Proposed power line across northern Missouri debated
The Missouri Public Service Commission has started taking testimony from those for and against running a high-voltage power line across northern Missouri.
A representative of Clean Line Energy (lower right) is questioned by attorneys about Clean Line’s proposed Grain Belt Energy project during a Missouri Public Service Commission hearing.
Clean Line Energy President and CEO Michael Skelly (lower right) is questioned by attorneys about Clean Line’s proposed Grain Belt Energy project during a Missouri Public Service Commission hearing.
The $2.2-billion Grain Belt Express project would run that high-voltage line and associated converter stations from just south of St. Joseph in northwest Missouri to just south of Hannibal in northeast Missouri. That line would carry power from wind turbines in Kansas east to Missouri and power grids in eastern states. The company behind it, Clean Line Energy Partners, is asking the Public Service Commission for approval.
Nathan Williams with the Commission’s staff, however, says it isn’t supporting the project.
“As staff has set out in the position statements it filed last Friday, it is staff’s view that the evidence in this case will not show that the transmission line and converter stations are needed, economically feasible, or will promote the public interest in Missouri,” Williams tells the Commission.
