Benefits of a reliable transmission system

Electricity travels at the speed of light, arriving at its destination at almost the same moment it is produced. When you flip a switch, the electric power is there. Behind the scenes, ATC employees are hard at work operating and maintaining the complex electric transmission grid so that it can reliably provide power to the homes and businesses that need it. A safe, reliable and adequate supply of electricity is essential for businesses, farms, factories, hospitals and homes. Electric system reliability contributes to our quality of life and our economic well being, and it is essential for economic growth.

• Electricity is not just a convenience; it's a necessity. It helps us live comfortably in our homes year-round, regardless of the weather.
• It enables us to accomplish household chores quickly with relatively little effort, compared with the effort required for daily living just a few generations ago.
• Electric system reliability allows businesses to confidently expand.
• It ensures that electrically sensitive equipment operates uninterrupted.
• A reliable electric transmission system enables local utilities to buy and sell electricity when it's economic to do so.
• Most importantly, a reliable electric transmission system helps to keep the lights on!

  Fact Sheet: Benefits of Electric Reliability (73k pdf)

Transmission system is operating at its limits

ATC's transmission system is operating at its limits. Investment in the transmission system hasn't kept pace with the current electricity market conditions or increases in electricity usage. In some cases, businesses that may be considering expansion or relocation could face a significant investment in transmission infrastructure to operate their facilities. System limitations mean electric emergencies are becoming more frequent, sometimes resulting in public appeals to reduce electrical usage to avoid blackouts. ATC was formed in 2001 to take a broader view of the transmission network in the Upper Midwest and make the necessary improvements and expansions to the transmission grid to accommodate current and future market conditions and electricity usage.

Through our studies, we identify solutions to strengthen the performance of the system for the millions of people and places that count on us.