The need for this project was identified through the identification of outage constraints when attempting to schedule and complete critical line maintenance while minimizing outage impacts to our member consumers. One single transmission line feeds the existing substations in this area. So when Citizens needs to perform maintenance on this line, outages are required. Adding a second transmission feed will provide an additional path for energy to allow and reduce the number of outages needed from members.

Almost the entire Eastern half of the United States is electrically interconnected; think of it as one big spider web of infrastructure. Energy is generated within our grid from diverse sources and sent onto the transmission system. After the energy is generated, it is transferred along transmission lines to substations. The substations then convert the energy to a lower voltage and send the energy to area homes, businesses, and communities through distribution lines where the electricity is needed. As communities change and our grid evolves, energy sources transition and new sources of energy are developed. Substations are built or upgraded to meet the energy demand and expand the system's ability to handle more energy from various points of generation. 

Transmission lines are similar to the interstate highway system in the way they will allow energy from generators to travel short or long distances, as needed, at any given moment. On the transmission system, electricity flows are not "assigned" from specific generators to load areas. The energy from various generators, including renewable sources, is brought onto the grid with no "markers" on the electrons to know what the specific source is. 

We anticipate using galvanized steel monopole structures. The typical structures will range between 65-80 ft. tall, depending on terrain. We estimate 6-8 structures per mile with an average span range of 600-800 ft. between structures. The conductor wires will be at least 24 ft above ground/grade at maximum sag to meet or exceed the minimum clearance required by the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC). 

Citizens Electric will own and maintain the foundations, structures, conductors, and other equipment associated with its new line.

The structures, regardless of finish, are designed to meet or exceed the National Electric Safety Code (NESC). The NESC has specific weather conditions laid out that Citizens must meet. Many people often ask if the structures are designed for tornadoes, and the answer is not exactly. The structures are designed for high wind speeds, but we cannot design structures to withstand flying objects that are often accompanied by tornadoes. 

We appreciate your participation. We not only want your comments, but we also encourage them. You can contact us by calling 877-876-3511 or by sending us an email at citizens@cecmo.com. 

The term right-of-way or ROW is typically a strip of land used for a specific purpose such as the construction, operation, and maintenance of a road or utilities such as a transmission line. 

An easement is a legal interest or right to use the land of another for a specific purpose. For this program, landowners will be requested to grant an easement to Citizens Electric for the right to use a defined strip of land for the construction, operation, and maintenance of an electric transmission line. 

The typical total easement width is 100 feet for the new steel monopole structures. Access roads to the right-of-way for construction and maintenance at various points along the line often require additional easement agreements, which may be permanent or temporary. Should these be required, landowners will be compensated for any additional usage (and damage) of their property. 

In general, the land can continue to be used as before, provided that the use does not interfere with the construction, operation, and maintenance of the transmission line. Farming, hunting, and cattle grazing are common activities that occur near or within transmission corridors. If there are existing features in the right-of-way, Citizens encourages landowners on the final approved route to contact Citizens designated land agent to discuss these activities. 

Yes, you can continue to cut the grass underneath the line. There will be some restrictions and recommendations regarding proximity to the structure, clearances under the line, and we advise not parking your equipment or vehicles beneath the line. The line will be designed for a 24-foot minimum clearance to grade. Equipment less than 14 feet can be used without concern, and we recommend that Citizens review any equipment over 14 feet on a case-by-case basis.