KENTUCKY UTILITIES CO
For the period ended Dec 31, 2025. Filed Feb 20, 2026.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2025 · Filed Feb 20, 2026
PPLC$46.16-1.2%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-13.
0000922224-25-000009
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2025-12-31; filed 2026-02-20.
0000922224-26-000008
Item 1A. Risk FactorsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 102 previous paragraphs and 101 current paragraphs.
88 unchanged; 7 reworded; 5 added; 6 removed; 1 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (5)
Current report
The business and capital investment plans of PPL depend, in part, on the continued growth and viability of data centers and large load customers in its service territories.
Current report
PPL is anticipating increases in load demand, creating a business need for new power generating resources and transmission facilities. Much of this demand is driven by interconnecting with and providing power to data centers and large load customers to serve an increasingly digital economy and to support artificial intelligence. The business and capital investment plans of PPL are focused on meeting these current and projected needs. If these increased demands for electricity do not occur as projected or are not sustained as projected, for any reason, it could affect PPL's financial condition.
Current report
PPL is anticipating increases in load demand, creating the need for new power generating resources and transmission facilities. A substantial portion of this demand is driven by the current and projected power needs of data centers to serve an increasingly digital economy and to support artificial intelligence. Extending service to these facilities necessitates significant capital expenditures, which in turn requires sufficient access to sources of capital. These additional capital needs, the increased concentration of business within a single industry based on emerging technologies, and uncertainties regarding the actual capacity required to satisfy the projected new demands of these new industries creates risks for PPL. Ensuring that incremental revenues from these projected new demands cover incremental costs and risks is critical to PPL and its relationship to its existing customers. While contracts with new large load customers typically include provisions for early termination payments, minimum bills, and financial security, these contracts may not fully protect PPL against all risks. Changes in industry practice or advances in the related technologies could reduce the demand for electricity to power data centers or other large load facilities. Additionally, these industries may experience a business downturn, which could cause the loss of current or potential customers or may weaken the financial condition and creditworthiness of existing customers. If anticipated demand growth does not materialize, PPL could experience unrecovered capital investments. Conversely, if demand grows more rapidly than projected, PPL may face challenges in securing adequate generation and transmission capacity and maintaining service reliability.
Current report
Because AI technologies remain in the early stages of development and industry standards are still emerging, their use, whether by PPL, its subsidiaries or third-party vendors, presents inherent risks. Although we seek contractual protections and conduct due diligence with third-party vendors that incorporate AI technologies into their products or services, we may not have full visibility into, awareness of, or control over, the underlying data, supply chain dependencies, model training practices, performance, security safeguards, or compliance posture of such AI enabled tools. AI algorithms that we or our third-party vendors use may be flawed or may be based on datasets that are biased or insufficient, which may introduce risks involving data quality, data integrity, cybersecurity, adversarial manipulation, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, biased outcomes, or improper handling of sensitive information.
Current report
These limitations, failures, or inaccurate results generated as a result of our employees', contractors' or vendors' use or misuse of AI technologies could lead to operational interruptions or otherwise adversely affect our business, reputation, or financial results. In addition, the development, testing, and deployment of AI capabilities may require significant computational resources, specialized personnel, and additional investment, resulting in increased costs. We may not be able to recover these costs through our regulatory proceedings. Rapid advances in AI capabilities, as well as the emerging regulatory landscape in the United States and internationally, may also require modifications to our systems, adoption of enhanced governance processes or implementation of new safeguards. Future laws, regulations, Executive Orders, or industry standards relating to AI (which may be conflicting), including those addressing transparency, data usage, cybersecurity, accountability, or risk management, could materially affect how we design, procure, or use AI technologies and could increase compliance costs. In addition, the pace of AI innovation and regulation is unpredictable, and we cannot foresee all potential impacts of AI technologies or future laws and regulations or compliance requirements, and their associated costs and consequences. Any of the risks described above could adversely affect our business operations, reputation, or financial results.
Removed paragraphs (6)
Previous report
PPL may not realize the anticipated benefits of the RIE acquisition, which could materially adversely affect PPL's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Previous report
PPL may not realize the anticipated financial and operational benefits from the RIE acquisition. PPL has incurred significant costs in connection with the integration, and additional unanticipated costs may arise. No assurance can be given that the anticipated long-term benefits from the acquisition will be achieved or, if achieved, the timing of their achievement. These risks and their consequences could result in increased costs or decreases in the amount of expected revenues associated with the
Previous report
Rhode Island Regulated segment and could have a material adverse effect on PPL's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Previous report
Pandemic health events and their impact on business and economic conditions could negatively affect our business.
Previous report
A pandemic health event and related remediation efforts could present challenges to businesses, communities, workforces, markets and supply chains. At this time, the Registrants cannot predict the ways in which and the extent to which these or other pandemic-related factors may affect their business, earnings or other financial results.
Previous report
AI technologies are still in their early stages of development and deployment. Ineffective or inadequate AI development or deployment practices by PPL, its subsidiaries or third-party vendors could result in unintended consequences. While we seek contractual protections with our third-party vendors regarding the use of AI technology, we may not have full awareness of, or control or visibility over, the quality, performance, security or compliance of the products and services that incorporate AI-related technology used by such vendors. AI algorithms that we or our third-party vendors use may be flawed or may be based on datasets that are biased or insufficient. These limitations or failures, or inaccurate results generated as a result of our employees’, contractors’ or vendors’ use or misuse of AI technologies could lead to operational interruptions or otherwise adversely affect our business, reputation or financial results. Developing, testing, and deploying resource-intensive AI systems may require additional investment and increase our costs. In addition, the rapidly evolving nature of AI technologies may cause new laws and regulations to be enacted which could dramatically affect business practices, including the costs to comply with such new laws and regulations. We cannot predict the future development of AI technologies and the nature of any related new laws and regulations, and their costs and consequences.
Reworded paragraphs (7)
Previous wording
The regulated utility businesses are capital intensive and require significant investments in energy generation (in the case of LG&E and KU) and transmission, distribution and other infrastructure projects, such as projects for environmental compliance and system reliability. The completion of these projects without delays or cost overruns is subject to risks in many areas, including:
Current wording
The regulated utility businesses are capital intensive and require significant investments in energy generation (in the case of LG&E and KU) and transmission, distribution and other infrastructure projects, including providing service to new data centers and large load customers, constructing projects for environmental compliance and maintaining system reliability. The completion of these projects without delays or cost overruns is subject to risks in many areas, including:
Previous wording
Extensive federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations are applicable to LG&E's and KU's generation supply, including its air emissions, water discharges (ELGs) and the management of hazardous and solid wastes (CCRs), among other business-related activities, and the costs of compliance or alleged non-compliance cannot be predicted and could be material. In addition, our costs may increase significantly if the requirements or scope of environmental laws, regulations or similar rules are expanded or changed as the environmental standards governing LG&E’s and KU’s businesses, particularly as applicable to coal-fired generation and related activities, continue to be subject to uncertainties due to rulemaking and other regulatory developments, legislative activities and litigation, administrative and permit challenges. In recent years, the federal government has undertaken various efforts aimed at addressing climate change, some of which remain subject to legal challenge, that may affect these costs. The Registrants are unable to predict changes in regulations, regulatory guidance, legal interpretations, policy positions, and implementation actions that may result from the change in Presidential administrations. Depending on the extent, frequency and timing of such changes, LG&E and KU may face higher risks of unsuccessful implementation of environmental-related business plans, noncompliance with applicable environmental rules, delayed or incomplete rate recovery or increased costs of implementation. Costs may take the form of increased capital expenditures or operating and maintenance expenses, monetary fines, penalties or forfeitures, operational changes, permit limitations or other restrictions. At some of our older generating facilities it may be uneconomic for us to install necessary pollution control equipment, which could cause us to retire those units. Our ability to retire plants we believe are uneconomic is expected to be subject to receipt of regulatory approvals. Market prices for energy and capacity also affect this cost-effectiveness analysis. Many of these environmental law considerations are also applicable to the operations of our key suppliers or customers, such as coal producers, power producers and industrial power users, and may impact the costs of their products and demand for our services.
Current wording
Extensive federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations are applicable to LG&E's and KU's generation supply, including its air emissions, water discharges (ELGs) and the management of hazardous and solid wastes (CCRs), among other business-related activities, and the costs of compliance or alleged non-compliance cannot be predicted and could be material. In addition, our costs may increase significantly if the requirements or scope of environmental laws, regulations or similar rules are expanded or changed as the environmental standards governing LG&E's and KU's businesses, particularly as applicable to coal-fired generation and related activities, continue to be subject to uncertainties due to rulemaking and other regulatory developments, legislative activities and litigation, administrative and permit challenges. In recent years, the federal government has undertaken various efforts aimed at addressing climate change, some of which remain subject to legal challenge, that may affect these costs. The Registrants are unable to predict changes in regulations, regulatory guidance, legal interpretations, policy positions, and implementation actions that may be initiated by the current Presidential administration. Depending on the extent, frequency and timing of such changes, LG&E and KU may face higher risks of unsuccessful implementation of environmental-related business plans, noncompliance with applicable environmental rules, delayed or incomplete rate recovery or increased costs of implementation. Costs may take the form of increased capital expenditures or operating and maintenance expenses, monetary fines, penalties or forfeitures, operational changes, permit limitations or other restrictions. At some of our older generating facilities it may be uneconomic for us to install necessary pollution control equipment, which could cause us to retire those units. Our ability to retire plants we believe are uneconomic is expected to be subject to receipt of regulatory approvals. Market prices for energy and capacity also affect this cost-effectiveness analysis.
Previous wording
Artificial intelligence (AI) is an emerging area of technology that has the potential to impact various aspects of our business operations and customer interactions.
Current wording
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an evolving area of technology that has the potential to affect multiple aspects of our business operations, grid management, critical infrastructure management, customer interactions, cybersecurity posture, and decision support processes.
Previous wording
Changes in tax law as well as the inherent difficulty in quantifying potential tax effects of business decisions could negatively impact our results of operations and cash flows. We are required to make judgments in order to estimate our obligations to taxing authorities. These tax obligations include income, property, gross receipts, franchise, sales and use, employment-related and other taxes. We also estimate our ability to utilize deferred tax assets and tax credits. Dependent upon the revenue needs of the jurisdictions in which our businesses operate, various tax and fee increases may be proposed or considered. We cannot predict changes in tax law or regulation or the effect of any such changes on our businesses. Any such changes could increase tax expense and could have a significant negative impact on our results of operations and cash flows. We continue to evaluate the application of relevant laws, including the TCJA and the IRA in calculating income tax expense.
Current wording
Changes in tax law as well as the inherent difficulty in quantifying potential tax effects of business decisions could negatively impact our results of operations and cash flows. We are required to make judgments in order to estimate our obligations to taxing authorities. These tax obligations include income, property, gross receipts, franchise, sales and use, employment-related and other taxes. We also estimate our ability to utilize deferred tax assets and tax credits. Dependent upon the revenue needs of the jurisdictions in which our businesses operate, various tax and fee increases may be proposed or considered. We cannot predict changes in tax law or regulation or the effect of any such changes on our businesses. Any such changes could increase tax expense and could have a significant negative impact on our results of operations and cash flows. We continue to evaluate the application of relevant laws, including the TCJA, the IRA and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Previous wording
Increases in electricity prices and/or a weak economy can lead to changes in legislative and regulatory policy, including the promotion of energy efficiency, conservation and distributed generation or self-generation, which may adversely impact our business.
Current wording
Increases in electricity prices and/or a weak economy can lead to changes in legislative and regulatory policy, including the promotion of energy efficiency, conservation and distributed generation or self-generation, which may adversely affect our business.
Previous wording
Climate change may produce changes in weather or other environmental conditions, including temperature or precipitation levels, and thus may impact consumer demand for electricity. In addition, the potential physical effects of climate change, such as increased frequency and severity of storms, floods, and other climatic events, could disrupt our operations and cause us to incur significant costs to prepare for or respond to these effects. Climate change may also contribute to heightened risk or severity of wildfires, which could disrupt our operations and cause us to incur significant costs, though the annual FEMA National Risk Index for wildfires in the jurisdictions in which we provide service is very low to relatively moderate. These or other meteorological changes could lead to increased operating costs, capital expenses or power purchase costs. Greenhouse gas regulation such as the EPA’s May 2024 rule governing emissions from certain fossil fuel-fired electric generating units could increase the cost of electricity, and such increases could have a depressive effect on regional economies. Reduced economic and consumer activity in our service areas -- both generally and specific to certain industries and consumers accustomed to previously lower cost power -- could reduce demand for the power we generate, market and deliver. Also, demand for our energy-related services could be similarly lowered by consumers' preferences or market factors favoring energy efficiency, low-carbon power sources or reduced electricity usage. The Registrants' responses to such climate-related risks include compliance with evolving governmental policy and developing and implementing strategies designed to meet net zero carbon emissions goals, which may affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Current wording
Climate change may produce changes in weather or other environmental conditions, including temperature or precipitation levels, and thus may impact consumer demand for electricity. In addition, the potential physical effects of climate change, such as increased frequency and severity of storms, floods, and other climatic events, could disrupt our operations and cause us to incur significant costs to prepare for or respond to these effects. Climate change may also contribute to heightened risk or severity of wildfires, which could disrupt our operations and cause us to incur significant costs, though the annual FEMA National Risk Index for wildfires in the jurisdictions in which we provide service is very low to relatively moderate. These or other meteorological changes could lead to increased operating costs, capital expenses or power purchase costs. Greenhouse gas regulation such as the EPA's May 2024 rule governing emissions from certain fossil fuel-fired electric generating units could increase the cost of electricity, and such increases could have a depressive effect on regional economies. Reduced economic and consumer activity in our service areas -- both generally and specific to certain industries and consumers accustomed to previously lower cost power -- could reduce demand for the power we generate, market and deliver. Also, demand for our energy-related services could be similarly lowered by consumers' preferences or market factors favoring energy efficiency, low-carbon power sources or reduced electricity usage. The Registrants' responses to such climate-related risks include compliance with evolving governmental policy, which may affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Previous wording
We are involved in legal proceedings, claims and litigation and periodically are subject to state and federal investigations arising out of our business operations, the most significant of which are summarized in Item 1. Business and "Regulatory Matters" in Note 7 to the Financial Statements and in "Legal Matters" and "Regulatory Issues" in Note 12 to the Financial
Current wording
We are involved in legal proceedings, claims and litigation and periodically are subject to state and federal investigations arising out of our business operations, the most significant of which are summarized in Item 1. Business and "Regulatory Matters" in Note 7 to the Financial Statements and in "Legal Matters" and "Regulatory Issues" in Note 12 to the Financial Statements. We cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these matters, nor can we reasonably estimate the costs or liabilities that could potentially result from a negative outcome in each case.
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Many of these environmental law considerations are also applicable to the operations of our key suppliers or customers, such as coal producers, power producers and industrial power users, and may impact the costs of their products and demand for our services.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (1)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Statements. We cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these matters, nor can we reasonably estimate the costs or liabilities that could potentially result from a negative outcome in each case.