ITC Great Plains, LLC yesterday received siting approval from the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) for the V-Plan high-voltage electric transmission line, a project designed to connect eastern and western Kansas. The route approved by the KCC for the 345,000 V (345kV) double-circuit line runs approximately 122 miles through southwestern Kansas from the existing Spearville substation to two new substations: the Clark County substation in northern Clark County and the Thistle substation east of Medicine Lodge in central Barber County.

"ITC Great Plains appreciates the Commission's timely approval of the route for this critical infrastructure project for the state of Kansas and the region," said Carl Huslig, business lead, ITC Great Plains. "The V-Plan will improve electric reliability and enable energy developers to tap into the transmission grid, further establishing a competitive energy market in the state. This will contribute to a more robust transmission grid that will benefit Kansas and the entire region."

The route approved by the KCC includes several modifications from the original route filed in March. The modifications were developed and approved to reduce certain landowner impacts and accommodate future development plans identified by the public during the KCC siting proceeding. The route travels through Ford, Clark, Kiowa and Barber counties.

ITC will begin negotiations with landowners to purchase right-of-way easements in the near future. Construction is projected to begin in the spring of 2013. The project is expected to enter service late in 2014. The V Plan is being constructed by ITC Great Plains in collaboration with its local utility partners, Sunflower Electric Power Corporation and Mid-Kansas Electric Company.

ITC Great Plains filed its route application with the KCC on March 14, 2011, following open house events in Dodge City, Medicine Lodge and Greensburg in January. More than 300 landowners, residents and other interested parties attended the events and provided input regarding route alternatives. The KCC conducted public hearings on the proposed route on April 21 in Greensburg and June 27 in Dodge City.

Kansas V-Plan Fast Facts
Line route: Ford, Clark, Kiowa and Barber counties
Line length: Approximately 122 miles, Spearville to Clark County to Thistle substation near Medicine Lodge
New substations: Clark County and Thistle
Voltage: 345,000 (345 kV)
Structure type: Steel monopole, double circuit
Structure height: 100-150 feet
Structures per mile: Typically six
More information: http://www.itcgreatplains.com/1_whykansas.html