Much like the beginning of 2023, 2024 started with a large substation expansion project to accommodate new load growth. This time, the focus was on our St. Francis TIS kilovolts (kV) substation. 

The project consisted of Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, our generation and transmission provider, adding two new motor operated switches and a new 115 kV tap structure; a new 115/34.5 kV transformer and associated equipment; and building approximately 6 miles of 34.5 kV line to a new liquid natural gas pump station owned and operated by ONEOK, Inc. This project was successfully completed and commissioned in October. This new pump station will assist ONEOK in stabilizing gas production in the Bakken Basin, which spans from Montana and the Dakotas into southern Canada. 

In April, we wrapped up Smith Center 115 kV substation project that began in 2023, aimed at upgrading aging equipment nearing the end of its service life. A key operational benefit of this project was the installation of the advanced relay systems, which have the capability of providing our linemen with faults locations data. This will allow us to isolate issues more efficiently and restore power to our members more quickly. 

Those in the Phillipsburg area may have noticed construction on our sub­transmission and distribution system south of Phillipsburg along Highway 183. Due to the expansion of the airport runway, we were required to transfer a half mile of 34.5 kV and 13.8 kV lines from overhead to underground. This project was also completed in April. 

Additionally, we continued addressing state highway projects and adapting to an increase in over-sized loads coming through our territory. One of the larger state highway projects was the widening of Highway 281 south of Portis to Highway 24, which required the relocation of 3.3 miles of 34.5 kV line with distribution underbuild. Due to the lack of overpasses along the highways in our western territory, transport companies utilize these routes frequently to move over-sized loads. In particular, one load that was set to traverse this corridor measured almost 27 feet tall and weighed 600,000 pounds, necessitating modifications to over 40 line crossings to ensure the required clearance. 

Looking back on the year, these projects reflect our commitment to maintaining a strong, reliable system while adapting to the evolving needs of our members and communities. As we move forward, we remain focused on improving infrastructure, enhancing reliability, and preparing for future growth.