Final Update: January 26, 2026 - 7:00 p.m.
Current status
Extreme cold continues to impact our entire service territory which is forecast to continue into the middle of the week. While snowfall and wintry precipitation have ended, hazardous conditions remain due to lingering snow, ice and extremely cold temperatures.
Since Saturday at 9 a.m., roughly 25,500 customers have been affected by winter weather-related outages across our service area including 9,000 LG&E customers and 16,500 KU customers. We’ll continue working safely and as quickly as possible to make the necessary repairs to restore service for our remaining affected customers.
Although precipitation has ended, the weight of snow and ice on trees and power lines can still cause limbs to fall, leading to additional power outages and downed wires. Customers should remain alert for hazards and use caution when outdoors.
The region continues to be under an Extreme Cold Warning into Tuesday morning. Customers are encouraged to stay warm, limit unnecessary travel, and check on neighbors who may need help, especially older adults and those with medical needs.
Customers should rely on official LG&E, KU and ODP channels for the most up-to-date outage and safety information. This page will continue to be updated as conditions change, and customers should continue to follow local weather providers’ forecasts.
Take steps to conserve and save energy: How you can help during extreme cold
Due to extended frigid temperatures and higher energy demand, LG&E, KU and ODP are encouraging customers to take steps to reduce energy use when possible. Conserving energy can help manage household costs and lessen potential strain on the regional electric grid during periods of extreme cold.
Simple conservation actions customers can take, include:
- Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances.
- Adjust thermostats to the lowest comfortable setting.
- Wear extra layers and use additional blankets.
- Close fireplace dampers and doors when not in use (unless you have a gas fireplace).
- Use draft stoppers and seal gaps around doors and windows.
- Open curtains and blinds during the day to let sunlight warm your home and close them at night to retain heat.
- Make sure furniture or drapes do not block air registers.
- Run dishwashers, dryers and washing machines only when full.
- Use microwaves or slow cookers when possible, which use less energy than conventional ovens.
Customers participating in voluntary energy-saving programs, including Demand Conservation and Bring Your Own Thermostat, may also be coordinated with during periods of high demand. These programs help reduce energy use at peak times and provide monetary incentives for participating customers. Learn more about our energy efficiency programs and tips.
Important reminder: Scam messages are being sent to customers
- We are aware of scam messages circulating on social media and by text. Please be aware of any messages you receive, claiming to be from LG&E and KU or another utility, that ask you to click a link or provide personal information.
- If you receive a suspicious phone call, text, email or visit from a person claiming to be with LG&E, KU or ODP, please use caution before taking any action or providing additional information. We will only communicate with customers using our official channels.
- Text alerts will appear from 4LGEKU (454358), and automated phone calls will appear from 800-331-7370 for LG&E customers and 800-981-0600 for KU/ODP customers.
- Customers can check your account status at any time using our self-serve options (mobile app, online via My Account or automated phone system), which are available 24/7.
Safety comes first — especially with downed power lines
Downed power lines are extremely dangerous and can be energized even if they look inactive.
- Stay away from downed wires. Keep others away, too.
- Always assume a downed line is energized.
- Never text to report a downed line or natural gas leak — always leave the area and call immediately.
How to report downed wires:
How to report a natural gas emergency (LG&E customers only)
If you suspect a gas leak:
Help keep everyone safe during extreme cold
- Limit travel when roads are icy or snow-covered. Staying off the roads helps protect you and allows utility crews and emergency responders to reach impacted areas more safely.
- Check on neighbors when it is safe to do so, especially older adults, people with medical needs or anyone who may need extra assistance.
- Stay warm, dress in layers and use heating sources safely to prevent fires and carbon monoxide risks.
Winter weather readiness tips
If conditions worsen or outages occur, having supplies ready can help keep you safe and comfortable.
Build or check your winter emergency kit
Recommended items include:
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Phone chargers and backup power banks
- Bottled water and non-perishable food
- Prescription medications and basic first-aid supplies
- Blankets, warm clothing, hats and gloves
- Ice melt and basic snow-clearing tools
- Supplies for infants, older adults and pets, if needed
Additional tips:
- Protect exposed pipes and seal drafts around doors and windows.
- Keep vehicles fueled and stocked with basic winter supplies if travel becomes necessary.
- Have a family communication plan in case conditions worsen.
How to track and report outages — and what to expect with estimated restoration times
If outages occur, the most up-to-date information will be available on our outage map, which you can view on our website and on our mobile app.
Our priority is to provide customers the most accurate outage information as quickly as possible. However, crews must first safely assess conditions in the field before specific restoration times can be provided.
During this process, some outages may display a status of “under evaluation” or “assessing condition” until damage can be fully assessed.
Estimated restoration times may change if additional damage occurs, and we appreciate customers’ patience as crews work through conditions safely.
Each outage is different and presents unique challenges, which is why restoration times can vary by customer.
As damage assessments continue, we may also provide area-wide, or “global,” estimated restoration times for major outage events.
Restoration process overview
Restoring service during severe weather follows a prioritized process:
- Restore critical services such as hospitals, fire and police stations, airports and nursing homes.
- Restore power to the largest number of customers by repairing major lines and equipment serving large areas.
- Repair damaged equipment, using temporary fixes when possible to restore service quickly.
- Restore individual service lines to homes and businesses.
Automation and remote controls also help limit the number of customers affected when possible.
New: Proactive power outage alerts
LG&E, KU and ODP now offer automatic outage alerts to help keep customers informed.
Customers can receive:
- A text or automated phone call when an outage is detected at their home or business
- Restoration updates when available
- Confirmation when power is restored
Alerts are sent to the contact information listed on the customer’s account. Customers can update contact details anytime using:
Text alerts will appear from 4LGEKU (454358).
Automated phone calls will appear from:
Customers are encouraged to save these numbers in their contacts.
Keep natural gas meters clear of snow and ice
Keeping gas meters and regulator vents clear is critical to prevent hazardous gas leaks and service interruptions.
- Use a broom or brush to clear snow.
- Watch for icicles above or around meters.
- Do not chip ice with hard objects.
- Also check that appliance vents are clear of snow and ice.
Strengthening our system for extreme weather
LG&E, KU and ODP continue to invest in long-term improvements, including:
- Stronger poles and wires
- Steel transmission structures replacing wooden poles
- Updated design standards for heavier ice and stronger winds
- Automated technologies and real-time monitoring
Because of these investments, in recent years:
- Outage frequency has been reduced by about 40%
- Average outage duration has been reduced by about 30%
Our commitment to you
As extreme cold continues this week, your LG&E, KU and ODP team remains fully engaged and ready to respond safely and as quickly as possible to any issues. We encourage everyone to keep safety first, stay warm, manage energy use when possible, and look out for neighbors who may need assistance.
We will continue to share important updates as conditions change.
