Project overview

When utilities add new electric generators to their system, the additional output of electric power often requires new or upgraded transmission lines. This is called an interconnection. Wisconsin Power and Light, an Alliant Energy Company, has proposed to build a 300- megawatt expansion at their Nelson Dewey Generating Station located in the Village of Cassville, Wisconsin, near the Mississippi River. 

The transmission facilities needed to move the power from Nelson Dewey will extend across the Mississippi Rive into Iowa. However, ATC’s portion of the transmission facilities include a new 161-kilovolt line, approximately  two miles in length, from the Nelson Dewey plant to the Stoneman Substation owned by Dairyland Power Cooperative.

Routing and siting

State policy on new transmission lines requires that existing corridors, such as existing utilities, railroads and roadways be considered before looking at other areas. Visit the projects section of ATC’s web site for a large, more detailed map. With input and feedback from the public, and ATC’s comprehensive evaluation of the routes, the options will be narrowed to two routes that will be included in a construction application to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. The PSC must review all projects that require new right-of-way and are in excess of one mile, and the agency also selects that final route that is constructed.

Project schedule

Public open house on preliminary routes…July 2007

Route evaluation by ATC ……………… …July-October

Public open house on proposed route options… Nov. 14, 2007

Open house on final routes……………………….Early 2007

Construction application to PSC………………… .First quarter 2008

Regulatory review…………………………………Through 2008

Start of construction (if approved)………………2009

In-service date…………………………………….Summer 2010

Public involvement

ATC, along with WP&L, are working with property owners who may be impacted by a new transmission line to ensure that concerns and issues are heard. When ATC submits its application to the PSC early in 2008, the public is invited to participate in the regulatory review process. The PSC is the state agency responsible for authorizing major utility projects. The PSC conducts a thorough evaluation of the project, determines if the project is needed, evaluates the impacts, holds public hearings and decides on the most suitable route. Permits also may be needed from the Department of Natural Resources, or other state and federal agencies.

For more information contact Charles Gonzales at 1-866-899-3204, ext. 3644