News Release

For more information contact: Linda Berry, (785) 271-3269 or Samir Arif, (785) 271-3188

June 11, 2015

KCC Approves Westar Transmission Line Request


Topeka, KS - Today, the Kansas Corporation Commission issued an order approving a request by Westar Energy to build a transmission line from the company's Jeffrey Energy Center Substation, northwest of St. Marys to its East Manhattan Substation near Manhattan.

The route of the new 25.6 mile line follows the existing 230 kilovolt transmission line right of way. Upon completion, the older line will be decommissioned. The new 345 kilovolt line is scheduled to run at 230 kilovolt initially with the ability to upgrade as needed. Construction is expected to take 19 months and is scheduled to be completed by June 2017.

The Commission concluded that the proposed electric transmission line is necessary and the proposed route is reasonable. In addition, the Commission approved minor adjustments to the location of the line as necessary to minimize landowner impact. However, any material, major adjustments and any adjustment for which landowners would not have received notice must be approved by the Commission before implementation.

The cost of the transmission line project is estimated at $58 million. Because the line will benefit the entire region in terms of improved reliability and increased efficiency, the cost will be recovered from all customers in the Southwest Power Pool region, which includes Kansas, Oklahoma and parts of Nebraska, Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas and Missouri.

Westar Energy filed their siting application on February 19, 2015. The Commission held a public hearing on March 24th and received written comments through April 1, 2015.

A complete copy of the Commission's Order and documents filed in the case are available at www.kcc.ks.gov. Click on Docket Filings, and enter Docket No. 15-WSEE-365-MIS.