Renewable energy to power the tradition and thrill of the 151st Kentucky Derby
(LOUISVILLE, Ky.) – For the third year in a row, the finish line is green! Churchill Downs Racetrack (“Churchill Downs”) and its long-standing hometown partner, LG&E and KU Energy, today announced the continuation of their Green Energy partnership for the 151st Kentucky Derby® and the exciting week leading up to it.
LG&E and KU Energy is also the presenting sponsor of Churchill Downs' Opening Night on Saturday, April 26. Officially named "Opening Night Powered by LG&E and KU," this event will mark the start of Kentucky Derby Week and underscore Churchill Downs' ongoing commitment to offsetting its energy consumption with clean, renewable power – including the energy needed for the 151st Run for the Roses®.
Once again, Churchill Downs will tap into LG&E and KU's Green Energy program by purchasing Green Energy blocks supplied by LG&E. Through this program, the utility will secure Renewable Energy Certificates on behalf of the racetrack from renewable sources like solar and wind, located in Kentucky and neighboring states. This initiative is part of a comprehensive suite of sustainable energy options offered by LG&E and KU, designed to align with the diverse needs and interests of their customers.
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 and KU (Saturday, April 26), 502’sDay (Tuesday, April 29), Winsday presented by Resolute Racing (Wednesday, April 30), Thurby presented by Old Forester (Thursday, May 1), the Longines Kentucky Oaks® (Friday, May 2) and the Kentucky Derby® presented by Woodford Reserve (Saturday, May 3).
"Sustainability is a key priority for LG&E and KU, and we are proud to partner with Churchill Downs for the third year to power the excitement of Kentucky Derby Week, including the highly anticipated 151st Kentucky Derby, with renewable energy," said John Crockett, president of LG&E and KU Energy and Chief Development Officer. “The estimated $441 million in economic impact that Derby Week brings to our city is significant, and we're honored to once again contribute to a more sustainable event.”
"We are delighted to welcome back LG&E and KU Energy to Churchill Downs and appreciate their continued partnership in our journey toward a more sustainable future," added Casey Ramage, vice president of marketing and partnerships at Churchill Downs Racetrack.
To celebrate this ongoing collaboration, the iconic Twin Spires of Churchill Downs will be illuminated in vibrant green during Opening Night Powered by LG&E and KU.
Gates will open this Saturday at 4 p.m., with the first race scheduled for 5 p.m.
For more information on the thrilling Kentucky Derby week festivities at Churchill Downs, please visit kentuckyderby.com. Visit lge-ku.com/sustainability to learn more about LG&E and KU’s Green Energy Program and other sustainability initiatives.
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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 in five counties in Virginia. More information is available at www.lge-ku.com and www.pplweb.com.
