ATC files application with Michigan Public Service Commission
Company seeks approval for 138-kV line in Menominee and Delta counties
DE PERE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. is asking Michigan regulators to approve a new 138-kV transmission line to improve reliability.
The 60-mile line between the Holmes Substation in Menominee County and the Old Mead Road Substation near the NewPage mill in Escanaba is needed because of unique conditions of the electricity supply system in the area. “The transmission system is only marginally balanced,” said Brett French, ATC external relations manager. “Changes in demand or generation can significantly impact the reliability of the transmission system, creating difficulties when performing maintenance or managing unplanned outages. The project will greatly improve reliability of service to customers in the area.”
ATC has developed a proposed and alternate route for the new line. The proposed route makes maximum use of co-location opportunities, placing the new facilities on existing transmission line or other rights-of-way. The western half of the proposed route would share a corridor with an existing transmission line; the eastern half would share an abandoned railroad corridor currently owned by the Michigan Department of Transportation and managed by the Department of Natural Resources. In exchange for sharing the corridor, ATC proposes to develop a 10-foot-wide multi-purpose recreational trail between Hermansville and Wells Township.
The alternate route also follows established corridors, generally following an active railroad and U.S. Highway 2.
Estimated cost of the project is between $105 million and $132 million. A more-refined estimate will be determined as detailed design of the line continues and a final route is selected.
“Filing the application moves the project into the approval process,” French said. “The Michigan Public Service Commission has one year to approve or deny the project. If approved, the PSC selects the route. It is very important for those interested in the project to participate in the commission’s process.”
To access the application and follow the regulatory review, visit the MPSC website http://efile.mpsc.state.mi.us/efile and search for Case # U-17272.