NPPD announces final line route for Scottsbluff Power Project
A significant power project in the Nebraska Panhandle is beginning to take shape.
By News Channel NebraskaSCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. -- A significant power project in the Nebraska Panhandle is beginning to take shape.
The Nebraska Public Power District has finalized the route for the Scottsbluff Power Project, which will consist of a new 115 kilovolt transmission line between the areas of two load serving substations.
“Public input was critical in developing the final line route, and we’re grateful for the community’s participation in the open houses and public hearing,” says NPPD Project Manager Paul Brune. “As we start the next step of the process, we will work closely with landowners to determine how we can best minimize impacts to their property.”
NPPD will soon begin contacting property owners along the route to keep them informed on the process. NPPD officials said this will give them an opportunity to ask additional questions, provide any additional property information, and offer insight on land-use.
Right of way agents will also discuss right-of-entry agreements with each landowner which will allow NPPD to conduct environmental assessments, survey activities, engineering assessments, and structural spotting assessments.
Crews will also be utilizing drones to conduct surveys along the route, in preparation for construction of the new line. The approximately ten-mile-long 115-kV transmission line will provide a second path between the city’s two substations.
The two substations are currently connected by only one existing transmission line, which is subject to heavy congestion, NPPD officials said.
The Scottsbluff Power Project will increase the transmission system capacity to meet electrical demand, reduce congestion, and further enhance the reliability and resiliency of the Scottsbluff and western Nebraska areas, according to NPPD officials.
Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in fall or winter of 2024 and is expected to be completed in spring 2025. A map of the final route and additional information on the Scottsbluff Power Project can be found on scottsbluffpower.nppd.com.