Project Updates

We recently announced plans for the 345-kilovolt Badger Coulee Transmission Line Project. The 150-mile proposed line in western Wisconsin would provide multiple benefits, including improved electric system reliability, economic savings for utilities and access to additional renewable energy. Eight open houses were conducted this fall for local officials, members of the public and other interested stakeholders in the area between La Crosse and Madison to explore routing options for the new line; more than 1,500 people attended.

A regulatory application was filed with the PSCW recently to seek approval to improve the transmission system in the Sparta-Tomah area. The Monroe County-Council Creek conversion project will involve rebuilding a 17-mile line and adding an additional 161-kV circuit to improve area reliability and provide economic savings by reducing line losses and providing access to lower-cost generation. The project also includes a new substation, to be located about one half-mile south of Interstate 90 along Highway 131. A decision from the PSCW is expected mid-2011.

We recently published our 2010 10-Year Transmission Planning Assessment, outlining $3.4 billion in system improvements needed in the next decade. The plan includes $1.0 billion for transmission network upgrades; $0.7 billion for regional, multi-benefit projects; $1.7 billion in interconnection and asset renewal projects, infrastructure replacement and relocation, and other smaller network reliability improvements. Download a copy of the plan at our website.

Did you know?

The record-breaking rainfall across the state in recent months created some unusual working conditions for our construction crews. Always cautious about protecting the environment, special work practices are being used to minimize impact on soils, roads and waterways. Soils that are saturated may become unstable and no longer able to sustain heavy construction equipment. Crews scout the right-of-way to identify the best route and evaluate the need for low ground-pressure equipment or matting. Operators are urged to minimize or eliminate turning of equipment, which can cause unnecessary rutting and ground disturbance.

Primitive roads used for off right-of-way access can deteriorate in wet conditions, so crews are urged to limit the number of trips in and out. Mud tracked onto roadways also can increase during these conditions; crews are directed to clean up any materials tracked on to public roads. Erosion control devices also need to be monitored for performance, especially before forecasted rain. Additional erosion-control measures are installed if needed.

Customer Connections

A Network Customer Meeting was held on Oct. 20 at our Pewaukee headquarters. To view the topics and presentations discussed, please refer to our Customer Notices webpage. If you have any questions regarding the meeting, please contact Marcia Burbach at mburbach@atcllc.com.

The schedule for 2011 Network Customer Meetings has not been determined.  This information will be provided as soon as it is available.

ATC in the Community

Fitchburg Business Appreciation Luncheon At the Fitchburg Business Appreciation Luncheon earlier this summer, we presented a $5,000 contribution to the new city library. Construction is underway, and the library is expected to open in summer 2011.

All-City Swim and Dive Meet We were a Premier Sponsor for the All-City Swim and Dive Meet in Madison in July. Youth swimmers from 12 area pools competed in individual and team events.   2010 Pierce County Farm Technology Days We were a platinum sponsor and exhibitor at the 2010 Pierce County Farm Technology Days at the Johnson Family Farm near River Falls, Wis. An estimated 40,000 people toured the exhibits and agribusiness tents.

Tall Ships Festival We also were a community partner sponsor for the Tall Ships Festival in Green Bay in August. A dozen vintage ships were docked at the Port of Green Bay for three days of tours, sailing and Great Lakes maritime education.

Green Bay’s Back-to-School Store Employees in the De Pere office once again participated in the Service League of Green Bay’s Back-to-School Store – a one-day program offered to low-income students in Brown County to “shop” for school supplies. Elementary students received a backpack filled with school supplies, new clothes, and certificates for a free haircut, and vision and dental exams. Secondary students also received a stocked backpack. More than 3,000 students are served annually.

Invite an ATC representative to speak to your group

Let us tell you and your service group or professional organization more about ATC. Simply e-mail us at localrelations@atcllc.com and indicate a topic area you're interested in, such as new projects, environmental commitment, vegetation management or electric transmission. We'll work with you to schedule a speaker for an upcoming meeting.   

ATC is a Green Tier company, selected by the Wisconsin DNR for demonstrating superior environmental performance and continual improvement.