU.
Admission gates will open this Saturday at 5 p.m. The first race is at 6 p.m.
Visit kentuckyderby.com for information on Kentucky Derby week festivities at Churchill Downs. Visit lge-ku.com/sustainability to learn more about LG&E and KU’s Green Energy Program and other sustainable energy offerings.
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About Churchill Downs Racetrack
Churchill Downs Racetrack (“CDRT”), the world’s most legendary racetrack, has been the home of The Kentucky Derby, the longest continually held annual sporting event in the United States, since 1875. Located in Louisville, CDRT features a series of themed race days during Derby Week, including the Kentucky Oaks, and conducts Thoroughbred horse racing during three race meets in the Spring, September, and the Fall. CDRT is located on 175 acres and has a one-mile dirt track, a 7/8-mile turf track, a stabling area, and provides seating for approximately 60,000 guests. The stable area has barns sufficient to accommodate 1,400 horses and a 114-room dormitory for backstretch personnel. CDRT also has a year-round simulcast wagering facility. www.ChurchillDowns.com.
About LG&E and KU
Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company, part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies, are regulated utilities that serve more than 1.3 million customers and have consistently ranked among the best companies for customer service in the United States. LG&E serves 335,000 natural gas and 436,000 electric customers in Louisville and 16 surrounding counties. KU serves 545,000 customers in 77 Kentucky counties and 28,000 customers in five counties in Virginia. More information is available at www.lge-ku.com and www.pplweb.com.
