Oklahoma landowners ask why a '$1 billion extension cord' must cross 3 states

Concerns about the effects on generational farms, ranches, and businesses are driving rural Oklahomans to oppose a proposed power line.

Here's what to know

American Electric Power's website lists a 2028 start and a 2029 finish for its Northeast Oklahoma Transmission Enhancement Project, KJRH reported.

Speakers had three minutes apiece to address the Oklahoma Corporation Commission during a six-hour public comment session, which ran from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Roughly 75 attendees raised concerns.

Protect Rural Oklahoma co-founder Natalie Bullard questioned why the project requires a new multistate line instead of using existing infrastructure. She started the advocacy group with her husband, Ben Bullard.

An Oklahoma Attorney General's Office representative described the turnout for Bullard as the highest they had seen at a hearing like this.

AEP says the project aims to cut power outages and improve electricity delivery during extreme weather by strengthening the grid's reliability and resilience.

The company also points to potential savings on the cost of transmitting electricity across the region.

What's being done?

Through Protect Rural Oklahoma and their testimony before the commission, Bullard and her husband are calling for alternatives that would avoid construction across untouched land.

"The first thing is let's use existing right of ways, and I think the federal government has helped make that clear that that should be a priority over building new lines over green fields, unused or, you know, untouched land," Bullard said.

KJRH said it would continue following up with the project to provide more information on residents' concerns.

Where can I learn more?

Debates over new power lines in other states also center on land use and costs. These stories cover proposed lines affecting Texas properties, Wisconsin communities, Michigan campsites, and electricity bills in the Southern Plains.

• In Texas, a landowner learned a proposed 345-kV line could split family property.

• A Texas power line plan could affect 4,200 landowners while sparing a billionaire's ranch.

• In Wisconsin, a bipartisan revolt is building against a proposed 140-mile transmission line.

• A Michigan music festival says proposed power lines threaten more than 130 campsites.

• Xcel says transmission costs could appear on bills as its Texas-New Mexico project advances.

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.