Barnhart-Branch River Electric Reliability Project
Due to the announced closure of the Kewaunee Power Station, we have withdrawn our Barnhart-Branch River Project application with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, pending further analysis. Read more in the news release.
American Transmission Co. is proposing to reinforce 345-kilovolt electric transmission facilities in eastern Wisconsin. The 345-kV network forms the backbone of the high-voltage grid, moving large amounts of power across long distances. Changes at the Point Beach Nuclear Plant Electric, including an increase in generating capacity, require reinforcement of the network in Manitowoc, Calumet and Sheboygan counties.
Specifically, two new substations are required – the Branch River Switching Station would be constructed in Manitowoc County and the Barnhart Substation in Sheboygan County.
New transmission lines are needed as well by either converting a 345-/138-kV double-circuit line that runs about 51 miles in Manitowoc, Calumet and Sheboygan counties to a double-circuit 345-kV line that will connect the new substations, and construct a new, 18-mile, 138-kV line in Sheboygan County or by constructing a new 345-kV line that links the Branch River and Barnhart facilities (about 40 miles).
| Counties affected: | Manitowoc, Calumet and Sheboygan |
| Line length: | One alternative would convert an existing 51-mile line and require a new, 18-mile 138-kV line; a second alternative would require a new, 40-mile 345-kV line. |
| Voltage: | 138-kV and 345-kV |
| Cost: | $193 million to $262 million, depending on route alternative |
| End points: | Branch River Switching Station in Manitowoc County; Barnhart Substation in Sheboygan County |
| *Dates are anticipated and subject to changes | |
|---|---|
| Identify potential transmission line routes with public involvement: | Early 2011-Summer 2012 |
| Environmental analysis: | 2011-2012 |
| File CPCN application: | Fall 2012 |
| Regulatory review & public comment: | 2013 |
| Anticipated decision from PSCW: | Early 2014 |
| Construction start: | Fall 2015 |
| In-service: | 2018 |
