Leawood Transmission Line Upgrade
Transmission line upgrades enhance reliability and strengthen the power grid, allowing us to serve homes and businesses well into the future.
The Leawood Transmission Line project is part of Evergy’s long-range plan to upgrade the transmission grid in eastern Kansas and strengthen electric reliability in the Leawood area. Explore the plans and timeline below.
What to Expect
- In general, two existing adjacent wood H-frame structures will be replaced with one new steel single pole structure
- Replacing the existing structures with a taller steel pole allows us to reduce the number of structures and move the structures farther away from residences
- Steel poles are utilized for additional reliability and resiliency with the harsh weather conditions our communities can face
Project Map and Timeline
Construction is scheduled to begin August 2022 and be completed November 2022. We'll begin construction preparation work in July, including vegetation trimming or removal along the transmission line route.
Property restoration will take place after construction is complete. Duration of restoration is weather dependent and varies by project, but properties will be restored to, near as reasonable, pre-construction condition. An Evergy project representative will communicate with property owners individually to discuss expected timeline and damage, if any, caused by construction.
Regulatory and Government Policy
Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) regulates and has the responsibility of ensuring electric utilities provide safe, adequate and reliable services at reasonable rates. The mission of the KCC is to protect the public interest through impartial and efficient resolution of all jurisdictional issues.
Southwest Power Pool (SPP) is a Regional Transmission Organization (RTO), mandated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to ensure reliable supplies of power, adequate transmission infrastructure and competitive wholesale prices of electricity. SPP operates subject to a tariff filed with and governed by FERC. This tariff contains over 2,100 pages of rates, terms and conditions for providing transmission service to SPP’s customers to move wholesale electric power within and across SPP’s 17-state footprint.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulates the transmission and wholesale sales of electricity in interstate commerce and ensures the reliability of high-voltage interstate transmission systems.
Evergy, Inc. (Evergy) (NYSE: EVRG) serves approximately 1.6 million customers in Kansas and Missouri. We generate nearly half the power we provide to homes and businesses with emission-free sources. We support our local communities where we live and work, and strive to meet the needs of customers through energy savings and innovative solutions.
Steel poles are utilized for additional reliability and resiliency with the harsh weather conditions our communities can face. In general, two existing adjacent wood H-frame structures will be replaced with one new steel single pole structure.
What is an easement?
An easement is an interest in land that permits the use of land for a specific purpose. For Evergy’s projects, the easement permits surveys, construction, operation and maintenance of distribution and transmission lines and other equipment. The easement also permits ingress and egress to the easement and permits the trimming and removal of trees, on or adjoining the easement, that may interfere with the safe and reliable operation of the electrical lines.
Do easements restrict the use of my property?
The existence of a transmission line easement restricts some possible uses for property. With approval from Evergy, acceptable uses include planting crops, pasture and roadways. The three most common restrictions include limiting the amount of allowed grade change, restricting buildings or structures within the easement area and restrictions on planting trees that may grow into the lines.
How long will the easement exist?
Transmission line easements are permanent and recorded at county’s Register of Deeds Office.
Will access to my property be required prior to construction?
Access to the easement corridor may be required prior to construction for the purposes of tests, surveys and studies to determine environmental and soil conditions.
Will my property be restored?
After construction, properties will be restored to, near as reasonable, pre-construction condition. In addition, an Evergy project representative will communicate with property owners to discuss and compensate for any damage caused by construction, including damage to crops and fences.
Will my trees be trimmed or removed?
Any tree located within the right-of-way limits that will interfere with construction or operations will need to be removed. Any trees with branches overhanging the right-of-way limits will need to be side trimmed. All work performed will be overseen by a trained tree professional.
