Transource determines route for 345-kV line in Oklahoma

Transmission developer Transource Energy LLC determined a final route for a new 345-kV line in northeastern Oklahoma that is intended to improve reliability and reduce costs to customers.

In October 2020, the Southwest Power Pool Inc. selected Transource, a venture between American Electric Power Co. Inc. and Evergy Inc., through a competitive process to build the Sooner-Wekiwa line.

The preferred route, which Transource announced Nov. 4, runs about 76 miles between OGE Energy Corp. subsidiary Oklahoma Gas and Electric Co.'s Sooner substation in Noble County, Okla., and AEP subsidiary Public Service Co. of Oklahoma's Wekiwa substation in Tulsa County, Okla.

Transource will be responsible for the transmission line segment, and the two substation owners will be responsible for upgrades to their respective properties to accommodate the transmission line.

Transource formally announced the project in July and held several public open houses in August. Citing SPP, Transource said the project would reduce congestion costs by $16.8 million in its first year of operation and $465.6 million over 40 years. Benefits will be seen primarily by customers in Oklahoma, but in neighboring states as well, Transource said.