BEREA, Ky. — The legal fight between Berea College and East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) is headed toward a major court hearing.
According to reporting by The Edge, Madison County Circuit Court Judge Kristin Clouse has set a hearing for Feb. 26, 2026, in EKPC’s case seeking the right to take about one mile of the Berea College Forest in southern Madison County for a new electric transmission line.
🔌 What EKPC Is Proposing
EKPC says the project, referred to publicly as Big Hill to Three Links, would build about 8.5 miles of new 69 kV transmission line and include a new substation intended to improve reliability for Blue Grass Energy members in southeastern Madison County.
EKPC states that an existing substation serving the area is near becoming overloaded and that a new substation would allow the load to be split and fed more flexibly.
🌲 Why Berea College Opposes the Route
Berea College has said it opposes the proposed route through the College Forest and has raised concerns about potential impacts to the forest and to the Owsley Fork Reservoir watershed, which supports the public water supply for the City of Berea and parts of Madison and Garrard counties. The College has also said it has sought additional information related to environmental impacts and project need.
🏛️ What the Hearing Could Determine
The Edge has reported the case is expected to address whether EKPC has the right to take the property for the project (eminent domain), with a potential later phase focused on compensation and damages if the taking is allowed.