Large Load Growth and System Planning

As energy use grows nationwide, more large-scale, high-energy-demand businesses, such as advanced manufacturing facilities, data centers, and agricultural processing operations, are seeking reliable, long-term electric service. Sunflower and our member cooperatives are committed to serving these needs while protecting the interests of all electric consumers across our service area.

Our Approach to Serving Large New Loads

• Obligation to serve | Any new home or business built within the certified service territory of our member cooperatives is entitled to electric service. As a not-for-profit utility, we are committed to serving all members safely and reliably.
• We serve businesses of all sizes | We work closely with commercial and industrial members of varying scales. While we value transparency, our long-standing policy is to protect member privacy by not publicly sharing specific potential project information.
• Growing electricity demand nationwide | The demand for electricity continues to rise across the country, prompting continued expansion of the electric grid to support this growth.

• Role of Southwest Power Pool (SPP) | Kansas is part of the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), an organization responsible for managing a 17-state interconnected grid, coordinating regional transmission planning, and operating a wholesale energy market using the most reliable, cost-effective generation available. SPP directs Sunflower and other generation and transmission utilities on how much power generation is needed and how much transmission infrastructure is required to meet the increasing demand for electricity.

  

• Local projects can help offset regional costs | New large, high-energy-use businesses locating in our members’ service territories benefit everyone by keeping electricity affordable and strengthening our communities through new jobs and expanded local opportunities. The additional revenue from serving these businesses helps significantly offset rising regional power costs, putting downward pressure on electric rates for all consumers.
• Cost responsibility for new infrastructure | If a new large-scale business requires additional generation capacity or local transmission or distribution infrastructure, that business is responsible for 100% of the interconnection and facility upgrade costs associated with serving its load.
• Strengthening rural communities | These new businesses contribute to stronger local economies by expanding employment, supporting development, and providing new revenue. Specifically, as a not-for-profit cooperative, new revenue helps offset our cost to serve all members and benefits them by helping to stabilize and maintain affordable electricity for our local communities. 

To support responsible growth, Sunflower and our member cooperatives developed interconnection guidelines for businesses and developers seeking to connect large electric loads. These guidelines help ensure projects are evaluated fairly and efficiently while maintaining system reliability and protecting the interests of all consumers.

Interconnection Guidelines

Connecting a large commercial or industrial load such as a data center, manufacturing facility, or agricultural processing plant to the electric grid requires significant coordination, careful planning, and robust engineering support. To support this, Sunflower, in coordination with our seven-member utilities, developed a standardized Large Load Interconnection Program to ensure a fair, consistent, and transparent experience for all applicants.

If you are an individual, project developer, or company seeking electric service for a new large load (25 megawatts (MW) or greater) located within the certified service territory of one of Sunflower’s seven member utilities in central or western Kansas, we’re here to guide you through the program.

A Three-Phased Approach
Our program follows a structured, three-phased model. Each phase includes:

• A non-refundable application fee. The fees help cover the time, expertise, and resources required to assess the viability and requirements of large-load interconnections in a safe, reliable, and timely manner.
• A corresponding application form to collect key technical and project information necessary to complete engineering studies.

Designed for Clarity and Efficiency 
This program is aligned with our commitment to world-class service. From your first inquiry to final energization, our team works closely with you and other stakeholders to ensure your project’s electric service needs are met with precision and care.

Get Started 
If you’re interested in initiating a large load interconnection, please contact us. Our team will answer any questions and provide the details you need to begin the program.