LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- LG&E and KU have asked state regulators to approve a $3.7 billion energy plan, driven largely by expected demand from future data centers -- but some residents are pushing back. 

Officials said the investment is needed to handle the expected major spike in electricity demand, mostly from data centers expected to move into the region. The 11.5% rate increase will support what officials are calling "necessary system enhancements."

The proposal also includes extending the life of a coal unit; however, some residents and environmental groups are protesting, saying the growth projections are uncertain, and that ratepayers could end up covering the cost of power plants we may not even need.

Those critics were able to comment during a hearing in Frankfort on Monday. 

"LG&E has the obligation to meet the demand for energy," said Sam Avery with the Renewable Energy Alliance. "What they don't yet understand, is that in the real world, they have the obligation to meet the demand for renewable energy. Renewable energy does not have any fuel."

The Kentucky Public Service Commission has to approve any requested rate increase. 

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