Power line proposal dies before council

The Henderson City Council on Tuesday upheld a planning commission denial that prevents NV Energy from changing a small power line running through a rural community into a major electrical utility transmission corridor.

"The problem is these poles are too big, they're too obtrusive, and they're not what the neighbors bought into," Councilman Steve Kirk said.

NV Energy sought to upgrade a six-mile-long line starting at the city limits north of Weston Hills to the Equestrian Substation, an area south of Anthem on the city's northeast side.

The plan would have turned wooden poles that stand about 30 feet high with one circuit and three wires into metal poles up to 130 feet high with up to four circuits and 20 lines.

A part of the line running through Clark County to the Henderson city limits has been approved by the county.

Henderson residents argued that the poles would be unsightly and could lower property values. And homeowners were concerned about the health implications of living so close to large power lines.

Dave Rigdon, an NV Energy representative, said higher power lines are safer because they move the electrical field away from homes.

The item was approved unanimously, with Mayor Andy Hafen abstaining because his daughter owns land in the Weston Hills community.