(LEXINGTON, Ky. - December 15, 2004) In an effort to help its customers cope with higher energy costs, Kentucky Utilities Company (KU) is increasing its donation to the WinterCare program that helps customers in financial crises pay their utility bills.

For the second consecutive year, KU will match residential customers' donations to WinterCare on a dollar-for-dollar basis through April. That is an increase over the traditional 25-cent match throughout the year.

WinterCare is a nonprofit program promoted by the utility and managed by an independent third party. In 2004 the program raised more than $70,000 and served over 705 families in the 77 counties KU provides service to in Kentucky. WinterCare expects to assist more families in 2005 due largely in part to KU's increase in matching customer donations.

"We encourage our customers to make their tax-deductible donations in order to help their neighbors this winter," said Dave Vogel, LG&E Energy's Vice President of Retail Services. "KU's dollar-for-dollar match will make customers' donations go even further in 2005, making utility costs more bearable to those who are most at risk."

Residential customers may donate to WinterCare by rounding their monthly utility bill up to the nearest dollar, by making a monthly pledge or through a one-time contribution. WinterCare funds are distributed based on income; however, income guidelines are generally less restrictive than other programs. Donations are tax-deductible.



KU, based in Lexington, Ky., provides reliable, low-priced electric energy to more than 512,000 customers in 77 Kentucky counties and five counties in southwestern Virginia. KU is a subsidiary of LG&E Energy LLC headquartered in Louisville, Ky.