KS HB2226

Incumbent electric transmission owners receive first right to construct, upgrade, own, and maintain transmission lines (greater than 100 kilovolts) approved by the regional transmission organization when the line interconnects to their existing or proposed facilities

For transmission lines with a need date of four years or more, incumbent owners must issue a request for proposal to solicit competitive bids for construction, overseen by an independent evaluator appointed by the state corporation commission

Incumbent owners exercising this right must either already hold a certificate of convenience and necessity or file for one within 18 months of submitting notice of intent

Other electric transmission entities may construct the line if the incumbent owner fails to timely indicate intent to exercise the right or is deemed unqualified by the regional transmission organization

Municipal utilities retain their existing rights to construct transmission facilities for serving load requirements, and incumbent owners' existing property rights remain protected