KETA Project
Frequently Asked Questions

Why ITC Great Plains?

Q: Who is ITC Great Plains?
A: ITC Great Plains is an independent transmission company dedicated to constructing, owning, operating and maintaining transmission assets in the Southwest Power Pool ("SPP") region. ITC Great Plains is a wholly owned subsidiary of ITC Grid Development, a wholly owned subsidiary of ITC Holdings (information about ITC Holdings can be found at ITC Corporate booth). ITC Great Plains opened its doors in Topeka, Kansas in July of 2006.
Q: What does ITC Great Plains want to accomplish in Kansas?
A: To construct a robust electric transmission system so that every Kansas electric customer will have access to reliable, non-discriminatory, and low-cost energy procured through competitive wholesale energy markets. ITC Great Plains commitment is to align our interests with public interest and regulatory policy - ITC Great Plains exists to build the will of the people of Kansas
Q: What is ITC Great Plains vision for the region?
A: To enhance the regional transmission system to lower energy costs, increase access to renewable generation, and reduce line losses.
Q: How long will it take to complete this project?
A: ITC Great Plains filed a siting application with the Kansas Corporation Commission on March 13, 2009 for the phase one of the KETA route which runs from Spearville to Knoll. The Kansas Corporation Commission issued an Order on July 13, 2009 approving ITC's siting application. The first phase of the KETA Project could be in-service mid- 2012. Please note, project timelines are always subject to regulatory approvals and timelines must change accordingly.
Q: Why is the independent transmission model better?
A: ITC Great Plains has no internal competition for capital - we are dedicated to prudent transmission investment alone. ITC Great Plains does give any preference to market affiliates - we are truly the only assurance of open access to the grid.
We have unparalleled experience constructing and maintaining fully regulated, high-voltage transmission lines. Our strong financial position means secured access to capital, so taxpayer money is safeguarded. We favor a collaborative mindset when working with communities and landowners.
Strategic alliance partners such as Black & Veatch that specialize in design and engineering transmission systems. Strategic alliance partners such as Asplundh that specialize in maintaining transmission systems. Strategic transmission agreements with Sunflower Electric, Mid-Kansas Electric, and Midwest Energy that combine the local experience with ITC Great Plains vision.
Q: What is the current state of transmission in Kansas? Is all this really necessary?
A: Kansas has not seen significant transmission investment since the early 1980s, and much of the Kansas grid is fifty years old - or older. Lack of transmission infrastructure meant that Kansas could not import or export power - Kansas utilities could not move power across the state. Elected officials realized the frustration of the Legislature and the need for transmission as it is the lynchpin for the Kansas Renewable industry and the key to Kansas being a net exporter of energy once again. In 2005, the Kansas Electric Transmission Authority (KETA) was created to incentivize transmission construction in Kansas.
Q: Is ITC Great Plains a Kansas utility?
A: Yes, we received a limited certificate to operate as a transmission-only utility on June 5, 2007

The Need for the KETA Project

Q: What is electric transmission? Are those the lines in my backyard?
A: Transmission lines are the large, high voltage lines that transmit energy from plants that generate the electricity to substations where the energy is distributed to end-use customers. Transmission lines that connect across regional boundaries help to hold down electricity costs by allowing electric companies to make the most efficient use of their resources. Transmission lines are necessary to develop wind generation in areas where wind is plentiful but customers are relatively few. Transmission allows you to move the electricity from the turbine to consumption areas, whether they're in Great Bend or Kansas City. Transmission lines make the Kansas grid more resilient because it ties us to the grids in neighboring states.
Q: Will I receive a bill from ITC Great Plains?
A: No, bills will still come from your retail provider. Transmission costs account for approximately 7 percent of a typical end-user's electric bill
Q: Are there plans to build power plants on either side of this line?
A: ITC Great Plains is not involved in construction of power plants - only supplying transmission infrastructure that allows for the most efficient use of generation resources - an effective wholesale market. To our knowledge there are no plans to build power plants on either end of this line.
Q: What is the Kansas Electric Transmission Authority (KETA)?
A: KETA is a quasi-governmental agency that was formed by the Kansas legislature in 2005 to encourage the development of transmission infrastructure.
Q: Are they paying for this line? Are taxpayers?
A: Construction will be financed by ITC Great Plains, charges for the line will be paid for by all customers in the SPP region which includes Kansas, Oklahoma, parts of Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Missouri and will soon include Nebraska
Q: Who is Southwest Power Pool?
A: Southwest power pool is a "regional transmission organization," which is part of the Department of Energy responsible for overall planning, operation, and facilitation of the wholesale energy market for region.
Q: Who is the Kansas Corporation Commission?
A: The Kansas regulatory body responsible for approving retail rates, has siting authority to approve location of large high-voltage transmission lines, 230 kV and above, at least 5 miles in length.
Q: Who is the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)?
A: A federal agency responsible for assuring that wholesale electric rates are "just and reasonable" and that effective markets are in place, also responsible for enforcing mandatory reliability standards.
Q: Is this project necessary?
A: Yes, it is necessary in order to provide an infrastructure that will allow further development of renewable resources and more efficient and cost effective use of existing resources.
Q: Why is the line going to Nebraska?
A: Engineering planning studies by the SPP and KETA have determined an additional transmission line to Nebraska is necessary to achieve economic benefits from existing generating plants and to facilitate wind generation in western Kansas. The line also provides additional reliability benefits to the transmission grids in both states.
Q: How much energy will this line carry?
A: The Spearville to Knoll portion of the line will be capable of carrying in excess of 1000 MW at a time (your home probably uses 100 MW over the course of one year).

The Route of the KETA Project

Q: How do you select potential routes for the study?
A: We have developed preferred and alternate routes for the KETA project that minimizes adverse impacts to humans and the natural environment while providing a technically viable and cost effective transmission line.
Q: Does the KCC or my County Commission help plan the route?
A: ITC Great Plains works with engineers to plan potential routes. We have met with State and local officials, local environmental organizations, and local business leaders to fully discuss the project, review our preferred and alternative routes, and answer any questions. The KCC has the final authority to determine where the line will run.
Q: I'm unhappy that the line runs right across my property. Who can I talk to about alternatives?
A: We are seeking community input on many important topics such as the final proposed route and the types of structures to be used on the project, and we are committed to working with effected landowners throughout the siting, design, and construction process to minimize impacts to their properties. If you would like to speak with someone about how the project impacts your property, please call Alan Myers, Vice President of Technical Services, at 785-783-2226 or email him at amyers@itctransco.com.

Right of Way Acquisition

Q: What size of right of way will ITC Great Plains need for this project?
A: ITC Great Plains expects to purchase ROW corridors of between 200-250 feet depending upon final engineering specifications for the transmission line.
Q: What use of my land, if any, will be available to me if I sell ITC Great Plains an easement for the construction of this project?
A: Vehicles, equipment and livestock will be allowed to pass under the line, and in most cases, ITC Great Plains expects that after construction you will be able to use most of the land for the purposes that you used it prior to the construction of the transmission line.
Q: Will construction on my property cause damage to my land?
A: ITC Great Plains will seek to minimize damage to your land. We will work with you to establish favorable points of ingress and egress. However, because of the weight of the equipment and materials used in construction, we expect that there will be impacts on your property including soil compaction. ITC Great Plains will return your property to its pre-existing condition after we complete the construction.
Q: Will ITC Great Plains compensate me for crop damage caused by construction on my property?
A: Yes. We will provide compensation.
Q: Will you/can you condemn my land if I refuse to negotiate with ITC Great Plains for an easement or if I cannot reach an agreement with ITC Great Plains?
A: ITC Great Plains fully expects to reach a mutually beneficial negotiated agreement with the landowners. However, ITC GP is a certificated utility with the authority to file condemnation actions under procedures established by Kansas law. ITC Great Plains will turn to condemnation only as a last resort after exhausting every attempt to obtain an easement through individual negotiations with a landowner.

Environmental Considerations

Q: How does ITC Great Plains mitigate the impact of construction on the surrounding land?
A: ITC Great Plains employs best-in-class mitigation and remediation practices to ensure land is well-preserved. These include the following.

Agricultural Lands

  • All parking areas, construction staging areas, and other temporary and permanent support facilities will be located outside of active agricultural fields.
  • Any grading to accommodate cranes and material storage/laydown at the structure sites will be confined to the designated work area around each structure.
  • Erection cranes will be restricted to designated access roads and work pads at the structure sites.
  • In agricultural fields and pasture, the contractor will pick up and dispose of pieces of wire, bolts, staples, and other metallic objects that fall to the ground in such areas.

Streams and Watercourses

  • Construction vehicle access across streams and watercourses will be limited to existing bridges and culverts or temporary crossings.
  • The transmission lines will span streams and watercourses, thereby avoiding construction within the surface water body.

Archaeological and Cultural Resources

  • During construction, if archaeological materials are encountered, all work will cease. ITC Great Plains and the State Historical Preservation Office will be notified immediately.
  • The discovery area will be cordoned off to protect potential resources until compliance issues are resolved.

Soil Erosion and Sediment Control

  • Soil erosion and sediment control BMPs will be implemented early in the construction process and prior to starting any activities that cause soil disturbances.
  • Natural vegetation will be preserved to the maximum extent possible.
  • Mulching on the soil surface to cover and hold in place disturbed soils
  • Temporary seeding for areas disturbed for periods longer than 3 weeks.
  • Straw bales and silt fence barriers

Erosion Control and Maintenance

  • Stabilized construction entrances will be constructed and maintained to prevent trackout.
  • The repair of all permanent or temporary erosion controls will be completed at the end of the work day.
  • Silt fences and straw barriers will be inspected for barrier integrity.

Wetland Protection

  • No wetlands should be directly impacted from construction of the transmission lines and substations.
  • The contractor will identify wetlands to be protected and avoided by demarcation of the wetland area and the use of signage.
  • All construction employees and site visitors will be instructed to avoid the wetland area.
  • If necessary, BMPs, including straw bales and silt fences, will be utilized to protect the wetland.
  • Selective vegetation clearing techniques (i.e., hand cutting) will be used within 100 feet of any USACE regulated wetland.

Transportation Crossings

  • The appropriate State highway crossing permits will be obtained prior to construction.
  • A Maintenance and Protection of Traffic plan will be implemented for each road crossing that identifies the procedures to be used to maintain traffic and provide for a safe construction zone.
  • Road shoulders will be returned to original grade immediately following repair of damage.
  • Permanent repair of asphalt roads and curbs will take place as soon as practicable, but in any event within 6 months of any temporary repairs.

Spearville to Knoll

Q: Will the Spearville-Knoll-Axtell 345-kV transmission line be safe?
A: 345-kV transmission lines are not new technology and have operated safely across the entire country, around people and animals since the 1950's. Today there are more than 65,000 miles of these lines across the country and new lines are being built across the country at the rate of approximately 300 miles every year. As of 2007 there were approximately, 2,800 of 345-kV lines in Kansas. ITC now owns and safely operates 2,939 miles of 345-kV lines. The Spearville-Knoll-Axtell 345-kV line will be built to exceed all applicable safety standards, similar to the many miles of existing ITC lines that have an excellent record for safe operation.
Q: Will the Spearville-Knoll-Axtell 345-kV line adversely affect the operation of my GPS?
A: Normal reception of GPS signals will be unaffected by the operation of the Spearville-Knoll-Axtell 345-kV line. GPS equipment operates in the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Normal operation of the Spearville-Knoll-Axtell 345-kV line will result in no significant energy in this part of the radio spectrum. However, some GPS equipment itself may not be shielded adequately for its electronics to always function properly in the electrical environment directly under the line. This is rare, and no action is warranted in anticipation of a problem. If you have some evidence that GPS-guided precision agriculture equipment is not working properly under a transmission line, please contact ITC Great Plains for advice.
Q: Will the Spearville-Knoll-Axtell 345-kV line adversely affect the operation of my cell phone?
A: Normal cellular phone communications will be unaffected by the operation of the Spearville-Knoll-Axtell 345-kV line. Cellular phones operate in the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Normal operation of the Spearville-Knoll-Axtell 345-kV line will result in no significant energy in this part of the radio spectrum.
Q: Will the Spearville-Knoll-Axtell 345-kV line affect my pacemaker?
A: Pacemakers will not be affected by the operation of the 345-kV Spearville-Knoll-Axtell line in areas generally accessible to the public under the line. Pacemakers and other implantable electronic medical devices are designed to operate normally in commonly encountered electrical environments. The manufacturers of these devices can provide specifications for the threshold value of both the electric and magnetic fields that may affect the devices. In general, these values will not be exceeded in any area on the ground, accessible to the public around the 345-kV Spearville-Knoll-Axtell line. In the case of an equipment operator high on top of metal equipment, such as a tractor or combine, without being inside a metal cab or safety cage, the electric field from the line would be enhanced. In this situation, the manufacturer of the device should be contacted to determine that the threshold values for normal operation of the implanted device will not be exceeded.
Q: Will the Spearville-Knoll-Axtell 345-kV line create stray voltage?
A: The installation and operation of the Spearville-Knoll-Axtell 345-kV line will create no stray voltage. The line will be completely isolated from the ground by high quality electrical insulators along its entire length. Since it has no connection to the ground, it cannot contribute to any 'stray voltage' condition. Stray voltage can be more properly described as neutral-to-earth voltage. It is a phenomenon that can result from power frequency-neutral currents flowing in the ground. As a result of currents flowing in the ground, different areas of the ground or grounded objects can be at different electrical voltage. In order for this to occur there must be a connection between electrical wiring or electrical equipment and the ground or grounded objects. The Spearville-Knoll-Axtell line will be completely isolated from the ground.