Why is a Super High-Voltage Wire Being Built Over Missouri?

I am a fan of electricity. Like you probably do, I use a lot of electricity, yet I also fear electricity because of the whole electrocution possibilities thing. That's one reason I'm a bit nervous about news that a super high-voltage wire is being built over Missouri and Illinois right now.

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Have you ever heard of the Grain Belt Express? The official site describes it as "Connecting four states across 800 miles, Grain Belt Express is a transmission line carrying more affordable, reliable power to the Midwest, and delivering renewable clean electricity for our homes and businesses".

It's a one-way high-voltage power line that will take energy from wind farms in Kansas and deliver power to Missouri, Illinois and states further east.

The benefits that the Grain Belt Express promises to Missouri are staggering estimating that it will provide $1.5 billion in cost savings over the next 15 years and provide 1,500 jobs during construction with a total of $1.3 billion in economic activity. The benefits they mention for Illinois are impressive, too.

Half as Interesting put together a very informative video about how and why this very powerful wire is being built and what it will accomplish when it's complete.

The project will apparently take years before it begins its power delivery based on what was shared in the video. However, the Grain Belt Express looks to be a potential game-changer for energy.

Note to self: please continue to not touch any power lines being built over your head. Thanks.