Iowa Utilities Commission Approves Corn Belt Power Cooperative's Petition for Electric Transmission Line Franchise in Sac County

Strategic Insights -

Corn Belt Power Cooperative's petition to amend its electric transmission line franchise in Sac County, Iowa, has been approved by the Iowa Utilities Commission. The petition, filed on October 24, 2024, aimed to construct 2.49 miles of new 69 kV line in public road right-of-way to replace 1.92 miles of existing 69 kV line crossing country on private right-of-way and add 0.57 mile of additional circuit line. The proposed transmission line would connect an existing Corn Belt 69 kV line to MidAmerican's new substation, serving a public use and continuing to represent a reasonable relationship to an overall plan of transmitting electricity in the public interest in the area.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Iowa Utilities Commission has approved Corn Belt Power Cooperative's petition to amend its electric transmission line franchise in Sac County, Iowa.
  • The petition, filed on October 24, 2024, aimed to construct 2.49 miles of new 69 kV line in public road right-of-way to replace 1.92 miles of existing 69 kV line crossing country on private right-of-way and add 0.57 mile of additional circuit line.
  • The proposed transmission line would connect an existing Corn Belt 69 kV line to MidAmerican's new substation, serving a public use and continuing to represent a reasonable relationship to an overall plan of transmitting electricity in the public interest in the area.
  • The transmission line meets the requirement for a franchise set forth in Iowa Code chapter 478.
  • An informational meeting is not required because the subject transmission line is located entirely on public road rights-of-way.
  • The franchise consists of 48.21 miles of 69 kV lines and 1.01 miles of 161 kV lines, with a mileage variation of 161 kV lines due to better available mapping data.
  • No probable violations or other safety concerns were observed during the inspection of the line route on December 12, 2024.
  • Corn Belt affirms that the transmission line will be constructed, operated, and maintained in conformance with the National Electrical Safety Code and the requirements of 199 IAC chapter 25, "Iowa Electrical Safety Code," including amendments, and with the requirements of Iowa Code chapter 478.
  • Staff has completed its review of the petition and exhibits in this docket and has no additional comments or questions at this time.

Statistics:

  • 2.49 miles of new 69 kV line will be constructed in public road right-of-way.
  • 1.92 miles of existing 69 kV line will be replaced.
  • 0.57 mile of additional circuit line will be added.
  • The transmission line will connect an existing Corn Belt 69 kV line to MidAmerican's new substation.
  • 48.21 miles of 69 kV lines and 1.01 miles of 161 kV lines are part of the existing franchise.
  • A mileage variation of 161 kV lines is due to better available mapping data.
  • No probable violations or other safety concerns were observed during the inspection of the line route.

Sources:

  • "IOWA UTILITIES COMMISSION Safety & Engineering Bureau TO: Docket No. E-21437, Amendment No. 3 FROM: Bao Nguyen DATE: May 30, 2025 SUBJECT: Staff Report Regarding Corn Belt Power Cooperative's Petition for Amendment of Electric Transmission Line Franchise in Sac County, Iowa"