A map of the Wolf Creek-Blackberry transmission line route reaching from Kansas to Missouri.

Project Overview


In October 2021, NEET Southwest was awarded the construction of a new approximately 92-mile 345 kV transmission line from the Wolf Creek substation in Coffey County, Kansas to the Blackberry substation in Jasper County, Missouri. NEET Southwest finances, develops, constructs, owns, operates and maintains the Wolf Creek-Blackberry 345 kV transmission project. The project received regulatory approvals and construction is anticipated to begin soon. NEET Southwest anticipates that the line will be in service by early 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.


Regulatory Filing

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
     

 

Project Timeline


Below is a timeline of the Wolf Creek-Blackberry project.

  • Q4 2022: Regulatory approvals.
  • Q2/Q3 2023: Right-of-way acquisition will be completed.
  • Q3 2023: Environmental will be complete.
  • Q3 2025: Construction and commissioning will be 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.