Wisconsin Energy/We Energies is constructing two 650-megawatt generation units on Elm Road adjacent to its Oak Creek Power Plant in Milwaukee County. Whenever a generating facility is built or expanded, ATC must work with the utility or owner to identify what reinforcements are needed to the electric transmission system to support the added electrical output of the power plant. In the case of Oak Creek Power Plant, several upgrades to the existing transmission system have been made or are being planned in conjunction with the power plant expansion.

Phase 1 (completed) construction at the power plant site involved relocating certain transmission lines to make room for the new generating units. Other on-site transmission lines were moved to facilitate the construction of a new 345-kilovolt substation and modifications to an existing 230-kilovolt substation.

Phase 2  Work at several substations in southeast Wisconsin along with some modifications to some transmission lines is in the preliminary planning stages. ATC expects all the transmission line work will occur on existing right-of-way. A two-mile segment along I-894 in Greenfield will involve the replacement of wires, along with the removal and replacement of several poles (structures.) This work has been reviewed and approved by the Public Service Commission. Pre-construction work in the form or soil borings and other preparations begins in Jan. 2008. The actual work to replace wires and poles will begin in the fall of 2008.

Oak Creek Power Plant in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, is undergoing an expanstion that will add two 650-megawatt generation units. Upgrades to ATC's transmission system will move the additional output to customers. For more information or to comment on this project, e-mail Mary Carpenter or call 1-866-899-3204, ext. 6922.