Rock and Walworth counties benefit from boost to electric transmission system
30-mile, multi-year, multi-phase project is complete and now operating at 138,000 volts
PEWAUKEE, Wis. – After more than five years of planning and construction, American Transmission Co. earlier this month completed conversion of 30 miles of transmission lines in Rock and Walworth counties to 138,000 volts to strengthen the electric system that serves the growing area.
The line, which runs from the Rock River Substation in the town of Rock to the Elkhorn Substation in the City of Elkhorn, replaces the existing 69,000-volt transmission system that served Rock and Walworth counties for several decades, but is no longer adequate to accommodate recent and future expected growth.
Most segments of the line were constructed in existing rights-of-way, and the work consisted of modifying and replacing existing structures and wires along with upgrades at several substations. ATC worked on the project in phases, converting the voltage on the line as sections were completed over a period of five months.
The final phase of the project involves removing several miles of existing 69,000-volt transmission facilities west and north of the City of Delavan, and between the Bristol and Lake Geneva substations. Some segments will remain and will continue to carry lower-voltage distribution wires owned by Alliant Energy and We Energies. This remaining work will be completed in the coming months.
“This is a significant milestone in our plan to improve the transmission system serving the area,” says Mary Carpenter, ATC local relations representative. ”Residents and business owners in Rock and Walworth counties will benefit from reliable electricity now and for years to come.”
“We appreciate the involvement and cooperation of the residents in the two counties as we worked through the siting and construction issues on this line,” says Andy Schaeve, ATC project manager. “This project was completed safely, on time and within budget.”