 LG&E was formed in 1838 as Louisville Gas and Water, but dropped its plans to provide water utilities in 1842 changing its name simply to Louisville Gas.LG&E was originally formed by investors with the intention of providing gas-fired street lighting which had been mandated in order to help prevent crime.In 1890 LG&E (Louisville Gas at this point) amended its charter to buy stock in electric companies and acquired Louisville Electric light.