SEPC
Sunflower Electric Power Corporation announced plans to construct a new 345-kilovolt (kV) transmission line as part of a regional effort to strengthen the electric grid and improve reliability during extreme weather events.
In the 2024 Southwest Power Pool (SPP) Integrated Transmission Plan (ITP), SPP identified a critical need to strengthen the regional transmission grid following severe winter storms such as Winter Storm Uri (2021) and Winter Storm Elliott (2022). These weather events highlighted vulnerabilities in the grid during prolonged cold weather conditions and underscored the importance of increased transmission capacity and resiliency.
To address these challenges, SPP directed Sunflower and partnering utilities to develop an approximately 360- mile long, new 345-kV transmission line extending from Holcomb, Kansas, to Sidney, Nebraska. The project is designed to enhance system resiliency, improve reliability during extreme weather, and support long-term regional energy needs.
“As we’ve seen during extreme winter weather events, a strong and resilient transmission system is essential to maintaining reliable electric service,” said Steve Epperson, president and CEO of Sunflower. “This project is about preparing the grid for the future and strengthening regional infrastructure to better withstand severe conditions.”
As part of this multi-utility project, Sunflower is responsible for constructing approximately 180 miles of the transmission line within Kansas, running from Holcomb to the Kansas–Colorado state line near the South Fork Republican River. The project will be co-owned by ITC Great Plains.
Sunflower is committed to a cooperative approach as the project moves forward and encourages public participation throughout the planning phase. Beginning in January, Sunflower will host meetings with local community leaders and elected officials, followed by a series of open houses in February for landowners, community members, and other stakeholders. Additional details regarding open house locations, dates, and project updates will be shared on Sunflower’s website as they become available.
Through close collaboration with utilities, communities, landowners, and stakeholders, Sunflower is focused on delivering long-term grid solutions that support communities today while preparing the region for tomorrow’s energy needs.
About Sunflower—Sunflower Electric Power Corporation is a regional wholesale power supplier operating a system of solar, wind, natural gas, and coal-based electric generating plants and approximately 2,400 miles of electric transmission infrastructure. The focus of Sunflower’s 450+ workforce is supplying reliable energy at the lowest possible cost to its seven members who serve electric consumers living in central and western Kansas. Visit Sunflower’s website at sunflower.net.
Sunflower’s member cooperatives include Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, Dighton; Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Ulysses; Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, Norton; The Victory Electric Cooperative Association, Dodge City; Western Cooperative Electric Association, WaKeeney; and Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Scott City, Kansas. Southern Pioneer Electric Company is also a member of Sunflower.