Wolf Creek-Blackberry
Project Overview
NEET Southwest energized the Wolf Creek-Blackberry transmission line ahead of schedule and on budget, strengthening the electric grid for customers in Kansas and Missouri. This new approximately 92-mile 345 kV transmission line connects the Wolf Creek substation in Coffey County, Kansas to the Blackberry substation in Jasper County, Missouri. NEET Southwest was awarded the project in 2021 and it was energized in May 2025.
The project is part of the 2019 Integrated Transmission Plan approved by SPP in October 2019 to address the need for a more reliable and cost-effective grid. This project will reduce congestion and provide market efficiencies and benefits to ratepayers.
Project Benefits
- Leads to lower electricity costs for customers
Enhances the reliability and resiliency of the electric grid
Creates job opportunities in the short and long term
Spurs investment in the local economy during construction
Supports public health and safety through access to reliable electricity
Environmental & Visual Considerations
Conducted rigorous environmental analyses to limit impacts on wildlife, sensitive habitats and natural resources
Coordinated with federal and states agencies to identify protected species found along the route
Selected monopole structures to minimize tree clearing and agricultural impacts
Incorporated considerations for visual impacts into routing study
Virtual Open House
NEET Southwest hosted a virtual public meeting for the project on March 22nd, 2022.
Project Timeline
Below is a timeline of the Wolf Creek-Blackberry project.
- Q4 2022: Regulatory approvals.
- Q2/Q3 2023: Right-of-way acquisition completed.
- Q3 2023: Environmental completed.
- Q3 2025: Construction and commissioning completed.
- January 1, 2026: SPP Required ISD.
Project Design
NEET Southwest’s design provides the most value to customers with safe, reliable and cost-effective components and materials.