Patrick
WINFIELD, Kan. — Residents across south-central Kansas are raising concerns about a proposed 133-mile high-voltage energy transmission line, fearing it could negatively affect farmland, property use, and local communities.
Public Hearings Draw Local Attention
To address community questions, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) and Evergy, the utility company planning the project, hosted two public hearings this week.
- The first meeting took place Wednesday in Sedan.
- The second was held Thursday in Winfield, where residents shared feedback directly with officials.
Several attendees expressed worry that the proposed route could disrupt daily activities and land use.
Why the Transmission Line Is Being Proposed
The idea for the transmission line emerged after a severe winter storm in December 2022 exposed weaknesses in the regional power grid.
Following that event, the Southwest Power Pool (SPP)—a multi-state energy transmission organization that includes Kansas—reviewed system reliability under extreme weather conditions.
According to KCC officials, one major recommendation was to assess and strengthen transmission infrastructure to prevent large-scale outages during future winter storms.
Improving Grid Reliability During Extreme Weather
KCC representatives emphasized that the project is designed to address reliability issues highlighted during Winter Storm Elliott. If a similar storm were to strike again, the new transmission line would help stabilize the power system and reduce the risk of widespread outages.
SPP officials have stated that the need for these upgrades is urgent, citing ongoing risks posed by extreme winter weather.
Route Details and Affected Counties
Evergy plans to construct a 345-kilovolt transmission line spanning parts of:
- Sedgwick County
- Sumner County
- Cowley County
- Chautauqua County
The line would connect the Buffalo Flats Substation near Garden Plain to the Delaware Substation near Delaware, Oklahoma.
Farmers and Landowners Voice Opposition
Despite the reliability goals, the proposed route has sparked resistance from landowners. Some farmers argue that placing new poles along existing county roads or field edges would complicate farming operations.
One Oxford-area farmer explained that additional poles could force agricultural equipment to navigate narrow spaces, increasing the risk of damage and raising operational costs.
KCC Encourages Community Input
KCC officials stress that public feedback is a critical part of the planning process. They acknowledge that preferences vary—some residents prefer lines along roads, while others would rather see them placed along section lines.
The commission says these differing viewpoints help guide potential route adjustments aimed at minimizing disruption while still meeting infrastructure needs.
How to Submit Comments
The Kansas Corporation Commission is accepting written public comments through January 23. Officials encourage residents to share specific concerns or suggestions, noting that even small route changes could make a meaningful difference for affected landowners.
The proposed 133-mile energy transmission line reflects Kansas’s effort to strengthen grid reliability after past winter weather failures. While state officials and regional planners emphasize the urgency of improving infrastructure, many local residents remain concerned about land use and long-term impacts. As public input continues, the final route may evolve to better balance reliability needs with community priorities.