Project overview

ATC's plans include a proposal for an additional line (circuit) primarily on an existing transmission line corridor between the Paddock Substation in the town of Beloit and the Rockdale Substation in the town of Christiana. (approximately 35 miles). Map

Interstate connection benefits consumers

This project benefits electric consumers differently from other electric tramsmission projects that ATC has proposed in recent years, which largely have been in response to weaknesses on the system and related reliability issues. The primary purpose of a high-voltage transmission line to the south would be to give local distribution utilities improved access to lower cost power from other areas in the region and bring it into Wisconsin. While this project is largely driven by economics, it also benefits electric consumers with a stronger, more stable electric system.

Wisconsin has only limited transmission line connections to other states compared to its neighboring states. This limits the ability of electric utilities to access wind energy or sources of lower-cost electricity from other regions.

PSC to review proposal

This project requires a review and authorization by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, which is the regulatory agency that oversees utility projects. ATC plans to prepare and submit a construction application in the spring of 2007 outlining its proposal and seeking regulatory approval. Under state law, two or more route options must be included in transmission line projects. The route that ATC will propose as its preferred (recommended) route is along an existing utility corridor where an existing 345-kilovolt line is located. A second route alternative that will be reviewed by the PSC is along another utility corridor approximately two miles east of the 345-kV line, where 138-kV and 69-kV lines are located. A few areas may require new right-of-way if the alternative route is selected by the PSC.

Connections to other areas of the region give local utilities

flexibility in access and importing power from lower-cost

sources of electricity.

Outreach

ATC is communicating with property owners along both the preferred and alternate routes prior to the time it submits the construction application in April 2007. The public will have an opportunity to participate in the regulatory process, including a public hearing, and will be notified when the agency renders a decision on the project.

At a glance
Communities potentially affected: Beloit, Janesville, Fulton, Milton, Albion, Christiana.
Length of line: Approximately 35 miles along existing right-of-way.
End points: Paddock Substation in the town of Beloit and Rockdale Substation in the town of Christiana.
Status of project: Preparation of application to be submitted to PSC in May 2007.

Cost: Approximately $133 million

Schedule
Public information open houses: March 6-7, 2007

File construction application to PSC: May 2007
Regulatory review and public comment: 2007
Anticipated decision from PSC: 2008
Start of construction: 2008
In-service: Spring 2010

For more information contact:

E-mail John Garvin or call 1-866-899-3204, ext. 3543