Manhattan Transmission Lines

A multi-phase transmission line project to increase capacity and strengthen reliability in Riley, Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee counties.  

Evergy is preparing to build approximately 37 miles of new 115 kV transmission line to increase electrical capacity and strengthen reliability within Riley, Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee counties in Kansas.

Project location

This is a multi-phase project that will connect the North Manhattan substation, located at 2808 Purcell Road (Manhattan), to the Zion substation, located at 10332 Mt. Zion Road (Manhattan), to the Old Post substation, located at 18725 Old Post Road (Wamego), and finally connect to the South Alma substation, located at 9500 Highway K-99 (Alma).

The new infrastructure will enhance electricity reliability for the community and surrounding counties, prepare for growth in the area and strengthen the regional power grid.

View detailed Phase 1 area map or view detailed Phase 2 area map or view detailed Phase 3 area map

Working with property owners

Evergy has contracted with a consultant to perform an evaluation of the area between the substations to determine potential routes for the new transmission lines. Potential routes are developed with the intent to minimize adverse impacts to residents, their land and the natural environment, while providing a technically viable and cost-effective route.

Input received from residents in the area will help us determine which routes should be selected for construction. We are committed to transparent and timely communications with landowners. When the final routes are determined, we will contact landowners who have property along the final line routes to discuss purchasing the easements necessary to build the line. We will work respectfully with landowners throughout the siting, design and construction process to minimize impacts to their properties.

Project timing

The total project is scheduled to begin in 2025 and be completed by 2027. The first phase of the project will connect the North Manhattan substation to Zion substation. We will share similar information and host open houses for the remaining two phases of the project in the coming months.

The first phase of the project includes building a new 115 kV transmission line to connect the North Manhattan substation, located at 2808 Purcell Road (Manhattan), to the Zion substation, located at 10332 Mt. Zion Road (Manhattan).

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 northeast Kansas and increase electric reliability in the Manhattan and Wamego area.

Who will benefit from the project?
This project will benefit residents and businesses in Riley, Potawatomie and Wabaunsee counties, northeast 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?
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 June 2026. Construction work is scheduled to begin in 2025. 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 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 600 to 800 feet, with an average span around 700 feet. The base of each structure will also vary but will likely be between 6 to 8 feet in diameter for foundations and 2 to 3 feet for direct embeds.

With the completion date in the distant future, why is this line now being discussed?
A project of this size requires many years to permit, design, procure materials and construct. Almost all the major components will be custom built and require long lead times.

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:
  • Maximizing the distance of the line to residences, businesses, public facilities, parks, cemeteries and communication towers
  • Paralleling existing utilities, roads or railroads when practical, accounting for existing rights of way
  • Avoiding wetlands, riparian areas, conservation lands, protected species and their habitats for both transmission line corridor and access for construction and maintenance
  • Avoiding placing the line directly over tanks and oil, gas or water wells
  • Maintaining a reasonable length with as few angles as possible to minimize costs
  • Avoiding FAA controlled areas which would restrict structure height or proximity to navigational aids.

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. Evergy 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 Public 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 siting 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 and Tourism, Kansas Historical Society, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Nature Conservancy, 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.

What is the project?
The second phase of the project includes building a new 115 kV transmission line to connect the Zion substation, located at 10332 Mt. Zion Road (Manhattan) to the Old Post substation, located at 18725 Old Post Road (Wamego).

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 northeast Kansas and increase electric reliability in the Manhattan and Wamego area.

Who will benefit from the project?
This project will benefit residents and businesses in Riley, Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee counties, northeast 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?
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 December 2026. Construction work is scheduled to begin in 2025. 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 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 600 to 800 feet, with an average span around 700 feet. The base of each structure will also vary but will likely be between 6 to 8 feet in diameter for foundations and 2 to 3 feet for direct embeds.

Why is the existing 230 kV transmission line (JEC-East Manhattan) not a part of this project?
Preliminary planning considered the option of incorporating the existing 230kV line into the plan for this project due to its proximity to the new substation locations. After extensive review, it was determined the 230 kV line was not an economically viable option due to the following:

  • 230 kV is a higher voltage transmission line that is better utilized for longer distances and feeding larger substations.
  • The larger 230 kV voltage requires additional substation equipment to step down the voltage to lower levels so it can be delivered to customers.
  • Additional 115 kV transmission lines would still be needed in this area to connect to other substations regardless of if the existing 230 kV line was tied in.

With the completion date in the distant future, why is this line now being discussed?
A project of this size requires many years to permit, design, procure materials and construct. Almost all the major components will be custom built and require long lead times.

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:

  • maximizing the distance of the line to residences, businesses, public facilities, parks, cemeteries and communication towers;
  • paralleling existing utilities, roads or railroads when practical, accounting for existing rights of way;
  • avoiding wetlands, riparian areas, conservation lands, protected species and their habitats for both transmission line corridor and access for construction and maintenance;
  • avoiding placing the line directly over tanks and oil, gas or water wells;
  • maintaining a reasonable length with as few angles as possible to minimize costs;
  • avoiding FAA controlled areas which would restrict structure height or proximity to navigational aids.

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. Evergy 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 siting 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 and Tourism, Kansas Historical Society, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Nature Conservancy, 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.

What is the project?
The third phase of the project includes building a new 115 kV transmission line to connect to the Old Post substation, located at 18725 Old Post Road (Wamego), to connect to the South Alma substation, located at 9500 Highway K-99 (Alma).

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 northeast Kansas and increase electric reliability in the Alma and Wamego area.

Who will benefit from the project?
This project will benefit residents and businesses in Riley, Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee counties, northeast 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?
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 June 2027. Construction work is scheduled to begin in 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 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 600 to 800 feet, with an average span around 700 feet. The base of each structure will also vary but will likely be between 6 to 8 feet in diameter for foundations and 2 to 3 feet for direct embeds.

With the completion date in the distant future, why is this line now being discussed?
A project of this size requires many years to permit, design, procure materials and construct. Almost all the major components will be custom built and require long lead times.

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:

  • maximizing the distance of the line to residences, businesses, public facilities, parks, cemeteries and communication towers;
  • paralleling existing utilities, roads or railroads when practical, accounting for existing rights of way;
  • avoiding wetlands, riparian areas, conservation lands, protected species and their habitats for both transmission line corridor and access for construction and maintenance;
  • avoiding placing the line directly over tanks and oil, gas or water wells;
  • maintaining a reasonable length with as few angles as possible to minimize costs;
  • avoiding FAA controlled areas which would restrict structure height or proximity to navigational aids.

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. Evergy 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 siting 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 and Tourism, Kansas Historical Society, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Nature Conservancy, 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 Policy

Kansas Corporation Commission (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) 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 17-state footprint.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (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) (NYSE: EVRG) 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.