KENTUCKY UTILITIES CO

6. Utility Rate Regulation

The following table provides information about the regulatory assets and liabilities of cost-based rate-regulated utility operations.

Below is an overview of selected regulatory assets and liabilities presented in the preceding tables. This overview has been updated from Note 7 in the Registrants' 2025 Form 10-K to include the results of the 2025 Kentucky base rate case proceedings. Specific developments with respect to certain of these regulatory assets and liabilities are discussed in "Regulatory Matters."

Accumulated Cost of Removal of Utility Plant

RIE, LG&E and KU charge costs of removal through depreciation expense with an offsetting credit to a regulatory liability. The regulatory liability is relieved as costs are incurred. As a result of the 2025 Kentucky Rate Case, LG&E and KU agreed to remove from depreciation expense the terminal net salvage component for thermal units. These costs will be recovered when spent upon retirement of the associated generating unit.

IT System Costs

IT system costs represent expenditures incurred associated with implementing strategic information technology investments. The KPSC approved recovery of these costs in the 2025 Kentucky base rate case proceedings. Costs will be amortized over a period consistent with the depreciable life of the associated IT system.

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) (PPL, LG&E and KU)

In the 2021 base rate case orders from the KPSC, LG&E and KU received approval to record regulatory assets comprised of the operating expenses associated with implementation of the AMI project, the incremental difference between AFUDC accrued at LG&E's and KU's weighted average cost of capital and AFUDC as calculated using the methodology approved by the FERC, and the remaining net book value of the retired legacy meters replaced by AMI. Additionally, LG&E and KU received approval to record regulatory liabilities comprised of meter reading and field service expense savings since their previous rate case and the cost of the capital impact for legacy meters replaced and retired during the AMI implementation. Recovery and/or return of these costs was approved effective January 1, 2026 in the base rate case proceedings. AMI regulatory assets approved for base rate recovery are being amortized through 2040 and AMI regulatory liabilities approved for base rate return are being amortized through 2030.

Regulatory Matters

Rhode Island Activities (PPL)

Rate Case Proceeding

On November 26, 2025, RIE filed a request with the RIPUC for an increase in electric and natural gas base distribution rates, and approval of certain regulatory and accounting treatments. In its application, RIE seeks to implement a two-year rate plan. In the first year of the rate plan, RIE's proposed base distribution rates for electric and gas combined are designed to collect additional operating revenue of approximately $181 million ($66 million or 18.2% in electricity revenues and $115 million or 36.4% in gas revenues). In the second year of the rate plan, RIE's proposed base distribution rates for electric and gas combined are designed to collect the proposed base distribution rate increases for electric and gas in the first year of the rate plan and additional operating revenues of approximately $49 million ($17 million or 3.6% in electricity revenues and $32 million or 7.4% in gas revenues).

The application is based on a historical test year of September 1, 2024 through August 31, 2025 and requested an authorized ROE of 10.75%. Subject to RIPUC approval, new rates are expected to become effective on September 1, 2026. Certain counterparties have intervened in the proceeding, and on April 16, 2026, submitted testimony. A ruling from the RIPUC is anticipated during the third quarter of 2026. PPL cannot predict the outcome of the proceeding.

Hold Harmless Commitment

As a condition of its approval of the acquisition of RIE in May 2022, the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (the Division) required PPL to hold harmless Rhode Island customers from the impact of future rate increases resulting from changes in Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes as a result of the Acquisition (the Hold Harmless Commitment). On June 13, 2025, an agreement was entered into by and among RIE, PPL, PPL Rhode Island Holdings and the Division's Advocacy Section (the Hold Harmless Implementation Agreement) to satisfy the Hold Harmless Commitment by providing approximately $155 million in miscellaneous bill credits. On September 10, 2025, the Division issued an order confirming that RIE's provision of proposed miscellaneous bill credits as set forth in the Hold Harmless Implementation Agreement would satisfy the Hold Harmless Commitment. Also on September 10, 2025, the RIPUC opened a docket to evaluate the miscellaneous bill credit proposal set forth in the Hold Harmless Implementation Agreement, including the underlying rate accounting, and required RIE to file a tariff advice with the RIPUC, which RIE filed on October 2, 2025. RIE subsequently filed a notice of withdrawal of its tariff advice filing noting that it would hold in abeyance a comprehensive satisfaction of the Hold Harmless Commitment.

During the first quarter of 2026, RIE re-engaged in discussions with the Division regarding a proposal to satisfy the Hold Harmless Commitment. On April 16, 2026, RIE filed a motion with the RIPUC to reopen the previous docket concerning the Hold Harmless Commitment along with an updated tariff advice which reflects a methodology consistent with the previously proposed miscellaneous bill credits and two potential, alternative methods of allocating the bill credits among customers. The actual amount of miscellaneous bill credits to be issued will vary depending upon the agreed upon cost of capital, timing of the issuance of the credits, and the outcome of the pending distribution rate case proceedings. As proposed, the bill credits would be issued and recorded as a reduction to revenue in the first quarters of 2027 and 2028. On April 17, 2026, the RIPUC approved the motion and consolidated the tariff advice docket with the pending base distribution rate proceeding. PPL cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings.

Winter Bill Volatility Docket

At an Open Meeting on November 24, 2025, the RIPUC approved several measures to help mitigate winter bill increases for electric customers. First, the RIPUC approved miscellaneous bill credits for all residential electric customers of $23.54 per month for January, February, and March 2026. Second, the RIPUC paused the Storm Fund Replenishment Factor for usage on and after January 1, 2026, subject to further review through the 2026 Annual Retail Rate Filing. Third, the RIPUC paused the electric Energy Efficiency Charge for usage beginning January 1, 2026 through March 31, 2026. To offset the costs of the miscellaneous bill credits, the RIPUC directed RIE to apply the December 31, 2025 electric Energy Efficiency fund balance, net of any earned incentives, and directed RIE to transfer $11 million from the storm fund balance. The RIPUC approved future cost recovery for RIE of any unfunded balance of the miscellaneous bill credits through future identified offsets and/or a reconciling recovery mechanism to be determined in conjunction with the 2026 electric retail rate filing to allow recovery by December 31, 2026. Any remaining unfunded balance will be recovered through the Storm Fund Replenishment factor.

FY 2027 Gas ISR Plan

On March 27, 2026, the RIPUC approved a capital budget of $161 million. In addition, the RIPUC approved an O&M budget of $17 million for curb-to-curb paving. On March 31, 2026, the RIPUC approved RIE's compliance filing for rates effective April 1, 2026.

FY 2027 Electric ISR Plan

On March 27, 2026, the RIPUC approved a capital budget of $141 million (including $18 million for Advanced Metering Functionality). In addition, the RIPUC approved an O&M budget of $14 million, primarily for vegetation management. On March 31, 2026, the RIPUC approved RIE's compliance filing for rates effective April 1, 2026.

Kentucky Activities

Rate Case Proceedings

On February 16, 2026, the KPSC issued orders approving portions of LG&E's and KU's October 2025 stipulation and recommendation, with modifications. See "Regulatory Matters - Kentucky Activities – Rate Case Proceedings" in Note 7 in PPL's, LG&E's and KU's 2025 Form 10-K for additional information on the filings made by LG&E and KU with the KPSC in 2025.

The KPSC orders provide for increases in annual electricity and gas revenues of $233 million ($59 million and $128 million in electricity revenues at LG&E and KU and $46 million in gas revenues at LG&E.) The orders include authorized returns on equity of 9.775% for base rate purposes and 9.675% for capital rate adjustment mechanisms.

The KPSC orders approve LG&E's and KU's requests for establishment of certain new rate adjustment mechanisms or tariffs, with modifications:

• a temporary Pilot Generation Recovery Adjustment Clause (PGR) to provide recovery of and return on investment of applicable costs of certain new generation and storage assets being built or anticipated to be built by LG&E and KU as authorized in the 2022 CPCN proceeding;

• the inclusion in the PGR of recovery of and return on investment of certain costs associated with a potential extension of the operating life of LG&E's Mill Creek Unit 2 beyond its original 2027 retirement date; and

• an Extremely High Load Factor Tariff for future applicable customers, such as data centers, which includes requirements such as long-term contracts, minimum revenue payments and collateral security structures that help protect the interests of LG&E, KU and of other ratepayers.

The PGR mechanism is similar to the Generation Cost Recovery Adjustment Clause proposed in the stipulation, but restructured by the KPSC to be a pilot adjustment mechanism with a term until the earlier of ten months following the submission of LG&E's and KU's next base rate proceeding or the effective date of new rates in such proceeding, with the expectation that the mechanism would be reviewed in such proceeding. The pilot mechanism will apply to the planned Mill Creek Unit 5, Brown Battery Energy Storage System, Mercer County Solar and Marion County Solar generation-related projects. The KPSC also included Mill Creek Unit 2's potential stay-open costs in the PGR in lieu of approving the stipulation's request for a stand-alone adjustment mechanism for such costs. Finally, the KPSC excluded from coverage under the PGR costs related to Mill Creek Unit 6 and Brown Unit 12 planned new generation assets due to their anticipated in-service dates falling outside of the estimated pilot mechanism's duration, but without prejudice to LG&E and KU seeking recovery of such costs in future proceedings.

The KPSC orders also approved, approved with modifications, or denied in some cases, other requested accounting and rate matters relating to regulatory assets or liabilities, depreciation rates, and other areas.

The rate changes have a retroactive effective date as of January 1, 2026. LG&E and KU applied refunds to customer accounts for amounts billed in excess of the rates approved by the KPSC.

The KPSC orders did not approve the Sharing Mechanism Adjustment Clause that had been requested in the stipulation and made no modifications to the stay out offer by LG&E and KU to refrain from effective base rate increases prior to August 2028.

LG&E and KU filed a request for rehearing on several issues contained in the orders from the KPSC on March 11, 2026, along with a Notice of their Withdrawal from the stipulation. On March 27, 2026, the KPSC issued orders correcting tariff appendices, denying two intervenor rehearing requests, and reopening the dockets to consider LG&E's and KU's request for rehearing. The KPSC has established a procedural schedule with two additional rounds of discovery beginning on April 10, 2026.

PPL, LG&E and KU cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

Potential Legal Merger of LG&E and KU

Pursuant to prior orders of the KPSC, the LG&E and KU rate case application included an assessment of a potential legal merger of LG&E and KU and concluded a legal merger may be appropriate. On December 30, 2025, LG&E and KU filed a joint update in the rate case proceedings stating that they expected to file necessary applications for merger approval in mid-2026 with the KPSC. On March 31, 2026, LG&E and KU filed an application with the KPSC for approval of the merger and associated accounting, financing and rate mechanism matters. On April 17, 2026, LG&E and KU filed an application with the VSCC for approval of the merger and certain associated matters. LG&E and KU anticipate filing a related application with the VSCC for approval of financing and affiliate transactions in connection with the proposed merger by mid-May 2026. LG&E and KU anticipate filing an application with the FERC for approval of the merger in the second quarter of 2026. Ultimately, any merger would require formal approval from the KPSC, VSCC and FERC, as well as the boards and sole shareholder of both companies.

PPL, LG&E and KU cannot predict the outcome of this matter, including the regulatory proceedings.

Mill Creek Unit 2 RAR Application(PPL and LG&E)

In 2023, the KPSC issued an order approving, among other items, the requested retirement of Mill Creek Unit 2.

LG&E anticipates the recovery of associated costs, including the remaining net book value, for Mill Creek Unit 2 through the RAR. The remaining net book value of Mill Creek Unit 2 was approximately $194 million at March 31, 2026 and LG&E is continuing to depreciate using the current approved rates through its retirement date. LG&E expects to reclassify the net book value remaining at retirement to a regulatory asset to be amortized over a period of ten years in accordance with the RAR. There can be no assurance that these costs will be recovered in the amounts or over the time periods that LG&E expects. See the "Rate Case Proceedings" discussion above for information regarding potential changes in the retirement date of Mill Creek Unit 2.

Virginia Activities

See "Kentucky Activities - Potential Legal Merger of LG&E and KU" above with respect to filing an application with VSCC for approval of a merger between LG&E and KU.

Rate Case Proceeding(PPL and KU)

On April 30, 2026, KU filed a request with the VSCC for an increase in Virginia annual base electricity rates of approximately $19 million. KU's request is based on an authorized 10.95% ROE. Subject to regulatory review and approval, new rates would become effective February 1, 2027. PPL and KU cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

Pennsylvania Activities (PPL and PPL Electric)

Rate Case Proceeding

On September 30, 2025, PPL Electric filed a request with the PAPUC for an increase in distribution base rates of approximately $356 million, more than $50 million of which is already included in customer bills through rate recovery mechanisms, and approval of certain regulatory and accounting treatments. The proposed increase in distribution base rates would increase PPL Electric's total annual revenue by approximately 8.6%. The application is based on a fully projected future test year of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 and requested an authorized ROE of 11.3%. Subject to PAPUC approval, new distribution base rates are expected to become effective on July 1, 2026.

On March 5, 2026, PPL Electric reached a non‑unanimous settlement in principle (the settlement) in its distribution rate case. On March 13, 2026, PPL Electric submitted a joint petition with the PAPUC reflecting the settlement to resolve all issues in PPL Electric's base rate proceeding.

The settlement proposed an annual electric base distribution revenue increase of approximately $275 million and does not stipulate a return on equity or capital structure. As part of the settlement, PPL Electric will not increase distribution base rates for two years from the effective date of the new rates. Additionally, the settlement:

•provides for DSIC eligible capital investment (and associated depreciation and tax effects) to be rolled into base rates, and for the DSIC to be reset tozero, capped at 5.0% of annual distribution revenues, upon implementation of new base rates.

•sets the expense from reportable storms recovered through base rates for the Storm Damage Expense Rider (SDER) at $32 million annually beginning July 1, 2026. To the extent eligible reportable storm expenses are above or below this level, over or under collections would be addressed through the SDER during the applicable recovery period.

•supports capitalization of Information Technology (IT) upgrades for planned system implementations and infrastructure costs for shared IT platforms. The total projected cost of these projects is expected to be $54 million, inclusive of AFUDC, through June 30, 2027.

•supports adoption of a new tariff schedule governing service to certain large load customers (including data centers). This new rate class would provide $11 million in support for PPL Electric's residential low-income program.

•provides for enhancements to Customer Assistance Program processes and customer notifications, an increase to the Low-Income Usage Reduction Program annual budget beginning January 1, 2027 of $1.5 million (to a total of $13.5 million) with a rollover mechanism for unspent amounts, and a waiver of reconnection fees for low-income customers beginning July 1, 2027.

The settlement also contains agreed positions regarding certain other tariff, rate, regulatory accounting and other issues raised in the proceedings, as well as recommending approval of all remaining matters as requested by PPL Electric's rate request.

On April 17, 2026, the Administrative Law Judges presiding over the case recommended the settlement be approved without modification. A ruling from the PAPUC is anticipated during the second quarter of 2026. PPL and PPL Electric cannot predict the outcome of the proceeding.

Federal Matters

FERC Transmission Rate Filing(PPL, LG&E and KU)

In 2018, LG&E and KU applied to the FERC requesting elimination of certain on-going waivers and credits to a sub-set of transmission customers relating to the 1998 merger of LG&E's and KU's parent entities and the 2006 withdrawal of LG&E and KU from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. (MISO), a regional transmission operator and energy market. The application sought termination of LG&E's and KU's commitment to provide certain Kentucky municipalities mitigation for certain horizontal market power concerns arising out of the 1998 LG&E and KU merger and 2006 MISO withdrawal. The amounts at issue are generally waivers or credits granted to a limited number of Kentucky municipalities for either certain LG&E and KU or MISO transmission charges incurred for transmission service received. In 2019, the FERC granted LG&E's and KU's request to remove the ongoing credits, conditioned upon the implementation by LG&E and KU of a transition mechanism for certain existing power supply arrangements, which was subsequently filed, modified, and approved by the FERC in 2020 and 2021. In 2020, LG&E and KU and other parties filed appeals with the U.S. Court of Appeals - D.C. Circuit (D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals) regarding the FERC's orders on the elimination of the mitigation and required transition mechanism. In August 2022, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order remanding the proceedings back to the FERC. On May 18, 2023, the FERC issued an order on remand reversing its 2019 decision and requiring LG&E and KU to refund credits previously withheld, including under such transition mechanism. LG&E and KU filed a petition for review of the FERC's May 18, 2023 order with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals and provided refunds in accordance with the FERC order on December 1, 2023. The FERC issued an order on LG&E's and KU's compliance filing on November 16, 2023, and LG&E and KU filed a petition for review of this November 16, 2023 order on February 14, 2024. The FERC issued the substantive order on rehearing on March 21, 2024, reaffirming its prior decision. On August 8, 2025, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a procedural ruling vacating the FERC's prior orders and remanded the matter back to the FERC for further proceedings, which are underway. LG&E and KU cannot predict the ultimate outcome of the proceedings or any other post decision process but do not expect the annual impact to have a material effect on their operations or financial condition. LG&E and KU currently receive recovery of certain waivers and credits primarily through existing base rate levels.

ISO-NE ROE Complaints(PPL)

Transmission rates for utilities in ISO-NE are subject to a common ROE shared among the New England transmission owners (NETOs). This ROE has been set at 11.14% since 2005. In 2011 through 2016, transmission customer representatives filed four complaints at the FERC seeking to lower it, arguing that an 11.14% ROE was unjust and unreasonable under the Federal Power Act Section 206.

In 2014, the FERC issued Opinion No. 531 that changed the methodology the FERC uses for determining transmission ROEs. It set the ROE at 10.57% with a maximum ROE including incentives of 11.74%. Two additional FERC orders followed: Opinion No. 531-A (2014) and Opinion No. 531-B (2015). Each maintained the 10.57% ROE. Both the NETOs and customers appealed.

In 2017, the Circuit Court for the District of Columbia issued an order vacating Opinions Nos. 531, 531-A, and 531-B, and remanding to the FERC for further proceedings. The court found that the FERC had not properly followed Section 206, which required a specific finding that the existing 11.14% ROE was unjust and unreasonable before it could order a new 10.57% ROE. In 2018, the FERC issued an additional order on remand applicable to all four pending complaints, seeking additional briefing.

On March 19, 2026, the FERC issued Opinion No. 594, addressing the outstanding NETO complaint dockets. The FERC ordered NETOs' base ROE be set at 9.57%, with a total or maximum ROE including incentives not to exceed 12.09%, with an effective date of October 16, 2014.

As a result of the order, RIE recorded a liability of $26 million in the first quarter of 2026 for the estimated amounts to be refunded.

The FERC initially ordered refunds with interest at the FERC rate to be paid within thirty days. On April 2, 2026, RIE and the other NETOs filed for an extension of the refund period. On April 14, 2026, the FERC issued an order extending the refund period through May 20, 2027.

On April 20, 2026, RIE and the other NETOs filed a request for rehearing of Opinion No. 594, which is a necessary prerequisite to appeal the order. On April 30, 2026, RIE and the other NETOs filed a Section 205 docket requesting a new base ROE of 11.39% going forward. PPL and RIE cannot predict the outcome of these matters.

Other

Purchase of Receivables Programs

In accordance with RIPUC-approved and PAPUC-approved purchase of accounts receivable programs, RIE and PPL Electric purchase certain accounts receivable from alternative electricity suppliers at a discount, which reflects a provision for uncollectible accounts. The alternative electricity suppliers have no continuing involvement or interest in the purchased accounts receivable. Accounts receivable that are acquired are initially recorded at fair value on the date of acquisition.

During the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, RIE purchased $95 million and $87 million of accounts receivable from alternative suppliers.

During the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, PPL Electric purchased $552 million and $466 million of accounts receivable from alternative suppliers.