Yet another large solar farm project is seeking approval from Oklahoma regulators. Invenergy is behind what is called the Bodark Solar Energy Center, a project near Muskogee with an estimated $160 million price tag and with the capacity of 300 megawatts of electric generation.
In a recent filing made with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, (2026-000086) Invenergy asked for a certificate of authority for to construct an approximately 6.7-mile-long, double circuit, 345 kilovolt (“kV”) above-ground electric interconnection line to connect with Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company’s nearby Pecan Creek substation. Bodark, based in Chicago, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Invenergy Solar Development North America , an affiliate of Invenergy LLC.
The cost of the transmission line is approximately $20,000,000. The construction of Bodark Solar Project and the transmission line will be funded by its developer. Because Bodark is not a public utility, Bodark cannot seek recovery of the project’s costs through rates, and the project cost will not directly affect Oklahoma ratepayers.
The filing stated that the Bodark Solar Project and the transmission line will be funded by its developer. Because Bodark is not a public utility, Bodark cannot seek recovery of the project’s costs through
rates and the project cost will not directly affect Oklahoma ratepayers.
Construction of the Bodark Solar Project and Applicant’s Facility is planned to start in 2027 with a completion date in 2029, according to the filing with the Corporation Commission.
Bodark said the power line facility was selected based on community interest, land use, and proximity to existing transmission infrastructure to The Bodark Solar project which is currently in development. Seven private landowners secured contracts with the company and while no figures regarding the footprint of the solar project were supplied, it’s estimated it could entail 4,000 acres or more.
“While there is some question whether the High Voltage Electric Transmission Facility Act
(the “Act”) was intended to address short electric interconnection lines such as this one, Bodark is
submitting this Application out of an abundance of caution,” stated the filing.
The company explained it conducted an economic impact analysis for the solar project and said the 6.7n mile gent-tie line would be “beneficial and in the public interest to the State of Oklahoma.”
“In total, it is expected that over the full 30-year life of facility up to $589.3 million will be expended
in-state for various elements of the project development, construction, and operations”
.
