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 utilities must obtain a siting permit from the commission before beginning site preparation or construction. The application for the 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 if costs are to be recovered through a regional transmission organization. The commission is required to hold a public hearing within 90 days of the application and issue a final order within a specified timeframe.

Additionally, the bill 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. The commission is prohibited from issuing permits for lines with costs recovered through a regional 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. The bill also repeals the previous versions of K.S.A. 66-1,178 and K.S.A. 66-1,180.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 66-1
As introduced: 66-1