Bennettsville-Latta #2 69kV Rebuild

Santee Cooper plans transmission upgrades to the system to maintain and improve reliability, support load growth, and provide resiliency. A Bennettsville – Latta #2 69 kV line is necessary to provide transmission support to the load growth in MPD Electric Cooperative’s area. This project involves rebuilding an older 69 kV transmission line in existing right of way and building a new 69 kV transmission line as double circuits with modern steel poles in new right of way.

Santee Cooper plans to construct a Bennettsville – Latta #2 69 kV line by rebuilding approximately 17 miles of the existing Bennettsville – Latta #1 69 kV line as double circuits, starting in early 2026. There are three MPD Electric Cooperative substations served from the existing Bennettsville – Latta #1 69 kV line. There are currently no planned service disruptions.

The land acquisition process has already begun, and landowners in the affected area have been notified of the project. At this time, we may only need small sections of land by current delivery points and substations, but further engineering is needed.

2024-2025: Studies, planning and engineering. Receive materials.

2026: Right-of-way work may continue in mid-February until the end of April. Construction activities should begin as soon as May and take 12-20 months to complete. Of note, they will not be in one area the entire time but cover the entire 22 miles during that time.

2028: The new line is expected to be in service by Dec. 1, 2028

We do not expect any significant traffic delays at this point.

Please contact the Project Manager Jim Jeffers at 843-761-8000 ext. 4825 or email us at transmissionprojects@santeecooper.com.