Topeka ? A California company will build a 21-mile experimental power transmission line in south-central Kansas that, if successful, could increase development of wind energy and improve the nation’s electric grid system, officials said Wednesday.

“This is exciting,” said state Rep. Tom Sloan, R-Lawrence, who attended a Capitol news conference announcing the deal between Composite Technology Corp. Inc. of Irvine, Calif., and the city of Kingman, a town of 3,500 people located 44 miles west of Wichita.

“This is the first practical application of a new technology, and Kansas is at the forefront,” Sloan said.

Under the agreement, Composite Technology will construct the power line using its new aluminum conductor core technology and composite electrical poles.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of next year and will provide electricity to Kingman in coordination with Aquila Inc., the primary power provider.

William Arrington, president of Composite Technology, said the aluminum transmission lines with composite cores could provide twice as much electricity as existing cable. The lines also can withstand more heat and sag less, making them safer, he said.

The company also makes composite towers that are stronger, sturdier and more efficient than towers and poles now used, he said.

Arrington said the efficiencies of the company’s products could increase grid capacity and reduce problems with sagging lines. And, he said, the company also was looking at the possibility of setting up a grid to transport wind energy produced in western Kansas.

Kingman officials met up with the California company through efforts of Aquila and Jim Ploger, energy manager for the Kansas Corporation Commission.

“We are pleased to be the first municipality to utilize Composite Technology’s visionary technologies, which have national and global applications,” Ira Hart, Kingman city utility superintendent, said.

The city will pay $3.5 million to $4 million to build the system, officials said, while Composite Technology will contribute about $2.6 million worth of line.

Without the company, city officials said they were looking at having to pay from $5 million to $8 million for electrical system improvements.