Here's an update on what's going on in three ATC departments: Environmental, System Operations and Design Engineering.

In the Environment
On September 9, 2003, the PSC and DNR signed a Cooperative Agreement that addresses the ability and need for these agencies to work together on energy projects in Wisconsin. For projects requiring a CA or CPCN as well as a Chapter 30 permit, the Agreement helps ensure that route and/or site evaluations and decisions will be accomplished by both agencies in parallel, and that the final decision is one for which both agencies can issue permits. Up until now, these decisions have been made in sequence and DNR permitting issues were not always taken into consideration up front in the PSC process. As a result, the DNR has relocated some projects in order to meet its legal permitting requirements. The Agreement also means that the DNR is committed to working with applicants to assure that energy infrastructure projects proposed can be permitted and constructed.

This is an exciting development because it means a closer coordination of both the PSC certificate review and the DNR permitting process that is intended to provide greater assurance that projects are reviewed and fully considered in a timely and efficient manner.

The ATC Environmental team recently released its landscape brochure, a full-color publication highlighting trees, shrubs and other plants that may be planted under and near electric transmission lines. The brochure emphasizes the use of native plants as a way of gaining multiple benefits from the rights of way -- not only are transmission lines electricity corridors, but they also can serve as wildlife corridors if the right plantings are incorporated.

To receive a copy of the brochure (shown at left) or to provide your comments and suggestions, please feel free to contact Rita Hayen at rhayen@atcllc.com or any member of the ATC Environmental team.

Around the System
System Operations is finalizing the installation of its Alstom-ESCA Energy Management System (EMS) at its Cottage Grove location. This is the same EMS that is currently in use at ATC's Pewaukee facility. Once the cutover at Cottage Grove to the new EMS is complete, the entire ATC footprint will be operating off of the same system. This is a benefit to ATC and its customers, as it not only minimizes ATC's costs with respect to keeping its models current and up-to-date, it also provides ATC with business continuity and back-up should ATC ever have to shift system operations personnel from one control center to the other in times of emergency.

On another note, ATC recently participated in MAIN's System Restoration drill along with its control area customers. The drill was an important one as it was the first time that ATC was able to test its newly written System Restoration Plan. Sixteen ATC employees participated in the drill, with equal representation from both the Cottage Grove and Pewaukee offices. Two System Control Operators were assigned to the restoration of each of the major islands. The team felt that the drill was very successful as well as useful in pointing out areas for plan improvements.

We welcome your feedback at any time. Please feel free to contact Don Morrow at 262.506.6880 or dmorrow@atcllc.com with comments, concerns and suggestions.

Engineering to meet our customer’s expectations
Work continues on developing ATC Engineering design standards. The idea is simple – to have a consistent level of service at our inter-connection points. But, in reality the process is complex. There are differences in our customer’s needs and expectations, not to mention differences within ATC regarding what is appropriate considering the variety of situations. As we continue to address the challenge of balancing reliability and economy, we appreciate the contributions and reviews many of our customers have provided. With your help, we believe we are getting close to a set of standards that will meet your expectations.

Why do we have design standards? One reason is to consistently get the right materials to the jobsite and to help make the process efficient so the materials arrive on time and at a good price. Although ATC Supply Chain and its vendors have a huge role in this process, Engineering must prepare quality specifications and material lists. Recently, ATC has completed specifications for most of our major substation equipment and frequently purchased items such as poles and conductors. We are now addressing the assortment of parts that needs to be purchased, stocked, issued and occasionally returned. To make our design work more efficient, we’re developing standard drawings and templates so the same high level of quality is produced at all ATC offices and by all of our consultants.

We welcome your feedback at any time. Please feel free to contact Bob Kluge at rkluge@atcllc.com with your comments, concerns and suggestions.