Liberty has been approved for a major investment in our regional transmission and distribution system – one that will enhance the strength and resiliency of the grid as well as our ability to deliver safe and reliable electric service to our customers, particularly during times of high energy demand and extreme weather.

Project Overview

The project, approved by the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), entails the construction of approximately 316 miles of 345 kV line – from Southern Kansas to Northeastern Oklahoma, and into Southwest Missouri along with the construction of additional substations. The SPP has also approved a series of upgrades to strengthen the 161 kV lines needed to facilitate the connection of the 345 kV project.

The 345 kV lines are used for high-voltage power transmission and serve as the “interstate highway” system to carry power over long distances. The 161 kV lines - think of them as "state highways" - carry power from the 345 kV system to serve lower-voltage, regional or local transmission and distribution.

The multi-year, three-phase effort will create an additional 110 miles of 345 kV lines in Liberty’s Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma electric service area, as well as 79 miles of rebuilt or converted 161 kV lines.

Customer Benefits

• Enhancing the strength and resiliency of the transmission and distribution system to help safeguard and improve energy reliability for the communities we serve
• Easing congestion throughout the electric grid, which can occur when the transmission capacity is insufficient to handle the flow of electricity, especially high energy demand
• Helping to lower costs for our customers and communities by allowing greater access to lower-cost generation
• Increasing opportunities for economic development throughout the region

Three-Phase Approach

The project will be completed in three phases.

• Phase one is the construction of a 26-mile line - some of it more than 100 years old - from 69 kV to 161 kV that starts in Ozark, Missouri, and ends near Branson, Missouri. Preliminary work has begun to establish rights-of-ways and easements in Liberty's service area. Construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026.
• Phase two will increase the capacity of the existing Monett, ReedsSpring, Branson 161 kV line. The 161 kV lines will take an estimated three years to bring into service.
• Phase three will be the 345 kV construction. This phase will take approximately five years to complete.

FAQs