Dane County has experienced significant growth in electricity usage in the past several years. The population has grown 33 percent since 1980. The higher demand for electricity has been largely met by importing electricity from other areas. However, the existing transmission system was not designed for the high volumes of imported power, and as a result, is in need of reinforcements.

The existing transmission line between the North Madison Substation west of DeForest and the Columbia Substation located near Columbia Power Plant outside of Portage carried two set of wires (circuits): One set operated at 138 kilovolts and the other at 345 kilovolts. ATC replaced the 138-kilovolt transmission line with a set of wires that carry 345 kilovolts and improved the substations on both ends of the line.

This line is critical to improving import capability and reliability for the area and is one in a series of projects needed to reinforce the electric system in Dane County.

At a glance
Wisconsin communities affected: Town of Vienna, Dane County; Village of Poynette, and Town of Pacific, Columbia County. All of Dane County benefits from system improvements.
Length of line: Approximately 17 miles
End points: North Madison Substation west of DeForest and the Columbia Substation near Columbia Power Plant. View Map (261k pdf)
Voltage: 345 kilovolts
Type of structure: Double-circuit, single pole
Status of project: Completed and placed in service May 2006.
Estimated cost: $29 million

Learn about Dane County Energy Initiative

For more information or to comment on this project, e-mail John Garvin or call 1-866-899-3204, extension 3543.