Blue Grass Energy Hosts “Rate Increase Celebration” at Jeff Ruby's, After Party Continues at Lexington Gentlemen's Club
“Morale is important during difficult billing cycles,” spokesman says.
RICHMOND — As Madison County residents spent much of the winter lowering thermostats and studying electric bills with increasing alarm, employees of Blue Grass Energy were reportedly gathering in Lexington this week for what attendees described as a “rate increase celebration.”
The evening began at Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse.
It reportedly ended somewhere else.
Multiple Jeff Ruby's diners confirmed that a large group of Blue Grass Energy employees occupied several tables Tuesday evening as servers delivered a steady procession of filet mignon, lobster tails, seafood towers, and wine bottles with labels that looked “more expensive than a January power bill.”
“At one point I counted three dessert trays and something on fire,” said a diner seated nearby. “I assumed it was celebratory.”
According to one attendee, a toast was made shortly after the main course arrived.
One employee reportedly popped a bottle, raised a glass, and shouted, “this is a winter we'll never forget! We're gonna celebrate all night tonight!”
Blue Grass Energy has faced growing frustration from residents this winter after electric bills across the region climbed sharply amid rate increases and cold-weather demand.
The cooperative maintains the higher costs are legitimate and tied to wholesale energy prices and necessary infrastructure investments.
Company spokesman Derek Langley confirmed the evening out took place but emphasized it should not be misinterpreted.
“Our employees have worked extremely hard during a challenging rate environment,” Langley said. “Recognizing that effort helps maintain operational excellence.”
Sources say the evening continued after dinner when several members of the group relocated to what one attendee described as a “Lexington establishment known primarily for its large poles and attractive ladies.”
Witnesses report the group arrived to the club shortly before midnight.
“They came in like a corporate retreat,” one patron said. “A lot of high fives. Somebody yelled something about ‘record winter margins.’”
Several dancers reportedly performed to what witnesses described as “a steady rain of large bills and unusually enthusiastic support from local co op executives and accounting clerks.”
“They were very engaged,” another dancer said. “One guy kept shouting ‘Let's see those electric peaks! It's peak demand season, tonight!’”
Employees were also seen studying the club's lighting system with unusual professional interest.
“A couple of them were pointing at the stage lights and talking about load capacity,” the patron said. “One joked they could power the whole place off the energy he had stored in his pants.”
Another reportedly joked that after the evening's festivities, the cooperative might consider rebranding from “BG Energy” to “BD Energy.”
Langley acknowledged that some employees may have continued “team-building activities” after dinner but declined to comment further.
“Strong teams communicate well,” he said.
According to one individual present, the mood reached what staff jokingly referred to as “simply electric.”
“At one point someone said, ‘If the customers could see this they'd finally understand where their rates are so high,’” the source said.
Langley disputed that characterization.
“Our rate structure is designed to support long-term system reliability,” he said.
Local residents, meanwhile, say the optics are difficult.
“I kept my thermostat at 64 degrees for three weeks. If my bill is paying for some accounting nerd to eat surf n' turf and put dollar bills down some girl's underwear, I'd at least like to know which one of the strippers I'm putting through college.”— AMANDA COLLINS, BEREA RESIDENT
Blue Grass Energy reiterated that rate adjustments are necessary to ensure reliable service across the cooperative's territory.
“Electric service is complicated,” Langley said.
Still, some residents remain unconvinced.
“If my bill goes up,” said Richmond resident Mark Hollins, “I assume the money is going to substations and transmission lines.”
He paused.
“Not surf and turf and… whatever was going down at the strip club.”
Company officials have declined to comment on whether the celebration will become an annual tradition.
At press time, several employees have reportedly called in sick today.
Letters to the Editor
Speak now, or forever hold your suspicions.