Parsons Transmission Line Upgrade

 What is the project?

Evergy is preparing to rebuild the existing 69 kV transmission line, located in south Parsons, with a portion of this line being newly constructed to connect to the new Katy substation, located near Jothi Avenue and Highway 59.

The existing substation, located on Southern Boulevard, and any sections of the existing transmission line that will no longer be utilized, will be removed.    

Why is this line needed?

These infrastructure upgrades will enhance electric reliability for the Parsons community and strengthen the regional power grid.

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 enhancing reliability. It will also likely provide tax revenue, construction jobs, local expenditures and will expand capabilities for future investment in area industry.

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?

The project is scheduled to be completed and in-service by the end of 2027. Construction work is scheduled to begin in Spring of 2027. 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 conditions. An Evergy project representative will communicate with you to discuss damage, if any, caused by construction.

What will the line look like?

The new structures will likely be round steel monopoles. Steel poles are used for additional reliability and resiliency with the harsh weather conditions our communities can face.

The poles will likely range between 65 to 105 feet tall. The span lengths between structures will vary but will likely be between 400 to 600 feet. The base of each structure will also vary but will likely be between 5 to 9 feet in diameter on concrete foundations.

How will you communicate with property owners affected by the project?

Evergy is committed to transparent and timely communications with landowners and neighbors. As the project progresses, we will continue to share information with affected landowners. We are hosting an open house September 22, 2026, to share project details. People who live or own property along the transmission line route received letters of invitation from Evergy, but the meeting is open to the community.

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

We will contact landowners who have property on the transmission 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 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 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. 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.