MidAmerican Energy Company Seeks Franchise for Electric Transmission Line in Pottawattamie County

Strategic Insights -

MidAmerican Energy Company has submitted a petition to the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) to establish a franchise for the construction and operation of an electric transmission line in Pottawattamie County, Iowa. The proposed line will consist of approximately 3.52 miles of high-voltage transmission line, with a maximum operating voltage of 169,000 volts. The project requires 11 easements on private property, of which 11 have been obtained, and will serve a public use, representing a reasonable relationship to an overall plan of transmitting electricity in the public interest. The company has also requested authority to exercise the right of eminent domain to secure necessary right-of-way for the project.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed electric transmission line will be approximately 3.52 miles long, operating at a maximum voltage of 169,000 volts.
  • 11 easements have been obtained on private property, with 11 required to construct the line.
  • The project serves a public use and represents a reasonable relationship to an overall plan of transmitting electricity in the public interest.
  • MidAmerican Energy Company has requested authority to exercise the right of eminent domain to secure necessary right-of-way for the project.
  • The company has held informational meetings for the project, as required by Iowa Code § 478.2, and submitted an affidavit attesting to the meetings' completion (Exhibit G).
  • The proposed line will be constructed and maintained in conformance with the requirements of the Iowa Electrical Safety Code (199 IAC 11.2) and Iowa Code chapter 478.
  • MidAmerican Energy Company has agreed to pay all costs and expenses of the franchise proceeding, including costs of inspections, examinations, and publishing of notice (Exhibit D).

Statistics:

  • The proposed electric transmission line will consist of approximately 3.52 miles of high-voltage transmission line.
  • 11 easements are required on private property, of which 11 have been obtained.
  • The project will serve a public use, representing a reasonable relationship to an overall plan of transmitting electricity in the public interest.
  • MidAmerican Energy Company has submitted an affidavit attesting to the completion of informational meetings for the project (Exhibit G).
  • The company has requested authority to exercise the right of eminent domain to secure necessary right-of-way for the project.

Sources:

  • Iowa Utilities Board. (n.d.). In Re: MidAmerican Energy Company, Docket No. E-22416, Petition for Electric Transmission Line Franchise.
  • Iowa Code (2019).
  • Iowa Administrative Code (199).