The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has authority over the siting of electric transmission facilities in Kansas that are at least 5 miles in length and of 230 kV or more. This ensures that new electric transmission infrastructure serves the public convenience and necessity while balancing reliability, ratepayer interests, land use, and environmental impact. This is a two-step process in Kansas. A Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for Transmission Rights Only (CCN/TRO) is required to operate as an electric transmission utility in Kansas for each electric transmission line. Kansas law requires applicants to demonstrate necessary technical, managerial, and financial resources to perform as a public utility and to provide high-level information about the Project itself. The KCC must issue an order on the CCN/TRO application no later than 180 days after receipt of the application.
ITC must also obtain a siting permit from the KCC. The KCC makes a determination regarding the necessity of the Project and the reasonableness of the route selected for the Project. The KCC must also consider the benefits to Kansans and to consumers outside of the state.