OG&E Electric Services plans to construct the Oklahoma portion of a new 345-kV transmission line from north-central Oklahoma to a substation near Wichita, Kansas, as part of the expanded Regional Planning Process under the direction of the Southwest Power Pool.

The approximately 40-mile segment to be built by OG&E, along with another 40-mile segment of line to be built by Westar Energy of Topeka, Kansas, will provide additional capability to move more power on the regional transmission grid, particularly that part of the grid serving Kansas and Oklahoma.

"This line marks a continuation of OG&E's 105-year tradition of building electric infrastructure to meet growing energy demand," said Steven E. Moore, chairman and CEO of OGE Energy Corp., parent of OG&E.

The OG&E-Westar project has been authorized by the SPP and OG&E expects to begin the construction process promptly. The project will qualify for 'Base-Plan' funding status, which will spread a portion of the cost of the project to all users in the SPP.

"This new line is truly a 'win-win' for everyone," said Mel Perkins, vice president of Power Delivery for OG&E. "It will improve the reliability of the system and allow for cost-effective power transfers, with the cost shared by all users of the system within the SPP".

OG&E plans to work with property owners to find the best route for the new line. The company held 'Town Hall' meetings in August to solicit public input. OG&E expects to complete construction of the line, at a cost estimated at $40 million, by late 2010.