Overall Project Description
Example of an angle structure pole and wires that would be built to connect the Plymouth 5 Substation to an existing ATC 138-kV line.
Example of a tangent pole and wires that would be built to connect the Plymouth 5 Substation to an existing ATC 138-kV line.
- Plymouth 5 Substation – Proposed by Plymouth Utilities as a separate project, this new substation will serve area electric reliability and load needs
- ATC Power Line – A new, approximately 7 to 8-mile double-circuit 138,000-volt power line to connect the Plymouth 5 Substation to an existing ATC 138-kV line
Overall Project Need
The new power line will connect to the proposed Plymouth 5 Substation that is needed to ensure electric reliability and address current and future energy needs in your community and the surrounding area. The substation and power line will relieve constraints on the current electric delivery system, improve reliability and support local energy demand.
Additional information about the proposed ATC power line can be found on the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin website, under docket number 137-CE-205.
Additional information about the proposed Plymouth 5 Substation can be found on the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin website, under docket number 4740-CE-106.
| Submit application to PSCW | January 2024 |
| Anticipated PSCW project approval | February 2025 |
| Construction begins | Fall 2025 |
| Project in service | Early 2026 |
| Restoration | 2026 |
| *Dates are anticipated and subject to changes |
|---|
FAQs
Why are these projects necessary?
The new power line will connect to the proposed Plymouth 5 Substation that is needed to ensure electric reliability and address current and future energy needs in your community and the surrounding area. The substation and power line will relieve constraints on the current electric delivery system, improve reliability and support local energy demand.
The southwestern portion of the Plymouth Utilities service territory has reached near capacity in recent years. A new substation is necessary to improve service reliability for local utility customers.
Who decides if a project is needed and which route is chosen?
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) is the regulatory agency with the authority to approve or deny a project. In this case, ATC will propose two routes and, if the power line project is approved, the PSCW will select the final route.
What are the potential power line routes?
The Preferred Route (blue line on the interactive map) interconnects with an existing 138-kV power line located near the village of Waldo and follows a path west primarily along town and county roads as well as an existing natural gas pipeline. The Alternate Route (pink line on the interactive map) interconnects with the same existing 138-kV power line at a point further to the north and largely parallels roads and power lines to the west. Both routes would end at the proposed Plymouth 5 Substation location near the intersection of County Roads A and V in the town of Mitchell. Only one of these routes would be selected if the PSCW approves the power line project.
What is the difference between the preferred route and alternative route?
Of the two routes studied, ATC identified a Preferred Route (blue line on the interactive map) that will cost less to build, have better electric power flow and fewer impacts on special or unique areas (e.g., waterways, important bird or wildlife areas, areas of historic or cultural significance, etc.).
How do I provide input to the PSCW about the power line project?
Once ATC submits the application for the power line project, you can provide comments to the PSCW, either electronically or written, under docket number 137-CE-205. You may attend a public hearing and make your statements for the PSCW record.
How do I provide input to the PSCW about the substation project?
Plymouth Utilities submitted an application for the proposed Plymouth 5 Substation in fall 2023. You can provide comments to the PSCW, either electronically or written, under docket number 4740-CE–106.
Who do I contact if I have questions or comments about the ATC power line project?
If you have additional questions about the power line project or would like to discuss it in more detail, please contact Jon Callaway with ATC Local Relations at (608) 877-3540 or jcallaway@atcllc.com.
Who do I contact if I have questions or comments about the Plymouth Utilities substation project?
If you have additional questions about the proposed Plymouth 5 Substation project or would like to discuss it in more detail, please contact Tim Blakeslee, city administrator and utilities manager with the City of Plymouth at (920) 893-3745 or tblakeslee@plymouthwi.gov.