What is the Parsons project?

Evergy will build approximately 5-11 miles (route dependent) of 138 kV transmission line to connect the the future Katy substation which will be located near Jothi Avenue and Highway 59, to the Northeast Parsons substation located at Union Avenue and Pratt Road.

Why is this line needed?
The improvements will enhance reliability and allow us to serve future homes and businesses well into the future. This project is part of Evergy’s long-range plan to upgrade the transmission grid in southeast Kansas and increase electric reliability in the Parsons area.

Who will benefit from the project?

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

Who is responsible for this project?

Evergywill 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?

The project is scheduled to be completed and in-service by June 2027. Construction work is scheduled to begin in Fall 2026. 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 communicate with you to discuss damage, if any, caused by construction.

What will the transmission 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 monopoles. The structure heights will vary based on terrain and clearance from the electrical wires to the ground but are likely to range between 80 to 110 feet tall. The span lengths between structures will vary, but will likely be between 500 to 800 feet, with an average span length around 650 feet. The base of each structure will also vary but will likely be between 6 to 8 feet in diameter for turning structures on concrete foundations and 3 to 4 feet for in-line structures directly embedded into the ground.  

What process will be used to determine a preferred route for the new line?

Evergy has contracted with a consultant to perform an evaluation of the area between the two substations addressing land uses, environmental features (including the occurrence 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 criterion 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 based upon:

How many routes will be evaluated?

The consultant will evaluate many proposed routes using a mathematical model that will score each route. The final 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?

Yes. As part of the transparent review and input process, Evergy will seek input from state and local officials, landowners, residents and environmental organizations to discuss the project, review proposed routes and answer any questions. The routes will be presented to potentially affected landowners during an open house. 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 final route.

How will right-of-way be acquired for this project?

We are committed to transparent and timely communications with landowners. When the final route is determined, we will contact landowners who have property on the final line route and begin discussions with them about 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 with the setting up of the project?

Evergy believes the environment is an important factor when planning and designing transmission line projects. We work closely with appropriate organizations, including the Kansas Department of Wildlife & 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. We believe this kind of 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.

Regulatory and Government Participants

Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) 

The 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) 

The 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 nine-state footprint. 

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 

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)

Evergy 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.