County gets update on NE Power project

LEE COUNTY  — Northeast Power is moving forward with a significant transmission line upgrade that promises to increase energy capacity and reliability for residents, businesses, and communities in Lee County. The Missouri-Iowa Transmission Project, which is part of the national grid, is now in advanced stages of planning and procurement.
The project will upgrade and create new towers to  connect Missouri and Iowa power systems, enhancing the region’s ability to support growth and attract new industry.
“This project will provide the much-needed capacity and reliability to the Lee County area,” Skyler Wiegmann, COO of Northeast Power said."
We’ve received 100% voluntary easements for the construction of this line, and we’re committed to working closely with landowners and local officials throughout the process.”
Lee County Supervisors commended the attainment of voluntary easements in the project.
“I’m glad to hear that. That’s very impressive,” Supervisor Garry Seyb said.
The project consists of four phases, with three in Missouri and one spanning both Missouri and Iowa. Construction on the Missouri side is scheduled to begin in October 2025, with work in Lee County starting in August 2026 and continuing through May 2027. Clearing for new right-of-way has already begun, affecting about 20 landowners, all of whom have been kept informed throughout the process.
A key concern for local officials is the impact of heavy construction on county roadways.
“Our goal is to bring them back to as good or better than when we started. We will work with the county’s road engineer to document road conditions before construction and restore them afterward,” he said.
The new transmission line will feature 22 primary structure types, including double and single circuit poles, some requiring substantial concrete foundations. While the project will not directly lower electricity prices, it is expected to make Lee County more attractive to energy-intensive businesses and support future growth. The transmission system will be part of the national grid, allowing for greater flexibility and reliability.
Local leaders emphasized the long-term benefits, noting that increased energy capacity could help draw new industry to the area.
“Anytime you can increase energy inputs and outputs, this is what’s going to draw energy-type businesses to Lee County,” Seyb said.
Northeast Power has pledged ongoing communication with landowners and the public, aiming for transparency and responsiveness to concerns.
“Please call me if you have anybody reaching out to you concerned,” Wiegmann said. “I can’t guarantee I’m going to be the person that solves the problem, but I guarantee the problem will be solved.”
Seyb said a road-haul agreement will need to be in place with the county before all the heavy lifting begins to ensure county roadways are maintained and in good standing after the work is completed.