English (United States)
The Kearney Power Project officially kicked off with a Notice to Construct from Southwest Power Pool on November 4, 2021, advising NPPD to construct a 115 kilovolt (kV) transmission line. This new line would increase the transmission system's capacity to meet increasing demand and further enhance reliability and resiliency in the Kearney area. After 3 ½ years of public involvement, easement acquisition, and construction, the transmission line was officially energized on June 6, 2025.
Take a look at this 'by the numbers' glimpse into the project’s accomplishments and stats.
The remaining tasks include construction crews removing material and equipment from material yards and restoring properties, as needed. NPPD’s consultant Westwood is using drones to conduct as-built surveys of the finished line the week of June 23, pending weather. Right-of-Way Agent Todd Muehlich is contacting each landowner along the line route to settle any damages that may have occurred to property during the construction phase.
NPPD appreciates the cooperation of the landowners and the public throughout this entire process. As they say, “it takes a village.” Thank you to HDR Engineering (engineering services), Watts Electric (construction and tree clearing), Westwood Professional Services (survey services), Irby Utilities (steel poles), Wesco (line conductor), Terracon (soil borings) and to Dawson Public Power District for relocating its distribution lines.
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.
