ATC projects improving electric system reliability

from Upper Michigan to Southern Wisconsin

The decline in Lake Superior’s water level has resulted in reduced hydro-electric generation in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. We have worked with two customers, Edison Sault Electric Co. and Cloverland Electric Cooperative, to design a plan to use the high-voltage transmission grid to compensate for reduced power supply in the eastern UP. Read more about the joint effort at our Web site.

Work is under way to replace the 60-year old poles and wires on a 138-kilovolt electric transmission line between the Saukville Substation and the St. Lawrence Substation (located northeast of Slinger in the town of Hartford). This 19-mile corridor needs upgrading to support the additional output from the Port Washington Generating Station when the second unit is placed in service next year. Pre-construction activities began in August, and included the removal of trees and vegetation within the easement area. The construction work involves taking the line out of service in two major sections to perform the work. The new structures are slightly larger to support heavier weight wire. The work is expected to be complete with service restored to the line by next summer.

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin recently approved transmission work needed to support the additional output expected from We Energies’ Oak Creek Power Plant when new units are on line in a couple of years.  This second phase of work involves equipment upgrades at several power plants in southeast Wisconsin, along with some pole and conductor replacements in certain areas. The first phase of transmission work was limited to facilities within the Oak Creek Power Plant property boundaries and was completed last year.

Early next year, construction will begin on a segment of the Gardner Park-Central Wisconsin line in the villages of Kronenwetter and Weston. An open house for that project is scheduled for Dec. 12 in the Weston Village Hall. ATC representatives and construction contractors will be available from 1 to 3 pm and 5 to 7 pm to answer landowners’ questions.

ATC sponsors holiday light displays

The Holiday Fantasy in Lights is a free nighttime display in Madison made possible each year by the volunteer efforts of electrical workers and contractors of IBEW and NECA.  Numerous community sponsorships support the event as well, and donations received go to local charities and event costs.  ATC has been a major sponsor of the event for three years.	MJ Electric, one of our electrical contractors, helped us sponsor a similar event in Oshkosh this year. The Celebration of Lights  in Menominee Park along Lake Winnebago includes a 100-foot tree featuring energy-efficient LED lights.

Osprey families adapt to relocated nests

Earlier this year, we needed to rebuild a portion of a transmission line in Oconto and Shawano counties. Two osprey families had established nests on the tops of the wood H-frame structure. While the birds were on their winter migration, we relocated the nests to temporary platforms nearby. We are pleased to report that both pairs returned to their new locations in spring and successfully fledged two chicks each. Our environmental monitors kept a close eye on the bird families. Now that the new line is complete, we have relocated their nests to new steel structures in hopes that both families return next spring. Read more in Greenlines -- our environmental newsletter.

Transmission connects renewable energy to communities

The use of renewable energy is gaining momentum nationwide, and electric transmission lines are needed to move electricity -- including green power -- from where it's produced to communities where it's used.

Legislation passed in Wisconsin in 2005 required Wisconsin retail electric providers to produce 10 percent of their electricity from renewable resources over the next 10 years. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin recently announced that all 118 Wisconsin electric providers have met or exceeded their 2006 renewable portfolio standards.Forty-nine providers have exceeded the requirements, and most are well on their way to meeting the goals.

Wisconsin utilities currently generate about 4 percent of the state's electricity from renewable resources — just under half of the requirement for 2015.

Also of interest...Six Midwestern governors and the premier of Manitoba recently met in Milwaukee and signed an accord that commits those states to generate 30 percent of the region’s electricity from renewable resources by 2030.

Power your career

ATC’s employees are the cornerstone of our success. To this end, we seek highly talented people who are motivated by challenge. We are seeking college interns and co-op students interested in the electrical power industry for our 2008 summer program.  To be considered, you must be currently enrolled in an electrical engineering program, at a sophomore to senior level.

We have openings for interns and co-ops at many of our locations.  Please specify preference of location in your email correspondence.

To learn more about us, please visit our web site at www.atcllc.com.

Interested students should send a cover letter and resume to:

Tracy Stull

Talent Acquisition Specialist

tstull@atcllc.com

American Transmission Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer