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 when it comes to 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. The project will also include the construction of additional substations. The SPP has also approved a series of upgrades to strengthen the 161 kV underlay lines and 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.

Project Benefits

• Enhancing the strength and resiliency of the transmission and distribution system
• Easing congestion throughout the electric grid, which can occur when the transmission capacity is insufficient to handle the flow of electricity, especially during peak demand
• Improving energy reliability for communities we serve
• 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. While preliminary work has already begun to secure right-of-way and easement acquisition in Liberty’s service area, engineering and equipment procurement remain pending and physical construction will not begin until the first quarter of 2026. Because of the lead time and scope of the project, the 345 kV portion will take approximately five years to complete; the 161 kV lines will take an estimated three years to bring into service.

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