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.

Quad County Electric Reliability Project

Project overview

The Quad County Electric Reliability Project involves rebuilding existing transmission lines to improve electric system reliability in portions of four Wisconsin counties: Waukesha, Jefferson, Dodge and Washington. American Transmission Co. is rebuilding approximately 58 miles of aging, 138,000 volt transmission lines stretching from Waukesha to Watertown and northwest toward Slinger.

The reconstruction is needed to replace aging equipment that is approaching the end of its lifespan. Rebuild projects help meet current and future electricity loads and support the safe and reliable operation of the electric system.

The project stretches through portions of Waukesha and Jefferson counties on the south segments, and continues north with work in Dodge and Washington counties. The project was approved in August 2013 by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.

Construction activities

The effort involves replacing most of the aging lattice and H-frame structures with single pole structures and new H-frame structures. In addition, the electricity-carrying wires (conductors) will be replaced in many areas, and fiber optic wires will be added to some portions of the project to provide high-speed data transfer and support electric system operations.

The construction activities, including crews and equipment, are expected to take place within existing rights-of-way where ATC already has easement rights. The voltage of the line will remain at 138 kilovolts.

Project Schedule
Environmental review and planningSummer 2012
Introduce the project to local communities and landownersFall 2012
File regulatory application with PSCJanuary 2013
Regulatory approvalSummer 2013
Pre-construction field work2013 - 2014
Construction startSummer 2014 (Between Oconomowoc and Watertown, and portions of Dodge Co.)
In-service dateSpring 2016