American Transmission Co. projects

Project website for a Wisconsin-based company that owns and operates the high-voltage electric transmission system that powers communities in portions of the Upper Midwest.

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ATC News release: ATC receives PSC approval for power line between Fitchburg and Verona

New line will strengthen Dane County’s transmission system, route to follow existing
corridor

MADISON, Wis. – The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin today approved a vital improvement to Dane County’s electric transmission system linking a new substation in the City of Fitchburg to an existing substation in Verona. The new 138-kilovolt line will run six miles along an existing right-of-way between the new Oak Ridge Substation in Fitchburg and the Verona Substation.

“We are pleased that the PSC agreed with our assessment for this much-needed transmission line that will improve electric system reliability in the rapidly growing areas of southern Dane County and northern Green County,” said Sarah Justus, ATC local relations representative. “The existing facilities are operating at near maximum capacity during the peak summer season and may face overloads by next summer,” Justus said. “The transmission system is outdated and needs to be reinforced to prevent future system failures. The new facilities also will strengthen Madison Gas & Electric’s local distribution system.”

In its decision, the PSC selected the route recommended in ATC’s application filed in January 2007. “The route along Adams Road and County Highway M makes use of an existing transmission line corridor,” explains Justus. “The construction along this existing corridor is a cost-effective route that minimizes impacts to the community. The amount of new right-of-way needed is also less on the approved route.”

The project was introduced to the public in 2005 to meet growing demand for electricity in south central Dane County. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Verona’s population between 2000 and 2005 grew by 44 percent—a rate faster than any other community in the state.

Construction on the new Oak Ridge Substation will begin in the coming months and is expected to be operational by June 2009. The transmission line construction will begin following the substation work, and the line will be operational in June 2010. The estimated cost of the project is $22 million.

ATC’s proposal for a 345-kilovolt transmission line between the towns of Christiana and Middleton is currently under regulatory review. The company expects the PSC to schedule hearings later this year or in early 2009.

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ATC is a Wisconsin-based company that moves energy along the regional electric grid in parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois, serving more than 5 million electric consumers. We are experts at what we do: planning, maintaining, operating and protecting the grid. As the electric industry moves toward renewable generation sources, we are transforming our system to continue delivering energy reliably and safely. We proudly support STEM education programs that empower youth with the skills needed to succeed in tomorrow’s energy workforce. For more information, visit www.atcllc.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X (Twitter).