Bill > HB2226

This bill establishes a right of first refusal for existing electric transmission owners when new transmission lines are planned in Kansas. Specifically, an incumbent electric transmission owner (defined as any entity that owns or operates electricity transmission equipment) has the first opportunity to construct, upgrade, own, and maintain a new electric transmission line if it interconnects with their existing or proposed facilities. For transmission lines with a need date four or more years in the future, the incumbent owner must conduct a competitive bidding process overseen by an independent evaluator, though they can still submit their own bid. If the incumbent transmission owner does not timely indicate intent to build the line, is deemed unqualified by the regional transmission organization (RTO), or fails to meet certain requirements, other electric transmission entities may step in to construct the line. The bill defines an electric transmission line as any line over 100 kilovolts, and applies to lines identified and approved by the regional transmission organization. The legislation ensures that existing transmission owners have priority in developing new infrastructure while also introducing a competitive element to prevent monopolistic practices, and it explicitly preserves the rights of municipally owned utilities to construct their own transmission facilities.