FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear acknowledged that many residents are struggling to pay their utility bills as winter approaches, but said he lacks the legal authority to ban power disconnections through executive action.

"I recognize that people are in danger. It's tougher to pay your utility bills than it's been in a while," Beshear said.

The governor was responding to calls from advocacy groups like Kentuckians for Energy Democracy, who have pushed for emergency action to prevent utility shutoffs during cold weather.

On Monday, the group rallied outside of the state Capitol, urging the governor to protect residents from having their electricity shut off during winter months.

"A lot of states have temperature-based disconnection protection," said Cara Cooper with

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