Bowling Green · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bowling Green public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
AMP board leadership and public power
The city's electric division earned the highest-level diamond safety award, and officials lobbied in D.C. about rising capacity and transmission costs, data-center grid impacts, and permitting delays.
Tree trimming and electric line clearance funding
The utility is falling behind on keeping trees off power lines despite spending $112,000 of a $175,000 budget this year. A full-year crew could cost $250,000–$300,000 in the 2027 budget, and that will factor into future utility rates. Better line clearance should mean fewer outages.
Substation transformer replacement planning
The aging transformers at the Bishop, Poe, and Gipsy substations need replacing, but new units may take six years or longer to manufacture. Planning is starting now so reliability isn't compromised down the road.
Poe/Mercer Pump Station screen replacement
Council approved a funding agreement with the state loan programs to design and build replacement screens at the Poe/Mercer Pump Station — upkeep of the wastewater system.
Annexation and interim zoning for 1200 Sand Ridge Road
A 0.84-acre parcel at 1200 Sand Ridge Road will join the city so the owner can hook up to city water and sewer. It keeps its residential R-1 zoning, so nothing changes on the ground — just access to city utilities.
PowerBlock voltage conversion project
A new ordinance would let the Utilities Director contract with PowerSecure, Inc. for the PowerBlock Voltage Conversion Project — introduced on first reading.
Evergreen Terrace Gas Service Upgrade Easement
Council granted Columbia Gas an easement on an emergency basis so the Evergreen Terrace gas service upgrade can move forward without delay.
Stormwater flooding at W. Merry Ave. and Fairview Ave.
A resident says heavy rains flood her driveway six feet deep at the corner of West Merry and Fairview. City officials promised to share results of utility camera inspections of the storm pipes and any corrective actions.
Rider E rooftop solar surcharge
Customer-owned solar customers will see their excess-generation credit rise from 7.5 to 9.5 cents/kWh, but the facilities charge drops 50% in 2026 and is phased out in 2027 as fixed customer charges rise to recover distribution costs. About 10-11 solar interconnection customers are affected.