In the wake of heavy winter storms that blanketed much of eastern Kentucky, Gov. Steve Beshear today signed an executive order at the request of Attorney General Jack Conway to implement Kentucky's price-gouging laws statewide as of Dec. 18, 2009, when the storm began.

The executive order will allow for investigation into any complaints of price gouging that may occur relative to gas, heating, building supplies, hotels and other goods and services in the aftermath of the weekend's storms.

"Due to the extent of storm damage and massive cleanup efforts in the area, enacting the price-gouging laws will ensure Kentuckians are protected from predatory pricing as the area recovers from a colossal natural disaster," said Gov. Beshear.

The snow and ice storm has created a danger to public health and safety and threatened public and private property in multiple counties throughout the central and eastern part of the state. Substantial power outages have devastated the area, while the potential for additional damage due to the continued threat of freezing rain, snow and flooding looms.

The same statutes were triggered during the aftermath of the January 2009 ice storm and Hurricane Ike in September 2008, both of which left hundreds of thousands of Kentuckians without power.

To report specific information about possible price gouging, contact the Office of the Attorney General at 1-888-432-9257 or to email pricecomplaints@ag.ky.gov .