A news article from the Kentucky Lantern recently showed that increased utility costs are hurting Kentucky’s poor. Kentucky Power’s president also acknowledged that electricity bills are higher for those who are least likely to afford them. This is in light of a proposed rate increase by Kentucky Power. One of the reasons for increased power cost is because we are prematurely shutting down coal-fired plants which are efficient and produce low-cost electricity. Off lining those plants without reliable and affordable back ups drives up the cost of electricity. This is the latest example of ideology trumping practicality and efficiency. When this happens the poor are hurt in the long run.