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By Rep. Gus Blackwell

Two weeks ago the Energy Committee had an interim study on transmission lines. This was a study that I authored to look at options in building transmission lines in Oklahoma. The main problem we were studying was how to get auxiliary transmissions lines to the substation in Guymon once the Extra High Voltage (EHV) transmission line was built.

Specifically we were looking at two problems. One was continuing to build EHV lines in Cimarron County. Right now, the SPP has not adopted plans to continue a line to the Boise City area. This county has the highest wind potential for wind generation in the state. It is imperative we are able to get this line built quickly.

The second problem is building auxiliary lines from other counties in the panhandle to the substation in Guymon. These collector lines would be needed to move energy from several wind farms into the power grid. The model adopted to solve these problems will be available to help on other parts of the state, also.

The demand for transmission and generation capacity is huge. One group estimates the U.S. will need to double its capacity in generation and transmission lines in the next eight years. The investment by OG&E to serve this region is about $750 million dollars.  The cost of the auxiliary lines will bring the figure closer to $1 billion dollars. The cost of the wind farms projected for this area brings the total to almost $10 billion dollars.

This is an unbelievable amount of money coming back to this area from downstate. For once, those in Oklahoma City are paying the price for progress in the panhandle area.

OG&E made the first presentation and detailed the progress of the lines they are building from Oklahoma City to Guymon. They have already started on the 345 KV line from Oklahoma City to Woodward.

The 765 KV line they are building from Woodward to Guymon will have the capacity of six 345 lines. Instead of using 900 feet of right of way for that many smaller lines, the larger line will only use 200 feet. The Guymon interconnect is also projected to be the largest in terms of power in the Southwest Power Pool.

ITC made the second presentation. They are an independent transmission line company and the only one of their type in the county. They have built lines in Kansas, Texas.

The third presentation was made by a group from Kansas called the Kansas Electric & Transmission Authority. They presented how their state has organized to insure transmission is available throughout the state.

Next session we will work on the problem of continuing the development of transmission lines and wind farm development in this area. I will continue to keep you informed about development in this area.

I am at the Capitol during part of the week for meetings and interim studies. You can reach me there at 405-557-7384 or contact me at my home in Goodwell or by email at gusblackwell@okhouse.gov .