Cranberry - Conover Segment Energized

The Cranberry-Conover-Plains Project in Vilas, Forest and Florence counties includes a new 138 kV, 16-mile line between the Cranberry Substation south of Eagle River and the Conover Substation east of Conover. It also involves the conversion of about 73 miles of existing lines from 69kV to 138 kV from Conover through Iron River to the Plains Substation in Quinnesec, Michigan, and the construction of new substations at Conover and Iron River. Expansion of the Cranberry, Aspen and Plains substations are part of this project as well. All work is expected to be completed by June 2010.

Construction began on the Cranberry-Conover segment in Spring 2007. The line was placed into service on June 6, 2008, providing an added measure of reliability to the north woods of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.

“The project has not been without its challenges,” notes North Portfolio General Manager Jane Petras. “The line crosses the Eagle River in the city; nearly two miles of the line had to be buried to avoid an airport, and construction conditions this winter were not ideal.”

The benefits of the project are multi-faceted and expansive. The project addresses overloads, low voltages, and potential voltage collapse for the western part of Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin's Rhinelander Loop. In addition to setting the stage to address future needs in the region, it will substationally improve transfer capability between the U.P. and Wisconsin. The Project also includes the replacement of aging 69kV facilities between the Plains and Conover substations.

For additional information on the project, click on
http://www.atcllc.com/NE2_2008.shtml