English (United States)
A final line route for the Kearney Power Project’s new 115 kV transmission line was announced on May 10, 2023. Directly impacted landowners were sent a letter with the final line route map, and all original property owners were mailed a newsletter. The project is now in phase 4, in which NPPD representatives work with property owners along the route on the project’s next steps.
All easements have been acquired. Thank you to the landowners for working with our right-of-way agents as we acquired the rights to build the line.
NPPD is partnering with Watts Electric Company from Waverly, Nebraska, to construct the line, which is anticipated to be completed in late May 2025. Watts continues to set poles, install structure foundations, and trim and remove trees as necessary. In addition, NPPD and Dawson Public Power District have relocated their distribution lines to accommodate the new line. After construction, a right-of-way agent will meet with each landowner to settle any property damages that may have occurred from construction activities.
Drivers in and around the Kearney area will see more heavy trucks on the roads and are reminded to be safe and prepare for slower traffic.
The need for this project is based on Kearney’s rapid growth and the current transmission system’s high electrical demand. The new 115 kV transmission line will increase the transmission system's capacity to meet increasing demand and further enhance reliability and resiliency in the Kearney area.
Routes for a transmission project are typically developed over the course of several phases and are then narrowed down to a final route.
In the first phase, preliminary routes or route segments were determined, and the first open house meeting was held for landowners and interested parties to provide input, including property information, and learn more about the project.
The second phase involved the determination of a preferred route along with alternative routes. A second open house meeting was held for landowners and interested parties to provide input, including property information, and learn more about the project.
In the third public involvement phase, NPPD determined a proposed route and presented it at a public hearing, followed by a 30-day comment period.
A final line route was announced thirty days after the public hearing, at which time, right-of-way activities and final design work began.
Questions? Email kearneypower@nppd.com or call 1-888-677-3412.
