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.
| Environmental review and planning | Summer 2012 |
| Introduce the project to local communities and landowners | Fall 2012 |
| File regulatory application with PSC | January 2013 |
| Regulatory approval | Summer 2013 |
| Pre-construction field work | 2013 - 2014 |
| Construction start | Summer 2014 (Between Oconomowoc and Watertown, and portions of Dodge Co.) |
| In-service date | Spring 2016 |