The bill amends K.S.A. 66-1,178 and K.S.A. 66-1,180, establishing new requirements for electric utilities seeking to construct electric transmission lines. It mandates that no utility may begin site preparation or construction without first obtaining a siting permit from the commission. The application for this permit must include details such as the proposed location of the transmission line, the names and addresses of affected landowners, and evidence that the project was competitively bid among qualified bidders. Additionally, the commission is required to hold a public hearing within 90 days of the application to assess the necessity and reasonableness of the proposed line's location.

The bill also stipulates that all hearings must comply with the Kansas administrative procedure act and be completed within 30 days unless a continuance is requested by the utility. It prohibits the commission from issuing a permit for lines with costs recovered through a regional transmission organization unless it confirms that the bidding process was fair and that the lowest reasonable bid was selected. The commission's decision will consider the benefits to both Kansas consumers and those outside the state, as well as economic development benefits within Kansas. Furthermore, the bill repeals the previous versions of K.S.A. 66-1,178 and K.S.A. 66-1,180, indicating a significant overhaul of the existing legal framework governing electric transmission line construction.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 66-1