Regulators approve $48 million transmission line to connect new Reno County gas plant
The 15-mile project will link Evergy's upcoming 710-megawatt facility to the grid, with specific route modifications ordered to protect local landowners.
TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas Corporation Commission has granted siting approval for an estimated $48 million transmission line in Reno County that will connect a new natural gas-fired power plant to the state's electric grid. The 15-mile, 345-kilovolt line will run from the forthcoming McNew Generating Station to the existing Reno County Substation.
The commission previously approved Evergy's application to build the 710-megawatt McNew gas plant last year to maintain reliable electric service in Kansas. The facility is expected to be operational by Jan. 1, 2030.
Approval of the transmission line route is conditioned on two modifications designed to minimize local disruptions. Regulators ordered the line moved from the north side to the south side of East Illinois Avenue to reduce the impact on nine residences. Additionally, Evergy must use alternate route segment 60 instead of its originally preferred path following a landowner's request, a change the commission determined would not negatively affect the route's overall scoring.
To further protect property owners, the commission is requiring Evergy to implement specific damage mitigation and communication efforts. At least 30 days before construction begins, Evergy must provide affected landowners with approved notices detailing the company's claims procedures, contact information, and the commission's formal and informal complaint processes to handle issues such as easement boundaries, cleanup and damage restoration.
At the conclusion of the project, Evergy must file written verification with the commission documenting that all construction and post-construction restoration protocols were successfully met.
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