KCC grants siting approval with conditions for Reno County transmission line that will connect new gas plant to power grid

TOPEKA - The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has given approval, with conditions, to a siting plan for a 15-mile, 345 kV transmission line in Reno County that will connect a new 710 MW natural gas fired electric power plant to the power grid. Evergy's application to build the McNew gas plant was approved by the Commission last year to maintain reliable electric service in Kansas and is expected to be operational by January 1, 2030. The route of the transmission line, which is estimated to cost $48 million to construct, will run from the McNew Generating Station to the existing Reno County Substation.

Today's siting approval is conditioned on two route modifications. The first will lessen the impact to nine residences located along E. Illinois Avenue by moving the line from the north side of the road to the south side. The second modification requires Evergy to use alternate route segment 60 instead of the preferred route segment based on a landowner request after it was determined the change does not negatively impact the route scoring.

In addition, the Commission will require Evergy to take two additional actions to help mitigate damage during construction of the line and ensure restoration of any damage after construction:

1. At least thirty (30) days prior to engaging in construction efforts of the transmission line, Evergy will provide the affected landowner(s) notice of Evergy's claim procedure and contact information to report any issues they may experience regarding Evergy's use of its easement and construction of the transmission line (for example, respecting the easement's boundaries, ingress and egress to such easement, clean up, and damage restoration after construction), as well as providing the Commission's informal and formal complaint process. Both Evergy and Staff will collaborate as to the form of this Notice, but ultimately this Notice shall be approved by Staff.
2. At the conclusion of construction of the transmission line, Evergy will file written verification in this docket that it complied with Section A above, and that all protocols have been met and complied with during and after the construction phase.

View today's Commission order.

View a map of the approved route.A recording of today's business meeting featuring comments by Commissioners is available on the KCC YouTube channel.