Company recognized for 220-mile Arrowhead-Weston transmission line

The Edison Electric Institute, the association of U.S. shareholder-owned electric companies, awarded the industry’s highest honor, the Edison Award, to American Transmission Co. in recognition of its extraordinary work in completing the 220-mile Arrowhead- Weston transmission line ahead of schedule and within the approved budget.

When construction of the Arrowhead-Weston line began in 2005, it was the largest transmission line project underway in the country. The project initially faced considerable opposition, but ATC gradually earned the public’s trust to construct this vital piece of infrastructure.

Construction on the project was completed – safely – seven months early and the line was put into service in January 2008, four months ahead of schedule. The project cost was $439 million, which was within the 5 percent contingency set by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. Construction also was performed in an environmentally responsible manner and environmentally sensitive areas are continually monitored.

In addition to providing increased reliability to the electric grid locally and regionally, the new line provides access to lower-cost electricity and improved capability to deliver it to customers. There was an estimated savings of more than $5 million to electricity customers after the line’s first year of service.

To get more information about how this 220-mile Arrowhead-Weston transmission line is providing new capabilities to the grid while benefiting local communities, the economy and the environment , click on the cover to the right and read the detailed report. Or go to the Arrowhead-Weston project page for more project information, maps and video.

To learn more about the Edison Award.