What is the project? 
Evergy will build approximately 15 miles (route dependent) of 345 kV transmission line to connect the future McNew natural gas plant, which will be located near South McNew Road and Highway 50, to the Reno County substation, located at North Willson Road and East 56th Avenue. 

Why is this line needed? 
The new infrastructure will enhance electric reliability for the community and surrounding counties, prepare for growth in the area, and strengthen the regional power grid. This line will also connect the new natural gas plant to the power grid. 

Who will benefit from the project? 
This project will benefit residents and businesses in Hutchinson, central Kansas and beyond by strengthening the regional power grid and improving reliability. It also will provide tax revenue, construction jobs, local expenditures and expand capabilities for future investment in area industry. 

Who has oversight of the project? 
Evergy will file a line siting permit with the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) for the project. The KCC regulates and has the responsibility of ensuring electric utilities provide safe, adequate and reliable services at reasonable rates. They determine the necessity of the project and reasonableness of the transmission line route. They have 180 calendar days to consider the permit once submitted, allowing ample time for landowner input.    

Who is responsible for this project?  
Evergy will construct and own the new transmission line. The Southwest Power Pool (SPP) operates the transmission system in the region for this transmission line. SPP will direct Evergy to operate the new transmission line.  

When will the line be built? 
Easement acquisition is scheduled to begin in 2026. Construction work scheduled to begin in January 2028. The project is scheduled to be completed and in-service by December 2028. Property restoration will begin after construction is complete. Duration of restoration is weather dependent, but properties will be restored to, near as reasonable, pre-construction condition. An Evergy project representative will be available to discuss damage, if any, caused by construction. 

What will the line look like? 
Structure types and heights will be determined during the transmission line design period after the final route has been determined, but the structures will likely be round steel monopole or H-frame structures. 

The structure heights will vary based on terrain and clearance from the electrical wires to the ground but are likely to range between 100 to 150 feet tall. The span lengths between structures will vary but will likely be between 600 to 1200 feet. The base of each structure will also vary but will likely be between 4 to 10 feet in diameter, either on a concrete foundation or directly embedded into the ground. Turning structures (poles on street corners or where the line changes direction) will be larger than in-line structures (poles between turning structures). 

What process will be used to determine a preferred route for the new line? 
The KCC provides direction and oversight of the routing process for this and similar transmission lines. Evergy has contracted with a consultant to perform an evaluation of the area that will encompass land uses, environmental features (including the existence of protected plants and animals), historic and cultural resources and other criteria considered pertinent to the construction of an overhead electric transmission line. The intent of this evaluation is to minimize adverse impacts to residents, their land and the natural environment while providing a technically viable and cost-effective transmission line route. 

What criteria was used to identify and evaluate the potential line routes? 
Preliminary alternatives were developed by defining technically and environmentally feasible segments providing economical routes with minimal adverse social and environmental impacts that: 

• Maximize the distance of the line to residences, businesses, public facilities, parks, cemeteries and communication towers. 
  
  
• Parallel existing utilities, roads or railroads when practical, accounting for existing rights of way. 
  
  
• Avoid wetlands, riparian areas, conservation lands, protected species and their habitats for both transmission line corridor and access for construction and maintenance. 
  
  
• Avoid placing the line directly over tanks and oil, gas or water wells. 
  
  
• Maintain a reasonable length with as few angles as possible to minimize costs. 
  
  
• Avoid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) controlled areas which would restrict structure height or proximity to navigational aids. 

How many routes will be evaluated? 
The consultant evaluates many proposed routes using a mathematical model that scores each route. The preferred route will be chosen from the group of routes with the best scores.  

Will property owners and other stakeholders have input into the preferred route? 
As part of the transparent review and input process, Evergy will seek feedback from state and local officials, landowners, residents and environmental organizations to discuss the project, review proposed routes and answer any questions. Landowners along the proposed routes will have the opportunity to review the routes and provide input to Evergy. We will consider input from all stakeholders in selecting the preferred route. 

How will you communicate with property owners affected by the project? 
Evergy is committed to transparent and timely communications with property owners. We will continue to share information with property owners as the project progresses. We hosted an open house in July to review potential routes. Property owners along or near the potential transmission line routes received a letter of invitation, but the meeting was open to the community.

How will right-of-way be acquired for this project? 
When the final route is determined, we will contact landowners who have property on the final line route and discuss purchasing the easements necessary to build the line. This will allow property owners to continue most uses of their property. We provide one-time payments based on determination of the market property values in the local area. We will work respectfully with landowners throughout the siting, design and construction process to minimize impacts to their properties. It is our goal to reach mutually beneficial negotiated agreements with all landowners.  

What if Evergy can't come to an agreement with landowners? 
Fortunately, that is a rare occurrence. We will make every effort to reach mutually beneficial negotiated agreements. We will exercise the right of eminent domain only as a last resort after exhausting attempts to obtain an easement through individual negotiations with a landowner. 

Who will build the lines and manage the construction? 
Evergy will design and construct the transmission line using both Evergy resources and subcontractors depending on the task. Evergy will provide project management services and coordination during construction of the project. 

What environmental impacts will be considered in the planning and designing of the project? 
The environment is an important factor when planning and designing transmission line projects. Evergy works closely with various organizations, including the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Kansas Historical Society and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from the beginning of the project to make sure any direct environmental impact is appropriately identified and addressed.  

Such collaboration leads to developing a transmission line route that aligns with federal and state energy and environmental policy objectives. We adhere to all state and federal regulations to protect native plants, threatened or endangered species, wetlands, water and air quality.