(LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Oct. 5, 2005) In an effort to help customers cope with record-high national costs of natural gas, Louisville Gas and Electric Company today announced that — effective Nov. 1 through March 31, 2006 — it will match $2 for every $1 donated by residential customers to the Community Winterhelp program. The increase is four times the traditional 50-cent match.

Community Winterhelp is a nonprofit program that helps customers in financial crises pay their heating bills. For the past two years, LG&E has doubled its match during the winter heating season, but due to national supply factors and recent hurricane activity, the company felt it was important to increase its match to the highest level to date. In 2004, the program raised more than $238,000 and served over 1,700 families in Louisville Metro. Since 1983, Community Winterhelp has raised over $4 million, with approximately $1 million of that donated by LG&E. The dollars raised have helped more than 23,000 families pay their heating bills over the years.

"The rising cost of natural gas concerns us greatly, so we are taking extraordinary measures to help our most vulnerable customers," said Vic Staffieri, LG&E Energy's Chairman, CEO and President. "Through LG&E's increased match, we hope to help the local community deal with the consequences of a national supply issue."

Residential customers may donate to Community Winterhelp by rounding their monthly utility bill up to the nearest dollar, by making a monthly pledge or through a one-time contribution. LG&E has established a $200,000 matching fund to supplement all residential customer donations.

Community Winterhelp funds are distributed based on income; however, income guidelines are generally less restrictive than other programs. Donations are tax-deductible. For more information on Community Winterhelp and other heating assistance programs, visit the company's website.