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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Pleasant Prairie-Zion Energy Center transmission line placed in service

Multi-Value Project delivers economic benefits, establishes another important high-voltage interstate connection

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. Friday energized a newly constructed 345-kilovolt electric transmission line that establishes another important high-voltage interstate connection between Wisconsin and Illinois. The approximately 5-mile line runs from the Pleasant Prairie Substation in Pleasant Prairie, Wis., to the Zion Energy Center Substation in Zion, Ill. The new line will improve operation of the electric system in southeastern Wisconsin and northeastern Illinois.

“The new power line relieves congestion on the existing interstate transmission system, and will provide savings to electric utilities and their customers by creating a reliable pathway to move electricity from the most efficient generators to energy markets,” said ATC Major Projects Planning Manager Tom Dagenais.  

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator designated the project as one of 17 Multi-Value Projects across the Midwest that deliver significant economic benefits. This is the first of three ATC projects designated by MISO as Multi-Value Projects to be placed into service. MISO recognized the economic benefits of large capacity regional transmission lines when it introduced a portfolio of 17 projects whose costs would be shared among utilities and their customers across the entire MISO service territory. MISO estimates that the average utility customer in the region will see $23 in annual benefits from lowered delivered energy costs for about $11 a year in investment.

ATC received approval in April 2012 from the Illinois Commerce Commission and May 2012 from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to build the transmission line, and construction on the project began late last year.

Note to editors: A map and additional project information is available at www.atc-projects.com. Information about MISO Multi-Value Projects is available at https://www.misoenergy.org/Planning/Pages/MVPAnalysis.aspx

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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).