Kentucky HVAC Regulatory Oversight for 2026: Complete Guide

Understanding Kentucky HVAC regulatory oversight is essential for contractors, businesses, and homeowners navigating the Bluegrass State's energy landscape. Kentucky has comprehensive statewide licensing requirements for HVAC professionals administered by the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Kentucky HVAC regulations heading into 2026.

The regulatory oversight framework in Kentucky is well-established, with the state mandating licenses for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC contractors at the state level. Whether you're an HVAC contractor seeking to understand licensing requirements or a business evaluating Kentucky's energy market, understanding these regulatory structures is critical for success.

Kentucky Public Service Commission: Primary Regulatory Oversight

The Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) serves as the primary regulatory body for Kentucky's utilities. Created by the Acts of the 1934 General Assembly, the PSC is a three-member administrative body with quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial powers regulating more than 1,100 utilities.

The PSC regulates the intrastate rates and services of investor-owned electric, natural gas, telephone, water, and sewage utilities; customer-owned electric and telephone cooperatives; water districts and associations; and certain aspects of gas pipelines. Commissioners are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Kentucky Senate to serve four-year terms.

Agency: Kentucky Public Service Commission
Address: 211 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, KY 40601
P.O. Box: P.O. Box 615, Frankfort, KY 40602-0615
Phone: (502) 564-3940
Fax: (502) 564-3460
Website: https://psc.ky.gov/

Kentucky HVAC Licensing Requirements for 2026

Kentucky requires statewide HVAC licensing. The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC), Division of HVAC, issues and regulates all HVAC licenses. Kentucky is one of the states that mandates state-level licensing for HVAC, electrical, and plumbing contractors.

Kentucky HVAC License Types

Certificate of Apprenticeship: Entry-level registration for those beginning their HVAC career. Must work under supervision of a journeyman or master contractor. Document work experience with signature from supervising master contractor. No fee to register.

Journeyman HVAC Mechanic License: Permits installation, maintenance, repair, and remodeling of air conditioning, warm-air heating, and ventilation systems under supervision of a master contractor. Requires minimum 3,000 work hours and two years of experience under a licensed master contractor, OR four years of experience in a jurisdiction without licensing. Must pass journeyman exam.

Master HVAC Contractor License: Required to operate an HVAC business, supervise employees and subcontractors, and pull permits. Requires holding a journeyman license for at least two years and passing the master exam. Must be familiar with relevant regulations, codes, and laws. Insurance required.

Kentucky HVAC Examination Requirements

Exams are administered by Prov Testing Services. Both exams are open-book and timed.

Journeyman Exam: Minimum 70% passing score. Exam fee: $80.
Master Exam: Minimum 70% passing score. Exam fee: $80.

Licensing Fees

Journeyman License: $50 annual fee (prorated $29.17-$75 based on birth month)
Master Contractor License: $250 annual fee (prorated based on birth month)
Exam Fee: $80 per exam
Inactive Status: Journeyman $30, Master $125
Reactivation: Journeyman $30, Master $125

Licenses renew annually by the end of the licensee's birth month.

Insurance Requirements

Master HVAC Contractors must maintain:

General Liability Insurance: Minimum $500,000
Property Damage: Minimum $300,000
Workers' Compensation: Required if you have employees

Certificate of insurance must be provided to DHBC with department listed as certificate holder.

Continuing Education

Annual continuing education attendance is required for license renewal in accordance with 815 KAR 2:010. Proof of CE must be submitted with renewal application.

Reciprocity Agreements

Kentucky has a reciprocal agreement with Ohio for HVAC licensing. Applicants from Ohio may apply for Kentucky licensure through the reciprocity process. Applicants must still meet application requirements and pay applicable fees.

Directory of Kentucky Electric Companies

Kentucky Investor-Owned Utilities

LG&E serves 418,000 electric and 329,000 natural gas customers in Louisville and 16 surrounding counties. Kentucky Utilities serves 558,000 customers in 77 Kentucky counties and 5 Virginia counties. Together, LG&E and KU (owned by PPL Corporation) serve more than 1.3 million customers.

Kentucky Electric Cooperatives

Kentucky's 24 electric distribution cooperatives serve more than 1.8 million people in 117 of Kentucky's 120 counties, covering 71% of the state's landmass.

Kentucky Municipal Utilities

Kentucky has 30 municipal electric systems serving over 500,000 customers. Thirteen of these are provided wholesale power by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).