Discover the Benefits of the Lewis Ridge Project

Investing in the Future

Southeastern Kentucky has delivered affordable, reliable electricity to the people and businesses in the region for a long time.

The Lewis Ridge project comes at a critical time for Kentucky’s energy security. The state’s electricity demand is expected to grow by 30% to 45% by 2032 compared to 2024, driven primarily by data centers and manufacturing. Pumped storage hydropower—America’s most proven long-duration energy storage solution will help meet that growing demand.

The Lewis Ridge Pumped Storage Project will work like a giant water battery, storing excess energy for up to 8 hours and generating power when it’s needed most.

Benefits of Pumped Storage

Certainty

Provides 24/7 on-demand energy, helping ensure affordable energy prices.

Affordable

Costs 20-30% less than installed lithium-ion batteries.

Long-Lasting

Facilities operational for 100+ years.

Proven

Pumped storage accounts for more than 90% of US utility-scale storage.

Dependable

Generates power even during extreme weather events.

Economic Benefits

Generates 2,300 family-wage jobs

Creates 45 operational jobs

Offers job training and apprenticeships

Workers to spend $104M during construction, benefitting local businesses

Generates $1.65M in annual tax revenue for Bell County

Helps ensure affordable energy prices*