Kansas House legislators cast support Monday behind a bill increasing community regulatory oversight for construction of urban electric transmission mega poles. The legislation was sparked by a 2018 Westar Energy — now Evergy — project, in which the utility company installed dozens of 105-foot transmission lines in a low-income neighborhood of northeast Wichita. Residents criticized the project for damaging property values and argued these poles would not have been installed in wealthier neighborhoods. A measure in response to the construction project would require an electric utility company to provide at least a six-month notice before beginning construction of these behemoth transmission lines in any city with a population of 300,000 or more. They also would be required to hold an open house with public comment.
Source: Kansas Reflector
