Project description

The North Madison-Waunakee Transmission System Upgrade was approved by the Public Service Commission in July 2007. This project is a critical reinforcement to the electric system, which includes construction of a new 138-kilovolt transmission line from the North Madison Substation, located in the Town of Vienna, to the Huiskamp Substation, located in the Town of Westport.

Project need

Dane County in recent years has experienced some of the highest growth rates in the state, both in population and electricity usage. Portions of Middleton, Dane, Waunakee, Vienna, Westport and the northeast side of Madison are supported by a network of 69-kilovolt transmission lines that are used to near-maximum capacity during the peak summer season. The existing transmission line through Waunakee was built in 1919 and is operating at the limits of its capabilities. These lines are projected to be overloaded in summer 2009, resulting in increased vulnerability to outages for communities across northern Dane County. There also is only limited opportunity to take these lines out of service for maintenance, which further compromises reliability and increases operating costs. To maintain reliable electric service, new transmission facilities are needed.

Artist's rendering of proposed transmission line looking south on Hwy. 113.

At a glance
Communities affected: Vienna, Waunakee, Westport; project benefits Dane, Middleton, Wauankee, Westport and Madison's northeast side.
Length of line: Approximately 8 miles
End points: North Madison Substation (town of Vienna) to Huiskamp Substation in the Town of Westport View map of route
Voltage: 138 kilovolts (new line)
Type of pole: Steel, single pole
Height of poles: 75-90 feet
Status of project: PSC approval granted July 2007.
Anticipated start of construction: Substation work underway; line work to begin in summer 2008
Anticipated in-service date: December 2008

For more information or to comment on this project, e-mail Sarah Justus or call 1-866-899-3204, ext. 3624.