News Release

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

September 19, 2016

Kansas Corporation Commission to Host Public Hearing on Westar Transmission Line Replacement in Leavenworth

Topeka, KS - Members of the Leavenworth community are invited to attend a public hearing hosted by the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) concerning Westar Energy's request to rebuild a transmission line in the area. The hearing will provide residents the opportunity learn more about the project and to weigh in on the proposed location of the new line.

The hearing will begin at 6 p.m. Sept. 22, 2016, at Riverfront Community Center, 123 S. Esplanade St., Leavenworth, Kansas. Westar will have staff on-site beginning at 4 p.m. to answer questions landowners may have about the proposed route. For those unable to attend, the hearing will be recorded and posted on the KCC website (www.kcc.ks.gov) beginning September 29.

The proposed 345 kV transmission line will replace an existing 161 kV line built in the 1980s that connects the Stranger Creek substation to an interface point near the Missouri River north of Leavenworth. Westar will also perform some upgrades to the Stranger Creek substation. All the upgrades will be located within the current footprint of the existing Stranger Creek substation and no expansion will be required.

The Commission will accept public comments regarding the case through Sept. 29, 2016. There are three ways to submit a comment:

  1. Go to the KCC website (www.kcc.ks.gov) and click on the link under Your Opinion Matters.
  2. Send a written letter to the Kansas Corporation Commission, Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, 1500 SW Arrowhead Road, Topeka, KS 66604 4027. Be sure to reference Docket No. 17-WSEE-063-STG.
  3. Call the Commission's Public Affairs office at 1 800 662 0027.

The Commission will issue a decision on Westar's application by Dec. 22, 2016. If approved, the project would be completed before December 2018.