Overview

The project, which will serve multiple reliability functions, involves constructing approximately 35-55 miles (depending on route) of new 345-kilovolt transmission line to connect the Rockdale Substation located near Christiana with the West Middleton Substation. Both substations will require some equipment upgrades to support this new line.
	Artists rendering: Beltline with appearance of poles

  Appearance of poles in a rural setting.

View map showing route options being reviewed by the PSC.

Project at a glance:
Communities affected: Christiana, West Middleton and other communities in southern Dane County may be affected by the line route; all of Dane County and southern Wisconsin will benefit from this project.
Length of line: 32 - 55 miles depending on final route.
End points: Rockdale Substation near Christiana, and West Middleton Substation.

Voltage: 345 kilovolts
Type of pole: Steel single pole   Sample pole photos

Cost: Depending on route - $213 million to $250 million   More details on costs

Schedule/Timeline*
Public open houses on study area: July 2005 Environmental analysis: Summer 2005
Open house for public to comment on preliminary corridors: November 2005
Evaluation to finalize routes: Winter 2005
Open house on possible route options: August 2006
Ongoing studies: Winter/Spring 2007

Annoucement of final route options: Aug. 2007

Final open house to present final route options: Aug. 2007

Regulatory application: October 15, 2007

       View application under Case Management No. 137-CE-147

Review by PSC: October 2007 through spring 2009 (hearings late 2008 or early 2009)
Construction start: Late 2010

Anticipated in-service date: June 2013
*Subject to changes

Learn more about regulatory review.

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Project Need:
Dane County has experienced in recent years some of the highest growth rates in the state, both in population and electricity usage. The existing transmission system in and around Dane County brings power in from outside the county to meet the needs for electricity. However, the system is operating at its limits and additional transmission lines are needed to keep pace with the growing demand, and to strengthen the efficiency and reliability of existing lower voltage lines.

A separate, but related project, is a proposal to build a 6-mile, 138-kV transmission line between Fitchburg and Verona.

For more information or to comment on this project, e-mail Charlie Gonzales or call 1-866-899-3204, extension 3644, or Sarah Justus at extension 3624.