PEWAUKEE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. this month launched a planting program to support tree and vegetation planting in communities in its service area. Under the program, eligible cities, villages, towns, counties and tribes may apply for financial support for planting projects on public property within their community.

“As an owner and operator of the area electric transmission system, it is our responsibility to keep trees and brush out of the rights-of-way of our power lines for safety and reliability reasons,” said ATC Environmental and Local Relations Manager Greg Levesque. “While we can’t allow trees and brush in our rights-of-way, we do understand that they are an important part of the community landscape. This program helps us support efforts to beautify communities in a manner that is consistent with our safety and maintenance standards.” 

To qualify, communities must commit that all current and future planting plans and urban forestry activities near high-voltage electric transmission lines will comply with ATC’s maintenance standards. Priority will favor projects that promote safety and reliability of the transmission system by supporting right-of-way best management practices and keeping trees out of the right-of-way.

ATC will accept program applications June 1 through Sept. 30 each year, and recipients will be selected by the end of the calendar year. Awards will range from $100 to $5,000. 

Additional information, including a program brochure and eligibility information, is available on the ATC website: http://www.atcllc.com/learning-center/trees-and-vegetation/grow-smart-and-safely-in-your-community/.

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. on May 15 was recognized by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce for environmental innovation on the Rockdale-West Middleton Transmission Line Project. The 32-mile, 345-kilovolt line provides an important transmission connection between eastern and western Dane County, Wis. The line was energized in early 2013.

ATC received the Environmental Innovation Award for its work designing and building transmission structures in the Yahara wetlands along the Beltline Highway in Madison, Wis. Award winners were selected by an independent panel of judges representing industry, the Department of Natural Resources, the University of Wisconsin and environmental groups.

“Placing structures in the wetlands required the team to address the challenges of accessing the wetland right-of-way and setting structures without causing significant or long-term environmental impacts,” said Environmental Project Manager Amy Lee. “To do this, the team undertook a multidisciplinary evaluation to consider foundation and structure design, construction methods, cost and environmental impacts.”

Construction access and timing
Crews used 2.8 acres of construction matting to access work areas at the edges of the marsh where ground was more stable and used low ground-pressure vehicles called marsh buggies to travel further into the marsh. Because of their wide tracks, these vehicles exert very low ground pressure, even less than a human foot.

Helicopters also were used on multiple occasions to move material and equipment to areas without mat roads. The project team carefully planned construction timing; completing work in the wetlands during the winter months and limiting construction timeframes to avoid spring and fall bird migration and spring fish spawning. Together, these methods eliminated the need for a mat road in the unstable portions of the marsh to provide access for traditional large cranes and heavy concrete trucks.

Foundation installation
ATC engineers and contractors designed and installed 16 helical pier foundations to hold the weight of the structures and have minimal impact on the Yahara wetlands.

“Helical pier foundations are much different from typical concrete foundations,” said Lee. “These hollow foundations screw into the ground and can be unscrewed in the event that they ever have to be decommissioned. They also required no excavation, generated no drilling spoils, and the portable installation equipment was moved with low-impact marsh buggies, barges and skids.” 

Setting structures and stringing wires
Heavy-lift helicopters allowed the team to set eight H-frame structures in less than a day, which is much faster than conventional methods. After structure setting was complete, a smaller helicopter was used to string pull rope and move insulators into permanent positions on the structures.

Protecting habitat for migrating and breeding birds
“To protect birds, we placed bird flight diverters in this area, along with three other locations along the route,” said Lee. “Bird flight diverters make shield wire more visible, increasing the likelihood that the birds will see the wire and adjust their flight pattern to avoid it. Using H-frame structures also allowed us to place wires in a horizontal configuration, which minimizes the obstacle for birds in flight.”

In addition to innovation in design and construction of the line, the project also achieved the following environmental milestones:

• 30 waterways and 5.6 miles of wetlands crossed and only 0.054 acre of wetlands filled
• 5 miles of mats used to preserve wetlands and protect agricultural lands
• Excellent compliance, with no environmental violations or fines
• More efficient line eliminates 34,000 to 140,000 metric tons of carbon emissions each year from coal plants not having to operate

“We are committed to environmental stewardship and innovation in all aspects of our business,” said Environmental and Local Relations Manager Greg Levesque. “This is evidenced by our participation in the Department of Natural Resource’s Green Tier program, Clean Corporate Citizen designation in Michigan, as well as the policies and actions that guide our construction projects.”

Additional project information, including a final route map and video of work in the Yahara wetlands, is available at www.RockdaleWestMiddleton.com.

DE PERE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. will present proposed and alternate route options for a new 138-kilovolt power line as part of its Bay Lake Project at an open house June 5, 2013. The line between the Holmes Substation in Menominee County and an Escanaba-area substation is needed to improve electric reliability in the area.

“The Bay Lake project has changed somewhat since we announced it last year,” said Brett French, external relations manager. “We originally proposed two lines from Holmes to the Escanaba area but, late last year, it was determined that only one line would be needed for the foreseeable future.”

That change required the project team to re-evaluate preliminary routes that had been presented to landowners and other interested parties last fall. During the last six months, route options were identified that maximized the opportunities to co-locate with existing transmission lines, thus minimizing the amount of new right-of-way required. The proposed routes maximize the use of existing transmission line corridors and an abandoned railroad corridor. If the project is approved, the final route will be selected by the Michigan Public Service Commission. An open house will be held:

Wednesday, June 5
Island Resort & Casino
W399 U.S. Highway 2
Harris, Mich.
1 to 7 p.m., EDT

No formal presentation is planned; interested parties are urged to drop in at their convenience.

Additional information, including maps and fact sheets, is available at www.BayLakeProject.com

DE PERE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. has identified proposed route options for transmission lines in Outagamie, Brown and Oconto counties.

The facilities, first announced as part of the Bay Lake Project in April 2012, are needed to address electric reliability concerns in northeastern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Elements of the project proposed for northeastern Wisconsin include new substation facilities located at the site of the company’s North Appleton Substation on French Road in the Town of Freedom, and a 345,000-volt and a 138,000-volt line between the North Appleton and Morgan substations.

“Using feedback received from the public at open houses last year, along with computer modeling and other data and analysis, we have determined that the best location for the new substation facilities is at our North Appleton site,” explained David Hovde, ATC local relations consultant. “Similar information was used to identify route options for the transmission lines.”

Landowners whose property may be affected by the lines are being notified, and open houses are scheduled to talk with property owners and other interested parties about the proposals. Open houses will run from 1 to 7 p.m. on the following days and locations:

Wednesday, May 8                          Thursday, May 9
Oconto Falls Senior Center                 The Colonial House Supper Club
512 Caldwell Ave.                               N4330 County Road E      
Oconto Falls, Wis.                             Freedom, Wis.

ATC intends to file an application with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin for the facilities in early 2014.

The Bay Lake Project also includes a new 138,000-volt line in Michigan, from the Holmes Substation in Menominee County to a substation in Escanaba. An open house for that project is scheduled for June. 

More project information, including an interactive map, is available on the project website, www.BayLakeProject.com, and a toll-free landowner hotline also has been established for the project: 855-831-5853.

ATC contracted the services of Chemair Helicopters of Jefferson, Wis., to patrol the transmission system, which covers portions of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois. The patrols are expected to be completed by the end of April, weather permitting.

Crews will inspect the lines by flying approximately 10 feet above the wires, and they will avoid flying over livestock where possible. Schedules may vary due to weather, but crews are expected to be in the following areas this month:

• Early April: Southeast Wisconsin; Appleton and Green Bay areas
• Mid-April: Central Wisconsin, southwest Wisconsin and Dane County
• Late April: Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

ATC conducts helicopter patrols two or three times a year to detect potential problems that can be corrected to avoid unplanned power outages. Aerial inspections allow crews to reach secluded or difficult-to-reach lines and identify potential problems such as damaged lines or insulators, or tree limbs that could fall, damage equipment and cause power outages. Many of ATC’s 9,440 miles of transmission lines are located in relatively remote areas of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and it is difficult and time consuming for crews to reach these areas by vehicle or on foot.

Note to editors: A map showing the locations ATC’s transmission facilities is available at www.atcllc.com.

 PEWAUKEE, Wis. – Lori Lorenz has joined the leadership team at American Transmission Co. as director, human resources.

 Lorenz brings a wealth of human resources expertise to ATC; she most recently was vice president, human resources at Aurora Health Care in Milwaukee. Prior to that, she held leadership roles in human resources at Robert W. Baird & Co. While at Baird, the organization achieved Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” recognition for nine consecutive years.

 A UW-Whitewater graduate, Lorenz holds certifications as Senior Professional in Human Resources, Global Professional in Human Resources and Certified Compensation Professional. She is highly involved in various professional organizations and serves on the personnel committee of the Roger’s Memorial Hospital board of directors, on the steering committee of the Business Health Care Group and is a board member of Carmen High School of Science & Technology in Milwaukee. She volunteers with Junior Achievement, St. Anthony’s on the Lake Catholic Church and Arrowhead School District. Lorenz was recognized in 2008 as one of The Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” list of young business and community leaders in the Milwaukee metro area.

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. on Wednesday received a final written order from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin authorizing construction of two new 138-kilovolt transmission lines needed to improve electric system reliability in western Milwaukee County.

The approved project involves construction of two transmission lines and a new substation planned by We Energies near Watertown Plank Road and 93rd Street, adjacent to the existing We Energies Milwaukee County power plant and substation. Approximately 90 percent of the ordered routes is on municipal or public property and less than 10 percent is on private or commercial property.

The new substation and transmission lines are needed to respond to the area’s growing electric needs and the critical nature of the Level 1 adult and pediatric trauma centers located within the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center complex. The medical center calls for a higher level of electric service reliability, one that includes a backup source for electricity in the event one of the two lines experiences an outage.

The project was announced to the public in October 2010. ATC held three open houses and company representatives attended more than 150 meetings to gather feedback and comments from area landowners, businesses, community organizations and local officials. ATC in February 2012 filed an application with the PSC to construct the project.  “We appreciate the efforts taken by the public to ensure their voices were heard by the Commission,” said Mary Carpenter, ATC local relations consultant. “We will continue to keep the public informed throughout the coming stages of the project.”

Construction of the line is planned to start in summer 2014, and the line is expected to be in service in spring 2015. The PSC-approved cost for ATC’s portion of the project is approximately $22.7 million.

Note to editors: A map and additional information about the project is available at www.atc-projects.com.

MADISON, Wis. —American Transmission Co. has energized the completed 32-mile, 345-kilovolt Rockdale-West Middleton Transmission Line.

The project was first introduced to the public in 2004, kicking off with a comprehensive outreach effort which included 22 public meetings attended by 3,300 people over three years. More than 2,600 written comments were submitted by stakeholders and included in the company’s application to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.

Much of the stakeholder input centered around environmental and visual impacts along the proposed routes. In 2009, after nearly two years of regulatory review, the PSC ordered a portion of the line to be built along the environmentally sensitive, highly visible and heavily travelled Beltline Highway in Madison, Wis.

Brian Fischer, Rockdale-West Middleton project manager, pointed to the company’s coordinated performance on multiple fronts during the past four years of planning, design and construction as evidence of the project’s success. “Our project team’s practice of collaboration and taking into account all factors—rather than considering each area or stage separately—resulted in unique solutions that saved time, money and minimized environmental impacts,” said Fischer.

• Schedule: Construction and energization was completed four months ahead of schedule
• Budget: Project came in 30 percent under the budget set by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
• Construction innovation: Helicopter structure setting and helical pier foundations in the Yahara Wetlands
• Maximizing right-of-way and minimizing aesthetic impacts: Used five different pole types and a variety of conductor configurations in order to “thread the needle” through a congested urban area
• Collaboration: Worked with nine municipalities and 179 landowners—reaching easement agreements with 97 percent of the landowner
• Protecting the environment:
• 30 waterways and 5.6 miles of wetlands crossed and only 0.054 acre of wetlands lost
• 5 miles of mats used to preserve wetlands and protect agricultural lands
• Excellent compliance, with no environmental violations or fines
• More efficient line eliminates 34,000 to 140,000 metric tons of carbon emissions each year from coal plants not having to operate

Fischer noted several other factors in the project’s success. “We received outstanding support from local officials, and state regulators worked with us in a cooperative manner to ensure that their concerns were addressed effectively. Madison Gas & Electric and Alliant Energy also gave us excellent support in coordinating and scheduling the electric system outages that were needed during construction.”

The line can carry 1,267 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 239,000 homes.

“I extend my sincere thanks to those involved with the project,” said Fischer. “We had many partners in this project, and all of them deserve credit for our success.” In addition to Madison Gas & Electric and Alliant Energy, several contractors worked on the project, including:

• Construction: MJ Electric, Tri-State Drilling, Inc.
• DOT Coordination: Ayres Associates
• Engineering: Sargent & Lundy, GEI Consultants, Power Engineers
• Environmental monitoring: Stantec
• Helical pier foundations: Helical Pier Systems Ltd.
• Helicopter: Air 2, LLC; Erickson Air-Crane, Inc.
• Real estate: Land Service Company
• Restoration/traffic signage: Q3 Contracting
• Surveying: AECOM Technology Corporation
• Vegetation management: Asplundh Tree Expert Co.

 Additional information, including final route map and a video of work in the Yahara Wetlands, is available at www.RockdaleWestMiddleton.com.

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. is seeking approval from state regulators for a project to improve electric system reliability by rebuilding 58 miles of existing 138-kilovolt transmission lines in portions of four southeastern Wisconsin counties: Waukesha, Jefferson, Dodge and Washington.

ATC this week filed the required regulatory application for a Certificate of Authority with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. Permits also are needed from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

The reconstruction is needed to replace aging equipment that is approaching the end of its lifespan. The rebuilt line will help meet current and future electricity loads, and support the safe and reliable operation of the electric system.

Work on the project includes replacing the majority of the structures along the entire 58 mile route. No new right-of-way is needed. New conductors and fiber optic wires will be installed on 35 miles of the line; new structures on the remaining 23 miles will carry existing conductors, which will be transferred from the old structures to the new ones.

ATC anticipates regulatory approval in spring 2013 and the start of construction in fall 2014. The estimated cost of the project is $64 million and the targeted in-service date is spring 2017.

Additional information is available at www.atc-projects.com.

DE PERE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. has modified the scope of its Bay Lake Project – a proposed collection of transmission lines and substations to enhance reliability in northeastern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

“As we noted when announcing the project in spring 2012, there’s a delicate balance among transmission, generation and electric load in the region. Now, a year later, that balance continues to shift,” explained David Hovde, ATC’s local relations representative for the project. “The industry also is transitioning to more region-wide transmission planning, with the regional operator, MISO, playing a larger role. These issues have required further study; consequently, we are deferring some work in northern Wisconsin and making revisions to the project in Michigan.”

Specifically, work is being deferred on the proposed 345-kilovolt line between the Morgan Substation in Oconto County, Wis., and the Plains Substation near Quinnesec, Mich. MISO is undertaking a Northern Area Study, which is reviewing long-range transmission needs in Manitoba, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. 

Additionally, feedback from industry stakeholders and further analysis of evolving reliability standards indicates that a single-circuit 138-kV line between the Holmes Substation in Menominee County, Mich., and the Escanaba area will be adequate for the foreseeable future. This will require substantial review of the routing and siting work done last year to identify opportunities to co-locate the new circuit with existing 69-kV facilities. This also may bring additional stakeholders into the process. An open house to present two routes for the new line will be held in the area in June 2013.

No changes have been made to the proposal between the Green Bay area and the Morgan Substation. Open houses will be conducted in May 2013 to present the location of a new Green Bay-area substation and two routes for a 345-kV line and a 138-kV line.

Additional information is available at www.BayLakeProject.com

 PEWAUKEE, Wis. – Eric Myers has joined American Transmission Co. as manager of business development, working to expand electric transmission opportunities beyond ATC’s primary service territory in Wisconsin and Michigan.

 Myers most recently served as director of energy and environmental policy at Duke Energy in Charlotte, N.C., responsible for federal water and natural resources policies impacting the electric power industry. He also served as a senior analyst in the commercial fuels division of Cinergy, based in Cincinnati, as a member of the company’s leadership development program. Myers began his career in the utility industry at the Edison Electric Institute working in energy and environmental policy, and served as executive director of a coalition of telecommunications and energy companies. During college, he held consecutive summer internships in the Wisconsin legislature and the U.S. Congress.

 Myers earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science and a Certificate in Environmental Studies from UW-Madison.  He holds an MBA from The George Washington University. He and his wife Sarah, who is a native of Elm Grove, will be relocating from North Carolina with their two children this summer.

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DE PERE, Wis. – The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has recognized American Transmission Co.’s environmental stewardship activities with one of its highest honors, the Clean Corporate Citizen designation.

Known as “C3,” it is a voluntary program that recognizes environmental stewardship at Michigan facilities. Candidates demonstrate facility-specific environmental management systems, active pollution prevention initiatives, and a consistent record of compliance with state and federal environmental requirements.

“Achieving and maintaining superior environmental performance has always been a top priority for our company,” explained Greg Levesque, ATC’s environmental manager. “We are committed to environmental leadership throughout our business, as evidenced by our participation in the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Green Tier Program. It is only natural that we would adhere to the same standards with our work in Michigan.”

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. is announcing the proposed Spring Valley-North Lake Geneva Electric Reliability Project with informational open houses in late January for residents and other stakeholders to review substation sites and potential routes for the proposed 25-mile, 138-kilovolt line from southern Walworth County to western Kenosha County. The new transmission line and substation are needed to improve electric system reliability in the area.

“This is the start of our public outreach on the proposed new electric infrastructure. The open house is an opportunity for area residents to learn about the project and review the various route options and substation sites currently under consideration,” said Mary Carpenter, local relations representative. “Public input and feedback helps us better evaluate the route options for challenges and sensitivities.” 

The electric transmission system in the area is vulnerable to low voltages and power outages and will no longer adequately support the lower-voltage distribution system. ATC studies indicate that the project would deliver benefits to the area by strengthening the electric transmission system to meet the growing use of electricity. This estimated $80.6 million project will provide system redundancy and allow for maintenance outages to equipment and facilities when repairs are needed.

ATC is hosting two open houses.

The public is invited to attend either of the following open houses any time between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.:

• Tuesday, Jan. 29, Hawks View Golf Club, 7377 Krueger Rd., Lake Geneva
• Wednesday, Jan. 30, Christ Lutheran Church, 24929 75^th St. (Hwy. 50), Paddock Lake

Following these open houses, ATC will narrow the potential route options and conduct additional open houses later this year before filing an application in 2014 with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin for permission to build the power line and substation. If approved by the PSC, construction would begin in 2016 to meet an in-service date of 2019.

Note to editors: A map and additional information about the Spring Valley-North Lake Geneva Electric Reliability Project is available at www.atc-projects.com.

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – Brian Drumm has joined American Transmission Co. as associate general counsel. An attorney licensed to practice law in Wisconsin, Michigan and Washington, D.C., he will be responsible for corporate and policy issues before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Prior to joining ATC, Drumm worked as expert attorney at DTE Energy Co., Detroit, Mich., where he was the sole in-house counsel for federal energy regulatory affairs. DTE is the largest utility company in Michigan and one of the largest utility companies in the country. He joined DTE after 10 years working for law firms in Milwaukee, Wis., and the Washington, D.C. area.

“Brian’s experience with issues before the FERC will bring additional expertise to the ATC legal team as we address the myriad issues facing the transmission industry,” said Catherine Heigel, executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary of ATC.

Drumm received his bachelor’s degree in political science and pre-law from Michigan State University and his law degree from Indiana University School of Law (Bloomington).

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. later this month will begin construction activities on a new 5.8-mile, 345-kilovolt electric transmission line that will strengthen the electric system in southeastern Wisconsin and northeastern Illinois. ATC received approval last May from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin and Illinois Commerce Commission to build the Pleasant Prairie-Zion Energy Center Transmission Line Project. The project also received approval from the Midwest Independent System Operator as a multi-value project for the economic benefits the line will provide to customers of local utilities.

The Pleasant Prairie-Zion Energy Center line establishes another important high-voltage interstate connection between Wisconsin and Illinois. The new line will relieve congestion on the existing transmission system in the area, allowing output from the most economic power plants in the region to supply electricity more of the time. 
 
“We are pleased to begin construction on this project,” said Mary Carpenter, ATC local relations representative. “We have been working on designing the line, developing construction access plans and obtaining the necessary easements and permits for construction.”

Construction activities beginning this month include vegetation removal and laying construction mats in some areas. In February crews will begin erecting steel poles and stringing wires beginning on the north end of the project in Pleasant Prairie and moving to the south to the Zion Energy Center. 

The line will largely follow the existing railroad right-of-way between the two end points. The project, estimated at $31 million, is anticipated to be completed and in service by August 2013.

Note to editors: A map and additional information about the project is available at www.atc-projects.com.

MADISON, Wis. – American Transmission Co. on Tuesday received approval from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to build the new Timberwolf Substation in the Town of Tomah and upgrade an approximately 17-mile, 161- and 69-kilovolt electric transmission line from the Monroe County Substation in the Town of Sparta to the Council Creek Substation in the City of Tomah.  

 “The current transmission system that serves the area is aging and susceptible to overloads and severe low voltages,” said ATC Project Manager Andy Schaeve. “Rebuilding the 69-kV line and adding a new 161-kV line will help strengthen electric reliability for the area. The new line also will provide economic savings by reducing line losses and increasing access to lower cost power.”

The project involves replacing the structures and wires of the existing 69-kV transmission line and adding a 161-kV circuit to the new steel structures. Transmission line work will generally be completed within the existing right-of-way area. To allow for flexibility on the 69-kV system, ATC also will build the new Timberwolf Substation approximately 1/2 mile south of Interstate 90 along Highway 131.

ATC in July 2010 filed an application with the PSC to construct the project. The estimated project cost is $48 million. The line is expected to be in-service in late 2014.

Note to editors: A map and additional information about the project is available at www.atc-projects.com.

 PEWAUKEE, Wis. – The announcement by Dominion Resources Inc. that the Kewaunee Power Station would close in spring 2013 is affecting plans for a proposed transmission line reinforcement project in eastern Wisconsin.

 “Our Barnhart-Branch River project was proposed, in part, to address transmission system limitations in Calumet, Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties,” explained Ron Snead, director of planning for American Transmission Co. The transmission limitations resulted in operating restrictions on both the Point Beach and Kewaunee nuclear generators.

 ATC introduced the project to the public in 2010 and recently filed an application for approval with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. “Given the significant impact the Kewaunee plant closing will have on the balance between electric demand, generation and transmission in eastern Wisconsin, we have decided to withdraw the application at this time,” said Snead.

 Preliminary analysis shows that the closure of the Kewaunee Power Station would alleviate some, but not all, of the issues addressed by ATC’s Barnhart-Branch River project. ATC’s planning staff will conduct additional analysis regarding transmission system reinforcements to determine specific solutions to support full operation of the Point Beach plant.

 MISO, the regional transmission operator, also will undertake a power grid reliability review prior to the plant’s closure.

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. is seeking approval from state regulators for a project to improve electric system reliability by reconfiguring the 345-kilovolt transmission grid in eastern Wisconsin.

A regulatory application for the proposed Barnhart-Branch River project, which includes two new substations and a new 345-kV transmission line, has been filed with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. Permits also are needed from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

ATC’s preferred alternative is to convert approximately 51 miles of 345-/138-kV double-circuit line in Calumet, Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties to a double-circuit 345-kV line. This alternative would require a new, approximately 18-mile 138-kV line in Sheboygan County to replace the current 138-kV facilities. The other alternative would be to build a new, 40-mile 345-kV line that essentially follows the Interstate 43 corridor in Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties. The preferred alternative maximizes the use of existing ATC facilities while minimizing new right-of-way requirements, associated environmental impacts and project cost. Estimated costs of the project range from $193 million to $262 million, depending on the project alternative, route and substation sites ordered by the PSC.

Additional information is available at www.atc-projects.com

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. is using helicopter crews to inspect its electric transmission system across four states through mid-November.

The crews, using Bell 206B Jet Ranger helicopters, are looking for equipment damage, right-of-way encroachments and vegetation issues throughout the system, which spans portions of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois. Identifying these issues can prevent future unplanned outages. The helicopters fly directly adjacent to and above the lines at a distance of approximately 25 feet and avoid flying over livestock where possible.

ATC crews have begun helicopter inspections in the northwest portion of the company’s system, starting in northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and will continue in a southwesterly direction through the service area during the next few weeks.

ATC inspects its 9,440 miles of transmission lines by helicopter two to three times a year to identify potential problems and reach the more secluded locales in the company’s service area that are difficult to access by land.

ATC is utilizing the services of Chemair Helicopters of Jefferson, Wis., for the inspections. The effort is expected to conclude before the annual opening of gun deer hunting season, as well as before the transition of fall to winter weather.

Note to editors: A map of ATC’s service area is available at www.atcllc.com.

877-506-6117

Brian Elwood  
Xcel Energy   
715-737-2565
brian.t.elwood@xcelenergy.com       

Five public open houses will be held in October

MADISON, Wis. – American Transmission Co. and Xcel Energy are continuing a multi-year public outreach process for the proposed Badger Coulee Transmission Line Project with the fourth in a series of public open houses presenting route options for the proposed 150- to 170-mile, 345-kilovolt line from north of the La Crosse area to northern Dane County.

Studies indicate that the project would deliver benefits toWisconsinand the Midwest region by improving electric system reliability, delivering economic benefits forWisconsinutilities and electricity consumers, and expanding infrastructure to support greater use of renewable energy. If the project is approved by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, the final project length and cost will be determined after a route is selected by the PSC.

ATC and Xcel Energy are hosting five informational open houses. There will be no formal presentation. The open house format allows attendees to drop in at any time and discuss many aspects of the project with ATC and Xcel Energy staff. There will be representatives from a variety of areas, including transmission planning, engineering, real estate, environmental, and construction.   

The public is invited to attend any of the following open houses. Open houses at all locations will be held from 1 to 7 p.m.

Oct. 23, Stoney Creek Inn andConferenceCenter, Onalaska
Oct. 24, Cashton Community Hall, Cashton
Oct. 25, Best Western Arrowhead Lodge & Suites, Black River Falls
Oct. 29, Anjero’s Sports Bar/Grill and Banquet Facility, Mauston
Oct. 30, WaunakeeVillageCenter, Waunakee

ATC and Xcel Energy plan to submit two routes to the PSC in early 2013. If the project is approved, the PSC will select one final route to be built.

Note to editors: A map and additional information about the project is available at www.BadgerCoulee.com.

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About the Badger Coulee project
The Badger Coulee project was announced to the public in July 2010. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in July 2012 interpreted a MISO regional transmission owners agreement to require equal ownership of the proposed Badger Coulee project. ATC and Xcel Energy are currently jointly developing the project pending FERC action on ATC’s request for FERC to reconsider the July 2012 order.   

About Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy is a major U.S. electricity and natural gas company, with retail operations in eight Western and Midwestern states, including Wisconsin. Xcel Energy provides a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity customers and 1.9 million natural gas customers through its regulated operating companies. Company headquarters are located in Minneapolis, and Wisconsin-Michigan operating company headquarters are located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. For more information about Xcel Energy visit www.xcelenergy.com.

 PEWAUKEE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. has developed plans to ensure future regional electric system reliability and access to economic energy over the next decade in its recently released 10-Year Transmission System Assessment.

 “The industry and its stakeholders continue to make progress in planning for transmission solutions that address regional reliability and economic needs,” explained Ron Snead, ATC’s director of system planning. “Our 10-year forecast calls for improvements and maintenance to our network, as well as projects that will strengthen the regional grid.” 

 The bulk of the expenditures includes nearly $2 billion in improvements and additions to ATC’s electric system; $1.1 billion in maintenance; and $0.8 billion in regional projects, the costs of which will be shared across the Upper Midwest.

 MISO, the regional transmission planning authority, late last year approved its first portfolio of projects whose costs will be shared among a broad base of electricity customers. Three of these Multi-Value Projects fall within ATC’s service territory: the Badger Coulee project from the La Crosse area to Madison in Wisconsin; the Pleasant Prairie-Zion Energy Center project, a five-mile link between Kenosha County, Wis. and northern Illinois; and the Cardinal Bluffs project from Madison, Wis., to Dubuque County, Iowa.

 The 10-Year Assessment, available online at www.ATC10YearPlan.com, also notes that new technologies will increasingly play a role in improving system operators’ ability to control the grid and integrate renewable resources. The summary report lists more than 70 projects across ATC’s service territory.

Pewaukee, Wis. – American Transmission Co. and Minnesota Power, a utility division of ALLETE (NYSE: ALE), have entered into a partnership agreement to study transmission development options to move Midwestern wind energy as well as Canadian hydroelectric power into Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan to help local utilities enhance reliability and meet renewable energy goals.

Separately, Minnesota Power plans to enhance its transmission infrastructure fromWinnipegtoMinnesota’sMesabiIronRange. Minnesota Power recently signed a 15-year agreement to purchase 250 megawatts of hydroelectricity from Manitoba Hydro’s proposed 695-MW Keeyask Hydroelectric Plant in Northern Manitoba.

To further facilitate movement of this renewable energy, ATC and Minnesota Power are partnering to develop a proposed 50-mile, double-circuit 345-kilovolt transmission line from theMesabiIronRangeto the companies’ jointly owned Arrowhead Substation inDuluth,Minn., for service in approximately 2020. In addition, the partners are studying transmission options to strengthen regional electric system reliability and move clean energy from the Arrowhead Substation inDuluthintoWisconsinandMichigan. Total project cost, ownership shares and cost allocation still are to be determined.

John Flynn, ATC vice president of Strategic Planning and Business Development, said, “The transmission grid does not end at state lines or national borders. Strategic connections between clean energy generation and load centers within a given region can deliver the greatest reliability, economic and public policy benefits for utilities and electric consumers.”

ALLETE Chairman, President and CEO Alan R. Hodnik, said, “Transmission development is the vital link in connecting these abundant Canadian renewable energy resources to the Midwestern United States. We look forward to working with ATC on identifying and developing cost-effective solutions for the safe and reliable delivery of this power to Minnesota Power customers as well as other utilities in the region.”

ATC and Minnesota Power worked together on the 220-mile, 345-kV Arrowhead-Weston transmission line from Duluth, Minn., to Wausau, Wis., which was placed in service in 2008.

Kampling is president and chief operating officer of Alliant Energy. She joined Alliant as vice president of finance in 2005, after an extensive career with Exelon. She holds bachelor of arts degrees in economics and mechanical engineering from Swarthmore College, and a master of business administration degree in finance from the University of Chicago. Currently, she also serves as a member of the board of directors for Briggs & Stratton Corp. in Milwaukee.

Schriber is a former college professor, broadcasting executive and public utilities commissioner. He most recently was chair of the Ohio Public Utilities Commission, where he also chaired the Ohio Power Siting Board. He holds a Ph.D. in economics from Indiana University and a master’s degree in economics from Miami University. He also serves on the National Governors’ Association Electricity Task Force and the State of Ohio Security Task Force.

MADISON, Wis. – American Transmission Co. is continuing a multi-year public outreach process for the proposed Badger Coulee Transmission Line Project with the second in a series of informational open houses in late June for residents and other stakeholders to review potential corridors for the proposed 150-mile, 345-kilovolt line from north of La Crosse to northern Dane County.

“As a result of further study and stakeholder comments, we have identified potential corridors that may be suitable for a new transmission line and will continue to be examined,” said ATC Local Relations Manager Sarah Justus.

Studies indicate that the approximately $425 million project would deliver benefits to Wisconsin and the Midwest region by improving electric system reliability, delivering economic benefits for Wisconsin utilities and electric consumers, and expanding infrastructure to support greater use of renewable energy.

“Since the fall 2010 open houses, ATC has expanded its original study area north of La Crosse to provide the flexibility that may be needed to connect to the CapX2020 Hampton-Rochester-La Crosse transmission line project as currently proposed,” said ATC Major Projects Siting Consultant Pete Holtz. “We have identified five potential new substation areas where the Badger Coulee Transmission Line Project could make a single connection to the CapX2020 project north of La Crosse.”

ATC is hosting eight open houses throughout the project study area to gather feedback on potential corridors and provide stakeholders with more information about the project.

The public is invited to attend any of the following open houses:

• June 20, Stoney Creek Inn and Conference Center, Onalaska
• June 21, Club 16, Sparta
• June 22, Cashton Community Hall, Cashton
• June 23, Wilderness Glacier Canyon Conference Center, Wisconsin Dells
• June 27, Ettrick Community Center, Ettrick
• June 28, Three Bears Lodge, Warrens
• June 29, Mauston Grayside Elementary, Mauston
• June 30, Waunakee Middle School, Waunakee

Open houses at all locations run from 1 to 7 p.m.

ATC will hold two more rounds of open houses over the next two years to gather public input and narrow potential routes before filing an application to build the line with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, anticipated in 2013. If approved by the PSC, construction of the new line would begin in 2016 to meet an in-service date of 2018.

“We invite everyone who could be affected by the project to attend an open house and get involved,” said Justus.

Note to editors: A map and additional information about the Badger Coulee Transmission Line Project is available at www.BadgerCoulee.com.

DE PERE, Wis. – Local residents and officials are invited to attend an informational open house to learn about an electric reliability project for the Escanaba area proposed by American Transmission Co.

“The transmission system that currently serves the Escanaba area is frequently overloaded and the lines are so critical that it is difficult to take components out of service for maintenance,” explains David Hovde, ATC local relations consultant. “We are proposing a new line and substation to improve reliability for the area.”

The project is in its early stages – no potential routes or substation locations have been determined. ATC has identified a study area within which to locate the facilities. The open house is designed to gather feedback from the local community to help make those decisions.

The open house will be from 2 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 7, at Bay College in rooms JHUC 958 and 962. No formal presentation is planned; guests should drop in as their schedules allow. Company representatives will be available to discuss planning, routing, siting, design, construction and real estate issues.

A map of the study area and more information about the project, known as the Chandler-18th Road Electric Reliability Project, is available at www.atc-projects.com.

The companies believe Duke-American Transmission Co. (DATC) is well-positioned to help address increasing demand for affordable, reliable transmission capacity in the United States and Canada. DATC has begun identifying opportunities to build, own and operate new transmission projects that meet potential customers’ capacity and voltage requirements.

DATC will own all of the transmission assets it builds and operates. Equity ownership of DATC will be split equally between Duke Energy and ATC.

The joint venture will operate as a transmission utility. As a result, it will be subject to the rules and regulations of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, MISO, PJM and various other independent system (grid) operators, as well as any states in which DATC develops projects. Per the structure of their new joint venture, Duke Energy and ATC may continue to develop transmission projects independently.

“Thoughtful, well-designed transmission projects afford customers, regulators and other key stakeholders superior flexibility as they determine which energy resources can help meet demand for electricity in the decades to come,” said Duke Energy Commercial Businesses Senior Vice President Phil Grigsby. “Duke Energy and ATC share the belief that sound transmission infrastructure can serve as a springboard for next-generation energy technologies.”

“This joint venture is an important step in advancing ATC’s strategy to grow outside our current service area,” said John Flynn, ATC vice president of Strategic Planning and Business Development. “We have been very successful in planning, permitting and building transmission in the Midwest. Through our partnership with Duke Energy, we will take our expertise to other parts of North America to develop transmission solutions that not only deliver reliable electricity, but also economic and public policy benefits.”

ATC contracted the services of Chemair Helicopters of Jefferson, Wis. Crews began patrolling the transmission system, which covers portions of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois, in Bell 206B Jet Ranger helicopters late March and are expected to continue through late April, weather permitting.

ATC conducts helicopter patrols two or three times a year to detect potential problems that can be corrected to avoid unplanned power outages. Aerial inspections allow crews to reach secluded or difficult-to-reach lines and identify potential problems such as damaged lines or insulators, or tree limbs that could fall, damage equipment and cause power outages. Many of ATC’s 9,440 miles of transmission lines are located in relatively remote areas of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and it is difficult and time consuming for crews to reach these areas by vehicle or on foot.

Crews will inspect the lines by flying approximately 10 feet above the wires, and they will avoid flying over livestock where possible. Schedule may vary due to weather.

Note to editors: A map showing the locations ATC’s transmission facilities is available at www.atcllc.com.

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – An informational open house on Wednesday, April 6, will provide area landowners and members of the public an opportunity to comment on American Transmission Co.’s proposal for a new 345,000-volt transmission line to be built from Pleasant Prairie, Wis., to Zion, Ill.

“The project would improve electric system performance in the region and deliver economic savings for Wisconsin utilities and their electric consumers,” said Mary Carpenter, local relations representative for ATC.

ATC staff will be on hand at the LakeView RecPlex between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6, to discuss with stakeholders the plans, including routes being considered for the transmission line.

“Because the distance between the Pleasant Prairie Substation and the Zion Energy Center is less than 6 miles, there are a limited number of corridors that would be suitable for a 345-kV transmission line,” said Carpenter.

ATC will continue public outreach before filing applications to build the line with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin and the Illinois Commerce Commission in late 2011. If approved by the PSCW and ICC, construction of the new line would begin in 2013 to meet an in-service date of 2014.

Note to editors: A map and additional information on the project is available at www.atcprojects.com.

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. will host a second open house on Thursday, March 10, at the Wauwatosa Civic Center to provide the public an opportunity to comment on preliminary route options for a proposed 138,000-volt transmission line to be located primarily in Wauwatosa. The project, announced in October 2010, involves the construction of a new We Energies substation adjacent to the existing Milwaukee County Substation and two transmission line connections to serve the new substation.

“Planning forecasts developed by We Energies’ show that additional power with a high level of reliability afforded by two connections to the area transmission grid is needed to serve local customers,” explains Mary Carpenter, local relations representative for ATC. “That is why we are proposing to build two transmission lines, each approximately two miles long, to connect to the new substation.”

Planning studies indicate that electric demand in the U.S. Highway 45 corridor in western Milwaukee County is expected to double as soon as 2016, and existing distribution substations and feeders that serve the area will not be adequate to meet anticipated future electric demand. “The new substation is needed to respond to the area’s growing electric needs,” says Andrew Gumm, We Energies manager of project siting. “In addition, the critical nature of the Level 1 adult and Level 1 pediatric trauma centers located within the Milwaukee Regional Medical Complex calls for a higher level of electric service reliability, one that includes a reserve source for electricity in the form of a second line in event that an alternate source is needed.”

ATC and We Energies staff will be on hand at the Wauwatosa Civic Center between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to discuss with stakeholders the plans, including preliminary route options being considered for the transmission lines.

“Since the first open house for the project last October, we have received valuable input from the public that, along with constructability and engineering considerations, has been used to evaluate potential corridors for the route,” says Carpenter. “We encourage the public to continue to provide us with feedback on the preliminary route options at this second of three open houses.”

ATC mailed open house invitations to potentially affected landowners and businesses. During the next year, ATC will narrow the preliminary route options to two before filing an application to build the lines with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in early 2012. If approved by the PSC, construction of the new line would begin in 2014 to meet an in-service date of 2015.

Note to editors: A map and additional information on the project is available at www.atcprojects.com.

DE PERE, Wis. – A project to reinforce the high-voltage electric transmission system in eastern Wisconsin will be introduced to local area residents at open houses in February.

American Transmission Co. is proposing to reinforce the 345-kilovolt grid in the region in response to changes being made at the Point Beach Nuclear Plant that include an increase in generating capacity. The 345-kilovolt, or 345-kV, system is the backbone of ATC’s network, used to transfer large amounts of electricity across long distances.

“The Barnhart-Branch River project will involve two new substations in Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties,” said David Hovde, local relations consultant for ATC. “In addition, we will need to either upgrade and replace some existing transmission lines in the area, or build a new, high-voltage line to connect the new substations. We are in the early stages in developing this project and look forward to talking with local residents and officials about our plans.”

Open houses are scheduled for:

• Tuesday, Feb. 22 at Cobblestone Creek Dining & Banquet Hall in Brillion,
• Wednesday, Feb. 23 at Altona Supper Club in New Holstein and
• Thursday, Feb. 24 at Amore in Plymouth.

All open houses will run from 1 to 7 p.m. No formal presentation is planned; interested parties should drop in as their schedule allows.

Note to editors: more information, including a project-area map, is available at our website: www.atcprojects.com

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. recently wrapped up reliability improvements to the electric transmission system that serves portions of Racine and Kenosha. Approximately $5 million was spent to install optical ground wire, modify structures, replace insulators and upgrade substation equipment. In addition, ATC is conducting vegetation management activities to remove incompatible vegetation in the project area to ensure the safety and reliability of the line. This work is expected to conclude in spring 2011.

Some of the components, including insulators and protective equipment on portions of the 138,000-volt transmission system, had been in service more than 70 years. “This type of equipment is built to last many decades, and it generally has performed well,” said project manager Mike Kamarainen. “But the deteriorating condition, including rust and corrosion, meant the time had come to replace and retire a number of components.”

According to Kamarainen, periodic outages have been a problem in recent years. “The completion of this project allows ATC to provide direct connectivity to its control centers and helps strengthen electric reliability in the Racine and Kenosha areas,” he added. “The vegetation work adds another level of safety and reliability to the system in the area.”

MADISON, Wis. – American Transmission Co. on Friday completed construction and placed in service a new four-mile, 69-kilovolt electric transmission line serving the Milton area. The line brings power to the new Rock Energy Cooperative substation built near the Milton Crossroads Business Park.

The line connects REC’s new Red Hawk Substation located near Milton Harmony Townline Road and County Highway M to the transmission grid that serves the area. “The new transmission line and substation will serve a growing need for reliable electric service in the region and will support continued growth of the Milton industrial park,” said Denny Schultz, director of utility operations at REC.

ATC and REC introduced the project and preliminary route corridors to the public in August 2009, identified the final route in January 2010, and began construction in August 2010. In total, contractors completed roughly 4,600 hours of injury-free work, and completed the project five days ahead of schedule. The final project cost was approximately $4 million, which is about $200,000 under budget.

“We appreciate the participation and cooperation of landowners, businesses and public officials in the area during the entire process,” says Jon Callaway, local relations representative for ATC. “We will continue to work with landowners and keep them informed of our activities as we complete restoration of the right-of-way this winter and next spring, and as we manage the vegetation along the line in the coming years.”

Note to editors: A map of the route is available on our website at www.atc-projects.com.

The process involves drilling a small 2- or 3-inch diameter hole, at depths up to 40 feet, periodically along the route to sample the soil and assess its makeup. The soil boring information is used to determine the exact placement of the structures, whether they will be placed in soil or rocks, and what provisions will be required to ensure the concrete foundations will adequately secure and stabilize the steel structures.

“Conducting soil boring is a necessary step in designing a transmission line of this type,” says Brian Fischer, ATC project manager. “We like to take advantage of frozen ground conditions when conducting this work in order to minimize environmental impacts.”

Soil boring will be completed by ATC subcontractor Subsurface Exploration Services, LLC at approximately 70 locations along the western half of the route. Most of the work will be completed within Wisconsin Department of Transportation right-of-way. While the 20-ton drilling truck used for the soil borings will be visible from the Beltline, no significant traffic impacts are anticipated.

“Construction mats will be used to protect and level the ground at a handful of locations where the terrain is not level enough for safe operation of the drilling truck,” says Amy Lee, ATC environmental project manager. “ATC will also have environmental monitors on hand to supervise work in environmentally sensitive areas, and some areas will require the removal of minimal vegetation to allow crews to safely maneuver and operate the drill truck.”

Soil boring along the portion of the route that crosses the wetlands adjacent to the Yahara River was completed in January 2010 to take advantage of the opportunity to minimize environmental disturbances during the winter months. No additional borings in the Yahara wetlands are currently planned prior to the start of construction activities, which are planned to begin on the eastern half of the route in fall 2011. Construction of the 32-mile line is expected to be completed in 2013.

DE PERE, Wis. – Electric system reliability will be improved in the Wisconsin Northwoods with recent approval of the Clear Lake-Woodmin transmission line. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin authorized construction of the 7.2 mile line between the Clear Lake Substation southeast of Woodruff on Highway 47 and the proposed Woodmin Substation west of Highway 47 in the town of Arbor Vitae.

“We appreciate the involvement and participation of local officials and community residents as we worked to identify an appropriate project,” said Lee Meyerhofer, senior local relations representative for ATC. “We will continue to stay in touch with landowners and officials as we take our project into the construction phase.”

Construction of the $21 million project will begin in Fall 2011. Much of the new line will be built following an existing electric distribution line and road right-of-way. Only about seven acres of new right-of-way will be needed.

The project is needed to support the local distribution network. Wisconsin Public Service Corp., the local distribution utility, will build the Woodmin Substation.

More information on the project is available on the “projects” page of our web site, www.atcllc.com

Flynn most recently served in several key transmission leadership roles at American Electric Power in Columbus, Ohio, including managing director of Strategic Planning, Finance & Business Development for AEP Transmission, as well as president of Pioneer Transmission (a joint venture between AEP and Duke Energy), and executive vice president of Electric Transmission America (a joint venture between AEP and MidAmerican Holdings). Flynn’s 20-year career in the energy industry also includes financial, regulatory and policy responsibilities with Northeast Utilities, Progress Energy and Arthur Andersen.

“We are excited to add an experienced professional like John to our business development efforts,” said John Procario, chairman, president and chief executive officer of ATC. “John brings industry experience and the strong leadership skills needed to help position ATC for continual growth as the transmission company of choice throughout North America.”

Flynn graduated from Fairfield University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – An informational open house on Thursday, Oct. 21 at the Wauwatosa Civic Center will provide area landowners and members of the public an opportunity to comment on American Transmission Co.’s proposal for a new 138,000- volt transmission line to be located primarily in Wauwatosa.

“An approximately 2-mile transmission line is needed to connect to a new substation proposed by We Energies,” explains Mary Carpenter, local relations representative for ATC. “We Energies’ planning forecasts indicate that additional power is needed in the area to serve their local customers.”

According to We Energies’ planning studies, electric demand in the U.S Highway 45 corridor in western Milwaukee County is projected to double as soon as 2016-2018. “Studies also indicate that existing distribution substations and feeders that serve the area will not be adequate to meet anticipated future electric demand,” says Andrew Gumm, We Energies manager of project siting. “To respond to the area’s growing electric needs, we plan to build a new distribution substation adjacent to the existing Milwaukee County Substation and Milwaukee County Power Plant at 93rd Street and Watertown Plank Road.”

American Transmission Co. staff, along with representatives from We Energies, will be on hand at the Wauwatosa Civic Center between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 21, to discuss with stakeholders the plans, including preliminary corridors being considered for the power line.

“We look to the public, particularly people who may be impacted, to participate in the process by providing comments and input,” says Carpenter. “This first of three informal open houses is the best venue for people to learn about the project and to have a voice in shaping decisions about where the line will be located.”

ATC mailed open house invitations to potentially affected landowners and businesses. During the next year, ATC will narrow the potential routes before filing an application to build the line with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in early 2012. If approved by the PSCW, construction of the new line would begin in 2014 to meet an inservice date of 2015.

Note to editors: A map and additional information on the project is available at www.atcprojects.com

ATC contracted the services of Chemair Helicopters of Jefferson, Wis. Crews are patrolling the transmission system in Bell 206B Jet Ranger helicopters. Weather permitting, crews will follow the general timeline below to inspect lines within the ATC service territory:

• Mid-September – Upper Peninsula of Michigan and northern Wisconsin
• Late September, early October — northern and central Wisconsin
• November and December — southern Wisconsin

ATC conducts helicopter patrols two or three times a year to detect potential problems that can be corrected to avoid unplanned power outages. Many of ATC’s 9,400 miles of transmission lines are located in relatively remote areas of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and it is difficult and time consuming for crews to reach these areas by vehicle or on foot. Aerial inspections allow crews to reach secluded or difficult-to-reach lines and identify potential problems such as damaged lines or insulators, or tree limbs that could fall, damage equipment and cause power outages.

Crews will inspect the lines by flying approximately 10 feet above the wires, and they will avoid flying over livestock where possible. Schedule may vary due to weather and the need to work around the gun deer hunting season.

Note to editors: A map of the ATC service territory is available at www.atcllc.com

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. has issued its annual 10-Year Transmission System Assessment, calling for $3.4 billion in electric transmission system improvements in portions of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan through 2019.

“There is an increasing need for an expanded regional transmission system because of an emerging wholesale marketplace and federal and state policy changes,” explains Flora Flygt, director of strategic projects at ATC. “This year’s assessment not only addresses projects needed for system reliability, but also includes emerging projects that meet larger, regional needs based on economic benefits and public policy initiatives for renewable energy.”

ATC’s 2010 assessment of transmission system needs includes:

• $1.0 billion for transmission network upgrades,
• $1.7 billion in interconnection and asset renewal projects, replacements and other small network improvements and
• $0.7 billion in regional, multi-benefit projects.

Several regional planning initiatives undertaken by multiple stakeholders have identified common projects, including 345-kV lines between La Crosse and Madison, Wis., and Madison and Dubuque, Iowa. While still under study, ATC is beginning public outreach later this month on the Badger Coulee project, a proposed 150-mile 345-kV line between La Crosse and the greater Madison areas. Other emerging projects include new or upgraded 138- and 345-kV facilities to accommodate a generator upgrade at Point Beach Nuclear Plant and a potential six-mile, 345-kV line to alleviate congestion on transmission facilities in Kenosha County.

“Access to economic sources of generation continues to be an emphasis in our planning studies,” notes Paul Roehr, director of system planning. “The infrastructure improvements we have made in the last 10 years have eased constraints on our system and have allowed our customers access to lower-cost sources of electricity.”

When the Midwest wholesale market was established in 2005, the average locational marginal price within ATC’s footprint was $63.27 per megawatt hour, more than $10 higher than the average in neighboring market hubs. In 2009, the difference was only $1.27 per megawatt hour.

Since 2001, ATC has invested more than $2.2 billion to:

• upgrade more than 1,650 miles of transmission line,
• improve 140 electric substations and
• build 40 new transmission lines (530 miles).

ATC’s 10-Year Assessment is available online at www.atc10yearplan.com

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. is beginning a multi-year public outreach process for the proposed Badger Coulee Transmission Line Project with the first in a series of informational open houses for residents and other stakeholders in the 150-mile project study area in late September and early October.

Studies indicate that a 345-kilovolt transmission line from the La Crosse area to the greater Madison area would provide multiple benefits to the state of Wisconsin including improved electric system reliability, economic savings for utilities and energy consumers, and better access to renewable energy.

ATC is hosting eight open houses throughout the project study area to provide stakeholders with more information about the project and answer questions. The public is invited to attend any of the following open houses:

Monday, Sept. 27, Stoney Creek Inn, Onalaska
Tuesday, Sept. 28, Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church, Westby
Wednesday, Sept. 29, Kalahari Resort Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells
Thursday, Sept. 30, Sauk Prairie Community Center, Sauk City
Monday, Oct. 4, Hillsboro Fireman’s Community Center, Hillsboro
Tuesday, Oct. 5, Cranberry Country Lodge, Tomah
Wednesday, Oct. 6, Madison Marriott West Convention Center, Middleton
Thursday, Oct. 7, Grace Bible Church, Portage
Open houses at all locations run from 1 to 7 p.m.

“Before ATC seeks local or regulatory approval for a project, a comprehensive public involvement process takes place to gather input and feedback for a proposed transmission line,” said ATC Local Relations Manager Sarah Justus. “We invite everyone who could be impacted by the project to get involved. Successful planning and siting of transmission lines that bring power into your communities depends on local participation.” ATC will hold three more rounds of open houses over the next two years to gather public input and narrow potential routes before filing an application to build the line with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, anticipated in 2013. If approved by the PSC, construction of the new line would begin in 2016 to meet an in-service date of 2018.

Note to editors: A map and additional information on the Badger Coulee Transmission Line Project is available at www.BadgerCoulee.com

MADISON, Wis. – American Transmission Co. on Friday will begin construction activities on a new four-mile, 69-kilovolt electric transmission line to serve the Milton area. Construction activities will begin with vegetation clearing along the route in preparation for ATC to drill holes and set pole foundations beginning in September.

The new line is needed to bring power to a new substation that Rock Energy Cooperative is building near the Milton Crossroads Business Park. ATC and REC introduced the project and preliminary route corridors to the public in August 2009, and held two public open houses to gather input on possible routes before identifying the final route in January 2010. During the past several months ATC has been designing the line and acquiring easements from landowners along the route. The new Red Hawk Substation is currently under construction, and the entire project is planned to be complete and in service this winter.

“We have worked closely with landowners, businesses and public officials impacted by the route,” says Jon Callaway, local relations representative for ATC. “As we move forward with the construction activities, we will we continue to work with landowners to secure easements and keep them informed of our construction activities.”

The approximately $4.2 million line will connect an existing 69-kilovolt transmission line that runs parallel to Cty Hwy Y to a new Rock Energy Cooperative substation near the intersection of Harmony Milton Town Line Road and Cty Hwy M. The western part of the new line will be mostly on agricultural land; the remainder of the line will follow Town Line Road, the future site of the realigned Hwy 26 and Cty Hwy M.

Note to editors: A map of the route is available on our website at www.atc-projects.com

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. has filed an application with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to rebuild and upgrade an existing electric transmission line that connects the Monroe County Substation near Sparta and the Council Creek Substation near Tomah. ATC also will build a new substation as part of the project to improve electric system reliability.

“Rebuilding the existing line and adding an additional 161-kilovolt line will enhance electric reliability for the Sparta and Tomah communities,” said Charles Gonzales, senior local relations representative for ATC. “The new 161-kilovolt line will also provide economic savings by reducing line losses and providing access to lower-cost generation.”

Work on the 17-mile line, primarily along Highway 16, will involve replacing poles and wires on the existing 69-kV transmission line, adding a 161-kV circuit to the new steel poles and building the new Timberwolf Substation approximately one half-mile south of Interstate 90 along Highway 131.

ATC is coordinating with Dairyland Power Cooperative, Xcel Energy, Alliant Energy and Oakdale Electric Cooperative on the project. Construction of the approximately $36 million project will be completed within the area of the existing right-of-way and is expected to be in service mid-2013. For more information visit the PSC website at http://psc.wi.gov/ and enter Docket ID: 137-CE-158.

Note to editors: A map of the route is available at http://www.atc-projects.com/MCCC.shtml.

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – Following approximately two years of study and analysis, American Transmission Co. has determined that a 345-kilovolt transmission line from the La Crosse area to the greater Madison area would provide multiple benefits to the state of Wisconsin including improved electric system reliability, economic savings for utilities and energy consumers, and access to additional renewable energy. As it finalizes its evaluation of the multiple benefits of the project, ATC will begin the public outreach efforts on the proposed Badger Coulee Transmission Line and will host a series of open houses this fall with the public and other stakeholders in the 150-mile area from La Crosse to Madison to explore routing options for the new line.

“There are multiple benefit indicators that make the Badger Coulee Transmission Line Project a plus for Wisconsin residents and the Midwest,” says John Procario, ATC president, chairman and chief executive officer. “It’s an exciting new project because it demonstrates multiple benefits. Badger Coulee enhances electric system reliability; it provides direct energy cost savings to electricity users, and it supports the public’s desire for the greater use of renewable energy resources.”

The Badger Coulee Transmission Line will improve electric system reliability in western Wisconsin by providing increased regional electric transfer capability into Wisconsin and alleviating stability issues in the Upper Midwest. ATC’s studies also indicate that building a more efficient high-voltage line offsets the need for approximately $140 million in lower-voltage upgrades in western Wisconsin communities.

The economic benefits of the Badger Coulee Transmission Line include providing utilities with greater access to the wholesale electricity market by reducing energy congestion. A new 345-kV line in western Wisconsin will give utilities greater capability to buy and sell power within the Midwest when it’s economic to do so, and those savings can be passed on to electricity consumers. A 345-kV line also delivers electricity more efficiently than lower voltage or heavily loaded transmission lines and reduces line losses in the delivery of power.

ATC’s studies further indicate that the Badger Coulee Transmission Line will support the transfer of renewable energy into Wisconsin to help meet public policy goals in Wisconsin and the Midwest region. That’s consistent with several regional transmission studies in which ATC is participating with other utilities that identify this corridor as key to moving renewable energy.

Announcement of the proposed Badger Coulee Transmission Line kicks off an inclusive and exhaustive process of public involvement and regulatory review. Following public input on routes, ATC currently expects to file an application to build the line with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in 2013. If approved by the PSC, construction on the new line would begin in 2015 to meet an in-service date of 2018.

Note to editors: A map and additional information on the Badger Coulee Transmission Line Project is available at www.atc-projects.com

Phase One results of the Strategic Midwest Area Transmission (SMART) Study recommend three alternatives for further study based on a rigorous reliability assessment and stakeholder input. One alternative is primarily 765-kV extra-high voltage transmission, another includes 765-kV combined with limited use of highvoltage direct current transmission lines, while the third constitutes a combination of both 345-kV and 765-kV transmission lines. The three alternatives will be evaluated further during the second phase of the study, scheduled for completion during the third quarter of 2010. The Phase One report can be downloaded at www.smartstudy.biz.

The sponsors retained Quanta Technology LLC to evaluate extra-high voltage transmission alternatives and provide recommendations for new transmission development in the Upper Midwest. In Phase One, Quanta evaluated eight transmission alternatives designed to support the integration of 56.8 gigawatts of nameplate wind generation within the study area including North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. This translates into enough energy to power more than 15 million households. Quanta assessed and compared transmission alternatives including conducting an economic analysis quantifying the impact and economic benefits of several transmission options.

“Our participation in this and other regional studies is key to ensuring the continued reliability of the electric system grid while also achieving the public policy goals for the integration of greater amounts of renewable energy,” says John Procario, president, chairman and CEO of ATC. “Our approach to transmission planning has increasingly focused on regional issues and benefits. While we continue to analyze the need for improvements on the system within our footprint, we recognize a need to look more broadly across the region. Many regional planning collaborations continue with multiple stakeholders, including utilities, regulators, policy makers, large energy users and others. As these efforts mature, more large-scale infrastructure improvements are being studied to address the needs of the regional marketplace.”

The SMART Study’s goal is to develop a 20-year transmission plan that ensures reliable electricity transport, provides an efficient transmission system to integrate new generators and foster efficient markets, minimizes environmental impacts, and supports state and national energy policies.

MADISON, Wis. – American Transmission Co. put into service a critical reinforcement to the electric transmission network serving southern Dane and northern Green counties today. The project included building the new Oak Ridge Substation in Fitchburg and constructing approximately six miles of new 138-kilovolt transmission line to connect the new substation to an existing substation in Verona.

“This new infrastructure is providing much needed reinforcement to the transmission system serving the area,” says Charlie Gonzales, ATC local relations representative. “The new line can better accommodate electric load growth in the community, and it creates an alternate path for electricity to flow in the event of an outage on another portion of the network.”

The project was introduced to the public in 2005, approved by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in January 2008 and construction began in summer 2008. Construction of the new substation was completed in May 2009, two months ahead of schedule, and the overall project costs will come in under the PSC-approved amount at $18.8 million.

Although construction is completed and the line is in service, some work remains. ATC continues to complete restoration along the right-of-way. “We take great measures to minimize the impact of construction,” says Gonzales. “We want area residents to know we are committed to restoring the corridor.”

“We appreciate the involvement and cooperation of the residents as we worked through the siting and construction of this line,” says Mark Sanzenbacher, ATC project manager.

Note to editors: A map and additional information on the Fitchburg-Verona project is available at www.atc-projects.com

As chief strategic officer, Landgren’s responsibilities include planning, federal and regional relations and policy, customer relations and interconnection services. Those functions now will report to other members of the executive team, with Landgren helping make the transition through the remainder of the year.

“As one of the company’s founding executives, Dale played an important role in the development and growth of ATC,” said John Procario, president and chief executive officer. “He guided our strategic planning process, identifying projects and policies that built out our legacy networks into a more robust system, helping the company grow from $550 million in assets to $2.75 billion today.”

Well-respected in the electric transmission industry, Landgren was a significant player in the establishment of the Midwest Independent System Operator. He served on the Management Council of the Midwest ISO from 1996 to 1998 and chaired the Transmission Owners Group from 2000-2002. Landgren has continued to play an important role in the North American Electric Reliability Corp., currently serving as chair of the Midwest Reliability Organization Board and serving on the NERC Member Representative Committee.

Prior to helping establish ATC in 2000, Landgren had a 27-year career at Wisconsin Electric Power Co. (now We Energies), where he was named an officer in 1997.

Landgren earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering at Marquette University and a master’s degree in economics from the University of Chicago.

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. plans to rebuild and upgrade an existing electric transmission line that connects the Monroe County Substation near Sparta and the Council Creek Substation near Tomah. ATC also will build a new substation as part of the project to improve electric system reliability.

“Rebuilding this line, adding the new circuit and building the new substation will provide many benefits to the electric transmission system serving the Sparta and Tomah communities,” says Charles Gonzales, ATC local relations representative. “The line will improve electric system reliability, increase efficiency of the transmission system and provide economic savings due to the transmission system’s ability to access lower-cost generation when it’s economic for the local utility to do so and move it into the area.”

The existing transmission system that serves the area is approximately 40 years old and is susceptible to overloads and severe low voltages. Work on the 17-mile line, primarily along Highway 16, will involve replacing the poles and wires on the existing 69-kilovolt transmission line, adding a 161-kV circuit to the new steel poles and building the new Timberwolf Substation approximately one half-mile mile south of Interstate 90 along Highway 131.

ATC is coordinating with Dairyland Power Cooperative, Xcel Energy, Alliant Energy and Oakdale Electric Cooperative on the project. Construction of the approximately $36 million project will be completed within the area of the existing right-of-way and is expected to be in service mid-2013.

ATC is conducting an open house to provide more information about the proposed project and answer questions. The public is invited to drop in at the open house on Tuesday, June 8, between 4 and 7 p.m. at Ambassador Baptist Church, 15623 Highway 16, located 6 miles east of Sparta and 10 miles west of Tomah. No formal presentation is planned.

Note to editor: A map of the route is available on our Web site at http://www.atc-projects.com/MCCC.shtml.

DE PERE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. has captured a Business Friend of the Environment Award from the Wisconsin Environmental Working Group, an affiliate of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce.

The company was recognized for its “willingness to go beyond the regulatory requirements by seeking out and implementing a cost-effective, environmentally conscientious method for protecting the Bear Creek Marsh” near Stevens Point during a recent power line construction project. ATC worked closely with several vendors to develop an engineered “air bridge” system of construction mats to protect a massive wetland complex from heavy construction equipment. The air bridge had engineered, certified load ratings and essentially floated on the vegetative layer, rising and falling with water levels. Impacts to the wetland were minimal.

“We are pleased to be recognized for our stewardship,” said Franc Fennessy, director of land management and stakeholder affairs. “We are committed to environmental leadership in all aspects of our business, as evidenced by our participation in the Department of Natural Resource’s Green Tier program, as well as policies and actions that guide our construction projects, such as the one that crossed the Bear Creek Marsh.”

2010 marks the 21st year that the Wisconsin Environmental Working Group has recognized programs that “demonstrate an innovative approach to environmental protection, or a level of effort beyond that which is required by regulatory compliance.

Jett most recently served as director of regional transmission organization activities for Duke Energy. Jett worked at Cinergy for 19 years prior to the company’s merger with Duke Energy in 2006. During his tenure at Cinergy, Jett held numerous leadership roles in system operations, operations engineering, regional coordination and planning, regulatory and legislative strategy, federal regulatory policy, and control area operations.

Jett currently serves as chair of the Midwest ISO Steering Committee and vice chair of the Midwest ISO Advisory Committee. He previously served as chair of the Midwest ISO Transmission Owners’ Committee in 2007 and 2008.

“We are excited to add an experienced professional like Paul to our new Business Development team as we expand our business,” said John Procario, president, chief executive officer and chairman of ATC. “Paul brings business and industry experience and the strong leadership skills needed to help position ATC for continual growth as the premier transmission utility in the United States.”

Jett earned a bachelor’s of science degree in electrical engineering technology from the University of Cincinnati and a master’s degree in business administration from Thomas More College.

DE PERE, Wis. – A proposed 115,000-volt electric transmission line proposed by American Transmission Co. is under review by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. The line would run seven or eight miles from the Clear Lake Substation on Highway 47 to a new substation to be built by Wisconsin Public Service Corp. along Arnett Road west of Woodruff.

“The WPS distribution system that serves electricity customers in the area is located at the northwestern end of the portion of the transmission system known as the ‘Rhinelander Loop,’” explains Lee Meyerhofer, senior local relations representative for ATC. “The distribution system needs additional transmission support to maintain local reliability.”

ATC introduced the project in late 2008 and worked with area residents and local officials to identify route alternatives. If approved, the PSCW will determine the route the new line would follow. The regulatory review includes opportunities for interested parties to provide comments on the project.

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. has entered into two agreements with the United States Department of Energy, accepting investment grants totaling $12.7 million to invest in smart grid technologies to be incorporated into ATC’s transmission system.

The DOE in October notified ATC that two of its applications for smart grid investment grants were selected for smart grid grant awards. The grants to ATC are among 100 made nationwide – totaling $3.4 billion – by the DOE to advance smart grid technologies.

One of the grants will be used to equip ATC substations with phasor measurement units, a new technology for monitoring the status of the grid in real time. PMUs are considered one of the most important measuring devices for the future of power systems because they provide a wider, more integrated and time-synchronized view of the system as a whole. ATC installed a limited number of the PMU devices on its system last year and evaluated their performance with a positive result. A $1.3 million grant will help ATC equip remaining substations in its footprint with the smart technology.

A second $11.4 million grant will assist in extending the use of fiber optic cable to enhance communications between ATC’s substations and its system operations centers. ATC has installed optical ground wire on a number of recent transmission construction projects. The more widespread use of OPGW that will be fostered by the grant will provide ATC with a more secure and reliable data network infrastructure. The OPGW also provides a means to transmit information from the PMUs back to the operations centers for use in system analysis.

“We are pleased to enter into these agreements and take part in the effort to more fully deploy smart grid technologies to enhance the operation of our transmission system,” said John Procario, ATC president and chief executive officer. “These projects will help improve our ability to monitor the grid and enhance the reliability of the transmission infrastructure needed to help keep the lights on.”

ATC has three years to spend the grant money. Projects are currently in the detail design phase and construction will continue into early 2013.

DE PERE, Wis. – The last section of a rebuilt electric transmission line between Conover, Wis., and Quinnesec, Mich. has been placed into service.

“Upgrading this 74-mile line from 69,000 volts to 138,000 volts has helped reinforce the electric system in the entire region,” said Tom Schemm, construction project manager for American Transmission Co., owner and operator of the line. “These were some of the oldest facilities on our system, and the need for system improvements in this area was evident in the 1990s.”

ATC proposed the project in 2004; it was approved by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in 2006 at an authorized cost of $118 million. The project also included a new 16- mile,115-kilovolt line between Eagle River and Conover, which was placed in service in June 2008. Rebuilding the lines between Conover and Quinnesec began in 2009 and was completed more than two months ahead of schedule and about 12 percent under budget. The project also involved construction of two new substations and modifications or upgrades to six additional substations.

“These facilities essentially complete the interconnection of three previously weak areas – the 115-kilovolt system north of Wausau, the western Upper Peninsula and the Iron Mountain, Mich., area,” Schemm said. “That will increase overall reliability in the area and improve our ability to transfer power between northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.” The older facilities also were vulnerable to lightning strikes and outages.

“Collaboration with our contractors, vendors and suppliers, including MJ Electric Inc. and Black & Veatch Engineering, helped us squeeze some of the cost out of the project through strategic use of lay-down yards, redesign of poles and foundations and efficient use of labor,” Schemm said. “Lessons learned on this project will be incorporated in our future construction activities.”

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. has put into service a new, 35-mile highvoltage electric transmission line in south central Wisconsin that provides local electric utilities with improved access to the regional energy market to buy and sell electricity when it is economic to do so. The 345-kilovolt circuit was built on an existing transmission line right-of-way between the Rockdale Substation in the Town of Christiana in Dane County and the Paddock Substation located in the Town of Beloit in Rock County. The lines that extend south out of the Paddock Substation into Illinois create a path for importing power into Wisconsin.

“Completion of this project is a significant milestone,” said Flora Flygt, director of Transmission Planning. Paddock-Rockdale is the first transmission line project within the footprint of the Midwest Independent System Operator that was justified on economics. Until this project, transmission lines in the region have almost exclusively been built to enhance reliability of electric power in the area. Although improved reliability will be a by-product of the project, economics drove the decision to build.

Flygt said, “The primary benefit of this line is local electric distribution companies now have greater ability to participate in the wholesale electricity market.” She explains, “Wisconsin has fewer transmission line connections to other states compared with its neighboring states. This transmission congestion limits the ability of electric utilities to access the market to purchase lower-cost electricity when prices are lower and sell into the market when prices are higher. The economic benefits of enhanced access can be passed on to end-use customers. The Paddock- Rockdale project provides the needed transmission capacity for today’s energy marketplace, especially with the growing movement toward renewable energy.”

The Paddock-Rockdale project was completed ahead of schedule, and within the approved $133 million budget. Anticipated savings from the project are expected to more than pay for its development.

During construction of the line, ATC took careful consideration of the cost and the environment, using a helicopter for a portion of the work to expedite stringing wire and installing components. By accessing the line via helicopter, fewer timber mats were placed as temporary roads for construction equipment on the ground. As a result, soil disturbance was minimized, which makes restoration work following completion of construction easier and less costly. Restoration will continue throughout the spring and summer.

Note to editors: A map and additional information on the Paddock-Rockdale project is available at www.atc-projects.com

Banks served as manager of internal audit at ATC for four years where she also chaired the ethics committee. Most recently, Banks was an associate director of internal audit with Protiviti Inc., an internal audit and business risk consulting firm. She also held accounting and auditing positions at WH Brady, Northwestern Mutual and Arthur Andersen, and worked as a special agent with the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

Banks received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Wisconsin –Milwaukee. She is a certified public accountant and certified internal auditor.

MADISON, Wis. – Although the actual construction won’t begin until 2011, American Transmission Co. is starting preliminary field work this week for a new 32-mile, 345,000-volt electric transmission line through Dane County between the towns of Middleton and Christiana. The power line route along the Beltline Highway that was approved last summer by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin includes the placement of several transmission structures in the wetlands adjacent to the Yahara River.

Determining the exact placement, depth and design of structures requires an analysis of the conditions for supporting a 120-foot, steel transmission pole. This analysis, which is accomplished through soil borings, helps determine whether the structures will be placed in soil, rocks or moisture and what provisions will be required to ensure the concrete pole foundations are adequate to secure and stabilize the weight of the poles.

“Conducting soil boring is a fairly routine task on any power line construction project,” says Brian Fischer, ATC project manager. “But marshy wetland areas present additional challenges to ensure that we are minimizing disturbances to an environmentally sensitive area.”

For this reason, ATC’s contractors are conducting the work during the winter months using a specialized vehicle called a Marsh Buggy to access these wetlands where at least ten structures may be located. “This vehicle is designed to navigate marshy areas while minimizing impacts, and has been used successfully on similar projects in other areas of the country where environmental impacts had to be managed,” says Fischer.

The Marsh Buggy, which will be visible from the Beltline Highway, will carry the soil boring equipment and will remain on site for about two to four weeks beginning this week. The vehicle measures about 25 feet long and 14 feet wide, and may be frequently visible from the Beltline. “While visually the Marsh Buggy may appear intrusive, it’s the best piece of equipment available for the job and it’s the best time of year to perform this type of work in this particular area,” says Amy Lee, ATC environmental project manager. “In addition, ATC will have environmental staff on site monitoring this two-to-four week operation, which will also require the removal of some vegetation to allow crews to safely maneuver the vehicle and operate the soil boring equipment.”

In addition to the Marsh Buggy, a second smaller vehicle similar to an ATV, called an ARGO, will be used to transport crews and supplies to and from the Marsh Buggy.

Elsewhere on the 32-mile route, crews will be conducting soil borings in the coming months using standard vehicles and also performing environmental surveying, along with other activities in advance of the start of construction in 2011. Construction is expected to be completed in 2013.

Sanford joined ATC in December 2001 as one of its first staff attorneys, and was promoted to managing attorney in 2007. He has provided guidance to ATC’s management and operations on a wide range of business issues, concentrating on state and federal legal and regulatory matters. In his new role, he will be responsible for continuing to provide guidance to ATC’s general counsel and management and will manage the activities of legal department.

Sanford has extensive experience in the electric and gas industry representing a breadth of industry enterprises including natural gas pipelines, natural gas and electric distribution companies, and independent marketers. Prior to joining ATC, Sanford represented several large utilities including Questar Corp., Florida Power Corp. and Wisconsin Electric, as well as serving as deputy general counsel for the American Gas Association.

Sanford received both a bachelor’s degree in political science and law degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

DE PERE, Wis. – Representatives from American Transmission Co. will return to the community to discuss the proposed and alternate route options for a new, seven-mile power line in the Minocqua-Woodruff area. These are the routes that will be submitted to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin for approval. ATC is required to submit at lease two route alternatives.

“The proposed Clear Lake-Woodmin transmission line is needed because local electricity use continues to increase at about three to four percent each year, which is taxing the distribution system operated by Wisconsin Public Service Corp.,” explains Lee Meyerhofer, senior local relations representative for ATC. “A new line extending the transmission system from the Clear Lake Substation on Highway 47 near Mid Lake Road to a new substation proposed by WPS along Highway 47 near Arnett Road west of Woodruff appears to be the best solution for future reliability.”

ATC has conducted three previous open houses to solicit local feedback on siting the new line. “We appreciate the time and effort of local residents to participate in the development of this project,” Meyerhofer says.

Residents are invited to drop in at the open house on Jan. 27 at the Woodruff Town Hall, 1418 First Ave., between 1 and 3 pm or 5 and 7 pm. No formal presentation is planned.

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – After months of study and gathering input from area landowners and public officials, American Transmission Co. and Rock Energy Cooperative have identified a route for a new 69-killovolt electric transmission line to serve the Milton area.

The new ATC-owned electric transmission line will be approximately 4 miles long and will bring power to a new substation Rock Energy Cooperative plans to build near the Milton Industrial Park. “We are pleased to be moving forward with this project,” says Denny Schultz, representative of Rock Energy Cooperative. “This line will benefit the area greatly by meeting the growing need for reliable electric service in the area and by supporting the continued growth of the Milton Industrial Park.”

ATC introduced the preliminary route corridors to the public in August 2009 and held two public open houses to gather input on possible routes. “Throughout the past several months we have worked closely with landowners, businesses and public officials to identify a suitable route for this new line,” says Jon Callaway, senior local relations representative for ATC. “The participation of Milton-area citizens in this process has been invaluable in helping to identify the best route option, one that that offers reduced impacts on both the community and the environment.”

The next steps over the next several months, according to Callaway, involve pre-construction activities such as securing local permits, surveying, environmental and archeological review and soil testing. “In addition, we’ll be working with affected property owners to secure easements. We expect to begin construction of the power line next fall,” he adds.

The approximately $5.3 million line will connect an existing 69-kilovolt transmission line that runs parallel to County Highway Y to a new Rock Energy Cooperative substation near the intersection of Harmony Milton Town Line Road and County Highway M. The western part of the new line will be mostly on agricultural land; the remainder of the line will follow Town Line Road, the future site of the realigned Highway 26 and County Highway M.

Note to editor: A map of the route is available on our Web site at www.atc-projects.com.

Delgado was named CEO of ATC in late 1999 to form and lead the first multi-state transmission-only utility in the United States with assets in four states: Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois.

Since ATC became operational on Jan. 1, 2001, the company has grown from $500 million in assets to $2.5 billion today. Under Delgado’s leadership, ATC invested more than $2 billion in transmission infrastructure to improve electric system reliability and provide better access to power. The company has built and upgraded more than 1,800 miles of transmission lines including the 220-mile Arrowhead-Weston transmission line from Wausau, Wis., to Duluth, Minn. Overcoming considerable public opposition, ATC completed this project safely, within budget and ahead of schedule while delivering significant electrical, environmental and economic benefits to the region. For this project, ATC was recognized with the Edison Electric Institute’s 2009 Edison Award – considered the industry’s highest honor.

Delgado established a strong environmental ethic at ATC. In 2005, the company became the first utility in Wisconsin to receive the Green Tier designation from the Department of Natural Resources for demonstrating superior environmental performance. In 2009, the company’s new corporate headquarters was built with water reclamation, solar power and other sustainable features and aims at a gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) designation from the U.S. Green Building Council.

In assessing his career at the helm of ATC, Delgado said, “The transmission grid is in much better shape than when we started operations in 2001. That was one of the major reasons for our formation. We resolved the limitations affecting electric operations in our region, improving reliability and access, and delivering significant economic and environmental benefits, as well.”

He added, “On nearly 60 transmission line projects, ATC developed a reputation for communicating openly and treating the public fairly, and for our expertise in planning, siting and building transmission. Our employees have operated the system expertly as well. Now, John Procario and our staff are ready to take ATC to the next level.”

Prior to the formation of ATC, Delgado spent 27 years at Wisconsin Electric Power Co. (d.b.a. We Energies) starting as an electrical engineer and ending as vice president of Electric System Operations.

Delgado, a recognized leader in the electric industry, has served in numerous positions and organizations within the industry. He was the first chairman of the North American Electric Reliability Corp.’s Transmission Owners and Operators Forum. He has been co-chair of EEI’s CEO Reliability Committee and vice president of the Association of Edison Illuminating Companies. He also has served on the Industry Leaders Council of the Consortium for Electric Reliability Technology Solutions (the advisory board to the Department of Energy laboratories). He is a member of the Department of Energy’s Electric System Reliability Task Force.

Earlier, Delgado was president of MAIN, the former regional reliability council for eastern Wisconsin, Illinois and western Missouri, and a trustee of NERC, as well as other positions on committees within the utility industry.

He is an alumnus of Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

DE PERE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. has filed an application with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to build a new eight- or nine-mile power line from Sturgeon Bay to a substation along Dunn Road in the Town of Sevastopol.

“The new line is needed to address electric transmission reliability issues in the Sturgeon Bay, Egg Harbor and Sister Bay areas,” explains David Hovde, senior local relations representative for ATC. “The two 69,000-volt lines that currently serve Door County leave the area vulnerable to outages when either line is out of service for repair or maintenance.”

ATC plans to add a new, 138,000-volt circuit to reinforce the system. Two route alternatives are described in the regulatory application. The proposed route follows the existing transmission line corridor from the Canal Substation southeast of downtown Sturgeon Bay to the Dunn Road Substation. The alternate route also follows the existing line for about five miles, then follows a new corridor to the Dunn Road Substation. ATC is required by state law to submit two route alternatives; the PSCW selects the route if the project is approved.

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. recently signed contracts with two nationally recognized construction services firms for transmission line and substation work. Construction work will be divided evenly between Pennsylvania-based Henkels & McCoy, which will provide services primarily in ATC’s southern territory, and MJ Electric, a Quanta Services (NYSE: PWR) company, which will support projects in northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

“ATC has an ambitious plan that calls for $2.5 billion in infrastructure improvements over the next 10 years,” said Mike Rowe, ATC vice president for construction. “That is just within our footprint – a number of regional planning studies are underway to identify transmission infrastructure needs to help Midwestern states meet renewable energy portfolio requirements. We look forward to working with these demonstrated leaders in the energy construction industry to safely and reliably expand the transmission grid.”

Henkels & McCoy is a family-owned company in its third generation, recognized nationally as a premier provider of utilities services. “We are extremely enthusiastic about supporting ATC’s infrastructure improvement plans and its commitment to safety excellence and environmental awareness,” said Rod Henkels, Henkels & McCoy president and CEO. “We look forward to assisting ATC in meeting its objectives and satisfying the ongoing needs of its customers.”

MJ Electric, based in Iron Mountain, Mich., is part of Quanta Services, a nationwide leader of energy infrastructure solutions. The company recently concluded a long-term contract with ATC, which included work on more than 100 miles of transmission line projects in northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula. “We are eager to again work with ATC and contribute to the success of its aggressive transmission infrastructure enhancements,” said Steve Reiten, president of MJ Electric. “The long-term relationship between the two companies illustrates our shared goals of service to our customers and the delivery of safe, economic solutions that address the nation’s energy problems.”

Under the agreements, the two companies will provide all construction resources, including labor, equipment and management strategies, to safely and cost-effectively implement ATC’s construction plans.

One of ATC’s applications was for $1.3 million in funding to extend its use of phasor measurement units – a new technology for monitoring the status of the grid in real time. Earlier this year, ATC installed a limited number of the PMU devices on its system and evaluated their performance. The PMUs are considered one of the most important measuring devices of the future of power systems because they provide a wider, more integrated and time synchronized view of the system as a whole.

A second ATC application for $11.4 million was for funding to extend its use of fiber optics to improve communications between its electric substations and its system operations centers. ATC already has installed optical ground wire fiber on a number of its recent transmission construction projects. More widespread use of OPGW will provide ATC with a more secure and reliable data network infrastructure. The OPGW also provides a means to transmit information from the PMUs back to the operations centers.

“We are pleased that these two project applications were selected,” said John Procario, ATC president and chief executive officer. “The grants give us a means to proceed with these new technologies to improve our ability to monitor the grid and enhance the reliability of our infrastructure needed to help keep the lights on.”

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. has completed its annual electric transmission system assessment and has identified $2.5 billion in necessary improvements over the next 10 years. The total includes $1 billion for transmission network upgrades, along with $1.5 billion in interconnection and asset renewal projects, infrastructure replacements and relocations, and other smaller network reliability improvements. That is down from the 2008 10-year assessment of $2.7 billion, although the current forecast may change due to regional initiatives to build transmission infrastructure to support renewable generation.

“While ATC has made significant progress since beginning operation in 2001, we continue our process to assess and reassess the needs of our customers to determine and evolve, over time, the best set of transmission projects to meet those needs,” explained Flora Flygt, director of transmission planning at ATC. “Now, more than ever, we are committed to an open, collaborative process to select best-value projects that resolve multiple electric system issues over a broad region.”

The $1 billion investment in new transmission infrastructure includes:

• 131 miles of new transmission lines,
• upgrades to more than 399 miles of existing lines and
• 21 new transformers and 29 new capacitor banks.

The ATC report lists nine regional collaborative planning initiatives in which ATC is leading or participating, including the SMARTransmission Study to identify extra-high voltage transmission infrastructure needed to move wind power within a nine-state region from the Dakotas to Ohio, as well as the Regional Generator Outlet Study being conducted by the Midwest Independent System Operator.

“While our reliability performance data indicates that our system is performing well, we are including more detailed information in this year’s assessment to acknowledge how we manage the risk of aging infrastructure,” added Paul Roehr, ATC director of reliability and interconnections. Previous assessments have discussed near-term asset renewal efforts, but this year’s report provides more detail of potential projects through the full 10-year planning horizon. That work would include:

• maintenance on aging equipment,
• connections to power plants,
• infrastructure replacements and relocations,
• distribution interconnections and
• other smaller network reliability improvements.

Since 2001, ATC has invested $2.1 billion in its transmission system, including:

• upgrades to more than 1,400 miles of transmission line,
• improvements at130 electric substations and
• construction of 36 new transmission lines (476 miles).

These reliability projects have reduced energy losses on the system that equate to

• 15.3 million megawatt hours of electricity saved (enough to power 35,500 homes each year),
• 14.2 million tons of carbon-dioxide emissions eliminated (associated with producing lost energy) and
• averting the need for a 122-megawatt generating plant to serve peak demand.

ATC’s 10-year Assessment is available online at www.atc10yearplan.com

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – Seventeen miles of new 138,000-volt transmission line that improves the reliability of the high-voltage electric system in Jefferson County and eastern Dane County was placed into service Monday.

“This new infrastructure is providing much needed reinforcement to a transmission system that has had no significant improvements in the past 15 years,” says Mary Carpenter, ATC local relations representative. “The new line can better accommodate electric load growth in the community, and it creates an alternate path for electricity to flow in the event of an outage on another portion of the network.”

The line connects the Stony Brook Substation in Waterloo to the Jefferson Substation located outside the city of Jefferson.

“We appreciate the involvement and cooperation of the residents as we worked through the siting and construction issues on this line,” says Terry Henn, ATC project manager.

The project was introduced to the public in 2004, approved by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission in July 2006 and construction began in October 2008. Construction crews worked more than 40,000 hours over a one-year period with an exceptional safety record. The final project cost $30 million, $3.7 million less than the approved budget.

Note to editors: Visit www.atc-projects.com for additional project information and a map of the project area.

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – Representatives from American Transmission Co. and Rock Energy Cooperative will host an open house to discuss route options for a new power line to serve the Milton area. The open house is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 21, at The Gathering Place, 715 Campus St., Milton. No formal presentation is planned; residents can drop in between 4 and 7 p.m. to speak with ATC and Rock Energy staff.

“The transmission line will bring power to a new Rock Energy Substation that will serve a growing need for reliable electric service in the area and support the continued growth of the Milton Industrial Park,” says Denny Schultz, representative of Rock Energy Cooperative.

ATC presented initial potential route options to the public during an open house in August, and based on input received, revised the options to include a potential route along a railroad corridor in the City of Milton. During the past few months, ATC has been evaluating possible routes for the line, including both the preliminary corridors presented to the public in August and the railroad corridor.

“It is our practice to work closely with the public to identify route options that result in the best possible solution for the project,” explains Jon Callaway, local relations representative for ATC. “Sometimes suggestions we receive help identify new segments that may not have been included during the early planning stages, as is the case with this project.”

Invitations have been mailed to landowners and businesses along all potential routes, and other members of the public are also welcome to attend. The open house is aimed at gathering feedback from those that may be affected by the new line.

Note to editor: A map of the project area is available on our Web site at www.atc-projects.com.

DE PERE, Wis. – The last portion of a project that substantially improves the reliability of the high-voltage electric system in central and northeast Wisconsin was placed into service recently.

“Energizing the final leg of the Morgan-Werner West 345-kilovolt line completes a five-year effort to expand capacity and improve reliability in the area,” said Stan Tessmer, project manager for ATC. “We began talking with the public about the need for these two, 50+-mile lines in early 2004, received regulatory authorization in 2006 and started construction in fall of that year.” The project included a line from the Gardner Park Substation near Wausau to a new substation along Highway 22 north of Clintonville, and a line from the Morgan Substation in Oconto County to a new substation (Werner West) near New London. About 75 miles of the project (from New London to Clintonville to Wausau) was placed in service ahead of schedule in June.

“During the summer, the new facilities increased the transmission capability of our network across central Wisconsin, and allowed us to perform maintenance and upgrade work on other lines in the area in a timely and efficient manner,” explained Francis Esselman, manager of regional reliability for ATC. “We saw additional improvements on the system when the last portion of the project was energized last week. Energizing the last segment reduced overall electrical losses by about 14 megawatts – the equivalent of eight large wind turbines.”

Note to editors: A project fact sheet follows with additional information.

Rusch joined ATC in 2008. His 25 years of experience includes positions at Alliant Energy primarily in the areas of finance and treasury, and at Arthur Andersen & Co. as an auditor.

Rusch holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from the University of Wisconsin with an emphasis in accounting and finance. He also is a certified public accountant and chartered financial analyst.

Rusch is resident of Waunakee, Wis.

Garvin most recently served as vice president of regulatory affairs for NextEra Energy Resources, a subsidiary of FPL Group; he also served as senior attorney in the FPL Law Department. At NextEra, Garvin was responsible for developing strategy and directing state regulatory and legislative advocacy efforts in 26 states.

Prior to joining NextEra, Garvin served as a commissioner on the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. He was elected vice president of the Organization of MISO States. Garvin also served on the board of directors of the National Association of State Regulatory Commissioners and chaired its Nuclear Waste Subcommittee.

While on the PSC, Garvin was called to active duty and deployed as a staff judge advocate with the U.S. Army 3rd Corps Support Command, 40th Corps Support Group and returned from Iraq in September 2006.

Earlier in his career, Garvin was manager of legal and government affairs for Wisconsin Public Power Inc., and he was an associate attorney for Murphy and Desmond in Madison, Wis.

“We are delighted to have a talented professional like Bert join our executive team at an important stage in the company’s development,” said John Procario, president and chief executive officer. “Bert brings a breadth of legal, policy and regulatory experience, as well as the strong leadership skills needed to help move ATC forward.”

Garvin is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and received his law degree from the University of Wisconsin.

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – Representatives from American Transmission Co. and Rock Energy Cooperative will be on hand to discuss preliminary route options for a new power line to serve the Milton area.

“The proposed transmission line is needed to serve a growing need for reliable electric service in the area and to support continued growth of the Milton Industrial Park,” says Denny Schultz, representative of Rock Energy Cooperative. “The line will connect Rock Energy’s planned Red Hawk Substation near Milton Harmony Townline Road and County Highway M to the transmission grid that serves the area.”

ATC mailed invitations to potentially affected landowners and businesses and is conducting the open house to solicit local feedback on siting the new line.

“Participation by Milton-area citizens in this process will be key in helping to identify the best solution,” explains Jon Callaway, local relations representative for ATC.

Residents are invited to drop in at the open house on Wednesday, Aug. 26, between 4 and 7 p.m. at The Gathering Place, 715 Campus St., Milton. No formal presentation is planned.

Note to editor: A map of the project area is available on our Web site a www.atcprojects.com.

The sponsors have retained Quanta Technology LLC to evaluate extra-high voltage transmission alternatives and provide recommendations for new transmission development in the Upper Midwest, including North Dakota, South Dakota, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Quanta will conduct an analysis of transmission alternatives analyzing the impact and quantifying the economic benefits of several transmission options. The SMARTransmission Study is scheduled for completion in January 2010, and results will be shared with the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator and PJM Interconnection, the Regional Transmission Organizations operating in these states.

“The region under study has some of the richest renewable wind potential in the U.S.,” said John Procario, ATC president and chief executive officer. “Harvesting this Midwestern wind potential and bringing the resulting electric generation to market requires an upgrade to the transmission system in the heart of the nation. Studying the transmission options at the regional level is key to identifying the most economic options.”

Procario said, “The results of the SMARTransmission Study could further provide an input into the Upper Midwest Transmission Development Initiative and other studies – efforts we also support for determining the best options for transmission facilities to help states and the region meet renewable energy goals. And by participating in this and other studies, we can identify projects that will benefit all energy users in the Midwest.”

The outcome of the SMARTransmission Study in combination with other studies currently being performed by MISO will be used as input to the regional transmission planning processes and result in transmission projects being identified. Ultimately, RTOs and states must approve the scope and timing of any new transmission projects.

While the SMARTransmission Study will identify generally how new transmission facilities should interconnect with the existing system, it will not specifically identify any of the physical geographic routes.

The partners will provide opportunities for interested stakeholders to engage in the study.

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – After more than five years of planning and construction, American Transmission Co. earlier this month completed conversion of 30 miles of transmission lines in Rock and Walworth counties to 138,000 volts to strengthen the electric system that serves the growing area.

The line, which runs from the Rock River Substation in the town of Rock to the Elkhorn Substation in the City of Elkhorn, replaces the existing 69,000-volt transmission system that served Rock and Walworth counties for several decades, but is no longer adequate to accommodate recent and future expected growth.

Most segments of the line were constructed in existing rights-of-way, and the work consisted of modifying and replacing existing structures and wires along with upgrades at several substations. ATC worked on the project in phases, converting the voltage on the line as sections were completed over a period of five months.

The final phase of the project involves removing several miles of existing 69,000-volt transmission facilities west and north of the City of Delavan, and between the Bristol and Lake Geneva substations. Some segments will remain and will continue to carry lower-voltage distribution wires owned by Alliant Energy and We Energies. This remaining work will be completed in the coming months.

“This is a significant milestone in our plan to improve the transmission system serving the area,” says Mary Carpenter, ATC local relations representative. ”Residents and business owners in Rock and Walworth counties will benefit from reliable electricity now and for years to come.”

“We appreciate the involvement and cooperation of the residents in the two counties as we worked through the siting and construction issues on this line,” says Andy Schaeve, ATC project manager. “This project was completed safely, on time and within budget.”

Editors: Additional project information and maps are available at www.atc-projects.com

Hofbauer joined ATC as director of accounting operations in 2001 when the company was formed. In January 2007, he was promoted to corporate controller, overseeing all finance department activities including accounting, tax, financial reporting, budgeting, treasury and risk management. Hofbauer was named interim CFO in June 2009.

Prior to joining ATC, Hofbauer held various senior-level positions with Arthur Andersen, managing consulting engagements for the healthcare and products industries as well as state and local governments. Hofbauer also managed the corporate accounting function for Midway Airlines.

Hofbauer earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Chicago. He also is a certified public accountant.

“We are pleased to have Mike in this new role within our corporate leadership team,” said John Procario, president and chief executive officer. “He has demonstrated broad knowledge of the financial, operational and regulatory issues impacting ATC. Mike will be a strong addition to our executive team and will be critical in executing our growth strategy.”

Editors: Hofbauer photo attached

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – American Transmission Co., a proven leader in the planning, construction and operation of transmission infrastructure, has identified various new highvoltage transmission line projects that can help deliver renewable energy while also addressing reliability issues in the Midwest.

One potential project, an approximate 150-mile 345-kilovolt line between La Crosse and Madison in western Wisconsin, is anticipated to provide multiple benefits and address needs identified in other regional planning studies. ATC has begun coordinating with the Minnesota CapX2020 group, which is proposing a 345-kV line from Minneapolis/St. Paul into La Crosse that would need to connect to ATC’s transmission system at that point. ATC also is studying the benefits of a 345-kV line from Madison south to Dubuque, Iowa, and a 345-kV line from Wisconsin’s Fox River Valley (Green Bay and Appleton areas) north and south along Lake Michigan. ATC’s studies also will examine the viability of voltage levels at 765 kV.

Each of these projects could potentially help meet the Upper Midwest Transmission Development Initiative objective for interconnecting more renewable resources to help meet state, regional and national policy goals. UMTDI is the five-state group including Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota, which formed last year to identify how together they could meet their individual renewable energy goals and site and pay for the needed transmission infrastructure.

John Procario, ATC chief executive officer, said, “We’ve been studying the La Crosse –Madison line since last year, and it appears needed to move wind associated with UMTDI state renewable portfolio standards. But beyond that, La Crosse – Madison is showing economic benefits for ATC customers, and it further solves a number of regional and local reliability issues including in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area and western Wisconsin. And that’s why we are pursuing the development of this line further. We develop and examine best-value projects that resolve multiple system issues that also can help states and the region meet their policy goals.”

Procario said, “Within the next number of months, ATC will be actively engaged in public outreach on one or more of these projects. As has been our practice, this will be a stakeholder-driven process involving our customers, landowners, local officials and any others interested in engaging in the discussion about needs, routing and siting.”

ATC has been a participant in several regional planning groups to ensure the transmission system can deliver the energy needed to meet states’ renewable goals. In fact, UMTDI last week released maps showing that renewable energy zones to the west need a strong tie to Wisconsin to move the energy to market. “We applaud the work of the governors and regulatory bodies of the five UMTDI states in identifying renewable energy zones and laying the ground work for solving the difficult cost allocation issues associated with interstate transmission lines,” Procario said.

Other regional wind planning studies being conducted by the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator and recommendations from Wisconsin Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming also identify the need for reliable transmission infrastructure in Wisconsin to help meet climate change initiatives.

As such, ATC’s transmission planning studies are centered in three general areas in Wisconsin that are proving to be a gateway for moving wind power from North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa to load centers in Wisconsin as well as the Chicago area and other points to the east.

Since formed in 2001, ATC has invested more than $2 billion to build or upgrade 1,700 miles of transmission lines including the 220-mile interstate Arrowhead-Weston line, which runs from Wausau, Wis. to Duluth, Minn.

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – The Edison Electric Institute, the association of U.S. shareholder-owned electric companies, today awarded the industry’s highest honor, the Edison Award, to American Transmission Co. in recognition of its extraordinary work in completing the 220-mile Arrowhead-Weston transmission line ahead of schedule and within the approved budget.

“When construction of the Arrowhead-Weston line began in 2005, it was the largest transmission line project underway in the country,” said José Delgado, executive chairman of ATC. “The project initially faced considerable opposition, but we gradually earned the public’s trust to construct this vital piece of infrastructure.”

Construction on the project was completed – safely – seven months early and the line was put into service in January 2008, four months ahead of schedule. The project cost was $439 million, which was within the 5 percent contingency set by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. “Construction also was performed in an environmentally responsible manner,” Delgado said. “And we continue to monitor environmentally sensitive areas.”

In addition to providing increased reliability to the electric grid locally and regionally, the new line provides access to lower-cost electricity and improved capability to deliver it to customers. “We estimate savings of more than $5 million to electricity customers after the line’s first year of service,” Delgado said.

Note to editors: Additional information about the Arrowhead-Weston project is summarized in a Benefits Report available on: www.atcllc.com

DE PERE, Wis. – Representatives from American Transmission Co. will be on hand to discuss preliminary route options for a new, seven-mile power line in the Minocqua-Woodruff area.

“The proposed Clear Lake-Woodmin transmission line is needed because local electricity use continues to increase at about three to four percent each year, which is taxing the distribution system operated by Wisconsin Public Service Corp.,” explains Lee Meyerhofer, senior local relations representative for ATC. “A new line extending the transmission system from the Clear Lake Substation on Highway 47 near Mid Lake Road to a new substation proposed by WPS along Highway 47 near Arnett Road west of Woodruff appears to be the best solution for future reliability.”

ATC has conducted two previous open houses to solicit local feedback on siting the new line. “We appreciate the time and effort of local residents to participate in the development of this project,” Meyerhofer says.

Residents are invited to drop in at the open house on July 15 at the Woodruff Town Hall, 1418 First Ave., between 1 and 3 pm or 5 and 7 pm. No formal presentation is planned.

Note to editor: A map of the project area is available on our projects website.

MADISON, Wis. – After more than five years of public involvement and regulatory review, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin today verbally approved a vital addition to Dane County’s electric transmission system. American Transmission Co. will build a new 32-mile, 345,000-volt electric transmission line through Dane County between the towns of Middleton and Christiana along a route that generally follows the Beltline and existing rights of way, and does not include placing the line underground.

“We are pleased that the PSC agreed with our assessment of this much-needed transmission line,” said Sarah Justus, ATC local relations manager. “This is a critically important project for the Dane County region. This regulatory approval is good news for homeowners, businesses and industries that depend upon a reliable electric system.”

ATC first identified the need for the project in 2002. In 2003, the project need was independently reviewed by the Energy Initiative, a group of Wisconsin utilities, public advocacy organizations, environmental groups and local stakeholders. The group evaluated the need for new electric transmission lines and the feasibility of alternatives in meeting Dane County’s present and future electric needs.

Before filing an application with the PSC in October 2007, ATC conducted extensive public outreach. “Over a five-year period we hosted 22 open houses attended by more than 3,300 people, and regularly corresponded with more than 13,000 Dane County residents, businesses and other stakeholders in an effort to address public concerns,” says Justus. “We appreciate the involvement of the public in helping to shape the decisions related to this project, and we are committed to keeping this dialogue open as we move forward.”

In discussing the Rockdale-West Middleton transmission line today, the PSC asked ATC for design changes at locations along the route including near the Arboretum, Odana Hills Golf Course and the area near High Point Road. These design changes add approximately $1.2 million to the cost of the project, which is now at just over $215 million.

With receipt of the PSC’s approval, the next steps include ATC conducting detailed engineering and easement acquisition. “We will continue to communicate with affected landowners throughout this process, both by mail and by hosting information meetings as we begin construction,” says Justus.

Construction on the project is expected to begin in summer 2011, and the line is expected to be in service in 2013.

“Placing this new substation in service is a culmination of the efforts of ATC and MGE during the last five years,” says Craig Fenrick, assistant vice president, Electric Transmission and Distribution for MGE. “This new substation will help ensure that peak summer demand for power can be met.”

The substation was energized two weeks ahead of schedule and marks the halfway point of a larger, $22.6 million project under way to strengthen and maintain the reliability of the electric system serving southern Dane and northern Green counties.

During the next phase of the project, ATC will construct a 6-mile, 138,000-volt transmission line to connect the new substation to an existing substation in Verona located near the intersection of Highways M and PB. Construction is scheduled to begin in early August, and the entire project is projected to be in service in the first quarter of 2010.

“With the addition of this new substation, customers in Fitchburg and the surrounding area have already begun to benefit from this project,” says Charlie Gonzales, ATC local relations representative. “And when the entire project is complete the region will continue to benefit from a strengthened electric transmission system for years to come.”

Note to editor: A project area map and additional information about this and other ATC projects is available at atc-projects.com.

Hofbauer joined ATC in 2000 as director of accounting and has served as corporate controller since 2006. Prior to ATC, Hofbauer was a senior manager with Arthur Andersen LLP in Chicago. He is a certified public accountant with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Chicago.

MADISON, Wis. – The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has approved American Transmission Co.’s application to rebuild the 18-mile, 69,000-volt electric transmission line that connects the Brodhead Substation and South Monroe Substation in Monroe. The new line will make a vital improvement in the reliability of the electric transmission system serving the area. The age and condition of the existing line necessitated the rebuild.

“This project will not change the voltage of the line,” says Charlie Gonzales, ATC local relations representative, “but the replacement structures will be designed to accommodate potential upgrades that might be needed in the future to support growth in the area.”

The new line will follow the route of the existing line, and the work will involve installing new poles, wires and insulators. Construction is scheduled to begin late next year and is projected to continue through summer 2011.

Note to editor: A map of the project area is available on our projects website.

DE PERE, Wis. — Completing the construction ahead of schedule, American Transmission Co. recently placed into service 75 miles of a 345-kilovolt power line between the Werner West Substation near New London to the Gardner Park Substation adjacent to the Weston Power Plant near Wausau. The line also passes through a new substation located along Highway 22 north of Clintonville,

“This is a significant milestone in our transmission system improvement plan,” notes Brad Ballard, ATC project manager. “We began discussing our plans to build 104 miles of transmission lines in early 2004, received regulatory authorization in 2006 and started construction in fall of that year.” Construction work is continuing in Shawano County between the Highway 22 and the White Clay substations in the Town of Washington. That segment is the last portion of the Morgan-Werner West line and is scheduled for an on-time completion later this year. Previously this year, a new 138-kV line was energized from Werner West to the Badger Substation, located adjacent to the Highway 22 facility.

“While putting the line into service is a significant achievement, it may be more important to note that the work was performed safely and in an environmentally responsible fashion,” Ballard says. “We have had just one lost-time accident in the more than two years we’ve been working on the project. Detailed construction management plans were developed for each job spread, highlighting individual or unique natural resource features that should be avoided, and describing specific restoration practices to minimize the impact of our presence in the corridor.”

The two new lines are needed to more fully support a new generator at the Weston Power Plant that went into service last year and to relieve congestion on lines in and around the Green Bay and Fox Valley areas. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin authorized the projects at a combined cost of $263 million, within a 10-percent window.

MADISON, Wis. –American Transmission Co. energized a new 138,000-volt transmission line earlier this week serving northern Dane County. The new line connects the North Madison Substation in the Town of Vienna to the Huiskamp Substation in the Town of Westport and will provide a critical reinforcement to the electric system in Dane County, where demand for electricity has grown significantly in recent years.

Prior to the building of this line, portions of Middleton, Dane, Waunakee, Vienna, Westport and the northeast side of Madison were supported primarily by a network of 69,000-volt transmission lines. Some of the lines were built more than 90 years ago and many were used to near-maximum capacity during the peak summer season for several years, making communities in the area vulnerable to outages.

“The benefits of this line in the area will be evident immediately,” said Sarah Justus, ATC local relations manager. “Last summer, limited capacity threatened to overload the system, requiring that temporary equipment and operational fixes be employed to help maintain electric service during hot, high-demand days.”

According to Justus, the system was projected to experience overloaded conditions this summer if the line was not placed in service. Additionally, system constraints provided only limited opportunity to take existing lines out of service for maintenance, further compromising reliability and increasing operating costs. “The addition of this new 138,000-volt line provides vital strengthening to the transmission system that serves the area, which is now well-positioned to maintain reliable electric service and accommodate future growth,” Justus notes.

Although construction is completed and the line is in service, work still remains on the project. “While we take great measures to avoid sensitive areas and minimize the impact of construction,” says Justus, “we want area residents to know we are committed to restoring the corridor after construction, and maintaining it in coming years.”

The project was first announced to local officials and residents in fall 2005. “We appreciate the patience and support we have received from the community during this important project,” says Justus. “We received approval by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in July 2007, and began construction in spring 2008. The input and involvement of the community has made a difference every step of the way.”

Note to editor: Maps of the project area are available on our web site.

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – After more than five years of planning and construction, American Transmission Co. last week completed conversion of 10 miles of transmission lines in Walworth County to 138,000 volts. The voltage conversion is the first phase in ATC’s 30-mile conversion project in Rock and Walworth counties that will strengthen the electric system that serves the growing area.

The eastern segments of the project, from the Elkhorn Substation located in the City of Elkhorn to the Bristol Substation and extending to the Southwest Delavan Substation located outside of Delavan, are now energized and operating at 138,000 volts. The remaining 22 miles of western segments of this multi-year, multi-phase system upgrade will continue to operate at 69,000 volts until ATC completes construction and upgrades this summer.

“This is a key milestone in the project and immediately benefits residents and business owners in Walworth County,” said Mary Carpenter, local relations representative. “We are eager to complete the remaining work on the western segments and complete the entire conversion this summer.”

According to Carpenter, the remaining effort includes work on several substations in Rock County, modifications to some existing lines, and the replacement of an existing line through the City of Delavan between the Bristol and Delavan substations. “Crews will begin the work in Delavan next week and will wrap up in June,” she said.

The final phase of the project, which will begin this summer, includes removing several miles of existing 69,000-volt lines that will be retired once the conversion is complete. These include a line north of the City of Delavan and a line between the Bristol Substation and Lake Geneva.

Note to editor: Maps showing the entire project area or individual segments are available at www.atc- projects.com.

The 345-kilovolt Arrowhead-Weston transmission line:

• strengthens electric system reliability by bringing 600 megawatts of electricity into northern and central Wisconsin,
• provides alternate source of power for the region increasing transfer capability and stability to the electric system,
• allows utilities greater participation in the regional energy market,
• gives green energy greater access to consumer markets,
• is more efficient and reduces energy losses over the 40-year life of the line:
  • saving 5.7 million megawatt hours of electricity – enough to power to 13,000 homes each year,
  • eliminating more than 5.3 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions from power plants that do not have to run,
• provides $62 million in direct payments to the communities through which the line passes over the 40-year life of the line.

Construction of the line was completed ahead of schedule allowing ATC to energize the line four months early in January 2008. All costs have been finalized, and ATC closed its books on the project notifying the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin that the final cost was $436 million, within the 5 percent allowable contingency set by the PSCW.

“Arrowhead-Weston has met all the reliability needs that provoked its justification and approval during the permitting process,” said José Delgado, ATC president and chief executive officer. “In addition, it provides very significant environmental and economic benefits to the area we serve. It provides an outstanding value to the consumers in our service area.”

Arrowhead-Weston is the largest construction project that ATC has completed in its eight-year history. ATC has invested more than $2 billion to build, upgrade and energize more than 1,700 miles of transmission line to help improve the reliability of the grid in the Upper Midwest. In addition to reliability benefits, a more efficient high-voltage transmission system has contributed to energy savings and avoided carbon emissions. The more robust system has helped reduce electrical demand at peak times equivalent to that of a 125-megawatt generating plant. Over the life span of a more efficient transmission system, 15 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions from a generating plant are avoided.

The Arrowhead-Weston Benefits Reports can be accessed from: www.atcllc.com

Delgado, who announced a year ago his intention to transition into retirement, has been ATC’s president and CEO since the company’s formation in 2000. Delgado will become executive chairman of the board when Procario joins ATC on April 1, 2009. Procario will report to Delgado.

Procario spent 32 years with Cinergy, now part of Duke Energy. Procario most recently served as senior vice president and chief operating officer of Regulated Businesses for Cinergy Services, Inc. During his tenure with Cinergy, he also held leadership roles in Electric Operations, Electric System Operations, Bulk Power Resource Management, and Planning and Technical Services.

For more than 30 years, Procario has been a part-time college professor at the University of Cincinnati where he developed electric power engineering courses and taught more than 100 classes in electrical engineering.

Within the electric industry, Procario has served on numerous committees including the North American Electric Reliability Corp. Engineering Committee, North American Energy Standards Board, and as chairman of the Midwest ISO’s Management Council, Transmission Owners Committee and Advisory Committee.

Procario earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from The Ohio State University.

DE PERE, Wis. — American Transmission Co. is in the early stages of planning a new power line project to improve electric reliability in the Minocqua-Woodruff area. Local electricity use continues to increase at about three to four percent each year, which is taxing the distribution system operated by Wisconsin Public Service Corp. A new line extending the transmission system from the Clear Lake Substation on Highway 47 near Mid Lake Road to a new substation proposed by WPS along Highway 47 near Arnett Road west of Woodruff appears to be the best solution for future reliability.

“We are in the preliminary stages of this project,” explains Lee Meyerhofer, senior local relations representative for ATC. “We have identified a broad study area to look for possible corridors or routes to locate this line, which will be about seven miles long.”

ATC will host a series of public open houses to discuss the project with community members before filing its regulatory application with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in late 2009. The first open house is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Woodruff Town Hall, 1418 First Ave. from 1 to 3 pm and from 5 to 7 pm.

“The open house will be informal,” Meyerhofer said. “No presentations are scheduled; we ask that interested residents drop in to talk with our project team members.” Representatives from ATC and Wisconsin Public Service will be on hand to answer questions regarding project need and benefits, routing and siting, the regulatory review process, engineering considerations, environmental impacts and other issues.

Additional information about this project, known as the Clear Lake-Woodmin transmission line project, is available online at www.atc-projects.com

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – Ann M. Schrader, chief operating officer of HealthEast Care System, has been elected to the board of directors of American Transmission Co. HealthEast is one of the largest health care providers in the Twin Cities metropolitan area with four hospitals, 1,300 physicians and a network of neighborhood clinics. Schrader replaces former Wisconsin Governor Anthony Earl, who is retiring from the ATC board.

“Ann is a capable executive who facilitated the creation of HealthEast, transforming it from a hospital-driven company to a comprehensive care system,” explains ATC President and Chief Executive Officer José M. Delgado. “We welcome Ann’s strong leadership capabilities to our board.”

A native of Spirit Lake, Iowa, Schrader holds a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing from St. Olaf College and a master’s degree from the University of Iowa. She also received a Bush Fellowship to the Minnesota Executive Development Program through the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.

Earl, a former Wisconsin governor, attorney and former partner in the Quarles & Brady law firm, has served on the ATC board of directors since its inception in 2001. “I thank Tony for his counsel and service to the board as we grew this company from concept to a high-performing transmission service provider,” Delgado said.

WAUKESHA, Wis. – American Transmission Co. identifies in its 2008 10-Year Transmission System Assessment report ( www.atc10yearplan.com ) an estimated $2.7 billion in work needed over the next 10 years to ensure that the transmission grid can reliably meet the electricity needs of people and businesses in communities throughout most of Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This is in addition to the $1.9 billion that ATC has invested in the transmission system over the past seven years.

“We’ve made major progress in improving electric system reliability in our first seven years as owner and operator of the transmission grid,” said Flora Flygt, director of ATC Transmission Planning. “Some pockets of vulnerability remain, notably Dane and Walworth counties and the Green Bay, Appleton and Rhinelander areas. In these locales, low voltages and overloaded facilities must be addressed to maintain future system reliability. New and upgraded infrastructure will be needed.”

She added, “We also have to address the infrastructure needs of adding more wind power onto the grid. Building new interstate high-voltage transmission lines with the strategic location and capacity to deliver large volumes of renewable power from remote areas where it’s located into population centers will be a central challenge for years to come.”

Of the $2.7 billion investment that ATC identified in its 2008 Assessment, approximately $1.3 billion would be for new equipment including:

• adding 210 miles of new transmission lines,
• upgrading more than 540 miles of existing lines and
• installing more than 23 new transformers and 39 capacitor banks.

The remaining $1.4 billion would be for improvements including:

• maintenance on aging equipment
• connections to power plants
• infrastructure replacements and relocations
• distribution interconnections and
• other smaller network reliability improvements

The $2.7 billion is a slight decline from the $2.8 billion estimate ATC made in its 2007 10-Year Transmission Assessment update, and it’s the third consecutive year of a decline. Flygt said, “This trend represents a historical shift from building new facilities to maintaining the assets we have. However,” she cautioned, “several developments could well cause that trend to reverse in future assessments, including new renewable energy requirements and the resulting shift in generation usage, the expected adoption of higher federal reliability standards and fundamental changes in regional power flows across the Midwest as the wholesale market continues to evolve.”

ATC’s investments since its inception in 2001 have helped to raise the transmission system’s performance in meeting peak demand, supporting a new fleet of generation, increasing import capability, interconnecting wind projects, reducing energy losses, alleviating system overloads and voltage instabilities, and improving system reliability ratings.

Since 2001, ATC has invested more than $1.9 billion in improvements to the power grid including:

• upgrading more than 1,350 miles of transmission lines,
• connecting more than 4,300 megawatts of new or expanded generation including 391 megawatts of wind power,
• improving 110 electric substations,
• building 32 new transmission lines totaling 344 miles, and
• reducing energy losses by 16.2 million megawatt hours, enough to power 38,000 homes per year for 40 years.

ATC takes a fresh look at the future needs of the transmission system every year, and identifies and begins to prioritize potential projects that may be needed to ensure electric system reliability. ATC engineers analyze the system for changes in the various factors impacting electric system needs such as electricity usage, capacity of the system to meet those usage levels, population projections, employment trends, and anticipated generation expansion or retirement.

“We reassess our system every year,” Flygt says, “because conditions change continuously and new project needs can appear both in the near term and out on our 10-year horizon. By continuously evaluating system conditions, we are in the best position to propose and substantiate needed projects.”

MADISON, Wis. – American Transmission Co. will begin construction in early September of a new, 35-mile high-voltage electric transmission line in south central Wisconsin. The line will allow local electric distribution companies to access lower-cost power produced in the region by extending an existing transmission connection to Illinois.

“By reducing transmission congestion and increasing transfer capacity, this project will improve access to lower-cost energy,” said Mary Carpenter, ATC local relations. “We will do our best to inform landowners of the impact of our work, while keeping disruptions to a minimum as we complete the project.”

The line is the first of its kind in the Midwest. Until this project, transmission lines in the region have almost exclusively been built to enhance reliability of electrical power in the area. Although improved reliability will be a by-product of the project, economics drove the decision to build. Local electric utilities will save through improved access to the wholesale electricity market and their savings will be passed on to end-use electricity customers.

The 345-kilovolt circuit will be built on an existing transmission line right-of-way between the Rockdale Substation in the Town of Christiana in Dane County and the Paddock Substation located in the Town of Beloit in Rock County. The lines that extend south out of the Paddock Substation into Illinois create a path for importing power into Wisconsin.

Construction will begin with preparation of the rights-of-way for the line with tree trimming and pouring the foundations for the poles and is projected to be in service in 2010.

Anticipated savings from the approximately $133 million project are expected to more than pay for its development.

Note to editors: A map and additional information on the Paddock-Rockdale project is available at www.atc-projects.com

ATC’s other proposal for a 345-kilovolt line between the Rockdale Substation and the West Middleton Substation in the town of Middleton (Rockdale – West Middleton project) is under regulatory review. A decision on the project is expected sometime in 2009.

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – A new, 5-mile power line is energized and providing support to the electric system serving Walworth County, according to American Transmission Co.

The new line, which runs between the Southwest Delavan Substation and the Bristol Substation on the northeast side of Delavan, represents a portion of a larger, multi-phase, multi-year project that will convert the electric transmission system in Rock and Walworth counties from 69,000 volts to 138,000 volts.

“These growing counties require a more robust system to accommodate the increasing usage and population,” said Charlie Gonzales, local relations representative. “The new system, which runs from north of Beloit to the Lake Geneva area, involves constructing new lines and modifying several substations and existing transmission lines to reinforce the network and ensure reliable service.”

According to Gonzales, the route along Interstate 43 was suggested by members of the public when ATC was considering potential routes. “With input from the community, we arrived at a route that could be supported by its residents and still meet our needs to reinforce the system in the area,” he explained.

Work continues on a segment through the city of Delavan and on a section between Delavan and Elkhorn, along with some work on the west end of the project. “We’re targeting next summer for completion and conversion to the higher voltage,” said Gonzales.

In addition to energizing the Southwest Delavan to Bristol line last week, the following work has been completed:

Turtle to West Darien: Modifications have been completed on this existing 18-mile, 69-kilovolt line to allow for conversion to 138-kV. Aging wood poles and wires between the Turtle Substation near Beloit and the West Darien Substation on the southwest side of Darien were replaced with steel poles and new wires.

West Darien to Southwest Delavan: This line, constructed mostly along new right-of-way, connects the West Darien Substation to a new Alliant Substation southwest of Delavan. Completed in 2007, the line currently operates at 69-kilovolts, but will be converted to 138-kV.

Note to editor: Maps available showing entire project area or individual segments.

WAUKESHA, Wis. – American Transmission Co.’s $1.7 billion investment in reliability and efficiency upgrades to the transmission grid over the past seven years also has contributed to energy savings and reduced carbon emissions. In figures released today, ATC demonstrates that its more robust high-voltage transmission system has helped reduce electrical output at peak times equivalent to a 125-megawatt generating plant.

“Our investment may be one of the largest energy savings programs in the Upper Midwest,” said José Delgado, ATC president and chief executive officer. “The more efficient high-voltage lines and newer infrastructure that we’ve placed in service results in lower line losses. We can translate this into significant environmental benefits. With the recent approval of the final report by Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle’s Task Force on Global Warming, this is good news.”

Flora Flygt, director of ATC Transmission Planning, explained, “Transmission system improvements also function as major energy efficiency upgrades on the electric system because of the sheer volume of energy they carry. Even a small increase in the efficiency of the grid’s power-carrying capabilities can yield significant energy-saving and carbon-reducing results.”

She said the savings are due to reduced electricity losses. “In simple terms, our improvements mean that the wires do not get as hot, which results in substantially lower electricity losses in the process of moving power into communities,” said Flygt.

Lower losses between the generation source and the delivery point mean a reduction in the required electricity output needed to transport power and meet demand. If the generation source is a fossil-fueled power plant, the result is lower carbon emissions. Losses on ATC’s high-voltage network are relatively low at around 2.2 percent of energy carried.

ATC’s energy savings calculation compares the company’s system as it was in summer 2001 with the improved system in place by summer 2007. The reduced losses over the 40-year life of these projects equate to:

• 16.2 million megawatt hours of electricity saved (enough to power 38,000 homes each year).
• 15 million tons of CO2 emissions associated with producing lost energy are eliminated1.
• The equivalent of a 125-megawatt generating plant not having to be built to serve peak demand.

The figures above do not include the savings from the 220-mile Arrowhead-Weston 345-kilovolt transmission line, which ATC placed in service in January 2008. The reduction of losses associated with the Arrowhead-Weston transmission line is estimated at roughly 24 megawatts of on-peak usage.

ATC’s program of rebuilding and up-rating existing transmission lines and constructing new ones results in power being carried more efficiently than it would be over the older, lower-voltage grid in three ways:

• Rebuilding existing power lines using a larger conductor enhances efficiency. The larger conductor reduces the resistance of the lines, which reduces losses.
• Adding new transmission lines to an overloaded system divides power flows over multiple paths, which reduces electric current and losses on each individual power line.
• Installing higher voltage lines allows demand to be met with lower levels of current and lower line resistance, which also reduces losses.

On the transmission system, extra-high voltage lines typically provide the greatest potential for energy loss reduction. ATC expects to add four additional 345-kilovolt transmission lines in the next five years, which will reduce losses even further:

• Gardner Park – Central Wisconsin is a 50-mile project in Central Wisconsin scheduled to be energized in spring 2009.
• Morgan – Werner West is a 50-mile project in Central Wisconsin scheduled to be energized in spring 2009.
• Paddock – Rockdale is a 35-mile project in Southern Wisconsin expected to be on line in April 2010.
• Rockdale – West Middleton is a 35-55 mile proposed project in South Central Wisconsin slated to be in service in spring 2013.

MADISON, Wis. – ATC’s application to construct a 345-kilovolt transmission line between the towns of Middleton and Christiana in Dane County has been deemed “complete” by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. This decision marks the formal start to the PSC’s independent study, which could last up to 360 days. The PSC will evaluate the need for the project, conduct engineering and environmental impact analyses, hold technical and public hearings, and conduct a thorough evaluation of ATC’s two proposed route options.

ATC submitted its 2000-page application in October 2007 asking the PSC to review and authorize the Rockdale – West Middleton project. Since then, the company has responded to requests from the PSC for additional information and data to fully complete the application. “The completeness determination we received from the PSC means we have provided the necessary information and documentation to enable the PSC staff to begin its formal study of the project proposal,” said Sarah Justus, ATC local relations manager. “This is an important milestone because it puts a timeframe around the review period.”

Under state law, the PSC has 180 days to render a decision on the project—or petition the courts for an additional 180 days. According to Justus, it would not be unusual for the formal analysis to extend beyond 180 days given the scope of the project. “It’s in the best interest of the public that the PSC staff takes the necessary time to thoroughly study this project,” she said.

According to Justus, the PSC holds two types of hearings: a technical hearing and a public hearing. The Commission uses the technical hearing to receive factual data and expert opinions in support of or in opposition to the project. The expert witnesses generally include engineers, planners, economists, environmental specialists and accountants who have professional expertise on the issues, who testify before an administrative law judge, and are subject to cross examination. Public hearings provide a forum for members of the public to bring their suggestions and concerns to the attention of the Commission. This testimony is not subject to cross examination, but is transcribed by a court reporter and made a part of the official record that the Commission reviews in making a decision.

“Both types of hearings are beneficial to the decision-making process,” Justus explained. In addition to providing notification to local government officials, local libraries, the media and other agencies, the PSC will notify all property owners on or near the proposed route options of its public hearing schedule. “We encourage interested people to continue their involvement by participating in the PSC’s public hearings,” she said.

In the three years since the project was first introduced to the public, ATC has worked with local residents, community representatives, elected officials and others to gather input and answer questions. “We believe we have been successful in demonstrating to the public the critical need for this infrastructure project,” explained Justus. “The Rockdale – West Middleton project will reinforce the transmission network in Dane County, reduce the threat of future system outages, and provide reliable power to support Dane County’s economic development and growing population.”

Dane County has experienced in recent years some of the highest growth rates in the state, both in population and electricity usage. The existing transmission system in and around Dane County brings power in from outside the county to meet the needs for electricity. However, the system is operating at its limits and the Rockdale – West Middleton transmission line will help accommodate the growth in demand, and strengthen the efficiency and reliability of existing lower-voltage lines.

ATC estimates the project cost between $213 million and $250 million and the length between 35 and 55 miles depending on the route. If the project is approved by the PSC, construction of the new power line would start in 2010, and the line would be energized in 2013. ATC’s application, Docket No. 137-CE-147, is available for viewing in the Case Management section of the PSC’s web site at http://psc.wi.gov.

EAGLE RIVER, Wis. – A new, 16-mile high-voltage power line is energized and providing much-needed support to the electric system serving the North Woods, according to American Transmission Co.

The new line, which runs between the Cranberry Substation south of Eagle River and the new Lakota Road Substation near Conover, links transmission facilities in northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The connection reduces costly constraints on the existing system, which was subject to overloading and potential service interruptions as demand for electricity increased in the area.

“We appreciate the patience and support we have received from the community while planning for and during construction of the Cranberry-Conover line,” says Lee Meyerhofer, local relations representative for ATC. “We announced the project to the local officials and residents in summer 2004, received approval from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in late 2006, and began construction in August 2007.”
The line may be energized, but the project is not complete. “While we strive to avoid sensitive areas and minimize the impact of construction, we want area residents to know that we are committed to restoring the corridor after construction. We will be working through the summer to do just that.”

The transmission project also includes the upgrade of 73 miles of existing lines and substations between Conover and Quinnesec, Mich. Construction to upgrade facilities on the 30-mile segment between Conover and Iron River, Mich. began earlier this month with tree clearing. Anticipated completion date for the upgrade is June 2010.

MADISON, Wis. – Following a year-long regulatory review, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin gave American Transmission Co. its verbal approval today to move forward with the construction of the Paddock-Rockdale project, a new high-voltage electric transmission line in south central Wisconsin. The new, 35-mile line, to be built largely on existing right-of-way, will extend an existing connection to Illinois and allow local electric distribution companies access to lower-cost power produced in the region. The savings will be passed on to end-use electricity customers under PSC regulations.

“This is the first transmission line project within the footprint of the Midwest Independent System Operator that is driven by economics,” said Randy Satterfield, ATC vice president of Public Affairs. “Although enhanced reliability will be a by-product of the project, the primary benefit of this transmission line to the south comes from the ability of local electric utilities to benefit economically from the wholesale electricity market. This additional high-voltage connection will remove a significant constraint and enable access to lower-cost power in the region—and that translates to savings for electricity consumers.”

As a net importer of electricity, Wisconsin utilities will gain flexibility in the wholesale market with the construction of the new 345-kilovolt line. “The state’s electricity generators generally produce less power than is used; the balance—about 15 percent on average—is imported from areas around the region. On any given day, it’s not necessarily a matter of generation capacity,” explained Flora Flygt, director of Planning for ATC. “It’s a matter of economics. Sometimes the best price and availability on electricity is outside the state.”

According to Flygt, getting the best deal on power is largely dependent on the transmission system. “Wisconsin utilities have been at a disadvantage compared to neighboring states because of the limited number of transmission line connections to other states,” she said. “As the wholesale market and competition continues to evolve, it becomes even more critical that Wisconsin utilities can get cheap power or power from renewable resources for their customers.”

Justifying the project economically came down to the numbers, explained Satterfield. “Almost without exception, the scenarios and models we evaluated demonstrate cost savings sufficient to cover the $133 million cost of the project,” he said. Except for a slow economic growth scenario, (highly unlikely to persist for the entire 40-year life of the line) the present value potential of the net benefits as a result of constructing the Paddock-Rockdale project ranges from $82 million to $1.8 billion. The aggregate annual benefits available for all scenarios range from $7 million to $133 million.

The line will be built on an existing transmission line right-of-way between the Rockdale Substation in the Town of Christiana in Dane County and the Paddock Substation located in the Town of Beloit in Rock County. The existing transmission lines that extend south out of the Paddock Substation into Illinois create a path for importing power into Wisconsin.

The state’s major utilities including Alliant Energy, Madison Gas & Electric, Wisconsin Public Service Corp., and We Energies, along Wisconsin Public Power Inc., testified in support of the project during PSC hearings earlier this year. “We know those benefits are real, and ATC’s modeling does demonstrate that the project will clearly be economically justified,” said Steve Kraus, MGE spokesperson. “MGE’s ratepayers will benefit if we can increase the number of high-voltage transmission lines linking Wisconsin to our neighboring states.”

Traditional transmission line projects have largely focused on reliability needs and weaknesses on the transmission system. Flygt said the recent restructuring of wholesale electric markets has highlighted the need for economic considerations to be a driving force in transmission planning as well. “An access project like Paddock-Rockdale, by reducing transmission congestion and increasing transfer capacity, will positively enhance wholesale generation competition.”

“Timing is important. Our in-service target is 2010, which coincides with the expiration of some of the federal market protection for Wisconsin utilities that have been in place since the market was introduced in 2005,” explained Flygt.

Over the life of the transmission line, the savings include:

• Reduced generation costs, including fuel. This gives utilities flexibility when fuel prices fluctuate and allows utilities to choose from a greater array of regional generation options.
• Reduced energy losses. High-voltage lines are more efficient and experience lower losses compared to lower-voltage lines.
• Increased market competition. A more competitive market will help control and lower prices compared to a market where power purchase choices are limited.

Note to editors: A map and additional information on the Paddock-Rockdale project is available at www.atc-projects.com

ATC’s other proposal for a 345-kilovolt line between the Rockdale Substation and the West Middleton Substation in the town of Middleton (Rockdale – West Middleton project) is under regulatory review. A decision on the project is expected sometime in 2009.

Recent headlines on renewable sources of electricity include:

• WPL buys huge wind farm
• WPS seeks hydro power
• Wind farms proposed on Lake Michigan
• Wind turbines start generating power in Fond du Lac
• US leads world in wind power growth

Demand for renewable electricity is soaring, driven by an awareness of climate change and the resulting state mandates on utilities to produce clean power. To meet this demand, new large-scale renewable generators must often be built in remote locations with site-specific resources, far away from population centers that would use the energy. Electric transmission lines provide a vital link in bringing renewable power into communities and realizing environmental objectives.

Connecting renewable energy projects to the long-distance transmission grid is one significant part of states’ strategies to reduce carbon emissions and fossil fuel use across the electric system. Yet the current interstate transmission network was not sized, sited or designed to accommodate large new injections of intermittent energy from wind, solar or other resources.

Renewable power as a major source of electricity is in its infancy relative to demand. Here in Wisconsin, renewable sources of power produce about four percent of the electricity we consume. Nationally, wind power, one of the more heavily developed renewable resources, supplies one percent of the nation’s electricity. More than 25 states have new renewable energy mandates, and they represent exponential increases in the amount of electricity utilities must produce (or purchase) from renewable sources: from 4 percent of electricity consumed currently to as much as 30 percent in the next 15 years.

To meet these mandates, this power must be deliverable to consumers. And yet the transmission grid does not have the capability, regionally or nationally, to deliver this energy. Transmission bottlenecks are among the largest barriers to wind power and other large-scale renewable energy development. The non-profit group Wind on the Wires, together with the American Wind Energy Association, is advocating the study and elimination of transmission constraints that inhibit or delay wind projects. Although Wisconsin generally has less robust wind resources (with the exception of Lake Michigan) the Upper Midwest as a region is relatively rich: it has five of the top ten states in the country in terms of wind energy potential, according to Wind on the Wires. Tapping this resource requires regional transmission grid building and investment.

Wisconsin has made progress in increasing its renewable power portfolio. New projects have been proposed, approved, built and connected to the transmission grid over the last few years. Despite the lower-quality wind regime in the state, new technologies have enabled developers to better harness Wisconsin’s wind. In fact, American Transmission Co., owner and operator of the transmission grid in the region, is connecting more than 340 megawatts of wind power to the grid this year, enough to power more than 90,000 homes. The 220-mile Arrowhead-Weston transmission line, energized earlier this year, is well situated to help bring in hydro resources from Canada and future wind power from the Dakotas. Yet the goals are high and our progress must continue. If wind is the predominant resource for meeting renewable energy requirements, Wisconsin utilities will need up to 1,800 megawatts of additional capacity, according to Public Service Commission information.

Raising renewable energy from 5 to 10 (or more) percent of the region’s electricity generating portfolio requires large volumes of renewable electricity to be produced, which is accomplished where wind, solar, biomass or hydro resources are abundant. Hydro and wind sources can’t be moved closer to population centers. Good wind areas cover only 6 percent of the lower 48 states’ land mass, and solar costs are lowest in remote areas where local power needs are minimal. Interstate, high-voltage transmission lines can take up to 10 years to plan, permit and construct. Achieving green power objectives in the near term will require a collective acceptance that transmission lines are an integral part of supplying our homes and businesses with renewable electricity.

Flora Flygt is director of planning for American Transmission Company. Pewaukee-based ATC owns, operates and maintains 9,350 miles of transmission lines and 500 substations with a total investment in facilities of $1.7 billion in portions of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois. For more information, visit our Web site at www.atcllc.com

PEWAUKEE, WIS. – An existing 138-kilovolt electric transmission line between the Saukville Substation and the St. Lawrence Substation (located northeast of Slinger in the town of Hartford) was returned to service by American Transmission Co. following a year-long upgrade project.

The 19-mile line was energized last week following a year of construction activities to replace 60-year old poles and wires. “This work was done in part to address issues related to the age and condition of the facilities,” said Mary Carpenter, local relations representative. “The upgrade was also necessary to accommodate the additional output from the Port Washington Generating Station when the second of two new units is soon placed in service by We Energies.”

The need for a heaver-weight wire to carry more electricity called for the construction of stronger structures (poles). In general, the new structures were placed in the same position as the old structures. “Moving power from the generation source to where it’s needed was the goal of this project,” explained Carpenter. “This line also will strengthen reliability throughout the area.”

PEWAUKEE, WIS. – José M. Delgado, president and CEO of American Transmission Co., is among 30 electric industry leaders selected to serve on the U.S. Department of Energy’s newly established Electricity Advisory Committee.

The new committee – chartered by DOE Secretary Samuel Bodman — is tasked with providing counsel on long-range planning and priorities for the modernization of the nation’s electricity delivery infrastructure. It will work with the DOE’s Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, which has responsibility for meeting the requirements of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. The Electricity Advisory Committee also has been asked to share its expertise on the deployment of smart grid technologies, research and development of energy storage technologies, renewable energy resource system integration and new transmission infrastructure to ensure the efficient delivery of electricity.

Since its formation in 2001 as the nation’s first multi-state, transmission-only utility, ATC has invested $1.7 billion in new and upgraded transmission lines and substations to increase the reliability of the grid serving portions of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois.

Prior to ATC, Delgado spent 27 years at Wisconsin Electric Power Co. starting as an electrical engineer and ending as vice president of Electric System Operations. He currently serves on the Edison Electric Institute board of directors and is co-chair of the CEO Task Force on Reliability & Infrastructure Protection. He is chairman of the North American Electric Reliability Corp.’s Transmission Owners and Operators Forum. He also serves on the advisory board of the Consortium for Electrical Reliability Technology Solutions.

For a list of all members of the DOE’s Electricity Advisory Committee, go to:
http://www.doe.gov/news/6158.htm

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. energized the completed 220-mile, 345-kilovolt Arrowhead- Weston transmission line linking Wausau, Wis., and Duluth, Minn. First proposed in 1999 (prior to ATC’s formation) by Wisconsin Public Service Corp. and Minnesota Power, Arrowhead-Weston is one of the largest new extra high voltage transmission lines to be placed in service nationally in decades.

“To say that this is an achievement would be an understatement,” said José Delgado, ATC president and CEO. “In 10 years’ time, we have faced public and local government opposition, delays, a reauthorization of the cost estimate, and dozens of regulatory and legal challenges. And yet today we have successfully completed this massive undertaking.”

Pete Holtz, Arrowhead-Weston project manager for ATC, pointed to the companies’ coordinated performance on multiple fronts during the past four years of construction as evidence of the project’s success. “Our project team’s efforts were outstanding. The team displayed a “can-do” attitude on all challenges and we kept each and every commitment. As a result, our performance in completing the construction met a set of high expectations,” said Holtz.

• Safety — Few recordable incidents.
• Schedule — Construction completed 7 months early; line energized 4 months early.
• Budget — Project came in at $439 million, 3.6 percent over estimate but within the 5 percent contingency set by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.
• Fairness — We were able to reach agreement with nearly all of the landowners and even a local opposition leader, Tom Krueger, publicly stated his settlement was fair.
• Environment — 27 miles of mats used to preserve wetlands and compliance excellent with no major environmental incidents.

Holtz noted several other factors in the companies’ success. “We received outstanding support from local and state public officials, and state regulators worked with us in a cooperative manner to ensure that their concerns were addressed effectively. The state’s utilities also gave us excellent support in coordinating and scheduling the system outages that were needed during construction.”

As a result, Holtz said, significant improvements in electric system reliability have accrued. “First, Arrowhead- Weston improves electric system reliability by reducing the strain on Wisconsin’s single transmission connection to the west, the Eau Claire-Arpin transmission line. Second, this project increases import and transfer capability into Wisconsin, a state that depends on imports to meet its power needs. Third, it provides needed support for WPS Weston 4 power plant and helps all of Central Wisconsin be less vulnerable to outages. Fourth, the Stone Lake Substation provides critical support for Xcel customers in Northwestern Wisconsin, and lastly the line improves access to lower cost, Western energy markets, which is an unanticipated advantage.” The line can carry roughly 600 to 800 megawatts of electricity, enough to power a minimum of 250,000 homes.

Following the project’s completion, Delgado reflected on a number of “lessons learned” in bringing a major new transmission line into service. “Continuous communication is critical. We used a grass-roots political campaign model to overcome initial public opposition. On the management side, we and our utility partners coordinated our work using sophisticated scheduling tools, and established standards for major risk assessment and cost control. If you’re going to manage a project of this magnitude, you have to bring appropriate tools to bear.”

“I extend my sincere thanks to those involved with the project,” Delgado said, adding, “we had many partners in this project, and all of them deserve credit for our success.” In addition to WPS and Minnesota Power, several contractors worked on the project, including:

• MJ Electric, Inc.
• Tri-State Drilling, Inc.
• Northern Clearing, Inc.
• Natural Resources Consulting
• Power Engineers
• PAR Electric, Inc.
• Kenny Construction, Inc.
• Thomas and Betts
• Alcan Corp.
• Border States
• STS Consulting
• Olinick, Inc.
• Superior Redi Mix
• County Materials
• JZ Environmental

With Arrowhead-Weston’s completion long included in its transmission system planning models, ATC’s recent 10-Year Transmission System Assessment calls for a reduced investment of $2.8 billion in the transmission grid in its service area over the next 10 years.

MADISON, Wis. – The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin today approved a vital improvement to Dane County’s electric transmission system linking a new substation in the City of Fitchburg to an existing substation in Verona. The new 138-kilovolt line will run six miles along an existing right-of-way between the new Oak Ridge Substation in Fitchburg and the Verona Substation.

“We are pleased that the PSC agreed with our assessment for this much-needed transmission line that will improve electric system reliability in the rapidly growing areas of southern Dane County and northern Green County,” said Sarah Justus, ATC local relations representative. “The existing facilities are operating at near- maximum capacity during the peak summer season and may face overloads by next summer,” Justus said. “The transmission system is outdated and needs to be reinforced to prevent future system failures. The new facilities also will strengthen Madison Gas & Electric’s local distribution system.”

In its decision, the PSC selected the route recommended in ATC’s application filed in January 2007. “The route along Adams Road and County Highway M makes use of an existing transmission line corridor,” explains Justus. “The construction along this existing corridor is a cost-effective route that minimizes impacts to the community. The amount of new right-of-way needed is also less on the approved route.”

The project was introduced to the public in 2005 to meet growing demand for electricity in south central Dane County. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Verona’s population between 2000 and 2005 grew by 44 percent—a rate faster than any other community in the state.

Construction on the new Oak Ridge Substation will begin in the coming months and is expected to be operational by June 2009. The transmission line construction will begin following the substation work, and the line will be operational in June 2010. The estimated cost of the project is $22 million.

ATC’s proposal for a 345-kilovolt transmission line between the towns of Christiana and Middleton is currently under regulatory review. The company expects the PSC to schedule hearings later this year or in early 2009.

WAUKESHA, Wis. – The ATC board of directors elected Randy Satterfield vice president of Public Affairs effective Jan. 1, 2008. He is assuming the responsibilities of Mark Williamson, vice president of Major Projects, who announced last week he will retire at the end of 2007. As vice president of Public Affairs, Satterfield will oversee State Regulatory Relations, Real Estate, Environmental, Local Relations and Corporate Communications.

Satterfield has been director of Regulatory and Governmental Relations for ATC since December 2006. He joined ATC in 2003 as director of Communications. Previously, he was senior account manager for Wood Communications Group in Madison. Prior to Wood, Randy served as an assistant director in the Bureau of Consumer Protection at the Federal Trade Commission in Washington D.C. He has extensive experience in communications, advertising, political consulting and international public relations. He holds undergraduate degrees in philosophy and political science from Marquette University.

“Randy has developed a broad knowledge of our business and industry, and the issues impacting us,” said José Delgado, president and chief executive officer. “He has applied strategic thinking, collaboration within and outside our company, and an aptitude to achieve results that have helped ATC be successful. We are pleased to have Randy in this new role within our corporate leadership team.”

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – Mark Williamson, vice president of Major Projects, has announced he will retire from American Transmission Co. on Jan. 1, 2008, and go into the consulting industry as a partner with the Madison communications firm Putnam Roby (www.putnamroby.com). He will continue his affiliation with ATC in a consulting role and remain active with the company’s proposed projects in Dane County.

Williamson has been associated with ATC since its inception in 2001. He initially served on ATC’s board of directors representing Madison Gas & Electric. During his 16-year career at MGE, Williamson last served as executive vice president and chief strategic officer. In June 2002, Williamson joined ATC as vice president of Major Projects overseeing external relations and the public participation process that includes local relations, environmental, real estate and state regulatory functions. For ATC, he has managed external relations for major transmission infrastructure projects including the 220-mile Arrowhead-Weston transmission line, the 100-mile Gardner Park-Central Wisconsin-Morgan-Werner West project, and the 85-mile Cranberry-Conover-Plains project – all currently under construction. He also has led the public participation process for the proposed transmission line projects in and around Dane County.

“It’s not an easy job to gain acceptance for new transmission lines, but Mark has developed a very successful program for communicating and working with those impacted by our work,” said José Delgado, ATC president and chief executive officer. “His leadership in the company’s proactive communications with landowners, local officials and especially those opposing our work has been the reason we’ve been able to get these critical projects under way in time to maintain the reliability of the electric grid serving people and businesses in communities throughout Wisconsin and Michigan. I have admired and appreciated his ability to address this most significant obstacle to the construction of transmission in this country.”

Williamson said, “I have enjoyed the challenge, and I look forward to continuing to help ATC with the proposed transmission line projects in Dane County in my new consulting capacity.
“This new career also gives me the opportunity to help other companies and communities around the country take a similar open approach in raising awareness and gaining acceptance for their important infrastructure projects,” Williamson said.

“Because of the low lake levels, we cannot operate our hydro facilities at the level necessary to effectively serve the needs of our customers and communities,” said Don Sawruk, President of Edison Sault. “We have to rely on the high-voltage electric transmission system to import power into the area.”

ATC, which owns and operates the high-voltage electric transmission system in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin, has begun reinforcing the transmission system at several locations to offset some of the effects of the declining lake levels. Brett French, senior regional manager of Customer Relations for ATC, says, “The transmission system was never designed to supplant the output of the hydroelectric generating facilities in Sault Ste. Marie. However, upgrades are quickly being made by ATC to bolster the supply of electricity throughout the region with most of the upgrades coming online by the end of 2007.”

“These projects will dramatically improve the reliability and capacity of the grid that serves the Eastern Upper Peninsula,” French said. “Any reduction in hydro generation in this region places a greater demand on ATC’s system, and we were concerned about the risk of disruptions or outages to Edison Sault and Cloverland customers under extreme conditions. Consequently we are investing approximately $6.5 million to manage the short-term risks that are being caused by a reduction in output at the existing hydroelectric plants. We are also working with Edison Sault and Cloverland to address the long-term electrical needs of the region.”

With these improvements, Sawruk says, “Edison Sault will be importing up to 75 percent of its electricity needs through the ATC high-voltage electric transmission system. This is substantially more than at any other point in our history, which dates back to 1892.”

Don Wozniak, General Manager of Cloverland Electric Cooperative, says, “We anticipate the upgrades being made by ATC will help ensure the reliability of the electric system. With the recent approval of a $10 million loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program, Cloverland will be making additional upgrades to its electric distribution system.”

Crews install new electric transmission equipment that will help bring power into the eastern portion of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where low lakes levels are dramatically reducing output of the hydroelectric facilities.

Edison Sault Electric Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Wisconsin Energy Corporation, serves 23,000 customers in the Eastern Upper Peninsula. For more information, visit www.edisonsault.com

Cloverland Electric Cooperative is a member-owned electric utility providing electricity to over 19,000 homes, farms and businesses in the rural areas of Chippewa, Mackinac, Luce and Schoolcraft counties. It was incorporated in 1938 and operates offices in Dafter, DeTour and Newberry. For more information, visit www.cloverland.com

MADISON, Wis. – ATC today submitted to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin its application requesting approval of a proposal for a new 345-kilovolt electric transmission line through Dane County between the towns of Middleton and Christiana. The project, with a cost between $213 million and $250 million, is a critical infrastructure improvement that will:

• reinforce the entire transmission network in Dane County • reduce the threat of future system outages
• eliminate the need for multiple new, lower voltage transmission lines in the future
• provide critical power for continued economic development and a growing population
• benefit the environment by efficiently moving power throughout the county, reducing electricity lost in transit. This results in reduced electricity generation and the fuels needed to produce power.

Over the past two and half years, ATC has worked with local residents, community representatives, elected officials and others to gather input and answer questions about the project. “We appreciate the involvement of the public in helping to shape the decisions related to this project,” said Mark Williamson, vice president of major projects. “We look forward to continued public dialogue on our proposal as the PSC begins its regulatory review.”

According to Williamson, the PSC in its analysis makes two distinct determinations. “The PSC will first study the need for the project, including alternative solutions. Once the need has been established and the project is determined to be the optimal solution, the staff will review the proposed route options and render a decision on the project.”
The final routes included in ATC’s construction application follow two basic east-west corridors. These routes, which were announced in August, include a northern route that generally follows the Beltline Highway and a southern route that traverses mostly rural areas offset from county highways. Some variations to the routes provide alternate connections or paths between the two primary routes. Williamson noted that the company did not designate a preferred route in its application. “All the route options have pros and cons. It will be up to the PSC to determine the route that best represents the public interest.”

“Our filing represents the next step in the public process that will culminate with a PSC decision,” said Williamson. “There will be numerous opportunities for public comment, including a public hearing prior to a PSC order, which we hope to receive in early 2009.”
If approved, the company would begin construction in 2010 and place the line in service in 2013. ATC’s application, Docket No. 137-CE-147 is available for viewing in the Case Management section of the PSC’s web site at http://psc.wi.gov. Copies will also be available late this week at Dane County area libraries, and in each municipal and town clerks’ office.

WAUKESHA, Wis. – American Transmission Co. crews will be removing trees and clearing woody vegetation within an existing electric transmission line right-of-way between the Saukville Substation and the St. Lawrence Substation (located northeast of Slinger in the town of Hartford). The work, which is scheduled to begin the third week in September, is in advance of a project to replace the old structures and wires along the right-of-way.

“It’s been many years since the right-of-way in some areas has been cleared or maintained,” said Mary Carpenter, local relations representative. “We want adjacent landowners to be aware of the extent of clearing that is needed to prepare for the replacement of the old structures. The appearance of the right-of-way in some locations will be significantly altered, and we want neighbors to know what to expect.”

According to Carpenter, right-of-way maintenance is done primarily for electric reliability reasons. “In this case, the clearing is driven by the upcoming construction work. But the removal of trees and vegetation also will ensure the safe and reliable operation of the new facilities for many years to come,” she said. “We are required to meet certain federal standards for vegetation management on our rights-of-way to prevent electric system outages.”

ATC has notified landowners of the upcoming clearing and tree removal, which will begin on the west end of the line near the St. Lawrence Substation and continue through the end of the year, wrapping up in Saukville. A final notification will be made by the forestry company, Wright Tree Service, who will provide a phone number for property owners who may have questions or concerns.
The construction work to replace the 60-year old poles and wires on the existing 138-kilovolt electric transmission line will begin in mid-October as portions of the right-of-way are cleared. 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 in 2008. The voltage of the line will remain the same at 138-kilovolts when the new facilities are placed in service in late April 2008.

MADISON – American Transmission Co. will host a series of public informational open house meetings next week to share information about the proposed Rockdale – West Middleton transmission line project. ATC is encouraging the public to learn more about the two proposed route options that will be included in the regulatory application the company will submit to the Public Service Commission in October.

ATC unveiled the final two route alternatives for the transmission line last week. The northern route alternative generally follows I-90 and the Beltline highway west toward Middleton. The southern route follows a path mostly through rural areas offset from county highways.

“We’re encouraging property owners who are not yet familiar with this critical project to become in engaged in the process so they understand how the project may potentially impact their property and the next steps in the process,” said Mark Williamson, vice president of Major Projects. At the meetings next week, ATC staff also will discuss other aspects of the proposed project including the overall need for a new transmission line, environmental impacts, the regulatory review process, and engineering and construction issues.

Public informational open houses to review the final route alternatives:

Monday, Aug. 20, 4 – 8 p.m.
Alliant Energy Center

Wednesday, Aug. 22, 4 – 8 p.m.
Quality Inn & Suites, Fitchburg

Tuesday, Aug. 21, 4 – 8 p.m.
LakeView Church, Stoughton

Thursday, Aug. 23, 4 – 8 p.m.
The Heights Event Center, Verona

ATC’s public involvement process began more than two years ago when the company first introduced a proposal for a 345-kilovolt electric transmission line between the towns of Middleton and Christiana. More than 17,000 households were invited to attend 18 open houses in the past couple of years and to provide input and feedback. “Our collaborative approach to routing and siting transmission lines involved thousands of people,” explained Williamson. “Our public outreach has been a two-way street that included a meaningful dialogue with property owners, public officials and other stakeholders about the need and possible impacts of the project.”

According to Williamson, the final route options for the transmission line were directly influenced by ATC’s public involvement activities. “The valuable information and input from the public leads to good decision-making, results in a better, more acceptable project, and helps us prepare a regulatory application that can withstand the thorough review of the PSC,” he said.

The year-long regulatory review will begin in October when ATC files its construction application for the project. “We encourage people to continue their involvement as the regulatory process begins and the PSC reviews our proposal,” said Williamson.

Kingsford, Mich. – American Transmission Co. will soon begin reconstruction of the existing transmission line that runs between the Atlantic Mine Substation, located in Adams Township, and the Osceola Substation, located in Calumet Township.

“The upgraded transmission line will improve electric reliability in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula,” said Brett French, ATC customer relations. “We will do our best to inform landowners of the impact of our work, while keeping disruptions to a minimum as we complete the project.”

During the project, the existing transmission facilities will be replaced with new steel poles, insulators and wires along and within the existing transmission right-of-way corridor. ATC will also upgrade the substations in this area.

The affected communities include the City of Hancock, and the Townships of Adams, Quincy, Franklin, Osceola and Calumet. All are located in Houghton County. These communities may experience heavy truck traffic from time to time as equipment and materials are mobilized to the area to support this project.

ATC will start the work in August. This project should be complete, and the facilities placed in service by the end of May 2008.

This project, estimated to cost approximately $9 million, is another example of ATC’s ongoing commitment to the Upper Peninsula.

De Pere, Wis. – American Transmission Co. will soon begin work on the existing transmission line that runs alongside US Hwy. 41 between the Sunset Point Substation, located in the town of Oshkosh, and the Ellinwood Substation, located in the City of Oshkosh.

“The upgraded transmission line will improve electric reliability in the Fox Valley,” said David Hovde, ATC local relations. “We will do our best to keep disruptions to a minimum along Hwy. 41 as we complete the project.”

The work consists of replacing six structures with steel poles on concrete foundations, as well as adding another six new steel poles. In addition, we will also be adding a second circuit (i.e, a second set of wires) on the remaining structures on the existing line by replacing the steel “arms” to these structures. This will accommodate the second circuit that will be placed on the 3.8 mile line along Hwy. 41 and across a portion of Lake Butte des Morts. The steel poles need to be replaced to meet newly required height clearances. There will also be some construction activities inside the two substations.

There will be a few periodic lane closures and diversions along Koeller Street. to accommodate the construction vehicles and work taking place during the project. The appropriate traffic control procedures, warning and directional signage, and other safety measures will be in place to alert drivers about any lane closures.

This project should be complete, and the facilities placed in service by mid-December 2007.

MADISON, Wis. – Following a year-long regulatory review, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin gave ATC its final approval today for construction of a new electric transmission line from Vienna to Westport, known as the North Madison-Huiskamp project. The proposal for the 8-mile, 138-kilovolt line near Waunakee is needed to accommodate the robust growth in recent years and the increase in electric consumption.

“Waunakee is one of the fastest growing communities in Dane County both in terms of population growth and new business,” said Sarah Justus, local relations representative. “This growth has out-paced the capacity of the area’s existing electric system to deliver reliable electric service.”

The PSC selected the preferred route recommended by ATC, which will run along County Highway I and State Highway 113 between the North Madison Substation in Vienna and the Huiskamp Substation located in the town of Westport. ATC gathered feedback from area residents beginning in 2005 on several possible routes for the proposed line. “The input we received was very helpful in identifying the most suitable routes for the line,” said Justus. “It’s always a challenge, and gathering feedback is an essential part of the process.”

During the next several months, ATC will begin land surveying and soil testing to finalize the design details, as well starting on the easement acquisition process. According to Justus, the construction of the line won’t begin until next year, but pre-construction activities will begin right away. “When we get closer to actual construction, we’ll host a pre-construction open house where area residents can learn more about what they can expect to observe during construction.” she said. The project, which is estimated at approximately $15 million, is expected to be placed in service in 2008.

“Approval of this line is good news for the homeowners, businesses and industries that will benefit from a reliable electric system,” said Justus. “We hope that area residents will continue to stay involved as we prepare for construction.”

Note to editors: A map of the approved route is available at www.atcllc.com

MADISON, Wis. – American Transmission Co. placed in service last week a new 69-kilovolt electric transmission line connecting the Columbia Substation, located in the Town of Pacific, with the Rio Substation, located in the Village of Rio. The new line will also connect to a new Alliant Energy substation – the Wyocena Substation, in the Village of Wyocena.

Construction began last spring on the transmission line, which runs from the Columbia Substation along State Hwy. 16 into the Wyocena Substation. Construction was completed last month, ahead of schedule.

The 10-mile transmission line helps meet local electricity needs and backs up other critical facilities on the electric system. “This new transmission line will help accommodate the increase in electricity usage due to population growth,” said John Garvin, ATC local relations representative. “Completion of this line gives us a solution to past network challenges.”

De Pere, Wis. – American Transmission Co. placed in service last week a new 115-kilovolt electric transmission line connecting the Venus Substation, located in the Town of Monico, with a new Wisconsin Public Service Corp. substation, named the Metonga Substation, in Crandon.

Construction began in late fall 2006 on the 13-mile line. It runs along Old Hwy. 26 south and east along Hwy. 8, down Rosa Road to the Metonga Substation. Construction wrapped up last week, on schedule.

The new transmission line helps improve electric reliability in the area and serves as a backup to other critical facilities on the electric system.

“Completion of this project resolves further loading problems caused by population growth in the area,” said Lee Meyerhofer, ATC local relations representative.

MADISON, Wis.—American Transmission Co.’s application seeking approval to construct a new 345 kilovolt electric transmission line in south central Wisconsin was declared complete last week by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. The determination marks the beginning of the roughly six-month regulatory review of the proposal, which will include engineering and environmental scrutiny and a public hearing.

This application, which was filed with the PSC in May, is the first transmission line proposal within the service area of the Midwest Independent System Operator (MISO) that is justified on economics. ATC’s projects in recent years largely have been constructed to address weaknesses on its transmission system and resolve reliability issues. “Although area reliability will be enhanced, the primary benefit of this high-voltage transmission line to the south comes from the ability of utilities to access and purchase cheaper power in the region for their customers,” explained Flora Flygt director of Planning for ATC. The proposed power line, called Paddock-Rockdale, will add a connection between the Rockdale Substation in the Town of Christiana in Dane County and the Paddock Substation located in the Town of Beloit in Rock County.

Although the PSC staff has requested a few additional pieces of information from ATC, a “completeness determination” by the PSC means the staff is confident that the information and data contained in ATC’s Paddock – Rockdale proposal will allow the agency to perform a comprehensive analysis of the proposal. “We hope to have a decision later this year or early next year,” said Flygt. “This regulatory review follows two years of analysis by our planners. If approved, this project will complete a connection to Illinois that will allow local distribution companies access to lower-cost power produced in the region.”

Wisconsin has limited transmission line connections to other states, which reduces access to wind energy and lower-cost sources of electricity from other regions. According to Flygt, six of seven scenarios studied by ATC showed that the project would pay for itself over its lifetime. “The new line could yield a 40-year net savings on the low end of $100 million and almost $1 billion on the high end. On an annual basis, the savings could be between $7 million and $125 million. The cost of the project is about $133 million,” she said.

“Timing is important and we’re encouraged by the PSC’s timetable for review. Our in-service target is 2010, which coincides with the expiration of some of the federal market protection for our service area. Supporting a more competitive market for utilities will translate to savings to consumers,” said Flygt. The regulatory application includes two possible locations for the new 345-kV circuit, and both make use of existing transmission line corridors. If the project is approved, the PSC will select one route for construction as part of its decision.

MADISON, Wis.—The conclusion of a study on constructing the proposed Rockdale – West Middleton high voltage transmission line underground is that Madison’s Beltline highway is not a suitable location for underground facilities.

The locations identified as the most feasible include routes off the Beltline on city streets and frontage roads. “Although we assumed the Beltline might offer undergrounding possibilities, the routes we found the most feasible from a construction standpoint deviate from the Beltline between Verona Rd. and west to the West Middleton Substation,” said Mark Williamson, vice president of Major Projects. “The routing guidelines are different for underground facilities. Portions of the Beltline were found to be unsuitable for underground construction because of access issues from private property, volume and speed of traffic and steep slope conditions along the edge of the Beltline right-of-way. All combine to make this type of construction along the Beltline impractical.”

ATC conducted the underground study—the first to be conducted by the company for a 345-kilovolt line—in response to requests from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin and several local governments to evaluate options for undergrounding the proposed transmission line near the Beltline and in parts of Fitchburg. According to Williamson, the company will not be recommending underground construction because of operational and cost concerns. “It is simply imprudent to construct underground lines at a cost many times greater than overhead lines knowing the trade-off is greater operational limitations,” he said. “It’s like paying a premium for a high-end coffee maker that makes worse coffee than a more economical model.”

Williamson explained that Wisconsin currently doesn’t have any power lines of this voltage underground. “The findings will be useful for future 345-kV proposals. The results we have now offer a comprehensive analysis of underground routing and construction feasibility for a line at this voltage. More detailed studies on the reliability of the specific underground line proposals are ongoing and results will be provided as part of ATC’s filing with the PSC.”

In its application to the PSC, ATC will provide the study’s final results including cost, route and feasibility analyses on a segment by segment basis. The analysis was performed in segments to allow state regulators the option of designating that certain segments be constructed underground while constructing others overhead. One such segment is the area between South Towne Dr. and Verona Rd., which has been the focus of many questions from adjoining landowners. The analysis of this six-mile segment shows the cost to construct the line overhead is estimated to be $20 million, while the cost to construct the same route underground is estimated to be $128 million, or almost 6 times more costly.

Among those who have a stake in the study results are property owners along the newly identified underground routes. “Most of these property owners have not been previously involved in the two-year public process leading up this point,” said Williamson. “It is our obligation to notify these landowners of the possible impact an underground line could have on their property and their neighborhoods if the PSC were to require portions to be placed underground.”

ATC will host open house meetings on June 11, 12, and 13 to discuss the underground line route proposals. “We want to introduce the overall project to people who are new to this process and give them an opportunity to ask questions,” explained Williamson. “Since it ultimately will be up to the PSC to determine if and where the line is built—and whether or not it should go overhead or underground it is prudent to make sure the public is aware of all the possibilities.”

The company expects to announce its final overhead routes for the transmission line project in late July of this year and file for the necessary approvals from state regulators in October.

DE PERE, Wis. – American Transmission Co., has received approval from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to rebuild a 13-mile power line between the Crivitz and High Falls substations in Marinette County. The original line was built in 1910 to deliver energy generated at hydro-electric plants along the Upper Peshtigo River to the city of Green Bay.

“The line needs to be upgraded and its capacity increased to meet reliability needs and provide additional operating flexibility under certain conditions,” explains David Hovde, local relations representative for ATC. Voltage of the double-circuit line will remain 69,000 volts, but larger conductors (wires) will be used to increase the line’s capacity.

Estimated cost of the project is $23.4 million. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2008. Landowners along the right-of-way have been informed of the project and will continue to be kept apprised as the project proceeds.

MADISON, Wis. – The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin is supporting nearly a dozen nonprofit conservation groups and programs throughout the state with funding from American Transmission Co.’s Environmental Stewardship Fund, maintained by the Foundation. The ATC fund is part of the company’s commitment through its Green Tier agreement with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Diverse projects were chosen by a selection process overseen by the Foundation’s Environmental Stewardship Fund committee. The committee, made up of conservation professionals from the nonprofit and public sector, reviewed proposals from nonprofit organizations and agencies for projects involving

• endangered species protection,
• habitat restoration and management,
• community-based conservation,
• environmental education and outreach.

Projects deemed to have the highest conservation importance are recommended to the Natural Resources Foundation board of directors for approval. Grants for 2007 are being disbursed beginning this month.

“ATC’s commitment of $300,000 in annual funding is the kind of partnership that is critical in supporting a wide variety of environmental stewardship programs and land conservation efforts across the state,” explains Charlie Luthin, executive director of the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. “The Green Tier program requires companies to achieve, document and maintain a level of environmental performance that is above and beyond what is required by law. The ATC Environmental Stewardship Fund is part of that commitment.”

“We are happy to support the work of statewide and local conservation groups,” says Rita Hayen, manager of ATC’s environmental department. “When we can, we try to avoid impacts and minimize our presence in construction, operation and maintenance of transmission lines. The fund is another way we demonstrate our commitment to environmental protection.”

Following is a sample of some initiatives selected by the NRF to receive funds in 2007:

Gathering Waters Conservancy is a statewide umbrella group for land trusts. In 2006, the organization received a $30,000 grant to support a public outreach initiative in support of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund. Named after a former governor and former senator renowned as conservation leaders, the program is designed to preserve valuable natural areas and wildlife habitat, protect water quality and fisheries, and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation. “We organized a ‘parade of preserves’ to show state residents what the Knowles-Nelson Fund has done in their backyards,” explains Vicki Elkin, stewardship campaign director. “The grant allowed us to organize field trips to six natural areas around the state that have been protected with Stewardship Fund support.” Gathering Waters has received a 2007 grant to develop and implement a statewide communication plan about the value of the Stewardship Fund, including a publication, “Stories of Stewardship: Tales from Wisconsin’s Big Backyard.”

Mequon Nature Preserve is a 438-acre natural area within the city limits of Mequon, which officials are preserving as “a premier environmental education and recreation facility,” according to Mayor Christine Nuernberg. A master plan was completed for the preserve in 2006, and a grant from the fund is being used to develop a comprehensive trail system, scheduled to be completed in Summer 2007.

C.D. Besadny Conservation Grants Program funds projects that encourage conservation activities to promote the responsible stewardship of Wisconsin’s natural resources at the local level. The matching grants program, named after a former DNR Secretary who championed environmental education, support community groups with projects ranging from habitat restoration, accessibility, environmental education and control of invasive species. The ATC fund has supported about 38 community projects in the past two years.

James Madison Memorial High School in Madison received a 2006 Besadny grant to conduct a State Natural Areas study and field trip project. “The students were very impressed with the quality of our State Natural Areas,” says Nancy Piraino, science teacher at Memorial. “Any exposure to natural areas will hopefully heighten student interest and help them learn to appreciate the value of these sites for their protection and preservation.”

Endangered species programs also are being supported by grants from the ATC fund, including those designed to protect the following:

• Wood turtle (statewide)
• Karner blue butterfly (Burnett, Jackson, Monroe, Wood, Juneau, Adams, Waushara, Waupaca, Green Lake, Portage, Monroe counties
• Kirtland’s warbler (Jackson, Douglas, Washburn, Vilas, Marinette, Oconto counties)
• American Marten (Ashland, Bayfield, Sawyer counties)

The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for individuals and organizations who care about Wisconsin’s lands, waters and wildlife to: deepen their understanding and appreciation for these resources; support state and local conservation programs; and create conservation endowments. For more information on the Natural Resources Foundation or the Wisconsin Conservation endowment, visit www.wisconservation.org

(MADISON) – American Transmission Co. is modifying its filing date to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin by at least three months for the Rockdale-West Middleton 345-kilovolt transmission line project. Originally, ATC planned to file its construction application with the PSC in June, but will now target October 2007.

“We are being responsive and responsible to the people of Dane County,” said Mark Williamson, vice president of Major Projects. “We have a critical need here, but taking some additional time to address concerns and issues is a reasonable and prudent compromise.”

ATC unveiled three general route options last summer for connecting the Rockdale and West Middleton electric substations in Dane County and expected to be ready to announce the final routes this month. “During the past year, residents, stakeholders and elected officials have actively engaged in the process, made recommendations to us, and asked appropriate questions,” said Williamson. “Among them is the feasibility of placing high-voltage transmission lines underground along portions of the routes.”

In addition to undergrounding, questions about electric usage forecasts, environmental impacts and the recent Department of Transportation concerns about the Beltline route have added work to the preparation of the company’s application to the PSC. Williamson reiterated the crucial need for this project. “We’re eager to get this project in the hands of the regulators, but we want to fully explore these issues without compromising our ability to keep the lights on. Today, we’re looking at an in-service date in 2013, rather than in 2012.”

According to Williamson, the preliminary evaluation of underground construction suggests that it is not a feasible option for the 345,000-volt project. “The significant added cost is only one factor. We continue to have serious concerns about the construction, reliability and environmental impact of placing power lines of this voltage underground,” he explained. “However, we’ve agreed to perform a more comprehensive analysis and develop detailed underground transmission line options for project at the request of the PSC and the public. This analysis will be included in our application to the PSC.”

Dane County is one of the fastest growing counties in Wisconsin and few significant improvements have been made to the transmission infrastructure in nearly 30 years. The county is mainly served by a network of 69- and 138-kilovolt transmission lines. The expected growth in the coming years cannot be served by the existing system. A new 345-kilovolt line will allow power to flow in from other areas to efficiently serve Dane County and boost the reliability of the entire network.

The regulatory review process, which will begin after the PSC receives ATC’s application this fall, will likely continue through most of 2008—during which time the public will have an opportunity to participate in public hearings on the project.

To monitor project developments including the timeline and current route maps, visit ATC’s web site at www.atcllc.com

MADISON, Wis. – American Transmission Co. placed in service last week a new 138-kilovolt electric transmission line connecting the Sprecher Substation, located near the Sprecher Road / CTH BB intersection, with the Femrite Substation, located on Femrite Drive near the I-90 /USH 12/18 interchange.

Construction began last spring on the underground portion of the line, running along Buckeye Road east of the Interstate 90 and north on Sprecher Road to the substation on Cottage Grove Road. Construction on the overhead portion from the Femrite Substation to I 90 and Buckeye Road began last summer and wrapped up last week—several months ahead of schedule and under budget.

The four-mile transmission line helps support local electricity needs and back up other critical facilities on the system. “It also will help to strengthen the reliability of the transmission system serving the east side of Madison and neighboring communities,” said Mark Williamson, ATC vice president of major projects. “The electrical path that has been completed around the city with this line provides an alternate path for electricity to flow in the event of an outage on another line.”

This project is one among several needed to reinforce the electric system in and around Dane County. “This project is one of our critical short-term upgrades to Dane County’s transmission network,” Williamson said. “It gives us a solution and helps buy us a bit of time to work on our larger projects.”

ATC expects to reach milestones in 2007 on several other projects in Dane County.

• Final proposed routes will be announced in later this year for the 345-kilovolt Rockdale-West Middleton project.
• A decision is expected this summer on the 138-kilovolt line proposed for the Waunakee area.
• The 138-kilovolt proposed line between Verona and Fitchburg is being reviewed by the Public Service Commission with public hearings expected this summer.

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. has selected The Boldt Company as general contractor to provide transmission line and substation construction services for projects in southeastern and south central Wisconsin.

“This is the latest in a series of long-term agreements we have signed with premier construction companies,” explains Mike Rowe, ATC vice president for construction. “This three-year contract with Boldt will enable us to proceed with our ambitious plan to maintain and improve electric reliability across the southern third of Wisconsin.”

“The Boldt Company is very excited to be part of the ATC team to implement this construction program,” states Jim Lee, Boldt’s group president, Northern Operations. “ATC has Boldt’s commitment to uphold high standards in safety and to provide cost-effective, value-added construction services.”

Under the agreement, Boldt will provide all construction resources, including labor, equipment and management strategies, for projects managed by ATC offices in Pewaukee and Madison.

ATC’s most recent 10-year plan calls for $3 billion in construction and maintenance projects across its four major portfolios of assets. Long-term agreements help manage construction costs by leveraging resources, equipment and services across a broader base of assets. Working relationships also are established that contribute to common goals for safety and environmental stewardship.

ATC recently signed a three-year agreement with MJ Electric, LLC, an InfraSource Co., for general construction services for its northern portfolio. A contract was signed with Kenny Construction for services to ATC’s central portfolio in 2005.

“These agreements fulfill our strategy of securing high quality construction service partners to help us execute our capital construction program,” Rowe says.

MADISON, Wis. – Thirty representatives from many of the largest electric transmission owners and operators in the U.S. and Canada elected José M. Delgado, president and CEO of American Transmission Co. as chairman of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s (NERC) newly established Transmission Owners and Operators Forum. W. Terry Boston, the Tennessee Valley Authority’s executive vice president of power system operations was elected its vice-chairman.

The TOO forum is a new effort by members of NERC to provide a transmission-specific venue for enhancing grid operations; it is open to both large and small, publicly owned and privately held participants.

NERC oversees the reliability and security of the bulk power system in North America (US, Canada and parts of Mexico) and is responsible for developing and enforcing reliability standards and assessing the reliability of the system and the readiness of its operators.

The goal of the new TOO forum is to improve the reliability of the electricity grids through the identification and sharing of best practices in transmission system operations. It provides an opportunity for transmission owning and operating utilities to assist each other through the exchange of information on all aspects of transmission operations.

Delgado was also recently appointed to a two-year term as Co-Chairman of the Edison Electric Institute’s CEO task force on electric system reliability which focuses on regulatory policy.

DE PERE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. has selected MJ Electric LLC, an InfraSource Co., as general contractor to provide construction services for transmission line and substation projects in northeastern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

“MJ Electric has a demonstrated track record of providing superior construction services in a ‘safety-first’ atmosphere,” said Mike Rowe, ATC vice president for construction. “This three-year alliance with MJE will meet our goal to establish a long-term, reliable source of construction services that meets our cost, schedule and project requirements. MJE’s work practices also are consistent with our environmental goals.”

“Obviously, we are very excited about this opportunity to partner with ATC on future projects,” stated Stephen J. Reiten, president of MJE. “This is a very significant event for us and we are pleased that ATC is demonstrating confidence in our capabilities with this alliance. We look forward to the opportunity of contributing to ATC’s future success.”

Under the agreement, MJE will provide all construction resources, including labor, equipment and management strategies, to safely and cost-effectively implement ATC’s construction projects in the company’s northern portfolio. ATC’s 10-year plan calls for nearly $3 billion in construction and maintenance activities to ensure electric reliability. ATC’s investment in the northern portfolio, which is managed by offices in De Pere and Kingsford, Mich., is estimated to be more than $500 million over the next 10 years.

MADISON, Wis. – American Transmission Co.’s application seeking approval to construct a new electric transmission substation (called the Oak Ridge Substation) in the City of Fitchburg and a new transmission line that would connect to the existing Verona substation was declared complete Monday by the Public Service Commission. This decision marks the beginning of the roughly six-month regulatory review process, which will include engineering and environmental scrutiny and a public hearing.

“Although the PSC staff has requested a few additional pieces of information from ATC, their completeness determination means they have the information and documentation needed to begin a thorough review and evaluation of the project,” explained Sarah Justus, ATC local relations representative. “We hope to have a decision on the project from the PSC next summer.”

The PSC staff analyzes the transmission line application for need and potential impacts, alternative solutions, engineering, economics, safety and also reviews the route options recommended by ATC.

ATC’s application, which was filed in December, proposes to construct the Oak Ridge substation near the intersection of Fish Hatchery Road and Irish Lane in the City of Fitchburg. The proposed 6-mile, 138-kilovolt transmission line would connect the new Oak Ridge substation with the existing Verona substation. The total estimated cost of these improvements is approximately $19 million.

South central Dane County has experienced dramatic growth in recent years and the electric system needs to be reinforced to accommodate the increased electrical usage. This project will strengthen both ATC’s transmission system and Madison Gas & Electric’s local distribution system to ensure safe and reliable electric service.

ATC’s proposal for a 345-kilovolt transmission line between the towns of Christiana and Middleton is still under route review. The company expects to finalize the routes options that will be included in its application this spring and submit the application in June.

Madison, Wis. – Yesterday’s Badger win in the face off between the women’s basketball teams from UW-Madison and the University of Minnesota also was a win for Gilda’s Club of Madison. The sell-out crowd at the Kohl Center meant the cancer support organization, Gilda’s Club, will receive $4,285 from American Transmission Co.

“We teamed up with the Badgers and their fans to raise money for Gilda’s Club,” said Sarah Justus. “We pledged 25 cents to the organization for every fan who attended yesterday’s game, matching Coach Stone’s donation of 25 cents per fan.”

As part of ATC’s sponsorship and support of the Raise the Roof event, the company purchased 500 tickets and donated more than 400 of the tickets to community and youth groups. The remaining tickets were distributed to company employees. “Our company and its employees are part of this community, and we’re privileged to support worthy causes and organizations,” explained Justus.

Madison, Wis. – The findings of American Transmission Company’s year-long analysis of burying portions of its proposed Rockdale – West Middleton transmission line will be made available to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. However, the company won’t be proposing underground lines or asking the PSC to approve them when its application is submitted for regulatory review next June. “Our analysis shows that overhead facilities are the better option,” said Mark Williamson, vice president of Major Projects.

Although ATC has not yet finalized its proposed route options for the proposed Rockdale – West Middleton line, there are concerns among local elected officials about placing overhead facilities along the Beltline. City of Madison officials have asked the PSC to give “serious consideration to undergrounding the line.”

“As a matter of practice, our project proposals for electric transmission lines always include an analysis of alternatives,” explains Williamson. “During the past year, we’ve been studying the costs and feasibility of placing portions of the Rockdale – West Middleton line underground. Our analysis overwhelmingly shows there’s no adequate justification for undergrounding the line within a mature commercial, controlled access highway corridor like the Beltline.”

Williamson acknowledged that advances are being made in the technology for burying transmission lines, but argued it’s still too costly and environmentally invasive. “The Beltline is not a justifiable candidate for undergrounding due to higher costs, increased environmental intrusion, and heightened electric system operational risks,” he said. “Underground construction adds between $9 million and $15 million per mile to the cost of these facilities compared to overhead lines. To bury the 15-mile portion between Stoughton Road and Middleton translates to between $135 million and $225 million in additional costs—more than doubling the total cost of the 35-mile project compared to building it entirely on overhead structures.”

Because the costs associated with major utility projects are spread among all electricity customers in ATC’s service area, Williamson said ATC is concerned about the precedent that would be created if lines were buried along the Beltline. “We have hundreds of communities throughout our service area that could make the same argument for burying lines,” he said. “Burying transmission lines in all the communities in which we are working would result in huge cost increases for industrial, commercial and residential customers.”

According to a 2006 report published by the Edison Electric Institute, studies of statewide undergrounding initiatives in Florida and North Carolina suggest undergrounding would require rate increases ranging from 80 percent to 125 percent from current rates. A Virginia study calculates the annual cost of a statewide undergrounding initiative at approximately $3,500 per customer.

MADISON, Wis. – The formal regulatory review is underway for a new substation in the City of Fitchburg and a new transmission line connecting the proposed Oak Ridge Substation with an existing substation in the City of Verona. American Transmission Co. today filed its application for the Fitchburg – Verona project with the Wisconsin Public Service Commission.

ATC is proposing to construct the Oak Ridge substation near the intersection of Fish Hatchery Road and Irish Lane in the City of Fitchburg. The proposed 6-mile, 138-kilovolt transmission line would connect the new Oak Ridge substation with the existing Verona substation. The total estimated cost of these improvements is approximately $19 million.

The project is needed to meet growing demand for electricity in south central Dane County. “This part of the county has seen dramatic growth and the electric system has not kept pace,” explains Sarah Justus, ATC local relations. “The existing facilities are projected to become overloaded by the summer of 2009. This project will strengthen both ATC’s transmission system and Madison Gas & Electric’s local distribution system to ensure safe and reliable electric service.”

Over the last 18 months, ATC has worked with local residents, elected officials and others to gather input and answer questions about the project. “We appreciate the involvement of the public in this project to date and look forward to continued public input as this project moves to the regulatory stage” says Justus. During the regulatory review the Public Service Commission will review the need for the project and the proposed routes. The PSC will also work with the Department of Natural Resources to conduct an environmental review.

MADISON, Wis. – After months of public input and regulatory review, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin gave its final approval for construction of a $17 million power line proposed by American Transmission Co.

ATC will build a new 13-mile, 138-kilovolt line to connect a new substation to be located near Horicon with an existing substation located south of Neosho. The PSC approved ATC’s recommended route, which runs parallel and just east of County Road TW through the Town of Hubbard and the Town of Hustisford.

Population in Dodge County has increased 25 percent since 1970. Electricity usage is increasing 3 percent annually in most areas of the county. No significant new electric infrastructure has been built in the past 20 years, and the transmission system is operating at its limits. The transmission line will address electric system instability and will accommodate a new electric substation in the Village of Hustisford as well.

“Approval of this project is good news for homeowners, businesses and industries that enjoy all the benefits of a reliable electric system,” said John Garvin, ATC local relations. “We hope that landowners will continue to stay involved as we prepare for construction.”

ATC first introduced the project to area residents in summer 2004 and submitted its regulatory application in late 2005. Construction is expected to begin in April 2007, and the project is anticipated to be completed in May 2008.

Note to editors: Additional background information, including maps, is available at www.atcllc.com.

Flygt, director of Planning, has been in the utility business for more than 25 years. She joined ATC in 2005 to work on business development. She previously was employed by Alliant Energy and Madison Gas & Electric in the areas of long-term forecasting, demand-side planning, integrated resource planning, environmental planning, market research, strategic planning and business development. She has a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Michigan and a master’s of science degree in land resources, energy analysis and policy from the University of Wisconsin.

Satterfield, director of Regulatory, Governmental Affairs and Corporate Communications, joined ATC in 2003 as director of Communications. Previously, Satterfield was senior account manager for Wood Communications Group in Madison. Prior to Wood, Satterfield served as an assistant director in the Bureau of Consumer Protection at the Federal Trade Commission in Washington D.C. He has extensive experience in communications, advertising, political consulting and international public relations. He holds undergraduate degrees in philosophy and political science from Marquette University.

Mike Hofbauer has been named Corporate Controller and will be responsible for accounting, financial reporting, taxes and budgets. Hofbauer joined ATC in 2000 as director of Accounting. Prior to ATC, Hofbauer was senior manager with Arthur Andersen LLP in Illinois, where he managed multi-million dollar consulting projects for various industries and governmental entities. Prior to joining Arthur Andersen, Hofbauer was a corporate accounting manager with Midway Airlines. He is a certified public accountant with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Chicago.

Tom Finco, director of Real Estate, now also will oversee ATC’s Environmental and Local Relations groups. Finco joined ATC in 2000 as manager of Real Estate. Prior to ATC, Finco spent 11 years at Alliant Energy in various leadership positions in the real estate area. He has a bachelor’s degree in geography information systems from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and a master’s of business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is a licensed real estate broker in the state of Wisconsin and a licensed surveyor in Wisconsin and Iowa.

WAUSAU, WIS. – American Transmission Co. has completed the second week of successful tests on a 143-mile segment of the Arrowhead-Weston transmission line between Weston Power Plant and Stone Lake Substation in Sawyer County. The line is now in service, though carrying less than its full capacity, and will reinforce the existing transmission system in northwest Wisconsin. It will carry the full 345-kilovolt load when the line is completed in 2008.

“This is a giant step forward for the residents and businesses of northwest Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest. With Arrowhead-Weston becoming a reality, electric system reliability will be greatly improved,” said Pete Holtz, ATC project manager of the Arrowhead-Weston line. “Cooperation from residents along the line has been a critical component in getting this important public works project nearer to completion.”

Testing of the line began Nov. 16, according to Holtz, without any major problems and was placed in service Nov. 30. The Weston to Stone Lake segment will reinforce the area between Wausau and Hayward so construction can continue north to Douglas County and the City of Superior. The energized line will supply needed power as the existing lines are taken out of service and rebuilt on the new 345-kV structures.

“We still have 66 miles to go, but our engineering and construction crews deserve a tremendous amount of credit for the superb work they’ve done on this project,” said Dave Valine, Wisconsin Public Service Corp. construction coordinator. “This is a major accomplishment, the benefits of which Wisconsin residents will soon reap.”

Construction on the Arrowhead-Weston project currently is focused in Douglas and Washburn counties. Completion of the 210-mile transmission line project is scheduled before May 2008. The project is entering its ninth year of planning, development, approval and construction.

ATC will own and operate the line upon completion. WPS has been in charge of construction activities and coordinating those activities with Minnesota Power, which has already completed the 12-mile segment in Minnesota.

Prior to FERC, Chinn was president and chief executive officer of Georgia Transmission Corp., an electric transmission utility with more than $1 billion in assets. Previously, she spent 18 years at Florida Power & Light in various planning, engineering, construction and operations management positions in transmission and distribution, along with corporate strategy and quality leadership roles.

“ATC is known as an industry leader and the successful model for a stand-alone transmission company,” said Chinn. “I am energized about joining the ATC team and contributing to its future success in asset delivery, asset management and system operations.”

In its first five years, ATC has invested more than $1 billion in the transmission grid serving most of Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The company is planning another $3 billion in investment over the next 10 years.

Chinn will report to José Delgado, president and chief executive officer, who said, “Carol brings to ATC proven experience in utility operations, strategic planning and organizational leadership. We are looking forward to her oversight and coordination of our system operations, maintenance and construction plan.”

Chinn earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering from the University of Florida at Gainesville, a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Miami, and a master’s of business administration from the University of Florida at Gainesville.

MADISON, Wis. – After many months of public input and regulatory review, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin gave its final approval to a power line project proposed by American Transmission Co.

The Cranberry-Conover-Plains project is needed because significant growth in the Rhinelander and Eagle River areas has resulted in an overloaded electric system that is vulnerable and subject to blackouts under certain conditions. The new and improved line will significantly improve reliability in the region long-term and improve ATC’s ability to move power in and around northeastern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

ATC will build a new 138-kilovolt, 16 mile line between Eagle River and Conover, and convert about 73 miles of existing lines between Conover and Quinnesec, Mich., from 69 kilovolts to 138 kilovolts. The cost of the project is estimated at $116.4 million.

“The transmission lines to the east of Eagle River that connect northern Wisconsin to the Upper Peninsula are some of the most severely constrained in the ATC system,” states Franc Fennessy, ATC manager of local relations. “Approval of this project is good news for homeowners, businesses and industries that enjoy all the benefits of a reliable electric system.”

ATC first introduced the project to area residents in Summer 2004 and submitted its regulatory application in late 2005. Construction is expected to begin during the 3rd Quarter of 2007, and the project is anticipated to be completed in late 2009.

Note to editors: Additional background information, including maps, is available at the www.atcllc.com Web site.

WAUKESHA, Wis. – In American Transmission Co.’s annual 10-Year Transmission System Assessment report (www.atc10yearplan.com), ATC identifies an estimated $3.1 billion in work needed over the next 10 years to ensure that the transmission grid can reliably meet the electric needs of people and businesses throughout most of Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

This is the first time in six years that ATC’s estimated dollar amount for the 10-year plan has gone down and it’s due to a decrease in the number of projects needed to improve reliability and modernize aging equipment. “Our past and current investments are paying off,” said Mark Williamson, ATC vice president of major projects. “In our first five years we’ve been tremendously successful in making improvements, and we are no longer operating the system in crisis mode.”

But Williamson cautioned against believing that the job of upgrading the state’s transmission grid is done. “We cannot make up for 20 to 30 years of minimal investments in transmission in five years’ time. Not only are we just starting to tackle the more embedded constraints on the system, but we face continued growth in population, a surge in the use of automation and electrically powered technologies, and a region-wide disadvantage in the new Midwest energy markets,” he said.

ATC’s service area is designated as constrained by the Midwest Independent System Operator. “Those constraints will continue to cost consumers until we can place our major projects in service,” said Williamson. Transmission costs are the smallest component of a consumer’s electric bill at roughly six percent.

Of the $3.1 billion needed, approximately $1.7 billion would be for adding new equipment, including:

• constructing 360 miles of new lines,
• upgrading more than 840 miles of existing lines,
• installing more than 35 new transformers and
• installing more than 35 capacitor banks.

Some $1.4 billion would be for improving existing facilities including:

• maintenance on aging equipment,
• connections to power plants,
• infrastructure replacements and relocations, and
• small network reliability improvements.

Williamson identified southwestern Wisconsin as the portion of ATC’s service area with the greatest need for system upgrades and expansions because low voltages and overloaded facilities threaten the future reliability of the electric system. Low voltages can cause lights to dim or harm to computers or industrial processes. New infrastructure also is needed to accommodate load growth, particularly in and around fast-growing Dane County. ATC is nearing completion of $110 million in short-term improvements begun in 2001 in Dane County to prevent reliability problems. Longer-term upgrades of approximately $300 million through 2015 are in the planning and public outreach stages there.

“In assessing our system,” Williamson says, “we look out 10 years – and now even 20 years – because it can take up to eight years to plan, propose, get approvals and build additions or enhancements to the transmission system. We do not have the luxury of waiting until the system is deficient. By then, it’s too late to serve the anticipated need reliably.”

ATC takes a fresh, comprehensive look at the long-term needs of the transmission system every year, and identifies and begins to prioritize potential projects that may be needed to ensure electric system reliability. ATC is required by state law to meet least-cost planning standards in evaluating system needs; ATC engineers analyze the system for changes in the various factors impacting electric system needs, such as electricity usage, capacity of the system to meet those usage levels, population projections, employment trends, and anticipated generation expansion or retirement.

Since 2001, ATC has invested more than $1 billion in improvements to the power grid, including building or upgrading more than 710 miles of high-voltage lines, connecting more than 2,000 megawatts of new or expanded generation and making more than 100 new distribution connections. These improvements have helped the system operate more efficiently, saving 50 megawatts in energy losses off the system peak demand. As ATC continues to achieve a higher level of system reliability by implementing long-needed reliability-based projects and by renewing assets, the total incremental cost of the plan is likely to continue to decrease.

DE PERE, Wis. — American Transmission Co. energized new power lines last weekend, completing a two-year project to upgrade 80-year-old facilities in Oconto and Marinette counties in Wisconsin and Menominee and Dickinson counties in Michigan.

“This is a major step forward in bolstering electric reliability in the region,” explains Mike Rowe, ATC vice president of construction. “The project helps resolve the most chronic problem on ATC’s system – the limited ability to transfer power between Wisconsin and Upper Michigan because of aging, overloaded lines that often were operating at their limits.”

The Plains-Amberg-Stiles-West Marinette project involved three distinct line upgrades:

• West Marinette – Amberg: a 45-mile 69,000 volt, or 69-kV, line was upgraded to 138-kV operation on new structures within the existing right-of-way.
• Plains – Amberg: a new 138-kV line was built while service was maintained using a temporary bypass line within the existing right-of-way. The bypass was necessary because the 22-mile line is so critical to ATC operations that it could not be taken out of service during construction.
• Amberg – Stiles: this line was rebuilt with new structures and conductor in the last four months. The completion of the West Marinette – Amberg project facilitated the construction of this 44-mile, 138-kV line without the use of a bypass line.

The project also involved expansion of the Amberg Substation and construction of two new substations in Ingalls and near Holmes, Mich.

“The project was not without challenges,” Rowe notes. “We are grateful for the cooperation we received from property owners, local officials, our contractors and others who helped us safely complete this $95 million project.”

MADISON – Responding to a resolution passed tonight by the Dane County Board, American Transmission Co. agrees that the citizens of Dane County should support and encourage an independent study of power needs. “Fortunately, the analysis of need is built into the regulatory review process,” explains Mark Williamson, ATC’s vice president of Major Projects. “And the public should insist that the Public Service Commission fulfill its statutory responsibility by conducting a comprehensive review of the need for new transmission lines.”

Some members of the Dane County Board of Supervisors, along with other people, have questioned the conclusions of ATC’s planning studies and the results of an independent review of those studies conducted by a group of Wisconsin utilities, public advocacy organizations, environmental groups and local stakeholders. “A project proposal always begins with our analysis of electric system needs and a study of the problems that will affect future performance of the system,” explains Williamson. “In the case of Dane County, our studies showed the electric system deficiencies to be significant. In addition, we sought an independent review—an audit—of our studies which confirmed the need for more electricity infrastructure in Dane County. The analysis of need by the PSC will provide a third and definitive review of the data.”

The call for an independent study has been debated since earlier this year. According to Williamson, ATC offered to release its data for review if some group wanted to pursue and fund another study. “Some individuals continue to push for a study, but no one has come forward to actually conduct a study,” he said. “We will submit an application for the Rockdale-West Middleton project early next year to the PSC and continue to work on other proposals.”

When challenged about the number of separate proposals for Dane County and suggestions that the company is “piece-mealing” its projects, Williamson defended ATC’s planning expertise. “We have some of the best and most experienced system planners in the industry. The process of looking at a transmission network to identify problems and solutions is extremely complex,” he said. “We always look at the system in aggregate, and identify projects and solutions that provide optimal benefits that solve multiple problems at multiple locations.”

Williamson added that system planning always involves looking at alternatives. “We explore perhaps dozens of possible solutions and alternatives before we ever propose a project. Least-cost planning—and keeping the lights on—is our obligation and responsibility.”

ATC has identified several electric transmission projects in and around Dane County that are needed to meet the increased electric usage and projected usage. Dane County’s population is growing at a rate faster than any other county in the state with electric usage in some parts of the county increasing each year by more than 7 percent—three to four times the increase in usage in other parts of the state. Dane County is being served by an electric transmission system that has had few improvements in the past 25 years; some portions of the system are more than 60 years old

MADISON, Wis. – In its application to the Public Service Commission in November, American Transmission Co. will propose a route along Adams Rd. and CHM as its preferred route for a new transmission line for the Fitchburg to Verona Electric System Upgrade. ATC will host a public open house Thursday, Sept. 14, at the Quality Inn & Suites in Fitchburg for the public to view maps and ask questions.

ATC is proposing a 6-mile, 138-kilovolt electric transmission line that would connect a new substation, called the Oak Ridge Substation to be constructed in Fitchburg to an existing substation in Verona. “The preferred route that we’ll recommend to the PSC makes use of an existing transmission line corridor,” explains Sarah Justus, ATC local relations. “We believe this route has less impact and allows us to limit the amount of new right-of-way that will be needed.” A second route to the north along Whalen Rd. would require new right-of-way. ATC intends to identify this route as its proposed “alternate” route in its application. The PSC can select either route if it approves the project.

The project is needed to meet growing demand for electricity in south central Dane County. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Verona’s population between 2000 and 2005 grew by 44 percent—a rate faster than any other community in the state. “The existing facilities are operating at near-maximum capacity during the peak summer season and are projected to be overloaded by summer 2008,” says Justus. “The transmission system in this area is outdated and needs to be reinforced to prevent future system failures. The project also will strengthen Madison Gas & Electric’s local distribution system.”

ATC has spent the past year talking with local residents and evaluating many initial route options. “Local residents told us over several meetings that if transmission lines are needed, locating them along the existing transmission line corridor was preferable to creating new right of way. The existing power line route along Adams Rd. and County M also emerged as a cost-effective and technically feasible route that reduces impacts to the community and the environment,” says Justus.

The public is invited to an open house to talk with ATC real estate, engineering and regulatory staff.

Thursday, Sept. 14, 2006, 4 – 7 PM
Quality Inn & Suites
2969 Cahill Main, Fitchburg

ATC expects the PSC to hold a public hearing on the Verona Fitchburg project in early 2007 and make a decision a few months thereafter. If the project is approved, the PSC makes the final route selection as part of its decision. Recommendations on a preferred route for the Rockdale West Middleton project will be made later this year.

Note to editors: Visit ATC’s web site for an updated map of the final route.

MADISON, Wis. – American Transmission Co.’s application for approval to construct a new transmission line from Vienna to the town of Westport was declared complete Friday by the Public Service Commission. This decision marks the beginning of the roughly six-month regulatory review process, which will include engineering and environmental scrutiny and a public hearing.

ATC’s application includes two possible routes for a new 8-mile 138-kilovolt transmission line to connect the Vienna Substation located in the town of Vienna with the Huiskamp Substation located in the town of Westport.

ATC proposed the project to address growth in area demand for electricity and to maintain electric system reliability for much of northern Dane County. Since announcing the project last year, ATC held numerous open house events attended by over 380 people, conducted environmental and engineering analysis, and met with local officials. A public hearing held by the PSC is expected late this year and a decision on the project is expected early in 2007. The estimated cost of the project is $11 million and may vary depending upon which route the PSC selects. The line is expected to be in service in mid-2008.

The northern portion of the route (ATC’s alternative) will run along an existing transmission line, County Highway O, Newville Rd., Cemetery Rd. and I-94. The southern portion (ATC’s preferred) of the route follows county and town roads, including County Highway V, CP Avenue and County Highway G and includes short sections of new right-of-way.

“We are pleased that we have approval for a much-needed transmission line to ensure reliable service in Jefferson County and eastern Dane County,” explains Mary Carpenter, ATC local relations representative. “The public outreach we did along with the regulatory process worked as it should in getting to a solution that balances a number of factors and interests.”

The transmission line, which will connect the Stoney Brook Substation in the town of Waterloo with the Jefferson Substation located outside the city of Jefferson, will address growth in the area’s demand for electricity and to maintain electric system reliability for much of Jefferson County. This project will address system reliability and would accommodate a possible new electric distribution electric substation in the City of Lake Mills as well.

Since announcing the project in 2004, ATC hosted six open house events attended by more than 600 people, conducted environmental and engineering analysis, and met with local officials.

Construction on the transmission line will begin in fall 2007. Substation work may begin sooner. The estimated cost of the project is $22 million. It is scheduled to be in service in spring 2008.

MADISON – ATC President and CEO José Delgado addressed state utility regulators at the Mid-American Regulatory Conference in Columbus, Ohio, today on the benefits of the stand-alone electric transmission business model. Delgado outlined ATC’s program for getting difficult but critical transmission line projects in service on time, and asked state regulators to maintain their involvement in the planning process.

Formed in 2001 as the first stand-alone transmission utility in the country, ATC has invested nearly $1 billion in capital, nearly tripling the original book value of the company. “The stand-alone transmission model supports all market structures and state commission processes. Because of our open and cooperative approach with those affected by our projects, we’ve worked with state regulators and the public to complete projects thought to be nearly impossible under a more Balkanized transmission grid ownership structure,” said Delgado.

Delgado emphasized, “All transmission is local, and the transmission owners are best at assessing ‘constructability’ of projects.” The reason, he said, is that good transmission planning solves multiple system problems with each project and takes into account qualitative factors such as local concerns and state energy policies, issues that are below the radar of the RTO. “The RTO is critical in bringing a regional perspective to the planning table and assisting in the coordination of local plans.” However he stressed, “The RTO cannot have veto power over projects. That authority rests with regulators as the entities accountable to state policy makers and the public,” he said.

ATC and other independent transmission companies have advocated for a coordinated planning approach between transmission owners and regional organizations like the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator. Delgado said, “The planning process must begin locally, where the needs of the people being impacted by the construction can be taken into account, and then it must be broadened to include the impact on the region. Regional coordinated planning achieves this objective.”

In its first five years of operation ATC has:

• built or upgraded more than 710 miles of high-voltage line,
• connected more than 2,000 megawatts of new or expanded generation,
• made 103 new distribution service connections,
• reduced energy losses by 50 megawatts off system peak demand.

MADISON, Wis. – After more than two years of public input and regulatory review, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin today gave its approval to two power line projects proposed by American Transmission Co.

The Gardner Park-Central Wisconsin and Morgan-Werner West transmission lines are needed to bolster electric reliability in north central and northeastern Wisconsin. Gardner Park-Central Wisconsin is needed because of the addition of a 500-megawatt generator at the Weston Power Plant near Wausau. The existing transmission system is inadequate to deliver the additional energy. The Morgan-Werner West line is needed to alleviate overloaded facilities in the Green Bay and Fox Valley areas. Together, the two lines will significantly improve reliability in the region and improve ATC’s ability to move power in and around northeastern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

“There is an overwhelming need for additional transmission infrastructure in Wisconsin, and in this region of the state in particular,” states Patsy Baynard, general manager of construction for ATC’s central portfolio. “Approval of these two projects is good news for homeowners, businesses and industries that enjoy all the benefits of a reliable electric system.”

ATC first introduced the projects to area residents in January 2004 and submitted its regulatory application in Spring 2005. The PSCW is expected to issue its formal order with specific construction requirements next month. Cost estimates for the projects are $125 million for Gardner Park-Central Wisconsin and $132 million for Morgan-Werner West.

Note to editors: Additional background information, including maps, is available at the www.atcllc.com Web site.

MADISON, Wis. – The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has approved American Transmission Co.’s application to make improvements to the electric grid in Wausau.

“Reinforcement of the transmission system in the area is necessary to address voltage problems that could lead to localized blackouts and to support the addition of the new generator at the Weston power plant,” explains Lee Meyerhofer, local relations representative for ATC.

The $16 million project involves rebuilding an existing 11-mile transmission line between the Gardner Park Substation in Kronenwetter and the Hilltop Substation in Stettin. Wooden h-frame style structures that carry the existing line will be replaced with single-pole steel structures capable of carrying an additional circuit (line). All work will occur in the existing right-of-way for which ATC has easement rights.

“Affected property owners were informed of the project last summer before we filed our regulatory application,” Meyerhofer notes. “We will continue to stay in contact throughout construction, which will begin as soon as this coming winter.”

The project has an in-service date of June 2007.

MADISON – Three possible route options have been identified for a new 345-kilolvolt electric transmission line between Middleton and the town of Christiana. American Transmission Co. is proposing the line to reinforce the aging electric system that serves Dane County and southern Wisconsin and to meet the increasing electrical usage resulting from the tremendous growth in the county.

The three route options—including a northern route that generally follows the Beltline, a middle route that parallels existing transmission lines through the towns of Pleasant Springs and Dunn and the City of Fitchburg, and a southern route that uses mostly rural areas following County Highway A—will be the topic of a series of public open houses next month to gather feedback and input. Depending on the route that is approved by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, the estimated cost of the project is $131 million to $163 million (includes substation work). The proposed transmission line is scheduled to be placed in service by summer 2011.

The input and suggestions from thousands of people, including members of the public, elected officials, community leaders, environmental groups, landowners and many groups has resulted in what ATC considers the three most viable routes for the project. “These route options are the result of thousands of hours of analysis and evaluation,” explains Mark Williamson, vice president of major projects. “We began with dozens and dozens of possible corridors, and over the past six months we’ve looked at all the engineering and environmental issues. These decisions are complex, but they reflect our best effort to balance public input with land use, constructability, environmental and other considerations.”

ATC initially identified a broad study area, which was presented to the public last summer. Preliminary corridors following existing utility and road corridors, recreational trails and new cross-country corridors were identified and presented at a series of open houses last fall. Those corridors have been narrowed and refined to the three route options that remain. “At every step, we’ve gone to the public with updated engineering and environmental maps so that people could weigh in on the plans and give their feedback,” says Williamson.

Williamson cautions the temptation to believe there’s a perfect route. “The fact of the matter is there’s a good route that will work, but it won’t be without some impacts,” he says. “There’s no way to completely avoid any and all impacts. Our goal is to solve a serious electrical problem in the Dane County area that we know is real by identifying the most acceptable route based on a number of factors.”

The transmission line and the improvements to the substations on each end of the line require approval from the PSC and permits from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. ATC will narrow the route options to two—a preferred and alternate route—which will be included in the company’s regulatory application that it expects to submit early next year. The PSC determines the route if the project is approved.

ATC plans, constructs, operates, maintains and will expand its transmission facilities to provide adequate and reliable transmission of power. ATC provides nondiscriminatory service to all customers, supporting effective competition in energy markets without favoring any market participant. A member of the Midwest ISO regional transmission organization, ATC owns approximately 8,900 miles of transmission lines with a total investment in facilities of $1.3 billion in portions of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois. For more information, visit our Web site at www.atcllc.com.

Note to editors: A map of the routes is available in the Projects section of ATC’s Web site: www.atcllc.com

Public Information Open Houses

Tuesday, June 20, 2 – 8 p.m.
LakeView Church
2200 Lincoln Ave.
Stoughton

Wednesday, June 21, 2 – 8 p.m.
Exposition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way
Madison

Monday, June 26, 2 – 8 p.m.
Quality Inn & Suites
2969 Cahill Main
Fitchburg

Tuesday, June 27, 2 – 8 p.m.
The Heights Event Center
(located in the MAC Sports Center)
411 Prairie Heights Drive
Verona

Wednesday, June 28, 2 – 8 p.m.
St. John’s Lutheran Church
625 E. Netherwood St.
Oregon

DE PERE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. will use a barge-mounted crane to replace a deteriorated power pole in the Fox River the week of May 1.

“The old structure will be replaced with a taller, wood H-frame structure,” explains David Hovde, local relations representative for ATC. “Both the ATC transmission line as well as Wisconsin Public Service’s distribution line will be relocated to the new structure.”

No construction will take place in the bed of the river. The pole is attached to the concrete piling with iron clamps – the new structure will make use of the existing hardware. Information signs will be posted at boat launches between the dam and the mouth of the Fox River to inform river users of the construction activity. Boaters are asked to maintain a 100-foot clearance and to not approach the barge, piling or poles.

The replacement work is expected to take about three days.

MADISON, Wis. – American Transmission Co. placed in service last week a new 345-kilovolt transmission line from the Columbia Power Plant to the North Madison Substation in Vienna and will begin construction this month on four miles of 138-kV transmission lines on Madison’s east side. Both projects are part of a $110 million investment ATC is making in Dane County on electric transmission facilities to be placed in service between 2002 and 2007.

“These are critical short-term upgrades to Dane County’s transmission network,” said Mark Williamson, ATC vice president of major projects. “They buy us a bit of time to work on our larger projects.”

The Columbia-North Madison project added a second 345-kV line on existing poles and will help improve the reliability of electric service in Dane County. On Madison’s east side, the Femrite-Sprecher transmission line project will help support local electricity needs and back up other critical facilities on the system. Both projects also will transport power across the network from Calpine’s Riverside Energy Center in Beloit.

“It is an accomplishment for us to complete a complex 345-kV project,” said Williamson. “When we have to take portions of the system out of service to do this work, we place the system in a vulnerable state where we have very narrow windows of opportunity to complete construction and no margin for unexpected problems.” He added, “We finished this project ahead of schedule and under budget.”

Construction begins April 10, and will last approximately four months, on the underground portion of the Femrite-Sprecher project, running along Buckeye Road east of the Interstate 90 and Sprecher Road to the substation just north of Cottage Grove Road. Travelers along Sprecher Road can expect to see one lane closed during working hours. Construction begins in August on the overhead portion of the project from the Femrite Substation on Femrite Drive to I-90 and Buckeye Road.

Preliminary routes for other proposed projects in Dane County, including a 345-kV transmission line between Christiana and the town of Middleton, are expected to be announced in late May.

DE PERE, Wis. – The formal regulatory review is underway regarding a $118 million proposal to build a new power line between Eagle River and Conover and to rebuild existing facilities between Conover, Wis. and Quinnesec, Mich.

American Transmission Co. is proposing a 13- to 15-mile line between the Cranberry Substation in Eagle River to a new substation near the Conover Substation. The line is necessary to resolve overloading of existing facilities that are vulnerable to voltage collapse and even blackouts under certain conditions. The lines and substation between Conover and Quinnesec are in need of upgrading; some of the facilities are about 90 years old.

“We look forward to continued public dialogue on our proposal as the PSCW begins its environmental and engineering review,” says Lee Meyerhofer, ATC local relations representative for the new Cranberry-Conover line. “We received valuable input from area residents during our routing and siting process during the last two years.”

Regulatory requirements are different in Wisconsin and Michigan. While the PSCW will review the proposal for facilities in Wisconsin, ATC is informing the Michigan Public Service Commission of project details and will work with the Michigan Departments of Environmental Quality and Natural Resources to obtain necessary permits.

“As always, we will continue to inform and work with local units of government as the project proceeds,” says Brett French, ATC representative for the rebuild portion of the project.

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. received approval this week from the PSC for its plan to build a transmission line between the new Southwest Delavan Substation to the existing Bristol Substation in northeast Delavan. The new 138-kilovolt line will follow a southern route along Interstate 43 that was suggested by members of the community during public meeting in 2005.

“We are pleased that we arrived at a route that could be supported by the community, and still meet our needs to reinforce the system in the area,” explains Mary Carpenter, ATC local relations representative. “This route is the most acceptable solution and demonstrates that our public outreach activities give the community a voice in routing decisions.”

Right-of-way acquisition will begin this year on the 5.2-mile, $7.6 million line. Construction activities will begin in 2007, and the line will be placed in service in 2008.

The PSC will issue its written order to finalize the decision on the project next week.

Note to editors: More details about the project, including a map can be found on ATC’s Web site www.atcllc.com

DE PERE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. has received approval for its plan to build a transmission line between the Venus Substation near Monico and a new Metonga Substation on the west side of Crandon. The new line, which will parallel the north side of Highway 8 for 11 of its 13 miles, will help Wisconsin Public Service Corp. provide reliable service to electric customers in the area.

“We are pleased that the Public Service Commission agreed this route is the least costly and would result in the fewest environmental impacts,” explains Lee Meyerhofer, ATC local relations representative. “We look forward to beginning construction later this year.”

The agency’s approval includes 25 “order points” instructing ATC to work with landowners to minimize impacts to property, restore property to its original condition after construction, and use construction practices to avoid the introduction of invasive species and to protect sensitive areas, among other issues.

Right-of-way acquisition will begin this summer and line construction is anticipated to begin in November. The line and substation are scheduled to be in service in June 2007.

Note to editors: a copy of the PSCW’s order is available at ATC’s Web site, www.atcllc.com

MADISON – Nino Amato, former president of the Wisconsin Industrial Energy Group (WIEG), has suggested that ATC halt its plans to upgrade Dane County’s transmission system to allow time for an additional peer review of Dane County’s transmission needs. American Transmission Company rejects Amato’s position since a comprehensive, independent review already has been done. ATC officials believe a delay also would jeopardize work to correct a fragile transmission infrastructure in Dane County.

The Energy Initiative (EI), a collaboration of consumer groups, utilities and environmental organizations, assembled in 2003 to conduct a non-biased study of Dane County’s transmission system and concluded in early 2005 that “a major new transmission line will be needed in Dane County by 2011 and every few years thereafter to keep pace with growing electricity usage.”

Mr. Amato, as former president of WIEG , initially was a participant in the EI.

“ATC has a responsibility to electricity users to keep pace with demand and usage, and build needed transmission projects as efficiently as possible,” said Mark Williamson, vice president of Major Projects at ATC. “Conducting a second peer review for our Dane County work just one year after the first one was completed is irresponsible, unnecessary and a waste of electric ratepayers’ money.”

Participants in the Energy Initiative include 1,000 Friends of Wisconsin, ATC, Citizens’ Utility Board, Madison Gas & Electric, Midwest Renewable Energy Association, MSB Energy Associates, RENEW Wisconsin, Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation, Wisconsin Power and Light and Wisconsin Public Power Inc.

The EI study came about as ATC recognized the volume of work it would be proposing in Dane County and the importance of evaluating the need for new transmission lines early, before beginning the route development process and in advance of the regulatory review process. ATC patterned the collaborative after its own open planning process, and used a funding mechanism similar to Intervener Compensation, which is a form of utility funding available to parties much later, during the regulatory review period, used to underwrite the cost of analysis of utility plans independent of utility oversight. Similarly, ATC funded the Energy Initiative’s work. The participants were provided access to all documents and information they need to perform their analysis, selected and hired technical experts to perform the analysis, and granted the right to form their own conclusions based on the facts and their analysis.

The Energy Initiative assembled again in 2005 to evaluate a proposed transmission line project from the Milwaukee area to the Madison area and concluded in late 2005 that the project is not needed at this time. ATC has indefinitely postponed that project based on the review and evaluation of the Energy Initiative.

“The fact that this collaborative model was used for on two separate proposals and resulted in very different conclusions, demonstrates the credibility and integrity of the process,” said Williamson. “Establishing the need early and convincingly is a responsible way to settle the inevitable public debate over need. Now we need to get on with the work needed in Dane County.”

MADISON, Wis. – As American Transmission Co. prepares to begin construction on the Portage to Montello electric transmission line project, the company will hold an open house for the public to view a map of the approved route and review the construction schedule. ATC staff and its construction contractor, Hooper Corp., will hold the open house:

Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2006, 3 to 6 p.m.
Endeavor Fire Station
325 N. Lakeview Ave., Endeavor

No formal presentation is planned. The public is invited to stop in as convenient during these times.

“We’re pleased with the input we’ve received from the public on this project,” said Kurt Hendrickson, ATC Local Relations representative. “We will continue to update residents of Marquette and Columbia counties on our progress to improve electric system reliability in the area.”

Construction of the new transmission line will occur in three phases, the first beginning this month. ATC will build two miles of new lines just outside of Portage, then remove old lines and upgrade the wood poles to steel.

The second phase begins in March on 4.5 miles of line between French Creek and Moundville. ATC will remove old lines and upgrade wood poles to steel.

The third and final phase begins in June on the Moundville to Montello portion of the line. ATC will upgrade the wood poles to a combination of steel and wood laminated poles.

Rowe brings extensive utility construction and project management experience to the position. He comes to ATC from Kansas City Power & Light where he served as Director of Engineering & Asset Management and was responsible for developing the annual work plan to cost effectively meet reliability and service targets while managing the design, mapping and real estate functions.

Prior to that, Rowe spent 22 years with Commonwealth Edison in Chicago, most recently as Director of Project Management, where he was responsible for a $150 million annual construction program focusing on infrastructure upgrades in downtown Chicago and generating plant switchyards.

“ATC is fortunate to have someone of Mike’s experience and capabilities lead project management of construction,” said Dale Landgren, Vice President of Asset Delivery and Rowe’s supervisor at ATC. “His work will help ensure the efficient and effective delivery of the assets needed to reliably operate our electric transmission system and to provide the services our customers want and expect from us.”

ATC has a $3.4 billion construction plan over the next 10 years to address electric transmission system issues in Wisconsin, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and others areas of the upper Midwest.

Rowe joins ATC on Jan. 16.

The EI includes representatives from 1000 Friends of Wisconsin, American Transmission Co. (ATC), Citizens Utility Board, Midwest Renewable Energy Association, MSB Energy Associates, RENEW Wisconsin, We Energies, Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corp., and Wisconsin Public Power, Inc., who have worked together since May to conduct an independent review of ATC’s assessment of the need and timing of the new transmission line.

“We looked closely at the assumptions and determined that this $124 million transmission line can wait,” said Charlie Higley, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board. “That’s good news for consumers who would have paid for the line.”

“This early guidance on a major project is good news for communities and landowners who would have been impacted by the routing and siting process for a new transmission line,”
added Steve Hiniker, executive director of 1000 Friends of Wisconsin.

Members of the EI looked at electricity demand forecasts in Dodge, Jefferson, Washington, and Waukesha counties through 2014. Next, the EI analyzed whether new transmission lines and non-transmission alternatives, such as energy efficiency, distributed generation (small power plants), large power plants, renewable energy, or a combination of measures would best meet future electricity needs.

“Our preliminary findings show that barring a change in electricity consumption or other unforeseen circumstances, the need to place in service a major new transmission line between Christiana and Menomonee Falls can be delayed at least seven years until 2018,” explains Higley. “The analysis revealed that the operation of the existing power plants located near Concord and Germantown help meet the area’s growing demand for electricity. We also concluded that further analysis of energy efficiency, demand management, and distributed generation may represent opportunities to further delay the need for new transmission facilities.”

The transmission line proposal, which has been referred to as the Rockdale to Mill Road Transmission Line, has been included in ATC’s 10-year plan for several years with a possible in-service date of 2011. “It is not unusual for projects to be delayed, modified, or even eliminated, as conditions change and new information surfaces,” said Don Morrow, ATC’s director of transmission planning and system protection. “We are pleased with the work and analysis of the Energy Initiative. This process worked exactly as it should.”

The EI will issue a final report in early 2006.

MADISON, Wis. – In its application to the Public Service Commission in January, American Transmission Co. will propose Highway I and Highway 113 as its preferred route for a new transmission line for the North Madison to Waunakee transmission system upgrade. ATC will host an open house Tuesday, Dec. 6, at Sweet Sophie’s in Waunakee for the public to view maps and ask questions.

ATC proposes to construct approximately eight miles of 138-kilovolt transmission line to connect the North Madison Substation in the town of Vienna with the Huiskamp Substation in the town of Westport. The alternate route follows Patton, Cuba Valley, Schumacher and Raemisch Roads to the existing transmission line just south of the Waunakee industrial park, which runs to the Huiskamp substation.

“The transmission system in this area is outdated and needs to be reinforced to prevent future system failures,” said Sarah Justus, ATC local relations representative. “We’ve spent the past seven months talking with local residents and evaluating many initial route options. After holding several meetings in the area, the route along Highway I and Highway 113 emerged as a cost-effective and technically feasible route that best reduces overall impacts to landowners, the community and the environment.”

This route has several significant advantages over the alternate route, including reduced impacts to local resources such as Schumacher Farm Park and the wetlands near Six Mile Creek. This route uses the east side of Hwy. 113, more than 500 ft. from the edge of Savannah Village and 1,000 feet from the new school site.

The public is invited to an open house to talk with ATC real estate, engineering and regulatory staff. No formal presentation is planned.

Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2005, 2 – 4 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m.
Sweet Sophie’s
1008 Quinn Dr., Waunakee

ATC expects the PSC to hold a public hearing next summer and make a decision a few months thereafter. If the project is approved, the PSC makes the final route selection as part of its decision.

The North Madison Waunakee transmission system upgrade is proposed to address growth in area demand for electricity and to maintain electric system reliability for much of northern Dane County. This project is the first of four transmission lines identified by the Energy Initiative as needed to maintain reliable electric service in Dane County. The estimated cost of the project is $11.4 million If approved, the project should be completed in spring 2008.

MADISON, Wis. – American Transmission Co. will host a second series of open house events in southern Dane County in mid-November to provide information and seek input about preliminary corridors for two new transmission lines it proposes to build in 2008 and 2011.

“This is our first pass at identifying corridors that may be suitable for new transmission lines,” said Mark Williamson, ATC vice president of major projects. “Despite significant recent investments, growth in Dane County is outpacing the capability of the transmission system to maintain reliable electric service. We are committed to working cooperatively with the community to come up with acceptable routes for these critical facilities.” More than 400 people attended ATC’s first series of public meetings July.

The first proposal is for an approximate 55-mile, 345-kilovolt transmission line from the Rockdale Substation in the town of Christiana to the West Middleton Substation by 2011. This project will help move power across Dane County and southern Wisconsin, reinforce the “backbone” of the transmission network, reduce the need for smaller transmission projects, and improve the efficiency of the electric system. The estimated cost of the project is $115 million.

This major project will also help support smaller local upgrades, such as one ATC plans in southern Dane County, where electricity usage in some areas is growing at 6 to 8 percent per year, or three times the statewide average. Madison Gas and Electric and Alliant Energy have plans to build new substations to meet demand in Fitchburg and the town of Oregon. ATC’s second proposal is for a 10-mile, 138-kilovolt transmission line to connect these new substations with a third new substation in the town of Montrose to reinforce the local electric system. The estimated cost of this project is $16 million.

ATC has identified preliminary corridors that may be suitable for transmission line routes. The corridors have not been thoroughly evaluated before being introduced for public discussion. ATC will host open house events scheduled on five days in different locations to hear public input. “Input we receive now will be used to rule in—or rule out—possible transmission line corridors that require further evaluation,” Williamson added.

During the route evaluation process, ATC will use public input and engineering and environmental analysis to evaluate preliminary corridors and identify proposed routes and ultimately a preferred and alternate route for its construction application to the Public Service Commission. ATC will host additional open house events next spring and summer and expects to apply late in 2006 for construction authorization from the PSC.

The Rockdale to West Middleton project is one of four transmission lines identified by the Energy Initiative as necessary to maintain reliable electric service in Dane County, where electricity usage is growing at 3.75 percent, nearly twice the statewide average. The Energy Initiative is a group of public advocacy organizations, environmental groups and utilities that reviewed ATC transmission line proposals on a technical level and issued a report on electric system reliability in Dane County earlier this year. The report is available at www.energyinitiative.org.

“Washburn County is the final county with significant land crossed by the project to agree to grant an easement,” said Mark Williamson, vice president of major projects for ATC. “Washburn County was the first county to work cooperatively with ATC on the project. We’re pleased that we were able to reach an agreement with the county that’s in the best interests of the county and electricity users in Wisconsin.”

The board voted to allow ATC to build the Arrowhead-Weston project on about 9.5 miles of county-owned land, all of which already hosts a transmission line. Williamson said the decision to grant ATC access is a winning situation for all people of Washburn County.

“The county will receive hundreds of thousands of dollars in impact payments, ATC will work with the county on the construction plan and, most importantly, the reliability of the area’s electric power grid will be dramatically improved, paving the way for economic growth,” Williamson said.

Nearly 80 percent of the 220-mile line is being built on existing rights-of-way (transmission lines, gas pipelines, railroads or highways) from Wausau, Wis., to Duluth, Minn. Construction began in Wisconsin this year and is nearly complete in Minnesota. The line will be in service June 2008.

MADISON, Wis. – American Transmission Co. has identified a route for the Columbia Rio Electric Reliability Project, a new 10-mile, 69-kilovolt transmission line needed to improve local electric system reliability and accommodate a new substation in Wyocena. ATC first announced its plans in October 2004.

From the Columbia Power Plant to the village of Wyocena, the new transmission line route primarily follows the south side of Highway 16. Based on public feedback and further engineering and environmental studies, the line will follow the 345-kilovolt line corridor to Rio. A portion of the 69-kilovolt line around Rio will be removed following construction. Alliant Energy-Wisconsin Power & Light will begin construction near the end of 2006 on a new substation to be located west of Highway 22, between Old Highway 16 and the existing transmission line.

Public input helped determine the route for the transmission line. More than 100 area residents and local officials commented on plans during open house events held in Wyocena late last year and early this year and ATC revised its routes based on this input.

Construction on the project begins this month and residents may notice the following:

• Residents will see tree-clearing along Highway 16 this fall. While clearing tall-growing trees is necessary for the safe operation of the line, ATC encourages suitable plantings in the transmission line right-of-way. Visit the Web site for a planting guide outlining low-growing trees, shrubs and native grasses and perennial flowers that are compatible with the transmission line.
• When transmission line construction begins early next year, minor traffic disruptions along Highway 16 may occur. ATC will attempt to keep these to a minimum by having crews work in road right-of-way whenever possible.
• During construction the potential for local electricity outages increases. ATC will work to minimize disruption of electric service while making improvements that will improve local electricity delivery for the long term.
• Construction of the Wyocena Substation begins late in 2006

The new transmission lines and substation are needed to meet growing local demand, back up critical facilities during the peak summer season and prevent outages. The new transmission line is expected to be in service in December 2006.

WAUKESHA, Wis. – American Transmission Co.’s most recent assessment of the electric transmission system indicates the potential for $3.4 billion in work over the next 10 years to address increasing demands on an already-strained system as well as maintenance of the existing facilities.

Of the $3.4 billion estimate, $2.4 billion is for transmission projects outlined in the report, while $1 billion is for asset renewal, or maintenance, of existing facilities.

“This assessment represents a snapshot at this point in time of our view of the electric transmission system’s needs,” said Don Morrow, director of system planning and protection at ATC. “We continually analyze and assess the system for changes in the various factors affecting our work. Those factors include such things as business development, employment trends, proposed new generation and projected growth in electricity usage.”

Several areas within the system are earmarked for major projects over the next 10 years, including a series of projects in Dane County estimated at $200 million to $270 million as well as projects in Central Wisconsin totaling roughly $200 million to $250 million. The Arrowhead-Weston transmission line project, which represents a $420 million investment in the system, is currently under construction.

Since ATC began operations on Jan. 1, 2001, the company has invested $481 million in the transmission system it owns and operates in portions of Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This includes upgrading more than 565 miles of existing transmission lines, improving 79 substations and building 75 miles of new lines.

The new assessment also includes information regarding the company’s interest in adding a new interstate transmission line to provide customers with greater access to low-cost energy sources as well as improved ability to transfer electricity from where it’s generated to where it’s needed. Known as the Access Initiative, this effort analyzes five different options for a new interstate line. ATC recently filed this information with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin as part of the Commission’s open docket on this matter.

The complete assessment is in electronic form at www.atc10yearplan.com.

“This is an important day for the people of Wisconsin,” said Mark Williamson, vice president of major projects for ATC. “With its vote to grant an easement, Douglas County has shown that local units of government can work cooperatively to help the state meet its electricity needs.”

The board voted 18-6 to allow ATC to build the Arrowhead-Weston Project on about 13 miles of county-owned land, of which about 10.5 miles already hosts a transmission line. Williamson said the decision to grant ATC access is a winning situation for all people of Douglas County.

“The county will receive millions of dollars of impact payments, additional private landowners will not be asked for the use of their land, and most importantly, the reliability of the area’s electrical power grid will be dramatically improved, paving the way for economic growth,” Williamson said.

The Arrowhead-Weston project is being constructed on nearly 80 percent existing rights-of-way (transmission lines, gas pipelines, railroads or highways) and will run from Wausau to Duluth. Construction has begun in Wisconsin and is nearly complete in Minnesota. The line will be in service June of 2008.

MADISON, Wis. – American Transmission Co. has narrowed the set of route options under consideration for a transmission system upgrade in northern Dane County. ATC is proposing to construct approximately eight miles of 138-kilovolt transmission line to connect the North Madison Substation in the town of Vienna with the Huiskamp Substation in the town of Westport.

After conducting preliminary engineering and environmental analyses of the routes and talking with residents at open houses in June, ATC highlighted on its project map the routes to be studied further. ATC will host an open house to provide information, answer questions and get feedback from residents on the remaining route options for its proposal.

“In reviewing the relative benefits of the different route options, we took into account a variety of factors, including environmental issues, engineering and design issues, land use plans, community feedback and electric system needs,” said Bob Sier, ATC project manager. “We also reviewed the options in light of state requirements to give greater consideration to existing corridors — utility lines, roads and railroads. We will continue our analysis of the narrowed set of route options through the fall.”

ATC is asking for input from the public to help identify which of the remaining route options would better minimize impacts to the community and environment. ATC will use the community’s feedback to select a preferred and alternate route for its regulatory application. ATC and Waunakee Utilities representatives will be available at the open house event:

Thursday, Sept. 22, 2005, 2 – 4 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m.
Sweet Sophie’s
1008 Quinn Dr., Waunakee

No formal presentation is planned. The public is invited to stop in as convenient during these times.

The North Madison Waunakee transmission system upgrade is proposed to address growth in area demand for electricity and to maintain electric system reliability for much of northern Dane County. This project is the first of four transmission lines identified by the Energy Initiative as needed to maintain reliable electric service in Dane County. The estimated cost of the project is $11.4 million, and ATC expects to file an application with the Public Service Commission early next year. It is expected to be in service in spring 2008.

MADISON, Wis. – American Transmission Co. applauds the Public Service Commission’s approval of the company’s proposal to build a 1.5 mile, 138-kilovolt transmission line to connect a new Alliant Energy substation with the North Beaver Dam substation located on County Trunk B. The PSC approved ATC’s preferred route along US Highway 151.

To meet local needs for electricity, Alliant Energy-Wisconsin Power & Light plans to construct a new electric substation on Industrial Drive in Beaver Dam. The transmission line will connect to the substation, helping to meet increases in local use of electricity.

Construction of the substation and transmission line will begin April 2006; they are expected to be operational in July 2006.

About Alliant Energy-WP&L
Alliant Energy Corporation is an energy-services provider with subsidiaries serving more than three million customers. Providing its customers in the Midwest with regulated electricity and natural gas service remains the company’s primary focus. Wisconsin Power and Light, the company’s Wisconsin utility subsidiary, serves 437,000 electric and 173,000 natural gas customers. Other business platforms include the international energy market and non-regulated domestic generation. Alliant Energy, headquartered in Madison, Wis., is a Fortune 1000 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LNT. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.alliantenergy.com.

MADISON, Wis. – American Transmission Co.’s application for approval to construct a new transmission line from Waterloo to Jefferson was declared complete yesterday by the Public Service Commission. This decision marks the beginning of the regulatory review process, which will include engineering and environmental scrutiny and a public hearing.

ATC is proposing to construct approximately 17 miles of new 138-kilovolt transmission line to connect the Stony Brook Substation located in the town of Waterloo with the Jefferson Substation located outside the city of Jefferson.

ATC proposed the Jefferson County Electric Reliability Project to address growth in area demand for electricity and to maintain electric system reliability for much of Jefferson County. This project is needed to address system instability and would accommodate a possible new electric substation in the City of Lake Mills as well.

Since announcing the project last year, ATC held three open house events attended by approximately 650 people, conducted environmental and engineering analysis, and met with local officials. ATC anticipates a public hearing by early next year and a PSC decision by summer 2006. The estimated cost of the project is $16 million and may vary depending upon which route the PSC selects. The line is expected to be in service in mid-2008.

DE PERE, Wis. – American Transmission Co.’s applications for approval to construct two new 345-kV transmission lines in central and northeastern Wisconsin have been determined to be complete by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. The decision marks the beginning of the regulatory review process, which will include engineering and environmental scrutiny and a public hearing.

“After spending more than a year working with local residents to identify acceptable route options for these power lines, we look forward to the formal review by the regulatory agencies,” says Patsy Baynard, general manager for ATC’s central Wisconsin projects.

ATC conducted 40 open house events between January 2004 and March 2005 to provide information, answer questions and solicit feedback on its proposals. Nearly 5,000 individuals attended the open houses and more than 2,000 written comments were submitted. Comments from property owners who may be affected by the projects were included in ATC’s regulatory filing.

The Gardner Park to Central Wisconsin line is needed because a new generator under construction at the Weston power plant will double the plant’s capacity. The existing 115-kV line that connects the plant to the transmission system is inadequate to carry the additional energy.

The Morgan – Clintonville – Werner West line is proposed to relieve congestion on existing facilities in the area. Congestion on lines in the Green Bay and Appleton area frequently results in service limitations that cost ATC’s customers millions of dollars a year. The project will create much-needed operating flexibility to bolster electric reliability in the region by allowing power to flow more freely across the system. A portion of this line, from New London to Clintonville, will carry additional 138-kV facilities to provide an added measure of localized reliability.

Note to editors: a fact sheet and maps of the proposed projects are available at ATC’s Web site, www.atcllc.com

MADISON, Wis. – American Transmission Co. has narrowed the set of route options under consideration for a transmission system upgrade in central Dodge County. ATC is proposing to construct approximately 15 miles of new 138-kilovolt transmission line to connect a new substation to be located near Horicon with either an existing substation located south of Neosho or a new substation near Rubicon, south of Hwy. 60. The new line may, depending on the route, connect a new substation in Hustisford.

After conducting preliminary engineering and environmental analyses of the routes and talking with residents at open houses in March, ATC highlighted on its project map the routes to be studied further. ATC will host two open houses to provide information, answer questions and get feedback from residents on the remaining route options for its proposal.

“In reviewing the relative benefits of the different route options, we took into account a variety of factors, including environmental issues, engineering and design issues, land use plans, community feedback and electric system needs,” said Bob Sier, ATC project manager. “We also reviewed the options in light of state requirements to give greater consideration to existing corridors — utility lines, roads and railroads. We will continue our analysis of the narrowed set of route options through the fall.”

ATC is asking for input from the public to help identify which of the remaining route options would better minimize impacts to the community and environment. ATC will use the community’s feedback to select a preferred and alternate route for its regulatory application. ATC and Hustisford Utility representatives will be available at the open house events:

Tuesday, Aug. 2, 5 to 7 p.m.
Firemen’s Hall
316 East Tweedy St. (Corner of HWYs E & R)
Hustisford

Thursday, Aug. 4, 1 to 3 and 5 to7 pm
Firemen’s Hall
316 East Tweedy St. (Corner of HWYs E & R)
Hustisford

No formal presentation is planned. The public is invited to stop in as convenient during these times.

The Dodge County transmission system upgrade is proposed to address growth in area demand for electricity and to maintain electric system reliability for much of the county. This project would address system instability and accommodate a possible new electric substation in the City of Hustisford as well. The estimated cost of the project is $11 million. ATC expects to file an application with the Public Service Commission by the end of the year.

WAUKESHA, Wis. – Construction of the Arrowhead-Weston transmission line project will begin next month in Marathon County now that permits issued by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources have been upheld by the Division of Hearings and Appeals. In addition, American Transmission Co. has received the Army Corps of Engineers permits required under the Corps jurisdiction for the construction of the project. The ruling by the Division of Hearings and Appeals was issued July 25, 2005.

“Confirmation of the DNR permits and receipt of the Army Corps permits ensures our ability to begin construction next month to meet an in-service date of June 2008. Acquiring these permits is the final regulatory step needed to build the project so that the millions of people in Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest will have the reliable and secure supply of electricity they need,” said Mark Williamson, ATC vice president of major projects.

The permits address the crossing of waterways, placement of poles in wetlands, discharge of fill material into wetlands, site erosion control and storm water management plans as well as other specific matters. “As is our practice, we will take care to protect and preserve the environment as we construct the project,” said Williamson. The project will require 105 temporary bridges and 317 structures in wetlands.

“While we will be constructing in wetlands, our goal is to utilize construction measures that minimize impacts to wetlands and to the environment as a whole. In total, we will displace less than one-half of an acre of land with the construction in wetlands,” Williamson said.

The Arrowhead-Weston transmission project originally was approved by the Public Service Commission in October 2001 and re-approved in December 2003 at a revised cost. All regulatory permits have been acquired, and ATC has negotiated easements with more than 300 private landowners for the use of their land.

MADISON, Wis. – American Transmission Co. today applauds the Public Service Commission’s approval of the company’s proposal to build a 3.5-mile, 138-kilovolt transmission line that will connect the Sprecher Substation, located near the Sprecher Road/CTH BB intersection, with the Femrite Substation, located on Femrite Road near the I90/USH 12/18 interchange.

“This is a critical short-term upgrade that will help ease the strain on the transmission system in the near term,” said Mark Williamson, ATC vice president of major projects.

The Femrite-Sprecher transmission project will help address both growth in neighborhood demands for electricity and maintain electric system reliability for the east side of Madison and neighboring communities. This project is needed to meet rising demand for electricity, to back up critical facilities and to carry power into Dane County from new sources of generation that have come on line. Construction on the four-mile project will begin next spring. The estimated cost of the project is $21 million. It is scheduled to be in service in spring 2007.

The Femrite-Sprecher project is part of $110 million in transmission reinforcements ATC is placing in service in Dane County from 2002 to 2007. In addition, a series of new transmission lines is expected to be needed between 2008 and 2015 to keep pace with growth at an estimated cost of $200 to $270 million.

MADISON, Wis. – American Transmission Co. will host a series of open house events in southern Dane County in late July to provide information and seek feedback about two new transmission lines it proposes to build in 2008 and 2011.

“The electric transmission system in Dane County is weak and needs major reinforcements to meet growing demand for electricity over the long term,” said Mark Williamson, ATC vice president of major projects. “Despite significant recent investments, we are proposing to build two new transmission lines in southern Dane County where the growth is outpacing the capability of the system to maintain reliable electric service.”

The first proposal is for an approximate 55-mile, 345-kilovolt transmission line from the Rockdale Substation in the town of Christiana to the West Middleton Substation by 2011. This project will help move power across Dane County and southern Wisconsin, reinforce the “backbone” of the transmission network, reduce the need for smaller transmission projects, and improve the efficiency of the electric system.

The Rockdale to West Middleton project is one of four transmission lines identified by the Energy Initiative as necessary to maintain reliable electric service in Dane County, where electricity usage is growing at 3.75 percent, nearly twice the statewide average. The Energy Initiative is a group of public advocacy organizations, environmental groups and utilities that reviewed ATC transmission line proposals on a technical level and issued a report on electric system reliability in Dane County earlier this year. The report is available at www.energyinitiative.org. The estimated cost of the project is $115 million.

This major project will also help support smaller local upgrades, such as one ATC plans in southern Dane County, where electricity usage in some areas is growing at 6 to 8 percent per year. Madison Gas and Electric and Alliant Energy have plans to build new substations to serve growing communities in Fitchburg and the town of Oregon. ATC’s second proposal is for a 6-mile, 138-kilovolt transmission line to connect these new substations with a third new substation in the town of Montrose to meet growing demand and reinforce the local electric system. The estimated cost of this project is $16 million.

ATC has identified a broad study area to examine potential corridors and will host open house events scheduled on five days in different locations to provide information about the projects and hear public input. “We will spend the next year or so studying potential routes, seeking public feedback, and refining our proposals. Now is the time for citizens to give input on how best to site these facilities,” Williamson added.

During the route evaluation process, ATC will use public input and engineering and environmental analysis to identify potential corridors, preliminary routes, and finally a preferred and alternate route for its construction application to the Public Service Commission. ATC will host additional open house events in fall and spring and expects to apply in 2006 for authorization from the PSC to construct these projects.

Construction along Hwy. F, formerly Hwy. 164, began last fall following approvals from the Public Service Commission and the city of Pewaukee for the transmission line and a new We Energies substation located near Green Road in Pewaukee. The substation and the transmission line are needed to support local growth in several Waukesha communities.

“Putting the southern portion of this line in service in time for the summer electric usage is a step toward a stronger electric system in an area that has experienced rapid growth,” said Jim Vespalec, project manager. “Once the northern section is completed, this transmission line will go a long way toward ensuring reliable electricity for northeast Waukesha County.”

ATC will continue construction on the northern section as well as post-construction work on the southern portion this month. “Motorists along Hwy. 74 will see crews continue to work north toward the Sussex Substation during the next couple of months as we put up poles and wires to complete this project,” said Vespalec. “On the south end, we’re making repairs to correct any damage to private property and roadways, and general clean up.”

MADISON, Wis. –American Transmission Co. will file an application with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in August proposing two possible routes for a new transmission line in Jefferson County, with its preferred route following existing power lines along Highway 89 and CP Avenue in Lake Mills. ATC will host open houses in Waterloo and Lake Mills in mid-July for the public to view maps and ask questions.

“We have evaluated numerous environmental, engineering and community concerns with this project,” said Paul Katers, ATC project manager. “Our preferred route allows us to share existing power line routes to a greater extent, reduce environmental impacts and accommodate future plans by the City of Lake Mills for a new substation.”

Since announcing the project last year, ATC has held two open house events attended by approximately 500 people, conducted environmental and engineering analysis, and met with local officials. The preferred route has numerous advantages overall. Because it is a wider corridor, it reduces the amount of tree clearing needed, lessens landowner and environmental impacts, and makes best use of routes that already have electric distribution lines.

ATC is hosting open houses to help the public learn more about the proposed routes and how to participate in the PSC’s review of the project. Representatives of ATC and We Energies will be available and refreshments will be served.

Monday, July 11, 2005
1 – 3 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m.
Waterloo Town Hall
N8193 Hwy 89, Waterloo

Wednesday, July 13, 2005
1 – 3 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m.
Lake Mills Community Center
200 Water St., Lake Mills

No formal presentation is planned; the public can stop in as convenient during these times.

ATC expects the PSC to hold a public hearing late in 2005 and make a decision in early 2006. The PSC will decide after a project review and public hearing process whether to approve the project and where to site the line. The estimated cost of the project is $16 million. The line is expected to be in service in spring of 2007.

DE PERE, Wis. – The transmission lines that bring electric energy to the Northwoods from Wausau will be strengthened significantly when a new, 16-mile power line is energized June 24.

American Transmission Co. has replaced an existing 115,000-volt (115-kV) line between the Skanawan Switching Station five miles southeast of Tomahawk and the Highway 8 Substation near Kemp Street and Highway 17 in Rhinelander. The existing H-frame wooden structures have been replaced with single steel poles that now carry two 115-kV circuits. Use of the steel monopoles reduced the amount of right-of-way from 100 feet to 80 feet in most places. The wooden structures will be removed starting in late June.

“This is the latest in a series of steps to improve electric reliability in Lincoln, Oneida and Vilas counties,” explains Kurt Hendrickson, local relations representative for ATC. “ATC has worked with Wisconsin Public Service Corp., the local distribution company, on a series of upgrades to accommodate growth in electric demand. This new line will give ATC operators flexibility in serving the area, particularly during times of peak usage or weather-related problems on the system.”

Future plans to upgrade the system known as the “Rhinelander Loop” include a 13- to 15-mile line between Eagle River and Conover, known as the Cranberry-Conover project. That interconnection not only will strengthen reliability of the Rhinelander Loop, it also will improve ATC’s ability to transfer power between northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.

MADISON, Wis. – ATC will submit an application to the Public Service Commission by the end of the year to build a new transmission line in northern Dane County. ATC will host two open houses in Waunakee to provide information, answer questions and get feedback from residents on its proposal.

ATC proposes to build approximately eight miles of 138-kilovolt transmission line to connect the North Madison Substation in the town of Vienna with the Huiskamp Substation in the town of Westport.

Portions of Dane, Middleton, Waunakee, Westport and the northeast side of Madison are supported by a network of 69-kilovolt transmission lines that are used to near-maximum capacity during the peak summer season. They are projected to be overloaded in summer 2009. There is also limited ability to take these lines out of service for maintenance, resulting in reduced reliability and increased operating costs. To maintain reliable electric service, new transmission facilities are needed.

“The transmission system in Dane County is weak,” said Mark Williamson, ATC vice president of major projects. “This is a critical short-term upgrade that will reinforce the network and provide time for us to complete more significant projects to meet Dane County’s high growth rates.”

This project is the first of four transmission lines identified by the Energy Initiative as needed to maintain reliable electric service in Dane County, where population and electricity usage are growing at rates exceeding the state average.

ATC seeks local input early, which helps design projects that reduce impacts. For this project, ATC has identified a set of preliminary route options and is asking the public to help identify routes that would minimize impacts to the community and the environment. Representatives of ATC and the Waunakee Municipal Electric Utility will be available at the following times and location:

Tuesday, June 28, 2005, 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
Sweet Sophie’s
1008 Quinn Dr., Waunakee

Thursday, June 30, 2005, 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
Sweet Sophie’s
1008 Quinn Dr., Waunakee

ATC will consider feedback to refine its proposal to two routes that are required for its regulatory application. Additional meetings will be held this summer and fall to discuss the proposed routes. The estimated cost of the project is $11.4 million, and it is expected to be in service in spring 2008. The Energy Initiative’s report on electric reliability in Dane County is available at www.energyinitiative.org

MADISON, Wis. – In its application to the Public Service Commission in July, American Transmission Co. will propose the Interstate 43 corridor as its preferred route for a new transmission line in Phase II of the Delavan-Darien Electric Reliability Project after conducting extensive environmental and engineering analysis. ATC will host open houses Tuesday, June 21, at the Lake Lawn Resort for the public to view maps and ask questions.

In its application, ATC will propose as an alternate the existing transmission line route. If the PSC chooses the I-43 corridor, ATC will remove its facilities along the existing route, which partially extends through the Turtle Creek natural area. Poles supporting Wisconsin Power and Light wires in this area will remain. ATC will include its evaluation of the railroad route to complete the record in its application, but will not propose it as an alternate route.

“We’ve spent the past year or so looking closely at updated electric system information and potential routes for this much-needed reinforcement,” said ATC Project Manager Paul Tindall. “Growth rates in Delavan continue to be high at 3 to 4 percent per year. The Interstate 43 route is a cost-effective and technically feasible route that reduces overall impacts to landowners, the community and the environment.”

The I-43 route was suggested and ultimately favored as a result of several developments since the original application was filed late in 2003: new state policy requiring priority consideration of existing equipment, roads and railroads as routes; a request from WP&L for a second new substation to serve southern and eastern Delavan; and requests by state regulators and the community to examine the I-43 route and avoid the railroad route if possible.

The I-43 route has several significant advantages over the existing line route. They include fewer miles of line, lower cost, reduced environmental impacts and greater electric system benefits from proximity to areas of growth and development.

To discuss its route preference and allow landowners to talk with ATC real estate, engineering and regulatory staff, ATC is hosting a public open house. No formal presentation will be made. Representatives of ATC and WP&L will be available, and refreshments will be served.

Tuesday, June 21 , 1 – 3 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m.
Lake Lawn Resort
2400 E Geneva St, Delavan

ATC expects the PSC to hold a public hearing late in 2005 and make a decision in early 2006. If the project is approved, the PSC makes the final route selection as part of its decision.

ATC introduced the Delavan-Darien Electricity Reliability Project in 2003 to improve the area’s electric transmission infrastructure. The project was divided into two phases. In Phase I, ATC will construct a new 69-kilovolt transmission line from the West Darien substation to the approved WP&L Southwest Delavan substation. The transmission line will be operated at 138 kV in the near future. Construction on this phase of the project will begin this fall, with the line expected to be in service July 2006.

In Phase II, ATC will propose a new transmission line to connect the new Southwest Delavan substation to the existing Bristol substation on Mound Road, and a second new substation, to be proposed by WP&L near the intersection of Borg Road and North Delavan Club Drive.

The estimated cost of Phase II of the project is $4.5 million. The line is expected to be in service in spring of 2007.

“Energizing these transmission lines is an exciting milestone for us, We Energies and the residents of Port Washington,” said Duane Schoon, ATC project manager. “This represents the culmination of a great deal of hard work and coordination among all of us.”

Construction of the project consisted of replacing 14 lattice-steel transmission towers with single-pole structures, as well as upgrading the double-circuit transmission lines with larger wires. Several wooden H-frame structures also were replaced with similar, yet stronger structures.

The first phase of the transmission work included upgrades to the 22-mile line between Port Washington and the Range Line Substation in Glendale, which were completed in May 2004. Forty-four of the 180 lattice-steel towers along the line were replaced, along with some modifications to the existing structures.

Currently, ATC is working with individual property owners between Port Washington and Saukville to identify areas where any post-construction work may need to occur. Work along the bike trail also is underway to eliminate any remaining invasive species and then plant prairie grass, which should be in late May. The company will begin additional transmission work next year to prepare for Unit 2 at PWGS.

DE PERE, Wis. – Open houses to discuss proposed and alternate routes for a new transmission line between Eagle River and Conover will be hosted by American Transmission Co.

“ATC has spent about a year working with area residents to design a new transmission line that will alleviate an overloaded electric system that is vulnerable and subject to blackouts under severe conditions,” explains Franc Fennessy, local relations manager. “Last summer, we gathered local input across a broad study area and in December, we presented preliminary routes. Since that time, we’ve evaluated the options and have identified preferred and alternate routes, as well as another route segment that, while not preferred, will provide decision-makers additional flexibility in siting the line.”

The routes include:

• Western Route option: North from the Cranberry Substation through the City of Eagle River past the airport, roughly following Highway 45 north to Conover, then east to the Conover Substation. This option is ATC’s proposed, or preferred, route.
• Central Route option: Essentially following the Western Route option north to Highway 17, then following Highway 17 to Monheim Road and north to the Conover Substation. This option is ATC’s alternate route.
• Eastern Route option: North and then east from the Cranberry Substation through the southern edge of the City of Eagle River, east on Highway 70, north on Rangeline Road to Highway 17, where it joins the alternate route and proceeds north to the Conover Substation. This option will be considered an “other route alternative.”

“State statutes require ATC to submit an application to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin that identifies at least two route alternatives,” explains Fennessy. “It is important for landowners and other interested parties to participate in the regulatory review process, because the PSCW ultimately determines the route, if the project is approved.” ATC anticipates filing its application with the PSCW, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and other agencies this summer.

That application also will include a project to rebuild about 73 miles of existing transmission lines that connect northern Wisconsin to the Upper Peninsula. “The lines between the Conover Substation in Vilas County, Wis. and the Plains Substation in Quinnesec, Mich., are among the most severely constrained in the ATC system. Our proposal for a new line and upgrades of existing lines represents a long-term solution for improved reliability in the region,” Fennessy notes.

Open house dates, times and locations for the Cranberry-Conover project:

May 17
Town of Lincoln Hall
1205 Sundstein Rd.
1-3 pm & 5-7 pm

May 18
Conover Town Center
4665 County Highway K East
1-3 pm & 5-7 pm

No formal presentation is planned; interested parties should drop in as their schedule permits.

Landowners who live along the existing transmission lines proposed for rebuilding also have been invited to open houses in Florence, Wis., and Iron River, Mich.

May 11
Elks Lodge
700 Selden Rd.
Iron River, Mich.
4-7 pm

May 12
Wild Rivers Center
Hwy 2/141 & Hwy 10/170
Florence, Wis.
4-7 pm

Note to editors: a fact sheet and maps of the proposed projects are available at ATC’s Web site, www.atcllc.com

The ATC model can be duplicated, but existing policy issues prevent that from happening. Unnecessary distinctions of independence, the continuing notion that transmission is a market good rather than a public good, and uncertainty regarding tax allowances for certain business structures currently prevent the model from developing in other regions.

There has been growing disagreement nationally as to whether enough new transmission is being built. Many are talking about what they plan to build. ATC is doing more than just talking about investing. ATC has invested more than $500 million in its system since the company was formed in 2001, with an additional $315 million planned for this year. There are a variety of factors to which ATC’s investment record can be attributed.

“It is undeniable that stand-alone transmission companies have the right incentive to build,” Landgren said. “We have a single business focus with no internal competition for capital.”

Landgren argued that stand-alone transmission companies are desirable not just to regulators seeking expansion of the system, but also integrated and public utilities. The ATC model allows independent management of the transmission system while allowing previous owners to continue to receive a rate of return on their investment in the assets until they decide to sell their equity. At the same time, ATC is able to plan and build projects that were simply beyond the capability of utilities with a smaller footprint, which was a key reason why 20 municipal utilities and cooperatives divested their transmission assets to ATC.

Landgren encouraged FERC to support the ATC type of ownership and governance as a viable alternative to strictly independent ownership and governance.

“ATC’s business model presents a win-win situation. We provide customers with a system that provides more reliable service and access to the energy marketplace while giving owners an adequate rate of return on the investment. At the same time, we also assume all the headaches and liabilities associated with planning, building, operating and maintaining the system,” said Landgren. “Many asset owners decided this was a good deal and we expect more will in the future.”

While incentives to encourage companies to divest their assets to stand alone-transmission companies are useful, Landgren stressed that incentives do not automatically equate to higher rates of return. Different business models have different needs, which requires flexibility. ROE increase may be useful to some, but in regions where significant transmission expansion is under way – as well investment in generation – adders exacerbate rate pressures.

WAUKESHA, Wis. – New survey results released today by American Transmission Co. indicate that 57 percent of all Wisconsin residents support construction of the Arrowhead-Weston transmission line approved by the Public Service Commission of
Wisconsin.

“We are obviously pleased to discover that a clear majority of Wisconsin residents support this vital electric infrastructure project,” said Mark Williamson, vice president of major projects at ATC. Williamson noted that the level of state-wide support mirrored the support in Washburn and Douglas counties, two of the counties that own land crossed by the project. Surveys in January 2005 showed that 58 percent of the people of Douglas County support the project and 52 percent of the people of Washburn County support the project.

The survey found that when asked if transmission lines, like Arrowhead-Weston, should be built on public land – land owned by cities, towns, villages or counties – or private land, 73 percent of respondents said public land and just 8 percent said private land.

The survey also found that 70 percent of Wisconsin residents believe public landowners, like counties, should be subject to the same laws as private citizens when it comes to the use of their land for transmission lines. Nineteen percent believe that public landowners should be able to refuse the use of their land for transmission lines.

“In surveys that we have conducted over the past three years, residents have maintained one constant – they prefer that transmission infrastructure projects be built on public land as much as possible,” said Williamson. “That preference just makes sense – the fewer private individuals impacted by these projects the better.”

The results come from The CheckPoint survey, a random digit dial survey of 500 Wisconsin residents conducted monthly by Wood Communications Group. The sample consisted of telephone numbers randomly generated to accurately represent all households with working phones. The results of this study are within a sampling error of plus or minus 4.5 percent. The survey was conducted March 20-23, 2005.

ATC has successfully negotiated easements with more than 225 private landowners for the use of their land to site the Arrowhead Weston line. Marathon County signed easements for the use of its land in September, Washburn County rescinded its opposition to the project in January, the Mosinee Town Board rescinded its resolution opposing the project in December and signed easements for the use of its land, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued construction permits for the project in December, the National Park Service issued its Record of Decision approving the crossing of the Namekagon River earlier this month and in January the Dane County Circuit Court upheld the PSC’s decision approving the project.

Construction of the line is complete in Minnesota and is expected to begin in Clark and Marathon counties in the summer. The project is expected to be in service in mid-2008.

CheckPoint survey questions and responses:

1. Construction of the Arrowhead-Weston transmission line between Wausau and Duluth has begun. The stated purpose of the Arrowhead-Weston line is to ensure that Wisconsin residents have dependable electricity for their homes and businesses. Based on what you know about this project, would you say you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose or strongly oppose the new transmission line?

17.7% Support strongly
38.8% Support somewhat
10.4% Oppose somewhat
6.2% Oppose strongly
26.9% NOT SURE/NO OPINION

2. The Arrowhead-Westin transmission line route crosses public and private land. In your opinion, do you think transmission lines like this one should be built primarily on public land (like that owned by cities, towns, villages or counties), or do you think it should be built primarily on land owned by private citizens.

73.3% Primarily on public land
7.6% Primarily on privately owned land
19.1% NOT SURE/NO OPINION

3. I am going to read you two statements and I’d like you to tell me which statement comes closest to describing your opinion.

70.3% Would you say that: Cities, towns, villages and counties should be subject to the same laws as private citizens when it comes to the use of part of their property for transmission lines.

19.1% Or would you say that: Public land owners such as cities, towns, villages and counties should be able to refuse to let their land be used along a transmission line route, even though private citizens cannot refuse.

1.0% NEITHER

9.6% NOT SURE/NO OPINION

Wisconsin law drives the process for siting electric transmission facilities to focus on least impacts to private landowners, the use of existing right-of-way corridors to be considered first, environmental considerations and others. The result can be that projects are sited on lands owned by counties and municipalities, and the law is unclear about the ability to condemn land owned by counties and municipalities.

“We know the vast majority of the people of Wisconsin prefer that transmission projects be constructed on public lands as much as possible, and we know they expect public landowners to be subject to the same laws as private landowners,” said Mark Williamson, vice president of major projects at ATC. “Chairman Montgomery’s bill helps to ensure that the best route chosen by the Commission is the route that is built, without unnecessary delay and cost.”

In the case of the Arrowhead-Weston project, the applicants spent more than two years developing an application that included many different routes and route segments. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin spent more than a year and a half reviewing and ultimately selecting the final route for the project that satisfied the legal criteria. The applicants subsequently spent more than four years working with the county, providing information and answering questions. Despite these facts, Douglas County officials have refused to discuss easements for the use of county-owned land.

The legislation makes clear that the transmission line routes chosen by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin will be the ones on which project construction takes place. “This draft legislation fixes the problem created by the Douglas County Board,” said Williamson. “It helps ensure that electricity users will not pay any longer for delays, legal costs and other unnecessary expenditures due to a local government’s unwillingness to negotiate an easement for the use of its land.”

“What makes sense in Wisconsin – a highly constrained system in need of significant upgrades – probably is not going to make sense in a region that is more robust,” said Dale Landgren, vice president and chief strategic officer at ATC. “Regions with organized markets administered by independent regional transmission organizations are going to have a different allocation process than an entity operating outside an RTO.”

Participant funding is a cost allocation process under which certain transmission upgrades are paid for by generators that interconnect to the transmission system. However, as most transmission upgrades benefit a large number of customers and meet multiple needs, the result of participant funding is not necessarily to assign costs to those who benefit. Rather, participant funding seeks to force a single or very small group of users to pay for system upgrades regardless of who benefits. This creates the incentive to put off needed upgrades while waiting for someone else to pay and will likely slow much-needed investment in the grid.

The impact of participant funding is to limit the ability of new, independent generators to compete with existing generation, thereby driving up cost of energy.

According to Landgren, “Allocating the cost of transmission upgrades to those who benefit can be accomplished through appropriate rate design without the negative consequences of participant funding.” Policymakers need to recognize that everyone benefits from a strong transmission grid, which argues for spreading the costs of most new transmission across a larger group of customers.

FERC has approved the use of participant funding in the Entergy system, PJM and other regions.

“It is simply not factual to say FERC has not sought to make those who benefit from transmission upgrades pay,” said Landgren.

The arguments some make for participant funding are reasonable. For example, those states with significant energy resources that export large amounts of power to other regions should have a methodology for sharing the upgrade costs with neighboring states that benefit. However, this does not require an act of Congress. In fact, it is already being done, often without participant funding.

There has been a penchant in the debate for portraying cost allocation issues in black and white terms. Cost allocation is complex, negating the assumption that transmission lines used to export power do not benefit local ratepayers. Because power lines flow in both directions, system reliability is not assigned to certain users.

“Rather than focusing on how to pay for projects that meet the needs of a single market participant, we need to optimize and build projects that meet a variety of needs –especially the needs of local communities directly impacted by a transmission project,” said Landgren.

Advocates of participant funding argue that the language simply makes participant funding voluntary. In reality, the language seeks to require the FERC to adopt participant funding plans proposed by transmission owners, even when the allocations are determined by entities with a commercial interest in the outcome.

“It is interesting that the very entities adamantly opposed to standard market design are so intent on enacting standard pricing design,” Landgren said.

MADISON, Wis. – American Transmission Co. will conduct a week-long helicopter inspection of an energized 345-kilovolt electric transmission line that runs through Columbia, Dodge, Green Lake and Fond du Lac counties beginning March 31.

To assess the condition of the line and related equipment at critical points, an engineer will be suspended from each wire to x-ray them at the point of connection with the poles. This work will take four helicopter passes and about 45 minutes at each individual pole.

ATC regularly conducts aerial surveys of the transmission system. But work on an energized line is unusual.

“We are simply out of breathing room in many key spots on the electric grid,” said Mark Williamson, ATC vice president of major projects. “This line is part of the backbone of the network. We are hard pressed to take such a critical line out of service at most times of the year to do basic maintenance and still keep the lights on. This live inspection illustrates why we need major new projects in southern Wisconsin.”

Williamson highlighted ATC plans for new 345-kV lines to improve reliability in southern Wisconsin:

• A new transmission line to tie Madison and Milwaukee together electrically needed by 2009
• A new transmission line from Christiana to West Middleton needed by 2011
• A new transmission line from West Middleton to northern Dane County needed by 2013
• A new transmission line connecting Wisconsin to either Iowa or Illinois
• ATC placed a new 345-kV line from Beloit to northern Illinois in service Friday.

All projects are needed to prevent low voltages (which can cause dimming of lights or harm to sensitive equipment), to help keep the lights on during summer peak or stressful periods, and to keep pace with the rising demand for electricity.

This inspection is a result of years of intensive study and the development of new technology that allows x-rays to be taken from the air. The inspection will allow ATC to better monitor the condition of the line and install more effective protection equipment. Needed repairs will be made during the last two weeks in April. ATC hopes to make repairs from the air although weather and complexity may require work from the ground. This work is part of an ongoing maintenance program for this transmission line to help prevent equipment failures.

WAUKESHA, Wis. – The stand-alone transmission company model is in a better position to make the necessary system investments because it focuses solely on providing reliable transmission service on a non-discriminatory basis to all users, according to American Transmission Co. President and CEO José M. Delgado in remarks today at the 7th Annual Transmission Summit in Washington, D.C.

ATC has invested more than $500 million in strengthening its transmission system since Jan. 1, 2001, when it began operations as a stand-alone transmission company. The investment doubled the company’s assets, making it a $1 billion company last year. An additional $300 million investment is planned for this year.

“We have significant congestion in the upper Midwest, created in part by a lack of investment,” said Delgado. “The stand-alone model has worked very well in Wisconsin and Michigan, and it’s a model that may be transferable to other regions.

“There is considerable debate as to why companies are not investing in the system. While there are real impediments to getting new transmission facilities built, that does not mean it can’t be done. Policymakers should look at companies like ATC, who are making real investment, to figure out what is working and why.”

Delgado said ATC’s structure properly aligns the incentive to build with the needs of all customers in its service area, which is not the case for either integrated companies or merchant transmission. Integrated utilities face difficult decisions in the allocation of their capital, and building transmission for others is not as profitable as other choices available to them.

On the other hand, merchant transmission is built based on specific market opportunities which seldom present themselves in a stable way, and that is not the way to meet the “obligation to serve” that the public expects from an electric utility.

“In the long run, merchant transmission and reliance on market-based approaches will not work to stimulate significant investment,” said Delgado. “The majority of investment will come from regulated companies where there is an incentive to build. Our ability and willingness to expand our system is driven by our focus as a stand-alone transmission company, which is fundamentally different from other business models.”

Delgado added that a company providing only transmission service attracts and builds the expertise necessary to successfully invest in the system. “At any given time, we have hundreds of projects – from small maintenance projects to the largest transmission line project in the state’s history – in the works. We learn how to do it better by doing it every day,” he said.

MADISON, Wis. – ATC and WP&L will host a second informal open house to share information about planned improvements to the electric system in advance of a request for regulatory approval. ATC will display its preferred and alternate transmission line routes that will be in its regulatory application.

Demand for electricity in the residential and commercial sectors has grown substantially in Beaver Dam and significant future expansion is expected. To meet local needs for electricity WP&L is planning to construct a new electric substation on Industrial Drive to reinforce its distribution system and meet imminent needs in the area.

ATC is proposing to construct 1.5 miles of new 138-kilovolt transmission line to connect the new substation with the North Beaver Dam substation located on County Trunk B. ATC’s preferred route runs from County Trunk B to US Highway 151 to Industrial Drive, while the route that runs on Crystal Lake Road is the alternative route. ATC must submit two route options in its application for regulatory approval.

Representatives of ATC and WP&L will be available to provide information and answer questions. Refreshments will be served. No formal presentation is planned and interested parties are invited to stop in as their schedules permit.

Tues. March 8, 5-7 p.m.
Best Western Campus Inn, 815 Park Avenue
Highway 33 at 151, Beaver Dam

ATC intends to file its application with the Public Service Commission promptly after the open house. After conducting a project review and public hearing process, the PSC determines if the project is needed and selects the route. The estimated cost of the project is $2.7 million. The electric system upgrade is expected to be in service in June 2006.

Alliant Energy Corporation is an energy-services provider with subsidiaries serving more than three million customers. Providing its customers in the Midwest with regulated electricity and natural gas service remains the company’s primary focus. Wisconsin Power and Light, the company’s Wisconsin utility subsidiary, serves 437,000 electric and 173,000 natural gas customers. Other business platforms include the international energy market and non-regulated domestic generation. Alliant Energy, headquartered in Madison, Wis., is a Fortune 1000 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LNT. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.alliantenergy.com.

WAUKESHA, Wis. – American Transmission Co. officials today applaud the decision by the Public Service Commission to immediately reopen the Arrowhead-Weston transmission line project case for the sole purpose of considering reroute options onto private land in Douglas County.

“We are pleased that the commission has taken this unusual step to order the case be reopened to consider alternate routes around 1.5 miles of Douglas County-owned land,” said Mark Williamson, vice president of major projects. “While it is unfortunate that 15 members of the Douglas County board have decided they’d rather have the project on private land, we nonetheless remain committed to finishing the project. More than 5 million people are depending on us to get the project built.”

In Douglas County, the project crosses 13 miles of county-owned land. The project can be built on about 10.5 miles of that land using existing easements for a 161-kilovolt-transmission line.

The reroute only affects about 2.5 miles of county-owned land. One mile of that is a deviation off the existing 161 kV transmission line right-of-way near the Solon Springs airport. ATC will ask the commission to move the project back onto that existing right-of-way. ATC plans to build the project under the existing easements to accommodate the airport clearance requirements.

The remaining 1.5 miles of new right-of-way on county-owned land is east of the village of Oliver, located adjacent to a railroad. ATC will develop two potential routes on private property to avoid that land. As many as 140 private landowners may be impacted by the reroute around the 1.5 miles of county-owned land.

The Arrowhead-Weston project has been reviewed and approved by state regulators twice. Marathon County and the town of Mosinee have granted easements, the Department of Natural Resources has issued the necessary permits and granted the first of several easements, the Dane County Circuit Court reaffirmed the PSC’s

decision to approve the project, the National Park Service selected the overhead crossing of the Namekagon River and the Washburn County Board has agreed to negotiate. Additionally, people across the state and in the communities that will host the line say they support it, governmental officials are supportive and the project has been identified as vital for electric reliability and economic growth.

Construction of this line is nearly complete in Minnesota and is expected to begin in Clark and Marathon counties in the spring. The project is expected to be in service in mid-2008.

“Once completed, this project will assist in our state’s economic recovery, future economic development and keeping the lights on,” Williamson said.

MADISON, Wis. – American Transmission Co. will begin construction in Wisconsin to add a second 345-kilovolt line to existing poles connecting the Paddock substation in southern Rock County with the Wempletown substation in northern Illinois. Construction starts today on the four-mile Wisconsin segment and is expected to be completed by the end of the March.

ATC has contracted with MJ Electric to string the new line. ATC does not anticipate road closings in conjunction with the project. Minor additional tree trimming may be needed to accommodate the new line.

The project is Wisconsin’s first 345 kV tie to another state to be added in decades. The upgrade will boost reliability and help the state’s utilities access lower-cost power in the short term. The work will take place on existing rights of way.

Counties and towns along the length of the route in Wisconsin will receive impact payments as required by Wisconsin state law. ATC must submit these payments to the state. Rock County and the towns of Newark and Beloit can expect the payments from the state in fall.

The upgrade also extends approximately 11 miles in Illinois. Work on the Illinois portion began this past December, and is scheduled to be completed by the end of March.

The estimated cost of the rebuild is $5.7 million. When construction is completed, ATC will place the new line in service immediately.

WAUKESHA, Wis. – American Transmission Co. today filed a notice of claim with Douglas County. The notice outlines the case ATC will file in the Douglas County Circuit Court asking the court to intervene in the Arrowhead-Weston project in Douglas County.

The claim asks that the county board’s Feb. 2, 2005, vote be reversed, that ATC be granted access for survey work and that the necessary project easements be granted. If the county disallows the claim, ATC will ask the circuit court to order the county to allow ATC access to county-owned land.

“We have worked for nearly three years with Douglas County providing information and answering questions about the Arrowhead-Weston project,” said Mark Williamson, vice president of major projects. “It’s unfortunate that they have chosen to disengage from discussions about how we will build the project in the county.”

Williamson noted that the vote of 15 supervisors to not grant an easement has forced ATC to continue the process of moving the project onto private land to avoid the 1.5 miles of county-owned land in question.

“It’s our obligation and responsibility to build the project, and we will build it,” said Williamson. “While we begin the process of re-routing onto private land, we also will ask the court to give us access to the Douglas County land. Ultimately, we hope the courts will allow us to condemn the county for the use of its land to avoid re-routing onto private land.”

The county has three options: It can allow the claim and agree to negotiate an easement with the company; disallow the claim and maintain its position; or ignore the claim, which has the same effect as disallowing the claim.

If the county disallows or ignores the claim, ATC will file the claim in Douglas County Circuit Court. ATC will ask the court to order the county to grant an easement, rule on ATC’s ability to condemn county-owned land and issue an injunction to the county preventing it from refusing access to county-owned land for survey, geotechnical, environmental, archaeological and engineering crews associated with the project.

The Arrowhead-Weston project has been reviewed and approved by state regulators twice. Marathon County and the town of Mosinee have granted easements, the Department of Natural Resources has issued the necessary permits and granted the first of several easements, the Dane County Circuit Court re-affirmed the PSC’s decision to approve the project, the National Park Service selected the overhead crossing of the Namekagon River and the Washburn County Board has agreed to negotiate. Additionally, people across the state and in the communities that will host the line say they support it, governmental officials are supportive and the project has been identified as vital for electric reliability and economic growth.

WAUKESHA, Wis. – American Transmission Co. officials said they are forced to move a portion of the Arrowhead-Weston project in Douglas County onto private land in the wake of last night’s vote by the Douglas County Board opposing negotiations with ATC for the use of county land for the project.

“The Arrowhead-Weston transmission line project will be built. The question for the Douglas County Board was if they would allow a portion to be built on county-owned land in lieu of private land. The county board members have spoken, and they prefer the project be built on private land,” said Mark Williamson, vice president of major projects for ATC. “We wholeheartedly disagree with the county’s position and believe, as most people do, that the project should be built on public land when possible.”

The amount of county land in question is about 2.5 miles. “We will immediately begin working with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to re-route the project onto private land. Simultaneously, we will begin the condemnation process for the use of the 2.5 miles of county-owned land. Ultimately, we hope the courts will allow us to condemn the county for the use of its land to avoid re-routing onto private land,” said Williamson.

Williamson said county board supervisors apparently failed to consider that Arrowhead-Weston has been reviewed and approved by state regulators twice. Additionally, people across the state and in the communities that will host the line say they support it, governmental officials are fully supportive and the project has been identified as vital for electric reliability and economic growth. The board decision comes on the heels of the Marathon County and the town of Mosinee granting easements, the Department of Natural Resources issuing the necessary permits, the Dane County Circuit Court re-affirming the PSC’s decision to approve the project, the National Park Service selection of the overhead crossing of the Namekagon and the Washburn County Board agreement to negotiate.

ATC has successfully negotiated easements with nearly 200 private landowners for the use of their land. Construction of the project line is nearly complete in Minnesota and is expected to begin in Clark and Marathon counties in the spring. The project is expected to be in service in mid-2008.

“We are making progress and getting closer to being able to assist in our state’s economic recovery, future economic development and keeping the lights on,” Williamson said.

WAUKESHA, Wis. – Officials at American Transmission Co. applaud today’s ruling by Dane County Circuit Court affirming the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin’s final order approving the Arrowhead-Weston transmission line project.

“Of course we are pleased that the Court agreed with the Commission’s decision to approve the project,” said Mark Williamson, vice president of major projects for ATC. “While this decision is important, it also is important to note that on each and every occasion that opponents of the project have tried to stall it, they have failed. Clearly, it is time to get on with building this important piece of electric infrastructure for the millions of people who depend on a reliable link to electricity.”

ATC is working to obtain easements for the use of county-owned land in Washburn and Douglas counties. In Washburn County, the project crosses about 9.5 miles of county-owned land, all of which currently hosts a transmission line. For the full length of the route in Washburn County, ATC will be taking down two-pole transmission line structures and replacing them with single-pole structures.

“While we can build the project in Washburn County using the existing easements, we want to work cooperatively with the county to negotiate new easements and look forward to that process,” said Williamson. The Washburn County Board voted 12-6 last week to begin negotiations with ATC.

In Douglas County, ATC needs easements from the county for the use of 2.5 miles of county-owned land. The remainder of the project on county-owned land can be built using existing easements for a 161-kilovolt transmission line that travels about 10.5 miles of the route in the county. Douglas County is expected to vote next week on whether to negotiate with ATC. If Douglas County decides not to negotiate, ATC will be forced to route the project onto private property.

“We hope to be able to work with Washburn and Douglas counties to find solutions for the use of their land that are fair for the county, ATC and the people who use electricity,” said Williamson.

ATC has successfully negotiated easements with nearly 200 private landowners for the use of their land. Marathon County signed easements for the use of its land in September, the Mosinee Town Board rescinded its resolution opposing the project in December, the National Park Service, in its Final Environmental Impact Statement, has selected an overhead crossing of the Namekagon River as its preferred crossing alternative, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued construction permits for the project last month.

Construction of this line is nearly complete in Minnesota and is expected to begin in Clark and Marathon counties in the spring. The project is expected to be in service in mid-2008.

WAUKESHA, Wis. – New survey results released today by American Transmission Co. indicate that 52 percent of all Washburn County residents support the construction of the Arrowhead-Weston transmission line approved by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.

The survey found that, when asked what message people would send to their county board supervisor, 34 percent chose, “We need the electricity and we need some property tax relief. Grant ATC the easement and use the money to give us some tax relief.”

• 15 percent selected, “The line’s been extensively studied. Let’s get on with it and grant ATC the easement they need to build on the existing right-of-way on county-owned land.”
• 11 percent picked “I don’t necessarily like the project, but we need the new line and I’d rather see the county get some money for the use of its land.”
• 20 percent wanted their county supervisor not to grant ATC the necessary easement on county-owned land.

“We are obviously pleased to discover that nearly two-thirds of the people surveyed in Washburn County support our request for an easement,” said Mark Williamson, vice president of major projects at ATC. “This is the fourth time over the past three years we have asked the people in Washburn County for the views. We believe we have an obligation to listen to the people and to understand what the public wants and needs. I can tell you that every time we’ve asked people what they think, we’ve learned something that helped us do our job a little better.”

The results come from a statistically valid sample of 400 Washburn County residents conducted Jan. 16-18 by Wood Communications Group a nationally known market research firm in Madison, Wis. The sample consisted of telephone numbers randomly generated to accurately represent all households with working phones. The results of this study are an accurate reflection of the attitudes of all residents in this county within a sampling error of plus or minus 5 percent.

WAUKESHA, Wis. – New survey results released today by American Transmission Co. indicate that 58 percent of Douglas County residents support construction of the Arrowhead-Weston transmission line approved by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. The survey found that two-thirds of adults in Douglas County believe the county board should approve the necessary easements on county-owned land.

“We obviously are pleased to discover that an overwhelming majority of the people in Douglas County support our request for an easement,” said Mark Williamson, vice president of major projects for ATC. “This is the fourth time over the past three years we have asked the people in Douglas County for their views about the project. We believe we have an obligation to listen to the people and to understand what the public wants and needs. I can tell you that every time we’ve asked people what they think, we’ve learned something that helped us do our job a little better.”

The survey found that, when asked what specific message people would send to their county board supervisor, 25 percent chose “We need the electricity and we need some property tax relief. Grant ATC the easement and use the money to give us some tax relief.”

• 17 percent selected, “The line’s been extensively studied. Let’s get on with it and grant ATC the easement they need to build on the existing right-of-way on county-owned land.”
• 17 percent picked, “I don’t necessarily like the project, but we need the new line and I’d rather see the county get some money for the use of its land.”
• Only 16 percent wanted their county supervisor not to grant ATC the necessary easement on county-owned land.

The results come from a statistically valid sample of 400 Douglas County residents conducted Jan. 16-18 by Wood Communications Group, a nationally known market research firm in Madison, Wis. The sample consisted of telephone numbers randomly generated to accurately represent all households with working phones. The results of this study are an accurate reflection of the attitudes of all residents in this county within a sampling error of plus or minus 5 percent.

WAUKESHA. WI – American Transmission Co. officials applaud yesterday’s decision by the Washburn County Board of Supervisors to agree to negotiate an easement for the use of county-owned land for the Arrowhead-Weston transmission line project.

“This is another important step forward for the Arrowhead-Weston project,” said Mark C. Williamson, Vice President of Major Projects for ATC. “We remain cautiously optimistic that we’ll be able to negotiate an agreement with Washburn County that is beneficial to the county as well as the millions of electricity users in Wisconsin and the upper Midwest.”

In Washburn County, the project crosses about 9.5 miles of county-owned land, all of which currently hosts a transmission line. For the full length of the route in Washburn County, ATC will be taking down the existing two-pole transmission line structures and replacing them with single-pole structures. “While we can build the project in Washburn County using the existing easements, we want to work cooperatively with the county to negotiate new easements and look forward to that process.”

The Arrowhead-Weston transmission project originally was approved by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in October 2001 and re-approved in December 2003 at a revised cost. In its Strategic Energy Assessment Final Report issued in September, the Commission stated: “Due to concerns over electric system reliability, the Commission reauthorized construction of the 210-mile, $420 million Arrowhead-Weston transmission line in 2003.”

ATC has successfully negotiated easements with nearly 200 private landowners for the use of their land. Marathon County signed easements for the use of its land in September, the Mosinee Town Board rescinded its resolution opposing the project in December, the National Park Service, in its Final Environmental Impact Statement, has selected an overhead crossing of the Namekagon River as its preferred crossing alternative, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued construction permits for the project last month.

“We are responsible for addressing Wisconsin’s electric transmission infrastructure needs and will do so as quickly and cost efficiently as possible. Most of the construction of the Arrowhead-Weston project in Minnesota is complete. We plan to complete construction of the entire project in mid-2008,” said Williamson.

WAUKESHA, Wis. – American Transmission Co. today received the Chapter 30 permit and Wetland Water Quality Certification from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, which are needed to construct the Arrowhead-Weston transmission project.

“Receipt of the DNR permits is one more step toward ensuring that the millions of people in Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest will have the reliable and secure supply of electricity provided by the Arrowhead-Weston project,” said Mark Williamson, ATC vice president of major projects. “We look forward to beginning transmission line construction in Marathon and Clark counties next spring.”

The permits address the crossing of waterways, placement of poles in wetlands, discharge of fill material into wetlands, site erosion control, storm water management plans, as well as other specific matters. “As is our practice, we will take care to protect and preserve the environment as we construct the project,” said Williamson. The project will require 105 temporary bridges and 317 structures in wetlands.

“While we will be constructing in wetlands, our goal is to utilize construction measures that minimize impacts to wetlands and to the environment as a whole. In total, we will displace less than one-third of an acre of land with the construction in wetlands.”

The Arrowhead-Weston transmission project originally was approved by the Public Service Commission in October 2001 and re-approved in December 2003 at a revised cost. In its Strategic Energy Assessment Final Report issued in September, the Commission stated: “Due to concerns over electric system reliability, the Commission reauthorized construction of the 210-mile, $420 million Arrowhead-Weston transmission line in 2003.”

ATC has negotiated easements with more than 150 private landowners for the use of their land. Marathon County signed easements for the use of its land in September, the Mosinee Town Board rescinded its resolution opposing the project at a meeting last week and the National Park Service, in its FEIS, has selected an overhead crossing of the Namekagon River as its preferred crossing alternative.

“We are responsible for addressing Wisconsin’s electric transmission infrastructure needs and will do so as quickly and cost efficiently as possible. Most of the construction of the Arrowhead-Weston project in Minnesota is complete. We plan to complete construction of the entire project in mid-2008,” said Williamson.

“The Park Service has done due diligence in its review of the options we presented for crossing the Namekagon River and we applaud its decision. The Park Service recommendation is one more step toward ensuring that the millions of people in Wisconsin and the upper Midwest will have the reliable and secure supply of electricity that the Arrowhead-Weston project will help provide,” said Mark Williamson, ATC vice president of major projects.

The crossing option recommended by the Park Service allows ATC to remove two pole structures and replace them with steel poles that will be further away from the river than the current structures. “When construction at the river crossing is complete, the environment at that location will be even more beautiful than it is today. We also will make other significant environmental improvements, in cooperation with the Park Service, along the Namekagon River that will enhance the enjoyment of the river for all who use it,” said Williamson.

The Arrowhead-Weston transmission line project was originally approved by the Public Service Commission in October 2001 and re-approved in December 2003 at a revised cost. In its Strategic Energy Assessment Final Report, issued in September, the Commission stated: “Due to concerns over electric system reliability, the Commission reauthorized construction of the 210-mile $420 million Arrowhead-Weston transmission line in 2003.”

ATC has negotiated easements with more than 150 private landowners for the use of their land. Marathon County signed easements for the use of its land in September, and the Mosinee Town Board rescinded its resolution opposing the project at a meeting earlier this week. “Clearly folks are coming to understand the importance and necessity of this vital project,” said Williamson.

“We are responsible for addressing Wisconsin’s electric transmission infrastructure needs and will do so as quickly and cost-efficiently as possible. Most of the construction for the Arrowhead-Weston project is complete in Minnesota. We will begin construction in Wisconsin in the early spring in 2005,” said Williamson.

The Department of Natural Resources is expected to issue the necessary permits for the project before the end of the year, and the Army Corps of Engineer permits are expected in early 2005.

Construction on Arrowhead-Weston is expected to be complete by 2008.

MADISON, Wis. – American Transmission Co. today applauds the Public Service Commission’s approval of the company’s proposal to add a second 345- kilovolt line to existing poles connecting the Paddock substation in southern Rock County to the Wempletown substation in northern Illinois. The project is Wisconsin’s first 345 kV tie to another state to be added in decades. The upgrade will boost reliability and help the state’s utilities access lower cost power in the short term. No new right-of-way is needed for the project.

Wisconsin is a net importer of electricity, which means the state generates about 85 percent of what it uses and imports the rest over the transmission system. Construction of a second 345 kV line from Illinois into Wisconsin will help reduce constraints and ensure reliable and consistent access to lower cost regional bulk power supplies.

Construction will start on the four-mile Wisconsin segment in mid-January. The upgrade also extends approximately 11 miles in Illinois. The estimated cost of the project is $7 million. It is scheduled to be in service in summer 2005.

“The Park Service has done due diligence in its review of the options we presented for crossing the Namekagon River and we applaud its decision. The Park Service approval is one more step toward ensuring that the millions of people in Wisconsin and the upper Midwest will have the reliable and secure supply of electricity that the Arrowhead-Weston project will help provide,” said Mark Williamson, ATC vice president of major projects.

The crossing option selected by the Park Service allows ATC to remove two pole structures and replace them with steel poles that will be further away from the river than the current structures. “When construction at the river crossing is complete, the environment at that location will be even more beautiful than it is today. We also will make other significant environmental improvements, in cooperation with the Park Service, along the Namekagon River that will enhance the enjoyment of the river for all who use it,” said Williamson.

The Arrowhead-Weston transmission line project was originally approved by the Public Service Commission in October 2001 and re-approved in December 2003 at a revised cost. In its Strategic Energy Assessment Final Report, issued in September, the Commission stated: “Due to concerns over electric system reliability, the Commission reauthorized construction of the 210-mile $420 million Arrowhead-Weston transmission line in 2003.”

ATC has negotiated easements with more than 150 private landowners for the use of their land. Marathon County signed easements for the use of its land in September, and the Mosinee Town Board rescinded its resolution opposing the project at a meeting earlier this week. “Clearly folks are coming to understand the importance and necessity of this vital project,” said Williamson.

“We are responsible for addressing Wisconsin’s electric transmission infrastructure needs and will do so as quickly and cost-efficiently as possible. Most of the construction for the Arrowhead-Weston project is complete in Minnesota. We will begin construction in Wisconsin in the early spring in 2005,” said Williamson.

The Department of Natural Resources is expected to issue the necessary permits for the project before the end of the year, and the Army Corps of Engineer permits are expected in early 2005.

Construction on Arrowhead-Weston is expected to be complete by 2008.

MADISON, Wis. – American Transmission Company is the first utility to apply for Wisconsin’s Green Tier program for exceptional environmental performance. ATC is among the first three companies in Wisconsin to apply for acceptance into the program, which was first instituted in 2004. Wisconsin’s Green Tier is the first and only legislatively-approved program in the country that seeks to improve environmental protection through performance-based oversight.

The Green Tier program, administered by the state Department of Natural Resources, admits companies whose environmental practices go above and beyond what is required by state law. The program strives to encourage responsible environmental decision-making and protect and restore natural resources.

“Environmental protection and restoration makes good sense in the utility business,” said Mark Williamson, Executive Vice President of Major Projects. “As a transmission utility with 8,900 miles of lines, we are in a strong position to be good environmental stewards in Wisconsin. Enhancing the state’s electric system using environmentally responsible practices is a win-win for citizens in this state.”

As part of the program ATC has committed to establishing an environmental stewardship fund that would be administered by the Natural Resources Foundation. If accepted, the fund will be dedicated to supporting State Natural Areas and grant decisions would be made by the NRF. ATC will contribute a portion of its construction budget for larger projects to the fund. The funding level has yet to be established.

To be admitted, companies must demonstrate a strong environmental compliance record, implement a formal system for including environmental issues in business decision-making, participate in external oversight of environmental performance, and show continual, measured improvement. ATC’s responsibilities and environmental impact occur most often within its construction projects, which is where ATC has focused much of its environmental efforts.

“Balancing our responsibility to improve electric system reliability with our environmental responsibilities in construction makes environmental leadership essential to us and our customers, said Rita Hayen, Manager of Environmental Projects. “We are developing ways to ensure that construction practices have proper environmental measures—avoidance, protection, and restoration—in place so that they can move forward without unnecessary delay.”

ATC’s environmental performance will be subject to internal audits and an external appraisal process to ensure that environmental objectives are met. A decision by the DNR on ATC’s Green Tier application is expected in the first half of 2005.

ATC is committed to environmental leadership in all aspects of its business and seeks to demonstrate this commitment through compliance, environmental stewardship, employee involvement, education and training, partnerships and appraisal. ATC’s statement of environmental commitment can be found on its Web site at http://www.atcllc.com/the-environment/environmental-policy/.

DE PERE, Wis. – The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has given its approval to rebuild about 110 miles of old, severely constrained electric transmission lines in Oconto and Marinette counties in Wisconsin and in Dickinson and Menominee counties in Michigan.

“The most chronic problem on the American Transmission Co.’s system is the limited ability to transfer electricity between Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula,” says David Hovde, local relations representative for ATC. “Rebuilding these lines, many of which date back to the 1920s, will improve reliability in the region and help relieve congestion on other transmission facilities in the area.”

Because these lines are so critical to system operations, they cannot be taken out of service for extended periods of time. ATC plans a phased approach to construction to minimize the need for temporary or bypass power lines. The rebuilding project includes the following work:

• Plains – Amberg line – This 22-mile, 138,000-volt line will be rebuilt using a temporary bypass line that will be constructed in the existing right-of-way. The line uses a corridor that begins at the Plains Substation in Quinnesec, Michigan, and runs through the towns of Niagara, Pembine, Beecher and Amberg in Marinette County, Wisconsin. Construction is scheduled for 2004/2005.
• West Marinette – Amberg line – This 45-mile line will be rebuilt within the existing right-of-way, and the portion of the line between West Marinette and White Rapids substations will be upgraded to 138,000-volt operation. The line runs along a corridor that passes through the towns of Amberg, Wagner, Porterfield and Peshtigo in Marinette County, Wis., and also passes through the towns of Lake, Menominee, Holmes and Mellen, and the City of Menominee, all in Menominee County, Mich. Construction is scheduled for 2005.
• Amberg – Stiles line – Completion of the West Marinette – Amberg line will facilitate the rebuilding of the Amberg – Stiles 138,000-volt line without the use of a temporary bypass line. Construction of this 44-mile line in Marinette and Oconto counties is scheduled for 2005/2006.

Landowners, local officials and other interested parties are being notified by mail of construction details.

DE PERE, Wis. – Preliminary routes for a new electric transmission line to serve the Crandon and Laona areas have been identified and will be the subject of a public open house on Dec. 6.

Higher-than-average demand for electricity in the Crandon area is driving the need for new electric transmission and distribution facilities. The local distribution system is subject to voltage and capacity problems. To resolve these issues, Wisconsin Public Service Corp. is planning to build a new substation near Crandon, and American Transmission Co. is proposing to serve the substation with a transmission line from the Venus Substation in Monico.

“When we conducted open houses in Crandon in August, members of the public asked WPS to take another look at the substation location,” explains Lee Meyerhofer, local relations representative for ATC. “Results of additional computer modeling show that locating the substation on the west side of the city will provide the same measure of reliability for the next 20 years as the east side location that was originally proposed. The new substation location shortens the length of the transmission line and avoids impacts within the city.”

ATC and WPS personnel will be on hand at the open houses to discuss project need and benefits, public involvement and regulatory review processes, timetable, routing and siting criteria.

“No formal presentation is planned, and we invite interested parties to drop in as their schedule permits,” Meyerhofer said.

All sessions will be held in the Crandon Community Center.

1-3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6
5-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6

Note to editors: A project fact sheet and map are available at ATC’s Web site, atcllc.com

Waukesha, Wis. – ATC will host an open house to share information about its construction plans to improve the local electric system infrastructure serving Waukesha County. ATC will construct approximately nine miles of new single-pole 138-kilovolt transmission line to connect We Energies’ new Duplainville substation to its existing substation located south of Crites Field, and its existing substation in the village of Sussex. The project has been in the planning phase for about three years.

“The local electric system is currently operating at maximum capacity,” said Mary Carpenter, ATC local relations representative. “The population growth in the area combined with the significant growth of commercial and industrial business has greatly increased the demand for electricity.”

Electricity demand in Waukesha County is projected to grow at an annual rate of approximately 11 percent, compared with a rate of 2-3 percent in other parts of Wisconsin. The smaller electric transmission lines that serve several local communities in Waukesha County are currently used to near-maximum capacity during the peak summer season, and cannot accommodate additional growth in electric demand.

ATC makes every effort to provide information and answer questions in advance of construction activities. ATC will host a pre-construction open house in which members of the public are encouraged to attend. Representatives of ATC and We Energies will be available to discuss the construction plans for the transmission line and substation.

Thursday, Nov. 18, 4-7 p.m.
Milwaukee Marriott West
I-94 and Hwy. 164, Pewaukee

The estimated cost of the transmission line project is $5 million. The line is expected to be in-service in spring of 2007.

MADISON, Wis. – ATC announced today that it has narrowed the set of route options under consideration for the Jefferson County Electric Reliability Project. ATC is proposing to construct approximately 17 miles of new 138-kilovolt transmission line to connect the Stony Brook substation located in the town of Waterloo with the Jefferson substation located outside the city of Jefferson.

After conducting preliminary engineering and environmental analyses of the routes, talking with residents at open houses in March, and holding discussions with state regulators, ATC highlighted on its project map the routes that will be subject to further study. ATC will host two open house events to provide information, answer questions, and get feedback from residents on the remaining route options for its proposal. ATC will submit its regulatory application for the project to the state Public Service Commission in spring.

“In reviewing the relative benefits of the different route options, we took into account a wide variety of factors, including environmental issues, engineering and design issues, land use plans, community feedback, and electric system needs,” said Charles Gonzales, Local Relations Representative ATC. “We also reviewed the options in light of state requirements to give greater consideration to existing corridors—utility lines, roads, and railroads. We will continue our analysis of the narrowed set of route options through the fall.”

ATC is asking for input from the public to help identify which of the remaining route options would better minimize impacts to the community and environment. ATC will use the community’s feedback to select a preferred and alternate route for its regulatory application. ATC and We Energies representatives will be available at the open house.

Mon. Nov. 15, 2004
1 – 3 pm and 6 – 8 pm
Waterloo Town Hall
N8193 Hwy 89, Waterloo

Wed. Nov. 17, 2004
1 – 3 pm and 6 – 8 pm
Lake Mills Community Center
200 Water Street, Lake Mills

No formal presentation is planned. The public is invited to stop in as convenient during these times.

The Jefferson County Electric Reliability Project is proposed to address growth in area demand for electricity and to maintain electric system reliability for much of Jefferson County. This project is needed to address system instability and would accommodate a possible new electric substation in the City of Lake Mills as well.

ATC will schedule additional meetings to discuss the routes before proposed route options are presented to the Public Service Commission. ATC intends to file its application with the PSC in spring, and must submit two route alternatives for this project. The PSC makes the final route decision if the project is approved.

The estimated cost of the project is $16 million and may vary depending on which route is selected. The line is expected to be in service in mid-2007.

[Note to editors: the blue and pink segments on the project map represent routes for further study; the beige routes are not being considered at this time.]

WAUKESHA, WIS. – American Transmission Company has issued it 10-Year Transmission System Assessment of the region’s electric transmission system and is inviting public comment on long-term transmission plans.

Zone 5 Meeting
Monday, Nov. 8, 2004
Country Springs Hotel
2810 Golf Road
Waukesha
3-4:30 p.m. session or 6-7:30 p.m. session
Refreshments between 4:30 and 6 p.m.

In 2004, ATC planning studies show significant system performance issues in southeastern Wisconsin. Low voltages, which can destabilize the system, transmission facility overloads and transmission service limitations are concerns throughout Zone 5. Zone 5 includes the following counties: Kenosha, Racine, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha. Steady and rapid growth in some areas is requiring ATC customers to import more power and add new generation.

“Growing demands for electricity and the urgent need for new facilities mean that transmission expansion plans will be increasingly important to the public now and in years to come,” said Mary Carpenter, ATC local relations representative. “We encourage the public to work with us during all stages of project development to improve these plans.”

The public input received at these and other events is used to improve transmission proposals. Because system improvement proposals potentially impact many communities, ATC seeks local feedback so the ultimate solutions consider land use and environmental impacts and meet reliability standards.

Individuals can register for the Zone 5 Meeting on ATC’s Web site, www.atcllc.com. The 10-Year Assessment is posted to the site, and people can submit comments there as well.

MADISON, Wis. – In conjunction with the issuance of American Transmission Company’s 10-Year Transmission System Assessment of the region’s electric transmission system, the company has scheduled a meeting in this area to invite public comment on long-term transmission plans.

ATC Planning Zones

Zone 3 Meeting
Wed. Nov. 3, 3-4:30 p.m. or 6-7:30 p.m.
Hilton Garden Inn
1801 Deming Way
Middleton
Refreshments between 4:30 and 6 p.m.
Discussion on south central Wisconsin

In 2004, ATC planning studies show significant network performance issues in south central Wisconsin. Low voltages, which can destabilize the system, and facility overloads are a concern throughout Zone 3 and are particularly serious in the Madison area. The potential for voltage collapse in the Madison area is emerging and will require significant reinforcements within the next 10 years. Rapid growth in Rock, Walworth and Jefferson counties will require reinforcements in the near term; growth in southwestern Wisconsin will require reinforcements over the long term. The planning studies look out 10 years.

“Growing demands for electricity and the urgent need for new facilities mean that transmission expansion plans will be increasingly important to the public now and in years to come, said Charles Gonzales, ATC Local Relations Representative. “We encourage the public to work with us during all stages of project development to improve these plans.”

The public input received at these and other events is used to improve transmission proposals. Because system improvement proposals potentially impact many communities ATC seeks local feedback so the ultimate solutions consider land use and environmental impacts and meet reliability standards.

Individuals can register for the Zone Meetings on ATC’s Web site, www.atcllc.com. The 10-Year Assessment is posted to the site, and people can submit comments there as well.

DE PERE, Wis. – Preliminary routes for two new 345-kilovolt transmission lines in northeastern and north central Wisconsin have been identified and will be the topic of a series of public open houses. American Transmission Co. is proposing to build the two lines, each about 50 miles long, because the electric transmission system in the area is aging and in need of upgrading.

“More than 1,300 households in the area provided comments and feedback at open houses conducted earlier this year,” explains Patsy Baynard, major projects executive for ATC. “That local information, combined with environmental, land use and other data was analyzed and evaluated over the summer and early fall. We now have fewer and narrower corridors than we did when we talked with local residents last spring.”

ATC is notifying landowners who have property in or adjacent to the preliminary routes, as well as others who have expressed interest in the projects. Invitation letters are being mailed.

The existing 115-kV electric transmission system in Marathon and Shawano counties requires additional reinforcements to support a new generator at the Weston Power Plant, which is scheduled to come on line in 2008. A 345-kV transmission line is being planned to transmit electricity from the power plant to a yet-to-be-sited substation in the Shawano-Belle Plaine area.

The 345-kV and 138-kV systems that link northeastern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan are among the most severely constrained in the Midwest. These constraints limit ATC’s ability to deliver reliable, affordable power generated inside and outside of the region. A 50-mile 345-kV transmission line linking the Morgan Substation southwest of Oconto Falls to a new substation named Werner West in the New London area also is proposed.

The two new lines will intersect at the proposed new substation in the Shawano-Belle Plaine area.

Recent transmission system studies show that an additional 138-kV line between Clintonville and the Werner West substation would provide additional reliability benefits.

ATC initially identified a broad study area, which was presented to local residents at open houses in January and early February. Proposed route corridors, following existing utility and transportation rights-of-way, recreational trails and some new corridors were identified and presented at open houses in late March and early April. Those corridors have been refined, adjusted and some have been eliminated from consideration at this time.

Maps, aerial photography and computer-generated images of the corridors will be available at the open houses. ATC staff will be on hand to provide information about the need for the facilities, the siting and public involvement process, as well as environmental and regulatory reviews.

The transmission lines and substations require approval from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin and permits from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. ATC expects to make its regulatory filing for the projects in 2005. Ultimately, the PSCW determines the routes if the lines are approved.

MADISON, Wis. – ATC and Alliant Energy will host an informal open house to share information and answer questions about planned improvements to the electric system. Alliant Energy—Wisconsin Power and Light is proposing to construct a new electric substation on Industrial Drive in Beaver Dam. ATC is proposing to construct 1.5 miles of new 138-kilovolt transmission line to connect the new substation with the North Beaver Dam substation located on County Trunk B.

Demand for electricity in the residential and commercial sectors has grown substantially in Beaver Dam and significant future expansion is expected. The existing system was not designed to accommodate this level of demand. To meet local needs for electricity WPL is planning construct a new electric substation to reinforce its distribution system and meet imminent needs in the area.

ATC makes every effort to gather local input and feedback early in order to design projects that reduce impacts. For this project, ATC has identified two route alternatives for the new transmission line. ATC will solicit community input on the routing and siting of the line through personal visits and an informational open house. ATC will use the community’s feedback to refine its proposal for its regulatory application. The open house event will be held:

Monday, Oct. 25th, 5-7 p.m.
Best Western Campus Inn, 815 Park Avenue
Highway 33 at 151, Beaver Dam

Representatives of ATC and WPL will be available to provide information and answer questions. Refreshments will be served. Members of the public are encouraged to attend.

ATC intends to file its application with the PSC early in 2005 . The estimated cost of the transmission line project is $2.7 million. The line is expected to be in-service in June 2006.

MADISON, Wis. – ATC will host an open house to share information about its plans to improve the local electric system infrastructure serving north central Columbia County. ATC is planning to construct approximately nine miles of new single-pole 69-kilovolt transmission line to connect the substation located near the Columbia Power Plant in the town of Pacific to the Rio Substation located north of Rio. This line also will connect to a new substation to be built by Alliant Energy—Wisconsin Power and Light in the village of Wyocena. A similar transmission line in the area is the existing 69-kilovolt transmission line that runs north and south, parallel to and east of Highway 51, south of Highway 16.

The larger transmission lines in central Columbia County are 345-kilovolt lines that make up the backbone of ATC’s high-voltage network in Wisconsin. Similar to the interstate freeway system that does not have off-ramps at every town, the high-voltage lines in this area do not connect to the local electric system in every community through which they pass. Their role is to transport high volumes of power across long distances. These larger lines are connected to lower-voltage transmission lines that serve local areas. ATC plans to add an additional lower voltage line to serve the local area.

“The local electric system is currently operating at maximum capacity,” said John Garvin, ATC Local Relations Representative. “There is little to no flexibility on the system to accommodate increasing demand or to handle an outage. This project is needed to keep pace with growth and to back up critical facilities.”

Electric demand in central Columbia County is projected to grow at an annual rate of approximately 3 percent. The smaller electric transmission lines that serve the local communities of Wyocena, Rio, Cambria, Pardeeville and Fall River are currently used to near-maximum capacity during the peak summer season, and cannot accommodate additional growth in electric demand. The Columbia Rio Electric Reliability Project will support WPL’s local distribution system expansion plans and improve the ability of the ATC network to maintain reliable electric service in the event of an outage.

In siting a transmission line, ATC seeks to reduce the impacts of its projects by identifying routes that make use of existing corridors, such as existing utility lines, roads and railroads, whenever possible. For this project, ATC is examining the suitability of the major corridors in the area, which include the existing transmission and distribution lines, Highway 16, and the railroad corridor.

ATC makes every effort to gather local input and feedback early in order to design projects that reduce impacts. ATC will solicit community input on the routing and siting of the line through personal visits, public meetings and an informational open house:

Thurs. Oct. 21, 5-7 p.m.
Wyocena Community Center
165 E. Dodge St, Wyocena

Representatives of ATC and WPL will be available to provide information and answer questions. Refreshments will be served. Members of the public are encouraged to attend.

The estimated cost of the transmission line project is $5 million. The line is expected to be in-service at the end of 2005.

All open houses are scheduled from 1–3 pm and 6–8 pm

Nov. 3, 2004
Stoney Creek Inn
1100 Imperial Ave.
Mosinee

Nov. 4, 2004
Comfort Inn
W17267 Red Oak Lane
Wittenberg

Nov. 9, 2004
Golden Sands Country Club
300 Nabor Road
Cecil

Nov. 10, 2004
Clintonville Lanes
250 County Road I
Clintonville

Nov. 11, 2004
Crystal Falls Banquet Hall
1500 Handschke Dr.
New London

MADISON, Wis. – ATC will host an open house to share information about its plans to improve the local electric system infrastructure serving north central Columbia County. ATC is planning to construct approximately nine miles of new single-pole 69-kilovolt transmission line to connect the substation located near the Columbia Power Plant in the town of Pacific to the Rio Substation located north of Rio. This line also will connect to a new substation to be built by Alliant Energy-Wisconsin Power and Light in the village of Wyocena. A similar transmission line in the area is the existing 69-kilovolt transmission line that runs north and south, parallel to and east of Highway 51, south of Highway 16.

In an effort to design the project in a way that reduces impact, ATC will gather local input and feedback through personal visits, public meetings and an informational open house to be held:

Thurs. Oct. 21, 5-7 p.m.
Wyocena Community Center
165 E. Dodge St, Wyocena

Representatives of ATC and WPL will be available to provide information and answer questions. Refreshments will be served. Members of the public are encouraged to attend to learn about the need for the project.

“The local electric system is currently operating at maximum capacity,” said John Garvin, ATC local relations representative. “There is no flexibility on the system to accommodate increasing demand or to handle an outage. This project is needed to keep pace with growth and to back up critical facilities.”

Electric demand in central Columbia County is projected to grow at an annual rate of approximately 3 percent. The smaller, low-voltage electric transmission lines that serve the local communities of Wyocena, Rio, Cambria, Pardeeville and Fall River are currently used to near-maximum capacity during the peak summer season, and cannot accommodate additional growth in electric demand. The Columbia Rio Electric Reliability Project will support WPL’s local distribution system expansion plans and improve the ability of the ATC network to maintain reliable electric service in the event of an outage. The estimated cost of the project is $5 million. If approved by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, the line is expected to be in service at the end of 2005.

The larger existing transmission lines in central Columbia County are 345-kilovolt lines that make up the backbone of ATC’s high-voltage network in Wisconsin. Similar to the interstate freeway system that does not have off-ramps at every town, the high-voltage lines in this area do not connect to the local electric system in every community through which they pass. Their role is to transport high volumes of power across long distances. These larger lines are connected to lower-voltage transmission lines that serve local areas. ATC plans to add an additional lower-voltage line to serve the local area.

In siting a transmission line, ATC seeks to reduce the impacts of its projects by identifying routes along existing corridors, such as existing utility lines, roads and railroads, whenever possible. For this project, ATC is examining the suitability of the major corridors in the area, which include the existing transmission and distribution lines, Highway 16 and the railroad corridor.

MADISON, Wis. – ATC announced today that it will hold a final set of open houses for the proposed four-mile 138-kilovolt transmission line that will connect the Sprecher substation, located near the Sprecher Road/CTH BB intersection, with the Femrite substation, located on Femrite Road near the I90/USH 12/18 interchange.

At the open house, ATC will present its preferred and alternate routes for the project. The route recommendations will be included in a formal application for authorization to construct the line, which will be submitted to the Public Service Commission this fall. ATC will propose to place a portion of the line underground.

“The electric system in this area is in dire need of reinforcement,” said Mark Williamson, ATC Vice President of Major Projects. “It is critical that we do everything we can to put this line in service for the peak summer season of 2007. We believe our proposal represents an appropriate balance of community concerns, state siting requirements, and electric system needs.”

ATC is asking for public input on the preferred and alternate routes. No formal presentation is planned and interested parties are invited to stop in as their schedules permit.

Monday, Aug. 23, 2004, 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m.
Capital City Harley-Davidson
6200 Millpond Rd., Madison

Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2004, 5-7 p.m.
Capital City Harley-Davidson
6200 Millpond Rd., Madison

After conducting a project review and public hearing process, the PSC makes the route selection and determines whether it is appropriate to place segments of the transmission line underground. The estimated cost of the project is $21 million.

DE PERE, Wis. – Higher-than-average demand for electricity in the Crandon area is driving the need for new electric transmission and distribution facilities, and the public is invited to open houses in early August to learn more about proposed projects to enhance reliability.

The local distribution system is subject to voltage and capacity problems. To resolve these issues, Wisconsin Public Service Corp. is planning to build a substation on the east side of Crandon, and American Transmission Co. is proposing to serve the substation with a transmission line from the Venus Substation in Monico.

“No route has been identified for the transmission line,” according to Lee Meyerhofer, local relations representative for ATC. “We intend to work with landowners and other members of the local community to identify a route using criteria recently established by the state legislature.”

ATC and WPS personnel will be on hand at the open houses to discuss project need and benefits, public involvement and regulatory review processes, timetable, routing and siting criteria.

“No formal presentation is planned, and we invited interested parties to drop in as their schedule permits,” Meyerhofer said.

All sessions will be held in the Crandon High School Commons Area.

5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10
1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11
5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11

Note to editors: A project fact sheet and map are available at ATC’s Web site, atcllc.com

MADISON, Wis. – The Public Service Commission today approved ATC’s application to add a 345- kilovolt line to the existing high capacity lines coming into Dane County. Two lines currently run from the North Madison substation in the town of Vienna, west of DeForest to the Columbia substation located near Wisconsin Power and Light’s Columbia Power Plant in the town of Pacific outside of Portage. ATC plans to reuse the existing poles and replace the lower voltage line with the approved 345 kV line.

“The Madison area sorely needs this upgrade to keep up with demand for summer 2006,” said Mark Williamson, ATC Vice President of Major Projects. “Electrically, we in Dane County have been skating too close to the edge. This project helps us revamp the system and keep up with growth. With the community’s help, we will soon focus on implementing longer-term solutions. I applaud the PSC for approving this application quickly.”

This project is critical to improving import capability and reliability for the area and is one of a series of projects ATC will propose to reinforce the electric system in Dane County. ATC expects to file an application with the PSC this fall for a new four-mile transmission line on Madison’s east side, scheduled for completion in June of 2007. Both projects are necessary to deliver power from the Riverside Energy Center as contracted by the state’s utilities.

Counties and municipalities along the route of the line will receive environmental impact payments associated with the construction of this project, and counties in which substations are expanded will receive additional money from utility-shared revenue.

ATC filed its application in May. The estimated cost of the project is $30.6 million. Construction on the substations will begin this fall, with line construction to begin in 2005. The line is expected to be in-service in May of 2006.

“This is an encouraging step forward,” said Mark Williamson, vice president of major projects for ATC. “We can now begin thoughtful discussions with Marathon County based on the facts over access, environmental protections, fair payments, and, ultimately, building this critical piece of electric infrastructure for this community and all of Wisconsin.”

Today, the board voted to allow negotiations to begin for an approximate 1.5-mile easement in the Nine Mile Recreation Area. Williamson said the decision is a step in the right direction for the citizens of Marathon County. “Building the power line on the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin-approved route on county-owned land will lessen the impact on private landowners,” Williamson said.

Nearly 80 percent of the 221-mile Arrowhead-Weston project will be constructed on existing rights-of-way (transmission lines, gas pipelines, railroads or highways) from Wausau to Duluth. The line will cross the property of about 850 landowners, who will be compensated for the use of their land based on fair-market value. Counties and other local municipalities through which the line will pass will receive one-time environmental and annual impact payments. The project will improve electric reliability and security for all electricity users in Wisconsin.

Construction has begun on the western end of the line in Minnesota, and successful negotiations with private landowners in Marathon County have resulted in securing more than 40 easements.

“We are making progress and getting closer to being able to assist in our state’s economic recovery, future economic development and keeping the lights on.” Williamson said.

MADISON, Wis. – ATC announced today that it has narrowed the set of route options under consideration for the Femrite Sprecher transmission line project on Madison’s east side. ATC is proposing to construct approximately four miles of new 138-kilovolt transmission line to connect the Sprecher substation, located near the Sprecher Rd/CTH BB intersection, with the Femrite substation, located on Femrite Road near the I90/USH 12/18 interchange.

After conducting preliminary engineering and environmental analyses of the routes, talking with residents at open houses in April, and holding discussions with state regulators, ATC highlighted on its project map the routes that will be subject to further study. ATC will host two open house events in Madison this week to provide information, answer questions, and get feedback from residents on the remaining route options for its proposal. ATC will submit its regulatory application for the project to the state Public Service Commission this fall.

“In reviewing the relative benefits of the different route options, we took into account a wide variety of factors, including environmental considerations, engineering and design issues, land use plans, community feedback, and electric system needs,” said Stan Tessmer, Project Manager for ATC. “We also reviewed the options in light of state requirements to give greater consideration to existing corridors—utility lines, roads, and railroads. We will continue our analysis of the narrowed set of route options through the summer.”

ATC is asking for input from the public to help identify which of the remaining route options would better minimize impacts to the community and environment. ATC will use the community’s feedback to select a preferred and alternate route for its regulatory application. The open house events will be held as follows:

Monday June 21, 2004, 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m.
Capital City Harley-Davidson
6200 Millpond Rd., Madison

Wednesday June 23, 2004, 5-7 p.m.
Capital City Harley-Davidson
6200 Millpond Rd., Madison

The Femrite Sprecher transmission project is proposed to address both growth in neighborhood demands for electricity as well as to maintain electric system reliability for the east side of Madison and neighboring communities. This project is needed to meet rising demand, to back up critical facilities, and to carry power into Dane County from new sources of generation that are coming on line.

ATC will schedule additional meetings to discuss the routes before proposed route options are presented to the PSC. ATC intends to file its application with the PSC in fall. The PSC makes the final route decision if the project is approved.

The estimated cost of the project is $21 million. The line is expected to be in service in spring of 2007.

MADISON, Wis. –American Transmission Company announced that it will rebuild a 21-mile, 69-kilovolt transmission line running from the Kilbourn substation located in Wisconsin Dells to the Hilltop substation in Mauston east of Interstate 90. The majority of the poles and wires are more than 50 years old and in poor physical condition. ATC will replace the poles and lines with new facilities.

The upgrades will take place on existing utility right-of-way. ATC will begin construction after Memorial Day. The summer schedule for the construction work is due to the lack of redundancy on the state’s transmission network. Given other scheduled construction projects on the system, ATC must take this line out of service for maintenance at a time when other facilities are available to maintain electric service.

ATC will also secure necessary permits from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and will take appropriate environmental precautions during construction. ATC participates in a recycling program for the wood poles, allowing them to be converted to other uses.

The estimated cost of the rebuild is $3 million. ATC expects to complete the upgrade by Labor Day.

MADISON, Wis. – The importance of a reliable electric system usually gets public attention only when power is interrupted. But what does it take to keep the lights on and businesses running? ATC is offering a special briefing on local electric reliability and construction plans for a limited number of reporters covering south central Wisconsin.

• Find out about the 2004 summer outlook on electric system reliability in south central Wisconsin;
• Hear about our recently issued Update Report on actual and potential construction plans for strengthening the state’s electric transmission grid;
• Tour ATC’s system operations center to see what it takes to keep the network operating around–the–clock;
• Discuss these issues with ATC management.

Thursday, May 20, 2004, 10  – 11:30 a.m.
ATC System Operations Center
2489 Rinden Rd.
Cottage Grove
Lunch provided

Presenters include:

Mark Williamson, ATC Vice President of Major Projects
Ken Copp, ATC Director of Engineering, Maintenance and Construction
Francis Esselman, Transmission Reliability Manager

RSVP by Monday, May 17, 2004. ATC System Operations Center is located just off Highway N south of Highway 12/18.  From Highway 12/18, take Highway N south about 1/4 mile. Turn left on Rinden Rd. ATC is on the right behind the gate.

MADISON, Wis. – American Transmission Company, Madison Gas and Electric, the City of Madison, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, and the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin are hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new West Beltline bike path.

Friday, May 14, 2004, Program begins at 9 a.m.
Radisson Hotel
517 Grand Canyon Drive, Madison
Rain or shine
Refreshments provided 8:30 — 10 a.m.

Program includes
Mayor Dave Cieslewicz
City Alderperson and Bicycle Federation Representative Robbie Webber
WI DOT District Director Rose Phettaplace
ATC Vice President Dan Doyle
MGE CEO Gary Wolter

The West Beltline bike path was built through the cooperation of ATC, MGE, the City of Madison and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.  It begins at the Struck Street underpass at Grand Canyon Drive south of Odana Road and runs nearly one mile east to Medical Circle.

The construction of the path represents one of the first cases in Wisconsin of the co-location of new underground electric transmission lines and a paved bike path within a federal highway right-of-way. The six-mile 69-kilovolt transmission line that is co-located with the bike path went into service this month and provides an important reinforcement to the electric system on Madison’s growing west side.  The project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget.

Last fall, ATC, MGE, and the City of Madison established the Odana Bike Path Extension as a safe and separate path to replace the unofficial bike route that went through the Odana Hills Golf Course parking lot.

ATC is in the process of investing approximately $95 million on a series of projects to reinforce the existing electric system in Dane County over the next few years. This series of projects will improve electric system reliability in the short term and allow time for ATC to plan long-term electric reliability solutions for Dane County and southern Wisconsin.

DE PERE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. is again hosting a series of public open houses to provide information and gather public comment as it works to site two new 345-kilovolt transmission lines in northeastern and north central Wisconsin.

“The comments and information we received from the more than 750 people that attended our open houses in late January and early February have been very helpful,” explains Patsy Baynard, major projects executive for ATC. “ATC has used local input, environmental and real estate data and other information to identify corridors that potentially could be used as transmission line routes.  We are notifying landowners who have property in or adjacent to the corridors, as well as others who have expressed interest in the projects. We look forward to gathering additional information in this next series of open houses to help us develop proposals that minimize impacts to property owners, local communities and the environment.”

The two new 345-kilovolt lines, each about 50 miles long, are needed because the electric transmission system in the area is aging and in need of upgrading. The existing 115-kV electric transmission system in Marathon and Shawano counties is not capable of delivering power from a proposed new generator at the Weston Power Plant, which is scheduled to come on line in 2008. A 345-kV transmission line is being planned to transmit electricity from the power plant to a yet-to-be-sited substation in the Clintonville/Shawano/Belle Plaine area.

The 345kV and 138-kV systems that link northeastern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan are among the most severely constrained in the Midwest. These constraints limit ATC’s ability to deliver reliable, affordable power generated inside and outside of the region. A 50-mile 345-kV transmission line linking the Morgan Substation southwest of Oconto Falls to a new substation named Werner West in the New London area also is proposed.

The two new lines will intersect at the proposed new substation in the Clintonville/Shawano/Belle Plaine area.

Recent transmission system studies show that an additional 138kV line between Clintonville and the Werner West substation would provide additional reliability benefits.

ATC initially identified a broad study area, which has now been narrowed to proposed route corridors. Maps, aerial photography and computer-generated images of the corridors will be available at the open houses. ATC staff will be on hand to provide information about the need for the facilities, the siting and public involvement process, as well as environmental and regulatory reviews. The transmission lines and substations require approval from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin and permits from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. ATC will seek additional public feedback and gather environmental data in 2004 in preparation for its regulatory filing for the projects in 2005.

ATC is proposing to construct approximately four miles of new 138-kilovolt transmission line to connect the Sprecher substation located near the Sprecher Rd/CTH BB intersection with the Femrite substation located on Femrite Road near the I90/USH 12/18 interchange.

The Femrite to Sprecher transmission project is proposed to address both growth in neighborhood demands for electricity as well as to maintain electric system reliability for the east side of Madison and neighboring communities. Electric demand is projected to increase for Madison Gas and Electric, Alliant Energy, and Sun Prairie Water and Light Commission. The City of Madison depends on ATC’s network to import 85 percent of its electricity from outside of the county.

“We are running out of breathing room on the network in Dane County,” said Mark Williamson, ATC Vice President of Major Projects. “This project is needed to meet rising demand, to back up critical facilities, and to carry power into Dane County from new sources of generation that are coming on line.”

ATC makes every effort to gather local input and feedback early in order to design projects that reduce impacts. For this project, ATC has identified a set of preliminary route options. ATC is asking for input from the public to help identify those routes that would minimize impacts to the community and environment. ATC will use the community’s feedback to refine its proposal to two specific routes that are required for its regulatory application. The open house events will be held as follows:

Tuesday April 13, 2004, 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m.
Capital City Harley-Davidson
6200 Millpond Rd., Madison

Thursday April 15, 2004, 5-7 p.m.
Capital City Harley-Davidson
6200 Millpond Rd., Madison

ATC will schedule additional meetings to discuss potential routes before proposed route options are presented to the PSC. ATC intends to file its application with the PSC in fall. The estimated cost of the project is $21 million. The line is expected to be in-service in spring of 2007.

ATC plans, constructs, operates, maintains and will expand its transmission facilities to provide for adequate and reliable transmission of power. It provides non-discriminatory service to all customers, supporting effective competition in energy markets without favoring any market participant. A member of the Midwest ISO regional transmission organization, ATC owns more than 8,900 miles of transmission lines with a total investment of approximately $700 million in transmission facilities in portions of Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois.

MADISON, Wis. – ATC announced today that it will submit an application to the state Public Service Commission in fall to construct a new transmission line on the east side of Madison. ATC will host two open house events in Madison in mid-April to provide information, answer questions, and get feedback from residents on its proposal.

ATC is proposing to construct approximately four miles of new 138-kilovolt transmission line to connect the Sprecher substation located near the Sprecher Rd/CTH BB intersection with the Femrite substation located on Femrite Road near the I90/USH 12/18 interchange.

Madison Gas & Electric, Alliant Energy, and Sun Prairie Water and Light Commission are projecting increases in electric demand in this area of Dane County. ATC’s Femrite to Sprecher transmission project addresses both growth in neighborhood demand for electricity as well as the need to maintain electric system reliability for the east side of Madison and neighboring communities.

ATC plans to gather local input and feedback early in order to develop a route that reduces impacts. ATC has identified a set of preliminary route options and is asking for input and involvement from the public to help identify those routes that would minimize impacts to the community and environment. ATC will use the community’s feedback to refine its proposal to two specific routes that are required for its regulatory application. The open house events will be held as follows:

Tuesday April 13, 2004, 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m.
Capital City Harley-Davidson
6200 Millpond Rd., Madison

Thursday April 15, 2004, 5-7 p.m.
Capital City Harley-Davidson
6200 Millpond Rd., Madison

ATC plans additional meetings to discuss potential routes before proposed route options are presented to the PSC in a formal application this fall. The estimated cost of the project is $21 million. The line is expected to be in-service in spring of 2007.

ATC plans, constructs, operates, maintains and will expand its transmission facilities to provide for adequate and reliable transmission of power. It provides non-discriminatory service to all customers, supporting effective competition in energy markets without favoring any market participant. A member of the Midwest ISO regional transmission organization, ATC owns more than 8,900 miles of transmission lines with a total investment of approximately $700 million in transmission facilities in portions of Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois.

MADISON, Wis. – ATC announced today that it intends to apply with the Public Service Commission in March for approval to upgrade an existing 17-mile transmission line running between the town of Vienna in Dane County and the town of Pacific in Columbia County. ATC will host two open house events in Poynette in February to provide information and answer questions from the communities on its proposal.

The population of Dane County as a whole has grown 33 percent since 1980 and the resulting growth in electricity consumption has been met largely by importing power. Dane County currently is heavily served by ATC’s high-voltage transmission system, which enables the Madison area to import 85 percent of its electricity from outside the county. Upgrades to the high capacity network have not been made in the past 20 years and are needed to continue to serve the area reliably.

ATC will propose to reuse the existing poles and replace a lower voltage line with a higher voltage one running from the North Madison substation in the town of Vienna, west of DeForest to the Columbia substation located near Wisconsin Power and Light’s Columbia Power Plant in the town of Pacific outside of Portage. To do this one of the existing two lines, currently rated at 138 kilovolts, would be upgraded to 345 kV to match the voltage on the other line.  This upgrade would occur on existing rights-of-way. ATC is also proposing to install larger capacity transformers at the Vienna site and make other improvements to the substations at both ends of the line. ATC easements at the substations and along the existing line already allow for the upgrade.

ATC intends to file its application with the state Public Service Commission in March. Counties and municipalities along the route of the line will receive environmental impact payments associated with the construction of this project, and counties in which substations are expanded will receive additional money from utility-shared revenue.  ATC will have more specific information about the payments at the open house events.

Tuesday February 10, 2004, 5-8 p.m.
Poynette Municipal Building
106 South Main Street, Poynette

Thursday, February 12, 2004, 4-7 p.m.
Poynette Municipal Building
106 South Main Street, Poynette

This project is critical to improving import capability and reliability for the area and will allow time for ATC to plan longer-term electric reliability solutions in the area. Numerous upgrades and reinforcements are needed within the next few years to keep pace with demand and allow the system to operate reliably. This project is one of a series of projects ATC will propose to reinforce the electric system in Dane County. This project is part of ATC’s broad transmission system planning efforts for reliable electricity in southern Wisconsin.

The estimated cost of the project is $29 million. The line is expected to be in-service in May of 2006.

ATC plans, constructs, operates, maintains and will expand its transmission facilities to provide for adequate and reliable transmission of power. It provides non-discriminatory service to all customers, supporting effective competition in energy markets without favoring any market participant. A member of the Midwest ISO regional transmission organization, ATC owns more than 8,900 miles of transmission lines with a total investment of approximately $700 million in transmission facilities in portions of Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois.

“The electric transmission system in north central and north east Wisconsin is aging and in need of upgrading,” said Mark Williamson, ATC vice president of major projects. “Electricity use has increased significantly since the 1960s, yet the transmission system has not been expanded.  These projects will help meet the growing demand for electricity.”

The existing 115 kilovolt electric transmission system in Marathon and Shawano counties is not capable of delivering power from a proposed new generator at the Weston Power Plant, which is scheduled to come on-line in 2008. An approximate 50-mile 345 kV transmission line is being planned to transmit electricity from the power plant to a yet-to-be-sited substation in the Clintonville/Shawano/Belle Plaine area.

The 345 kV and 138 kV systems that link northeastern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan are among the most severely constrained in the Midwest.  These constraints limit ATC’s ability to deliver reliable, affordable power generated inside and outside of the region. A 50-mile 345 kV transmission line linking the Morgan Substation southwest of Oconto Falls to a new substation in the New London area also is proposed.

The two new lines will intersect at the proposed new substation in the Clintonville-Shawano-Belle Plaine area.

Although specific routes for the transmission lines have not been developed, ATC has identified a broad study area to examine potential corridors. ATC staff will be on hand at 10 open houses scheduled on five days in different locations to provide information about the need for the facilities, the siting and public involvement process, as well as environmental and regulatory reviews.  The transmission lines and substations require approval from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin and permits from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. PSCW and DNR representatives are expected to participate in the open houses. ATC will seek public feedback and gather environmental data in 2004 in preparation for its regulatory filing for the projects in 2005.

The transaction, which occurred Dec. 31, 2003, brings contributions of transmission assets and cash from UPPPA, which was created to allow the participation of the seven municipal utilities with ATC.

“This is the culmination of a long process that began when ATC was formed three years ago,” said José Delgado, chief executive officer of ATC. “The UPPPA members are significant and valuable additions to our list of contributors.”

The addition of UPPPA to the ATC family of contributors brings the total to 28 investor-owned, municipal and/or cooperative electric entities across portions of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Wisconsin and Illinois.

“We are very pleased to join the other electric providers in the Upper Midwest who have contributed their assets or cash to become members of ATC,” said David Hickey, chairperson and general manager of UPPPA. Hickey is also executive director of Marquette Board of Light and Power.

WAUKESHA, Wis. – Today’s written order from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin approving the revised cost estimate of the Arrowhead-Weston transmission line project paves the way for construction to begin in early 2004. The PSC order concludes more than six years of electrical system study, analysis and public input.

“We applaud the Commission on its decision to approve this project and help ensure that the millions of people in Wisconsin and the upper Midwest will have a reliable and secure supply of electricity,” said Mark Williamson, vice president of major projects at American Transmission Co. “We look forward to continuing our work with local elected officials and landowners to ensure that this line is built in a fair and timely fashion.”

ATC will immediately begin working closely with landowners to answer questions and start the surveying and easement negotiation processes. Williamson said he understands the imposition the line will have on some landowners and pledges to work with them with the utmost respect.

The PSC originally approved the 345-kilovolt, 220-mile project from Wausau, Wis., to Duluth, Minn., in October 2001. ATC submitted a revised cost estimate shortly after taking over the project in 2002. The revised costs were due to improved environmental protections, increased payments to landowners, farmland bio-protection measures, and project delays.

“We are responsible for addressing Wisconsin’s electric transmission infrastructure needs and will do so as quickly and cost-efficiently as possible. We will begin construction of this vital project in Minnesota in early 2004 and begin work in Wisconsin in late 2004,” said Williamson.

ATC is continuing to work with the National Park Service to secure a permit to cross the Namekogan River, where an existing power line will be replaced with the new 345kV line. The Department of Natural Resources is expected to issue the necessary permits early next year.

Construction on Arrowhead-Weston is expected to be complete by 2008.

Wisconsin’s transmission infrastructure is vulnerable and in need of improvement. The Arrowhead-Weston transmission project will play a vital role to help ensure our electric reliability and security. As the transmission utility serving most of Wisconsin, it’s ATC’s responsibility to see that this vital project gets built.

While the Commission’s decision is an important positive step forward, the Commission must still issue its final written order. We respect the Commission’s thorough review and decision-making process and look forward to the final written order and ultimately beginning construction of this critical transmission project.

- Mark Williamson, Vice President of Major Projects

The outage began at approximately 10:33 p.m. Thursday when the electric transmission lines that connect northeastern Wisconsin with Michigan’s Upper Peninsula tripped out of service. According to ATC, the system is designed to sustain the outage of one of the three lines. However, two lines tripped out of service and the third was unable to sustain the connection on its own.

When the affected area was separated from the rest of the system and blacked out, ATC began working to restore transmission service. While many customers will wake up to their electricity being on, full restoration will be delayed while ATC ensures that the lines can be restored safely.

The cause of the initial outage is still under investigation. ATC, in conjunction with Wisconsin Public Service Corp. of Green Bay and We Energies of Milwaukee, hopes to obtain information by patrolling the affected area by helicopter later this morning.

ATC Vice President of Operations Harry Terhune said that good cooperation between the affected utilities, ATC and the Midwest Independent System Operator has helped accelerate the progress of the restoration.

Satterfield’s experience includes developing, directing and implementing strategic, integrated communications programs. He most recently served as a senior account manager for Wood Communications Group in Madison where he worked with ATC on a variety of projects including the Arrowhead-Weston transmission project. He also worked with Miller Brewing Company, Madison Gas and Electric Co. and other state and regional companies and organizations.

Prior to joining Wood, Satterfield served as an Assistant Director in the Bureau of Consumer Protection at the Federal Trade Commission in Washington, D.C. Satterfield has extensive communications, advertising, political consulting and international public relations experience from a variety of positions held in Washington.

Satterfield holds undergraduate degrees in Philosophy and Political Science from Marquette University.

“Randy’s extensive experience developing and directing successful communications programs will significantly enhance our ability to tell folks about the important work ATC has to do to ensure electric reliability for the more than 6 million people who depend on us,” said Mark Williamson, vice president of major projects. “With more than $2 billion of infrastructure improvements required to keep the lights on, we are pleased to have Randy help us make sure that the public, our customers, the business community and news media understand the work that needs to be done.”

WAUKESHA, Wis. – American Transmission Company will build a new electric transmission line along Hwy. 164, between Waukesha and Sussex, to help meet the increased demand for electricity in northeastern Waukesha County.

In a decision today, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin approved the approximate 9-mile transmission route, known as the Duplainville Project, that connects substations in Waukesha and Sussex. The route begins at the Waukesha Substation and runs along Hwy. 164 to Capitol Drive in Pewaukee. At that point, the route turns east along Capitol Drive to railroad tracks just east of Hwy. 164, where the line will serve a new substation, to be built by We Energies of Milwaukee, near Spring Creek Community Church. The route continues back along Capitol Drive to Hwy. 164 north, which turns into Hwy. 74 in Sussex, to the substation in Sussex, located just north of Main Street.

ATC will begin construction of the 138-kilovolt line, estimated at $10 million, in October 2004, with completion anticipated the following May.

“Today’s PSC decision will help strengthen the electric system in an area of Waukesha County that continues to see significant growth,” said Jim Vespalec, ATC project manager. Population growth in this area is twice the percentage growth of the state of Wisconsin for the past decade.

This electric transmission project is part of a joint project with We Energies, which also received approval today to build the Duplainville Substation in Pewaukee.

(MADISON) – The Arrowhead-Weston project received a valuable endorsement from a Public Service Commission of Wisconsin engineer charged with studying the power line project for the state regulatory agency. Donald Neumeyer delivered written testimony before administrative law judge David Whitcomb that stated, “Several studies…document the continued need for additional transmission reinforcement. I find no reason to disagree with the results of those reports and the conclusions that the Arrowhead to Weston Project is still needed.” He continued, “The Arrowhead line will significantly enhance the performance of the transmission system.”

In addition, an expert witness for Save Our Unique Lands, Dr. B. Art Hughes, reiterated today his previous testimony in a separate Wisconsin proceeding* that the Arrowhead-Weston line is a feasible and prudent alternative to satisfy electrical system needs, with a higher level of regard for the public interest. Dr. Hughes agreed he had previously testified, “The Arrowhead to Weston line may be tapped to provide local support to the northwestern Wisconsin region.”

The PSCW’s “technical hearings,” which began Tuesday concluded Friday afternoon. Many witnesses were called to testify before Whitcomb and a legion of attorneys on both sides of the Arrowhead-Weston project. This is the first phase of a two-phase process that will include public hearings in three communities where the proposed 220-mile power line is slated.

Prompting this new round of PSCW hearings was a revised project-cost estimate, performed by the American Transmission Company and submitted to the PSCW in November 2002. Since then, the PSCW sponsored an independent review, by the R.W. Beck engineering firm, of those revised costs and the cost of the King-Weston alternative.

Neumeyer testified:
“R.W. Beck was retained by the Commission to assess the reasonableness of the revised cost estimate of the Arrowhead-Weston transmission line project and to review the cost estimate of the King-Weston alternative. The final report titled: ‘Independent Cost Review of the Arrowhead-Weston Project’ dated 2003 stated that both cost estimates appear reasonable.”

The Arrowhead-Weston project will be constructed on nearly 80 percent existing rights-of-way (transmission lines, gas pipelines, railroads or highways) and will run from Wausau to Duluth. The line will cross the property of 800 landowners who will be compensated for the use of their land based on fair-market value. Counties and other local governments will receive one-time environmental and annual impact payments where the line crosses their land. The project will help ensure Wisconsin has reliable and affordable energy in the future.

“We are inching toward resolution of this important decision,” said Mark Williamson, vice president of major projects for ATC. “The closer people look at this badly needed transmission line project — the environmental protections, landowner payments and citizen involvement this critical project involves — the more supporters we have.”

PSCW Public Hearings will be conducted:

• Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2003, Solon Springs
• Thursday, Oct. 2, 2003, Ladysmith
• Friday, Oct. 3, 2003, Wausau
• Thursday, Nov.13, 2003, Ladysmith

* In testimony before the PSCW on the Chisago-Apple River transmission project on February, 18, 1999 in Dresser, Wis., Dr. Hughes stated, “Even if a solution were required today, there are feasible and prudent alternatives to the proposed Chisago 230kV power line that satisfy electrical system needs with a higher level of regard for the public interest. These options include: New Wisconsin based generation, possibly co-generation; Upgrades and rebuilds of existing Minnesota to Wisconsin power lines; Adding capacitors; The Arrowhead-Arpin (or Weston) line.”

WAUKESHA, Wis. – American Transmission Company’s annual 10-Year Assessment of the firm’s electric transmission system, which is being issued today, continues to point to the need for upgrades and additions to the existing transmission infrastructure to ensure system reliability.

“Continued study of the system reaffirms even more strongly the needs that were initially indicated for transmission construction and reinforcement,” said Teresa Mogensen, director of transmission planning and service for ATC. “While we’re not surprised by the findings, the studies are convincing evidence that the system is presently at its capacity.”

Several trends throughout the ATC service area – which includes portions of Wisconsin, Upper Michigan and Illinois – indicate the system is operating with little or no margin for growth.

• Limitations on transferring power into and through the ATC system.
• Emerging voltage problems west of Milwaukee, in the Madison, Wis., area, Door County, Wis., and the western Upper Peninsula, and immediate voltage problems in the Rhinelander, Wis., area.
• Inability of the system to serve growth or accommodate new generation without transmission system reinforcement.

To address the needs raised in the 10-Year Assessment, ATC recommends an integrated approach to solving the transmission limitations within all areas of its system. Among the suggested solutions:

• Implement the Arrowhead-Weston 345 kilovolt line project from Wausau, Wis., to Duluth, Minn.
• Implement transmission reinforcements to address reliability concerns in the Rhinelander area and Upper Michigan.
• Implement transmission reinforcements to improve transfer capability between Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.
• Implement transmission reinforcement in and around the Madison area to address emerging reliability concerns.
• Construct facilities to interconnect new generation.
• Construct new transmission lines between the Milwaukee area and the Madison area to address reliability concerns west of Milwaukee and to facilitate power transfer within ATC’s system.
• Construct new transmission lines to neighboring states to improve Wisconsin’s import capability.

The system investments proposed within the 10-Year Assessment, if built, carry a $2.8 billion price tag over the next 10 years, which would lead to an approximate 7 percent increase in customer bills over that time period.

The full 10-Year Assessment, as well as a summary report of the Assessment, are available at www.atcllc.com.

WAUKESHA, Wis. – Four Midwestern stand-alone electric transmission companies have formed an ad hoc advocacy group – Midwest Stand-alone Transmission (MSAT) Companies – to advocate for federal policies focused on transmission infrastructure issues.

“We formed this group in June to address transmission infrastructure issues,” said Dale Landgren, Vice President and Chief Strategic Officer of American Transmission Co. “The recent blackout in the Northeast illustrates the importance of investing in the transmission grid in a coordinated approach.”

MSAT is the first industry group formed exclusively of transmission owners to focus specifically on transmission and infrastructure policy. The group has already filed comments with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in two proceedings that include policies with the potential to affect the formation of transmission policy.

The MSAT companies include American Transmission Co., Waukesha, Wis.; GridAmerica, Cleveland, Ohio; International Transmission Co., Ann Arbor, Mich.; and Michigan Electric Transmission Co., Ann Arbor, Mich. All are members of the Midwest Independent System Operator, a regional transmission organization that ensures equal access to the transmission system and works to maintain and improve electric system reliability in the Midwest.

In its filing, the MSAT group offered comments to FERC on transmission policy issues and positions that are shared by the group’s members:

• Formation – The MSAT group encourages FERC to provide a regulatory climate that is conducive to the formation of stand-alone transmission companies and allows for some flexibility in the formation of such companies. The benefits of stand-alone companies include improved asset management, increased access to capital to invest in transmission infrastructure and service innovation.
• Investment – The group supports investment in transmission infrastructure and asks FERC to address the cost responsibility and associated policies.
• Planning – The group supports a regional transmission planning process that entrusts transmission owners with primary planning responsibility. Projects with regional impacts would be coordinated with and reviewed by the regional transmission organization, such as MISO, and with oversight by state regulators. This approach achieves regional coordination encouraged by FERC.

This Assessment highlights key areas of the transmission system throughout the area that need short- and long-term upgrades. It also describes areas where significant new construction will be needed to handle growth in electricity use. New and upgraded transmission lines provide a vital service, and take several years to plan, permit and construct. To keep the electrons flowing and communities supportive of the need for additional siting decisions, public education and dialog are crucial.

Please join ATC’s Director of Transmission Planning and Service, Teresa M. Mogensen, for an overview of this Assessment and question-and-answer session on a media teleconference call that will be held in conjunction with the issuance of this document. Details include:

Tuesday, Sept. 9
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. CST
toll-free 1.866.621.2153
access code 4552867

Learn ATC’s conceptual plans for addressing electric transmission issues facing the Upper Midwest. Copies of the summary 10-Year Assessment as well as the full 10-Year Assessment will be available on our Web site at www.atcllc.com after 8 a.m. CST Tuesday morning.

In the last 30 years, the vertically integrated utilities have had many disincentives to build transmission. Many of these disincentives are very real and legitimate, reflecting the characteristics of regulated business in times of change. Other disincentives, presumably related to protection from competition, are much less legitimate, but real nonetheless. If proof were needed, consider that we have the lowest rate of investment in transmission since the Great Depression – which should tell us that something’s wrong.

Whatever the reason, the fact is that in recent memory little transmission has been built, and that in many parts of the country the transmission system is inadequate to meet the needs of consumers. We don’t yet know the cause of the blackout of 2003, so blaming inadequacies in the transmission system would be premature. However, we do know the consequences of inadequate transmission in the daily operation of the electric system; and those consequences are not pretty. Transmission is the means of transportation in the electric market and, like any other market, this one does not work well if the mode of transportation is inadequate.

This country’s transmission network was designed and built to support the operations of integrated transmission companies with minimal inter-company trading, and it did that very well. However, since the electric network was opened to all in 1996, it has been used to support a very large and active regional market. No wonder the network is often found to be inadequate, raising economic and reliability concerns!

We have to build at least enough new transmission to fill the numerous gaps that impair the regional markets – to connect new loads and generators and to rebuild old and inefficient equipment. No one really knows the cost, but it will be billions of dollars. Mr. Jenkins suggests that $100 billion (or $50 billion, for that matter) is an inordinate amount to invest in new transmission. I challenge his conclusion. The size of the needed transmission investment should be put in the context of the existing investment in electric infrastructure and of the total annual electric bill.

Our country spends roughly $250 billion a year on electricity. Nationally, transmission represents less that 10 percent of the cost of delivered energy. Generation, distribution and, of course, fuel are the bulk of the bill. Yet the lack of adequate transmission impairs the rest of the investment.

Mr. Jenkins makes two predictions: first, that there will be more power plants built closer to customers. While it is desirable to locate power plants close to demand, this idea meets a very real obstacle – people don’t want power plants (even small or green ones) next to homes, schools or soccer fields.

Distributed small generation sources have a place in the generation mix, but this cannot be the sole source of electricity supply. Further, the reality is that in many parts of the country – such as in Wisconsin – you simply cannot connect generation to the grid without substantial system upgrades. Let’s get away from the notion that you can drop in a power plant anywhere you want and all your reliability woes will disappear

Mr. Jenkins’ second prediction is that the vertical integrated utility will make a comeback. But listen to the news: the vertical integrated utility never left. It is still the predominant business model for the industry. And like it or not, it will probably be around for a very long time.

That being said, there are new business models such as the stand-alone transmission companies (like the American Transmission Company) that are proving their worth. These are new utilities whose sole mission is to own, plan and build the network, and whose only product is safe, reliable and adequate transmission service.

By the end of this, ATC will have invested more than $300 million in just three years of operation to meet the needs of its customers. Further, we project to invest as much as $2.8 billion in the next 10 years. This model is working well for us in parts of Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois, and it can also work well in the rest of the country.

Jose M. Delgado
American Transmission Company
Waukesha, Wis.

Joining ATC as a Public Relations Specialist is Jackie Olson, who brings 25 years of public relations experience to ATC, primarily in various aspects of utility work. Most recently, Olson was a consultant with Neil Palmer & Associates in Elm Grove, where she designed and implemented issue management and facility siting campaigns for clients. Prior to that, Olson spent 10 years on Wisconsin Electric Power Co.’s corporate communications staff, where she managed communications for the company’s nuclear power business unit.

Olson holds a bachelor’s degree in speech from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and a master’s in mass communication from Marquette University.

David Hovde is joining ATC as a Local Relations Representative, bringing more than 24 years of professional experience to the job. Hovde comes to ATC from Wisconsin Public Service Corp., where he most recently served as an account executive in the company’s wholesale services group. In that role, Hovde worked with municipal utility and electric cooperative management, boards and commissions to market and sell electric power and related services.

Hovde holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

“The addition of these seasoned professionals will help increase our public outreach efforts,” said Mark Williamson, vice president of major projects. “ATC is committed to being inclusive and seeking public input in all phases of our work. Having Jackie Olson and David Hovde on our External Relations staff helps ensure our commitment is met.”

WAUKESHA, Wis. – American Transmission Company will host a series of public information open houses beginning here on Tuesday, July 29. The open house, to be co-hosted by the Wausau/Marathon County Chamber of Commerce, will be the first of three ATC will conduct in Wausau, Spooner and Superior. The Washburn County Economic Development Corporation will co-host the Spooner open house, and the Superior~Douglas County Chamber of Commerce will co-host the Superior open house.

“We continue to feel it’s vitally important to provide the facts to all people interested in the Arrowhead-Weston project and answer any and all questions,” said Mark Williamson, vice president of major projects for ATC. “We have also taken the rather unprecedented step of inviting opponents of the project to the open houses to share their information. We are confident that through this inclusive process, residents will have the best opportunity to gather the facts and ultimately understand the need for this power line and the benefits it will provide us all.”

The Arrowhead-Weston 345 kV power line will run approximately 220 miles from Wausau to Duluth. The Wisconsin Public Service Commission has scheduled technical hearings in Madison to begin on Sept. 9 to review the revised cost estimate of the project.

Wausau Open House: July 29, 2003
Co-host: Wausau/Marathon County Chamber of Commerce
The Rose Garden
131 W. Thomas Street
4 to 8 p.m.

Spooner Open House: July 30, 2003
Co-host: Washburn County Economic Development Corporation
Spooner United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall
312 Elm Street
4 to 8 p.m.

Superior Open House: July 31, 2003
Co-host: Superior~Douglas County Chamber of Commerce
Barker’s Island Inn
300 Marina Drive
4 to 8 p.m.

The report was prepared by R.W. Beck, which was hired by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission as part of its third-party review of the costs and justification of those costs in the Arrowhead-Weston project docket. According to the report, “For a project of this size and scope and the assumptions that were made, the Power Engineers, Inc. cost estimate and the Black & Veatch cost estimate review for the Arrowhead-Weston line route appears reasonable.”

The Arrowhead-Weston project docket was reopened by the PSC earlier this year when officials at American Transmission Company determined the line cost to be approximately $420 million. The new costs are due to more aggressive environmental and agricultural safeguards, increased payments to landowners, new construction materials and a more than two-year delay from the time the project was originally proposed. The PSC approved the original project request – made by Minnesota Power and Wisconsin Public Service Corp. – in 2001.

The Arrowhead-Weston transmission line, which was originally proposed in 1999, is vital to maintaining electric system reliability and network stability in northern Wisconsin.

North Central Wisconsin has experienced significant growth in the past several years. Not surprisingly, this growth has contributed more strain to the existing electric transmission system. The portion of ATC’s transmission system that serves the area north of Wausau – including Antigo, Merrill, Tomahawk, Eagle River, Three Lakes, Minocqua and Rhinelander – is known as the Rhinelander Loop. The Rhinelander Loop is essentially a figure-eight loop of interconnected 115-kilovolt transmission lines and substations. During periods of heavy electrical demand, the Rhinelander Loop is susceptible to overloads, low voltages and voltage collapse conditions than can lead to a loss of transmission service, resulting in power outages to portions of this area. Two such events occurred in 2001.

ATC has been taking steps to address these issues. Working with Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, ATC has installed voltage support equipment and diesel generators at several WPS substations. ATC is also in the process of upgrading existing transmission facilities between the Pine Substation near Merrill and the Eastom Substation near Tomahawk.

ATC’s next step toward addressing Rhinelander Loop issues is a proposal that includes installation of a 115-kilovolt transmission line – connecting Rhinelander and Tomahawk – designed to reinforce and increase service reliability in Langlade, Lincoln, Oneida, Forest and Vilas counties.

Two route options are included in the filing. The first involves replacing the existing 16.3-mile single-circuit overhead 115-kilovolt transmission line with a double-circuit line on an expanded right-of-way between Skanawan Switching Station and the Highway 8 Substation in Rhinelander. The second option is to install 22.5 miles of new 115-kilovolt single-circuit transmission line on new right-of-way between the existing Eastom and Highway 8 substations.

Depending on the route selected by the PSC, ATC estimates the project will cost between $8.2 million and $9.6 million.

Should the project gain PSC approval, construction would begin in October 2004 and completed by June 2005. This timeframe allows for winter construction in environmentally sensitive areas, which has proven to be the least invasive.

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Newman joined the Public Service Commission in 1993. Most recently she served as the Commission’s Public Information Officer, dealing with media inquiries to the Commissioners and PSC staff and representing the regulatory agency at public meetings. Newman previously worked as a Consumer Specialist and a Program and Planning Analyst for the Commission.

In her new position at ATC, Newman will be responsible for public relations in Dane County as well as southern Wisconsin, primarily regarding electric transmission projects serving the area. She’ll work out of ATC’s Fen Oak office in Madison.

“We have a significant amount of work ahead of us in the greater Madison area that will require ongoing communications with those affected by our work,” said Maripat Blankenheim, ATC’s Manager of Public Relations. “Annemarie brings a great balance of utility experience and communications expertise to a position that demands both. She will be a tremendous asset to ATC.”

WAUKESHA, Wis. – Franc Fennessy has been named American Transmission Company’s manager of local relations. In this newly-created position, Fennessy will manage the local relations team to ensure relationship development and management with communities served by ATC.

A veteran of state government, Fennessy most recently served as deputy secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, where he served as the agency’s senior environmental policy manager for electric transmission and generation, wetlands and water quality protection, air quality and remediation and redevelopment issues. He also maintained relationships on the DNR’s behalf with state and local government officials, consumers, advocacy groups and media to ensure issues and concerns were identified, discussed and resolved effectively.

Prior to joining the DNR, Fennessy worked in the state’s Department of Administration Budget Office as the executive policy and budget officer and team leader of the environmental and commercial resources budget team.

Fennessy holds an undergraduate degree from St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minn., and a graduate degree in public affairs from the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.

“Franc’s experience of working with diverse groups to address and resolve issues is a perfect fit for this position,” said Jeff Rauh, director of siting and local relations. “As we work toward developing this area of the company, Franc will play a key role in ensuring its success.”

WAUKESHA, Wis. – American Transmission Company today defended meetings company representatives had with members of the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin as “a legitimate and useful forum for valuable communication between ATC and one of its primary regulators – the Commission.”

In a filing made today with the PSC, ATC rejects allegations of improper closed meetings with Commissioners made by Wisconsin Environmental Decade as little more than a diversionary tactic designed to delay the Arrowhead-Weston transmission project. According to the filing, “There can be little doubt that what intervenors seek is to delay this docket indefinitely while they conduct a fishing expedition.”

As the filing notes, Commissioners and representatives of public utilities have every right, reason and legitimate need to continue the long established practice of engaging in free flowing communication with one another on matters not relative to the merits of a contested case.

“We know and respect the rules prohibiting ex parte communications and have not and will not violate them,” said ATC Vice President Mark Williamson, who oversees the Arrowhead-Weston project. “To launch and extensive media campaign based on unsupported conclusions derived from PSC sign-in sheets is irresponsible.”

The meetings identified by Wisconsin Environmental Decade were only a few of the several meetings ATC representatives have had in the past two years. As Williamson pointed out, he and other ATC employees routinely meet with Commissioners and the PSC staff on a wide range of national energy policy matters critical to Wisconsin’s future. The Commission should not allow cynical accusations of improper meetings to squelch these types of legitimate discussions.

“Wisconsin Environmental Decade’s attempt to shift the Arrowhead-Weston discussion from the merits of the project risks leaving the very state it represents in the dark,” Williamson said. “As we recently testified before the state senate, the reliability of our transmission system today is fragile. The Arrowhead-Weston line is designed to respond to some of the most serious problems. We remain convinced that this project is the best option to address those needs.”

WAUKESHA, Wis. – American Transmission Company today filed comments with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission urging Commissioners to consider new and better ways of encouraging needed transmission infrastructure construction.

Specifically, ATC recommends allowing construction work in progress, or CWIP, in rate base in lieu of allowance for funds used during construction, or AFUDC, to improve cash flow, reduce financing costs and smooth out rate increases. Additionally, FERC should allow annual expensing and current rate recovery treatment of pre-certification costs because it is less expensive to customers and would also reduce construction risk.

“The Commission will have the greatest ability to bring about the benefits of standard market design if it develops policies that encourage development of stand-alone transmission companies, independent operation of the grid and new transmission construction,” said Dale A. Landgren, Vice President and Chief Strategic Officer at ATC.

Chief among the points raised in the filing are:

• Policies and rate designs should encourage the formation of stand-alone transmission companies – Any policies or incentives FERC adopts must be sufficiently flexible to allow transmission companies at various stages of development to balance risks against the rewards associated with their particular business model. To improve transmission infrastructure, the Commission should consider adopting practices and policies aimed at reducing the business risks faced by stand-alone transmission companies.
• Rate treatments and policies should encourage new transmission construction – Many of the electricity market concerns that the standard market design notice of proposed rulemaking is attempting to eliminate are, in part, caused or exacerbated by a shortage of transmission facilities. While there are proposed incentives for new construction in the proposed policy statement, FERC should develop policies that provide an array of options from which entities can choose to mitigate the risk of undertaking new construction. ATC’s goal is to minimize the rate impacts associated with building new transmission facilities on its system.
• Attaining SMD goals depends on independent operation of the grid and encouraging new transmission construction – Independent operation of the grid, coupled with appropriate policies to encourage robust transmission expansion by all forms of stand-alone transmission companies will bring the greatest benefits to the emerging wholesale electricity markets. Stand-alone transmission companies operating within an approved RTO can offer superior benefits by realizing the goals identified in the SMD NOPR, particularly in planning and building new transmission, regardless of where they are on the independence spectrum.
• ATC’s business model has been successful in undertaking new construction – ATC has demonstrated its commitment and ability to improve the transmission infrastructure within its footprint. FERC should establish policies that encourage companies like ATC that have a proven track record for successfully building new transmission facilities.
• Passive ownership should be considered independent for stand-alone transmission companies – FERC should encourage a broad spectrum of transmission ownership models that will help the Commission achieve its SMD goals. Excluding entities with passive ownership from receiving any incentives will discourage formation of stand-alone transmission companies. FERC should not discourage passive ownership on the grounds that such arrangements will require extensive Commission resources for case-by-case reviews and compliance audits of various passive ownership arrangements. The passive/active distinction is well recognized and has been accommodated in a number of areas by other federal agencies.

WAUKESHA, Wis. – American Transmission Company is including the world of technology in its information campaign on the Arrowhead-Weston transmission line project.

A new Web site, www.arrowhead-weston.com, features detailed information on the 220-mile transmission line project, including:

• Project overview
• Maps of where the transmission line may be sited
• Cost evaluations and summaries
• Economic impact on affected counties
• Environmental commitment
• Project-related news and media coverage

“This is a natural extension of the information campaign we’re committed to for this critical project,” said ATC Vice President Mark Williamson. “Having an active Web site gives us another method of sharing information with landowners, local officials and county leaders who are affected by the Arrowhead-Weston project.”

The site also includes copies of official filings made with state regulators, the orders that resulted from those filings and other documents related to the project. Most recently, ATC and its co-applicants – Wisconsin Public Service Corp. of Green Bay and Minnesota Power of Duluth – petitioned the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin regarding its order on this project due to an increased estimate in the project’s construction cost. That petition is currently pending with the PSC.

WAUKESHA, Wis. – American Transmission Company officials are concerned that concepts in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on standard market design will inhibit new transmission investment rather than encourage it.

In comments to FERC, ATC said the NOPR “acknowledges the need for new transmission investment, but it does not recognize the severity of the problem, especially in those regions such as the Midwest without a history of close coordination and integrated planning such as existed among PJM participants.”

ATC supports FERC’s stated goal of facilitating the development of competitive bulk power markets, but believes the NOPR wouldn’t establish the needed regulatory and commercial framework that will facilitate the timely addition of new transmission infrastructure. In fact, the proposed rule would prove to be counterproductive by trying to develop a competitive transmission structure and viewing transmission as a market participant and competitor to generation and demand rather than as the enabler to the marketplace that it really needs to be.

The best way to ensure reliable and competitive markets is to:

• Separate generation and transmission assets – A profit-driven, stand-alone transmission sector subject to a legal service obligation and continuing federal and state regulatory oversight will have strong incentives to provide the needed infrastructure. There are no other entities in the marketplace whose business models will have a similar convergence of shareholder and customer interests coupled with the technical expertise and financial ability to get things done as the newly emerging stand alone transmission companies. FERC should allow each region of the country to select the business models which best fit its unique political, economic and market circumstances while still satisfying the core NOPR market design and independence objectives.
• Design an efficient allocation of local versus regional facility cost – Transmission pricing under the proposed SMD framework should reflect the principle of cost causation so those market participants whose location and use of the system imposes the greatest costs should pay a corresponding share of the overall transmission revenue requirement.
• To achieve this objective, a single, non-pancaked access charge would be imposed on all transmission customers taking power off the transmission grid, based on how and where they use the system. The access charge would conceptually be separated into regional/highway and local zone components. By assigning costs at both the regional and local level, local ratepayers are not burdened with paying for facilities they do not benefit from. At the same time, this pricing structure avoids the many problems that direct assignment of costs to generators – so-called participant funding – creates.
• Implement a planning process that reflects local versus regional responsibilities. Primary reliance on highly centralized planning by RTOs, and a market-based approach to transmission development by competitive merchant entities, is unlikely to ensure that all of the needed investment in transmission infrastructure will be forthcoming. The need for state and local public support in the existing transmission licensing and siting process and the bifurcation of regulatory responsibility for transmission-related matters between federal and state regulators suggests an alternative planning approach that addresses needs at the local level where transmission owners provide input to the RTO regional planning process.

ATC advocates a planning model that is both bottom-up to meet local customer needs and top-down to meet broader regional needs. Such a multi-tiered planning approach can be implemented by RTOs without compromising the key market efficiency and independence objectives underlying the Commission’s market.

FERC’s efforts to create competitive energy markets will succeed only if the necessary transmission infrastructure is in place. If the Commission moves forward with standard market design effort, its proposals for transmission planning and expansion must be modified.

WAUKESHA, Wis. – American Transmission Company has three new offices: two in Madison, Wis., and one in Wausau, Wis. The new locations are in addition to ATC’s current Wisconsin offices in Pewaukee, Cottage Grove and De Pere as well as smaller offices in Kingsford, Mich., and Washington D.C.

The new locations make employees more accessible to ATC’s customers, establishes a presence in additional areas within the company’s service territory and relieves congestion at other ATC facilities. The new additions include:

• Madison Square – Located near the state capitol building, this office serves policymakers, state government officials and other constituents in the Madison area and is home to Vice President Mark Williamson and his staff.
• Fen Oak – This location, on the southeast side of Madison, relieves overcrowding at ATC’s Cottage Grove office by housing members of the design engineering staff, project management, real estate and customer relations. The new office also puts Customer Service Director Steve Dykstra and some of his staff closer to Madison-area customers.
• Wausau – Located in northern Wisconsin, this office brings ATC closer to constituents in the area where the company plans to build the Arrowhead-Weston transmission line. The new office welcomes Joanne Leonard, who joins ATC as community relations advisor to the Arrowhead-Weston project as well as others in central and northern Wisconsin.

WAUKESHA, Wis. – Sponsors of the Arrowhead-Weston transmission line project said today that the projected cost of building the 210-mile line has increased to approximately $396 million. The increased costs are attributed to more aggressive environmental safeguards, increased payments to landowners, new construction materials and a more than two-year delay.

Building the Arrowhead-Weston line will add an important element to Wisconsin’s transmission infrastructure, which will bring much-needed reliability to a seriously constrained system. According to a study issued this year by the US Department of Energy, Wisconsin’s transmission system has one of the most congested interfaces in the country.

The sponsors of this project are American Transmission Company of Waukesha, Wis., Minnesota Power of Duluth, Minn., and Wisconsin Public Service Corp. of Green Bay, Wis.

“A number of issues have increased the cost of the project,” said ATC Vice President Mark Williamson, who is overseeing the Arrowhead-Weston project. “Clearly the two-year delay is a factor. Additionally, the revised estimate is based on the selection of a final route and hard engineering of what will be required to build the line on the route selected by the state Public Service Commission.

“In comparing today’s costs with the original estimate, the cost increased about $80 million. There’s also an additional $67 million, which was not included in the original estimate. That cost covers improved farm disease prevention, environmental impact fees, wetlands preservation techniques, the development and implementation of the Construction and Mitigation Plan, as well as project licensing fees.”

Finally, the cost of money spent to build the project before it becomes operational – allowance for funds used during construction or AFUDC – had been excluded from project costs because it was to have been collected through the applicant’s Wisconsin retail rates. This $37 million cost is now included within the project estimate.

“While admittedly this represents a significant cost increase for the project, the total project cost translates to an approximately 1 percent across all consumers, including residential, manufacturing and industrial,” said Williamson. ”That means the line will now cost the average residential consumer about 50 cents a month or $6 annually, based on an average monthly electric bill of $50.”

The increased cost of the project also means that communities directly affected by the line will receive larger annual payments based on the current formula of compensation.

The new estimated cost of the Wisconsin portion of the project, which is $347 million, must be approved by the PSC, a requirement ATC believes is important to the project’s success.

“In response to public and regulatory input, we have proposed significant improvements to the line,” Williamson said. “We believe heading back to the PSC is the best way to assure the public has ample opportunity to evaluate the changes and the benefits those changes bring to this project. This line is an investment in reliability and in keeping the lights on. We want consumers to know what they’re getting.”

A key element of this filing is that it’s being done in advance of any construction dollars being spent. “We’re coming forward and looking for input in advance of any construction cost overruns that would adversely affect the project. The Commission and the public have a legitimate opportunity to review the benefits of this project compared with other possible solutions. We’re prepared to show why Arrowhead-Weston remains the best choice of all projects that have been considered,” said Williamson.

As part of its application, ATC will request that the Commission hold hearings on this matter. Additionally, ATC will host a series of public information meetings in the communities along the Arrowhead-Weston corridor.

A decision from the Commission on this matter is anticipated sometime early next summer.

WAUKESHA, Wis. – American Transmission Company believes those who benefit from transmission facilities should pay for those facilities. However, ATC disagrees with those who contend that the way to make beneficiaries pay is to require interconnecting generators to finance transmission system upgrades in exchange for congestion revenue rights.

ATC takes these and other related comments on standard market design to Washington today as a participant in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Technical Conference.

“Participant funding, as presently proposed, runs counter to FERC’s efforts to establish an efficient regional planning process and undermines FERC’s stated desire to allow only necessary transmission upgrades,” said Dale Landgren, ATC’s Vice President and Chief Strategic Officer, who’s representing the company at today’s Technical Conference. “In addition to being a step backward by reintegrating transmission and generation, participant funding is anti-competitive, and will limit transmission expansion, and result in sub-optimal projects.”

ATC offers an alternative pricing proposal with two guiding principles for pricing transmission services: Recover all embedded costs associated with the transmission system, and ensure that the those-who-benefit-pay principle is maintained. The proposal suggests recovery of the embedded costs of transmission investment through a single, non-pancake charge on all customers comprised of their local transmission system and regional transmission projects from which they benefit. This concept ensures that transmission projects built for regional, rather than local, need get paid for regionally rather than locally.

As the country’s first stand-alone transmission company operating across three states, ATC is concerned that participant funding will hinder the ability of stand-alone transmission companies to plan and build transmission facilities that meet multiple needs across the system, something that ATC is doing today. As such, participant funding threatens the business model for stand-alone transmission companies.

“FERC appears to be promoting stand-alone transmission companies in recent RTO orders,” Landgren said. “FERC should also guide its policies in SMD and other proceedings to allow the business model of the stand-alone transmission company to remain viable.”

ATC, the country’s first for-profit transmission-only company that owns and operates facilities in three states, together with the Midwest ISO filed the proposed tariff amendments with FERC seeking limited liability protections that were eliminated when transmission assets were transferred to them from vertically integrated utilities. In their joint filing, the companies requested liability protections similar to those found in state tariffs.

Independent transmission companies, such as ATC, as well as ISOs and RTOs operate exclusively under FERC jurisdiction, making them exempt from liability limits set by state commissions.

“This is a very good decision,” said Delgado. “It sends a positive signal to those entities that are considering joining an RTO or transferring assets to a transmission company.”

Delgado added that the utility world is a very different place than it was in 1996 when FERC unbundled transmission service.

“While the order is a change in policy for FERC, it is important to remember that the industry has also changed significantly since the issuance of Order 888,” Delgado said. This is the first time since the issuance of Order 888 that the Commission has permitted a limitation on liability in an open access transmission tariff.

FERC has conditioned its approval of the limitation of liability on the final outcome of the standard market design rulemaking that was released today. The Commission calls for a technical conference to be held on the liability issue.

“With today’s decision, the Commission is demonstrating its willingness to review and adjust its policies to keep pace with the industry,” said Delgado. “As the industry continues to change, through SMD, it is appropriate to continue to reassess these kinds of policy issues.”

WAUKESHA, Wis. – Mark C. Williamson is joining American Transmission Company as vice president to manage the Arrowhead-Weston transmission line project in northwestern Wisconsin. A veteran Wisconsin utility executive, Williamson will manage all aspects of the 250-mile, 345-kilovolt power line project, which was approved last year by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin for construction from Wausau, Wis., to Duluth, Minn.

“Mark has just what is needed to move major transmission projects like Arrowhead Weston – superior utility knowledge, strong management experience, sensitivity to the concerns of multiple stakeholders and a genuine commitment to getting the work done,” said ATC President and CEO José M. Delgado.

Williamson, 48, brings with him 16 years of executive service to Madison Gas & Electric Company, where he most recently served as executive vice president and chief strategic officer. His responsibilities included general management of environmental and safety, power supply operation and engineering, electric system planning and gas rates and procurement. He has also been active in legislative initiatives affecting the utility industry.

Additionally, Williamson is one of the founders of Customers First!, a coalition of consumer, industrial, commercial, environmental, cooperative and municipal customers, advocacy groups and utilities advocating a sequential approach to electric industry restructuring.

Williamson will oversee work with all those associated with the Arrowhead-Weston project, including affected landowners, local residents, community leaders, elected officials and contractors.

Williamson earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Wisconsin and a law degree from UW Law School. Prior to joining MG&E in 1986, he practiced law in the commercial litigation arena.

His position with ATC is effective June 1, 2002.

“As a relatively new company, we quickly learned that providing customer service is essential to our success,” said ATC Vice President and Chief Strategic Officer Dale Landgren. “Steve recognizes both the challenges and benefits associated with providing exemplary service to our customers. His leadership abilities will help us meet our customer service commitment.”

Dykstra joined ATC in August 2001 as a regional manager in the customer service area, where his responsibilities included customer service management, project facilitation and relationship development with 13 customer accounts covering 24 Wisconsin counties. Prior to that, he was a senior account manager with Madison Gas & Electric for 14 years.

In his new role, Dykstra is responsible for developing key strategies that tie customer service to ATC’s core business strategies and objectives across all departments. Additionally, he will lead the development of a common approach to manage the customer experience throughout the company.

ATC plans, constructs, operates, maintains and will expand its transmission facilities to provide for adequate and reliable transmission of power. It provides non-discriminatory service to all customers, supporting effective competition in energy markets without favoring any market participant. A member of the Midwest ISO regional transmission organization, ATC owns more than 8,600 miles of transmission lines with a total investment of approximately $640 million in transmission facilities in portions of Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois.

Included in the transfer approval are transmission assets currently owned by Alliant-Wisconsin Power & Light, Edison Sault Electric, Madison Gas & Electric, South Beloit Water Gas and Electric, Wisconsin Electric and Wisconsin Public Service. Wisconsin Public Power Inc. is contributing cash to the new company in lieu of transmission assets. Additionally, the following municipal utilities and retail electric cooperatives plan to contribute either cash and/or transmission assets to the company and are pursuing separate approvals where required: Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative, Algoma Utilities, Badger Power Marketing, Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative, Kaukauna Electric, Manitowoc Public Utilities, Marshfield Electric and Water Department, Menasha Utilities, Oconto Falls Municipal Utilities, Plymouth Utilities, Reedsburg Electric and Water, Rock County Electric Cooperative, Sheboygan Light and Water, Sturgeon Bay Utilities, Sun Prairie Water and Light and Wisconsin Rapids Waterworks and Lighting.

“We’re pleased with today’s news from Madison,” said ATC President and CEO José M. Delgado. “In approving the formation of the ATC, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has certified that the company was assembled as the Wisconsin Legislature intended when they passed reliability legislation last year. This decision validates the hard work of literally hundreds of people from companies across the state who have been working over the past 13 months to put this company together.”

Formed under the provisions of the Reliability 2000 legislation contained in Gov. Tommy Thompson’s 1999-2001 budget, ATC will provide high voltage transmission service to utilities and retail electric cooperatives. ATC will not own distribution or generation. Those facilities and functions remain with the participating utility companies, who will obtain transmission service from ATC.

The transfer includes land rights covering over 6,000 miles of transmission lines and more than 500 substations, comprised of over 30,000 separate parcels of real estate. The poles, wires, substations and other transmission facilities transferred have a book value in excess of $500 million.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has approved the structure of the tariff under which ATC will provide service and is presently considering ATC’s request for open access transmission rates. In addition, approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission is also required. All required approvals are expected by the end of the year.

“Today’s decision is critical to allow ATC to begin providing service to our customers,” said Delgado. “As the first for-profit stand-alone transmission company in the country, we will help enhance reliability and facilitate access to competitive energy sources for our utility customers in Wisconsin.”

The American Transmission Company LLC will own, maintain, monitor and operate electric transmission equipment and provide service to customers when it begins formal operation.

WAUKESHA, Wis. – Following six years of planning, the Midwest Independent System Operator will begin operations tomorrow at midnight. As the third-largest transmission owner within the Midwest ISO, American Transmission Company will benefit from the services provided.

The Indiana-based utility company will provide security coordination services as well as initiate procedures for operations planning, generation interconnection, maintenance coordination, long-term regional planning, market monitoring and dispute resolution.

“This phase of the Midwest ISO startup is a major step forward in coordinating the electric operation of the entire Midwest,” according to ATC President and CEO José Delgado. “For the first time, a single organization will oversee and coordinate the processes critical to the planning and operation of the electric system in the Midwest. This establishes a consistent set of standards and operating protocols for both owners and users of this part of the Eastern Interconnection, creating an even playing field for all participants in the Midwest wholesale electricity market.”

ATC is the first for-profit multi-state transmission-only company in the country. Formed as the result of 1999 legislation in the state of Wisconsin, ATC owns, maintains and operates more than 8,600 miles of transmission in Wisconsin, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Illinois with a total investment of approximately $550 million.

Among the companies that divested their transmission assets to ATC are Wisconsin Electric, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, Alliant Energy and Madison Gas & Electric.

WAUKESHA – American Transmission Company advises deer hunters to steer clear of electric transmission structures and lines when building their deer stands for the upcoming gun deer season.

While transmission towers, placed high above hunting areas, may appear to be attractive sites for scouting deer, these high voltage lines and their structures should be avoided to ensure a safe hunting season. Some guidelines to follow:

• Never attach a deer stand to a transmission structure.
• Maintain a safe distance from the transmission line by not placing deer stands directly under the wires.
• Never use an electrical structure as a deer stand.

In addition to the risks to hunters, unsafe use of electric transmission structures and equipment threatens the safe and reliable service provided to consumers within the hunting areas.

ATC urges hunters and others in the woods and fields during this gun deer season to act responsibly, especially when near the electric transmission system.

In this newly created position, Rauh is responsible for all state regulatory activity in the states served by ATC, which include Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois; state and local political activity and transmission siting. He also shares responsibilities for federal issues involving the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Rauh formerly was ATC’s Manager of Customer and Regulatory Relations.

“Jeff was the obvious choice for this new position,” said Dale Landgren, ATC vice president and chief strategic officer. “Jeff’s extensive background in regulatory issues – on both the state and federal levels – as well as his knowledge of the energy industry will be key to ensuring ATC’s long-term success.”

ATC, which became operational on Jan. 1, is the first for-profit multi-state transmission company. ATC owns, maintains and operates more than 8,600 miles of transmission in Wisconsin, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Illinois with a total investment of approximately $550 million. The company is regulated by FERC for rates and tariffs and by the states it operates in for the siting of transmission facilities.

Rauh, who’s been with ATC since July 2000, graduated with a liberal arts degree in the Program of Liberal Studies from the University of Notre Dame. He lives with his family in Elm Grove, Wis.

MILWAUKEE – Four of the state’s investor-owned utilities, Wisconsin Electric, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, Alliant Energy and Madison Gas & Electric, are asking the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) to recover costs associated with the formation and operation of the American Transmission Company (ATC), pursuant to a 1999 law designed to enhance transmission access and increase reliability and market efficiency. The utilities are also seeking recovery for associated incremental transmission costs of the Midwest Independent System Operator (MISO).

“Reliability 2000” – formally titled 1999 Wisconsin Act 9 – strongly encouraged utilities in the state to transfer ownership and control of their transmission assets to a statewide transmission company. ATC began operations on Jan. 1, 2001, and at that time took responsibility for the transmission systems that previously were owned and operated by electric utilities serving eastern and southern Wisconsin and the upper Peninsula of Michigan, including Wisconsin Electric.

MISO is a developing entity which will monitor and operate electric transmission throughout the Midwest. Its purpose is to provide enhanced reliability of the electric transmission system and ensure a more coordinated regional planning effort. MISO is expected to commence operations in December of this year.

Wisconsin Electric is requesting $59.2 million in rate relief for the period 2002 through 2005. This is equivalent to a 2.79% increase in customer bills or $1.24 per month for a customer consuming 500 kWh/month.

The formation of the ATC and MISO is expected to eliminate multiple, overlapping rates between transmission systems, expand the regional transmission system and generation market and create a more reliable transmission system for Wisconsin customers.

Wisconsin Electric-Wisconsin Gas, the principal utility subsidiary of Wisconsin Energy Corp. (NYSE: WEC), serves more than one million electric customers and more than 960,000 natural gas customers throughout Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Visit our company’s Web site at www.WE-WG.com. Learn about Wisconsin Energy Corp. by visiting www.WisconsinEnergy.com

WAUKESHA – The first for-profit, transmission-only company to operate in more than one state has achieved another first.

American Transmission Company today becomes the first utility jointly owned by retail electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, public power entities and investor-owned utility companies.

This historic transaction brings 18 new contributors of electric transmission assets or cash contributions to the new transmission company, which began operation in portions of Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois Jan. 1. Of the new contributors, 12 are municipal utilities, four are cooperatives, one is a public power entity and one is an investor-owned utility. They join the original contributors to ATC, which include six investor-owned utilities and one public power entity.

“These investments in ATC represent a recognition of the benefits provided by a stand-alone transmission company,” said Jose Delgado, President and CEO of ATC. “This transaction also fulfills the vision Wisconsin state legislators had nearly two years ago when they encouraged the formation of a transmission company through legislation that welcomed ownership by diverse electric power entities.”

With these contributions, ATC provides transmission service throughout most of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, with new contributors Cloverland Electric Cooperative (Dafter) and Upper Peninsula Power Company (Houghton) joining original contributor Edison Sault Electric (Sault Ste. Marie). ATC also provides transmission service in Illinois with assets contributed by South Beloit Water, Gas and Electric.

Other new investors that contributed transmission assets, cash or both to ATC are: Municipal utilities in the City of Algoma, City of Kaukauna, Manitowoc Public Utilities, Marshfield Electric and Water Department, City of Menasha, City of Oconto Falls, City of Plymouth, City of Reedsburg, City of Sheboygan Falls, City of Sturgeon Bay, City of Sun Prairie and City of Wisconsin Rapids; cooperatives Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative, Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative and Rock County Cooperative; and Badger Power Marketing Authority.

ATC’s governance includes four independent directors with no prior involvement with the electric utility industry as well as representatives from five major investors.

As executive director of the Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin, David Benforado supported both the legislation that encouraged ATC’s formation and participation in this effort by his association’s members.

“This is a monumental event,” said Benforado. “Public power has long advocated competitively neutral access to transmission lines. ATC will provide that solution here in Wisconsin, and 13 public power communities have wisely elected to invest in this new transmission company.”

Donald Wozniak, general manager of Cloverland Electric Cooperative, said joining ATC “enables a small utility like ours to reap the benefits of a much larger, cutting-edge entity. Initially, this was an emotional exercise for our management and board. But in a customer choice environment, we need to concentrate on what we do best – distribution at the retail level.”

The electric cooperatives in Wisconsin also look forward to the benefits of investing in ATC.

“Wisconsin’s electric cooperatives need fair, non-discriminatory access to the transmission network. ATC can provide this critical service to consumer utilities in Wisconsin,” said David Jenkins, manager of Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association. “Planning and operating an integrated transmission company can help ensure reliable and affordable electric service in the future.”

The additional 18 investors bring ATC’s total investment to approximately $550 million in transmission assets that includes 8,638 miles of high voltage lines. It also includes 358 jointly owned substations and 98 ATC substations.

ATC is the first for-profit multi-state transmission-only company in the country. Formed as the result of 1999 legislation in the state of Wisconsin, ATC owns, maintains and operates more than 8,600 miles of transmission in Wisconsin, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Illinois with a total investment of approximately $550 million.

Although ATC is based in Waukesha, Wis., French works from the company’s Upper Peninsula office at 1075 Woodward Ave., Suite B, in Kingsford. He can be reached at 906.779.5919.

French also serves as ATC’s principal point of contact for Michigan customers and will help define customer needs for new products and help develop and implement those products.

A resident of Ishpeming, Mich., French brings 13 years of experience working with land use planning, regulatory compliance, resource management, economic development and site development. He most recently worked as a division manager for Sundberg, Carlson and Associates in Marquette, Mich.

ATC, which became operational on Jan. 1, is the first for-profit transmission-only company since open access of the nation’s transmission grid. Formed as the result of 1999 legislation in the state of Wisconsin, ATC owns, maintains and operates more than 7,500 miles of transmission in Wisconsin, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Illinois with a total investment of approximately $525 million.

ATC plans, constructs, operates, maintains and will expand its transmission facilities to provide for adequate and reliable transmission of power. It provides non-discriminatory service to all customers, supporting effective competition in energy markets without favoring any market participant. Regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for all rate terms and conditions of service, ATC is a member of the Midwest ISO regional transmission organization.

In his new role, Gonzales will encourage open communication with local and state government officials throughout the region ATC serves as the company begins the process of siting and permitting for various construction projects.

“As the first for-profit, stand-alone transmission company in the country, ATC is forging new ground on both the state and federal levels,” said José M. Delgado, ATC’s president and CEO. “Charlie’s working knowledge of the political process and of the people who are an integral part of that process make him a valuable asset to ATC. We’re glad he decided to join us.”

Gonzales brings a wealth of political experience to ATC, having served as staff director for the Assembly Democratic Caucus in 1997-98, as former Assembly Speaker Walter Kunicki’s chief of staff from 1990-97 and as treasurer for Friends of Les Aspin from 1987-90. He most recently worked as a consultant whose clients included Congressman Jerry Kleczka and the Milwaukee Teachers Education Association.

He also previously worked in the Washington DC area with a number of political organizations, most notably as U.S. Rep. Les Aspin’s administrative assistant from 1976-81.

A resident of Verona, Gonzales is a graduate of the College of Santa Fe in New Mexico.

ATC, which became operational on Jan. 1, is the first for-profit transmission-only company in the country. ATC owns, maintains and operates more than 7,500 miles of transmission in Wisconsin, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Illinois with a total investment of approximately $525 million.

ATC will plan, construct, operate, maintain and expand its transmission facilities to provide for adequate and reliable transmission of power. It provides non-discriminatory service to all customers, supporting effective competition in energy markets without favoring any market participant. Regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for all rate terms and conditions of service, ATC is a member of the Midwest ISO regional transmission organization.

WAUKESHA – American Transmission Company has named Nina Plaushin the company’s first Director of Federal Affairs, overseeing ATC’s new Washington DC office at 1200 G St. NW, Suite 800.

“Nina brings an excellent combination of industry knowledge and Washington experience to a critical position that requires a high level of expertise,” said José M. Delgado, President and CEO of ATC. “As the country’s first for-profit transmission-only company, having a strong presence in Washington is very important to our participation in the evolution of the industry. As a seasoned professional with an extensive legislative and regulatory background, Nina fits the bill perfectly.”

Plaushin’s 14 years of experience on the federal level most recently includes more than five years at PPL Corporation, where she lobbied members of Congress and their staffs on various utility issues with an emphasis on transmission and environmental issues. She is also a former vice president of Hill and Knowlton Public Affairs Worldwide and former legislative professional for Van Ness, Feldman & Curtis.

Her background also includes working as legislative director for Congressman C. Thomas McMillen (D-Md.) as well as working on the staffs of Sen. Spark Matsunaga (D-Hawaii) and Sen. Lowell P. Weicker, Jr. (R-Conn.).

ATC, which became operational on Jan. 1, is the first for-profit transmission-only company in the country. Formed as the result of 1999 legislation in the state of Wisconsin, ATC owns, maintains and operates more than 7,500 miles of transmission in Wisconsin, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Illinois with a total investment of approximately $525 million.

ATC will plan, construct, operate, maintain and expand its transmission facilities to provide for adequate and reliable transmission of power. It provides non-discriminatory service to all customers, supporting effective competition in energy markets without favoring any market participant. Regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for all rate terms and conditions of service, ATC is a member of the Midwest ISO regional transmission organization.

WAUKESHA – An electric transmission project to serve the Fox Valley that includes a new substation and the rebuilding of an existing transmission line is being planned by American Transmission Company.

The project begins in the town of Brillion in Calumet County and ends at the Hwy. V substation just south of Allouez in Brown County. The approximately 20-mile project runs through the towns of Holland, Wrightstown, Rockland, Ledgeview, Bellevue and Lawrence.

In addition to replacing 20 miles of transmission line and the accompanying towers along an existing right of way between Forest Junction and the Hwy. V substation, the project also includes construction of a new substation at Forest Junction in the town of Brillion. An additional 25 acres of land is required for construction of the new substation, which will be built adjacent to an existing switching station.

“Adding a new substation at Forest Junction will substantially ease the congestion that presently exists in that region,” said José M. Delgado, President and CEO of American Transmission Company. “Replacement of the transmission lines and towers will also enhance the system reliability for our customers in the Fox Valley.”

Public informational meetings will be held March 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Brillion Town Hall and March 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wrightstown Town Hall in Greenleaf. Invitation letters for these meetings will be sent to the individual landowners directly affected by the project.

ATC plans to file a project application with the Public Service Commission and the Department of Agriculture at the end of March. Should the project receive the necessary regulatory approvals this summer, construction will begin either later this year or early next year with completion estimated for 2003. In addition to the state approvals, approval from the Calumet County Board of Supervisors is also necessary for zoning requirements.

Formed under the provisions of the Reliability 2000 legislation contained in Gov. Tommy Thompson’s 1999-2001 budget, ATC provides high voltage transmission service to utilities and retail electric cooperatives. ATC began operation as the country’s first stand-alone transmission company Jan. 1, 2001.

WAUKESHA – As the new year was being welcomed in at midnight on Jan. 1, American Transmission Company assumed ownership, operation, planning, maintenance and monitoring of the transmission assets formerly owned by a number of Wisconsin utility companies, cooperatives and municipal utilities.

This marks the initial operation of the first for-profit stand-alone transmission company in the country.

“We began operation exactly as we’d hoped; smoothly and quietly,” said ATC President and CEO José Manuel Delgado. “After a very busy year of working toward making ATC a reality, it is great to have a smooth transition.”

Included in the transfer are transmission assets formerly owned by Alliant-Wisconsin Power & Light, Edison Sault Electric, Madison Gas & Electric, South Beloit Water Gas and Electric, Wisconsin Electric and Wisconsin Public Service. Wisconsin Public Power Inc. is contributing cash to the new company in lieu of transmission assets. Additionally, the following municipal utilities and retail electric cooperatives plan to contribute either cash and/or transmission assets to the company and are pursuing separate approvals where required: Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative, Algoma Utilities, Badger Power Marketing, Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative, Kaukauna Electric, Manitowoc Public Utilities, Marshfield Electric and Water Department, Menasha Utilities, Oconto Falls Municipal Utilities, Plymouth Utilities, Reedsburg Electric and Water, Rock County Electric Cooperative, Sheboygan Light and Water, Sturgeon Bay Utilities, Sun Prairie Water and Light and Wisconsin Rapids Waterworks and Lighting.

The advantage to customers of having a transmission-only company own, operate, plan and maintain the transmission facilities is to provide one entity that facilitates transmission services over a broad area.

Delgado also named the company’s four independent directors who begin serving on the board immediately. They include:

• Anthony S. Earl, an attorney with Quarles & Brady in Madison and former Wisconsin governor;
• Agustin Ramirez, CEO of Husco International in Waukesha;
• William C. Verrette, CEO of Champion Inc. in Iron Mountain, Mich.; and
• Stephen J. Yanisch, a managing director with Dain Rauscher Inc. in Minneapolis.

“We feel this is a good mix of top-notch business leaders with diverse financial and corporate backgrounds,” said Delgado. “They will work well with our utility representatives to balance ATC’s need for a strong board of directors.”

The independent directors join the following utility representatives on ATC’s board: Eliot G. Protsch of Alliant Energy, Mark C. Williamson of Madison Gas & Electric, David K. Porter of Wisconsin Electric, Patrick D. Schrickel of Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and J. Leroy Thilly of Wisconsin Public Power Inc.

Formed under the provisions of the Reliability 2000 legislation contained in Gov. Tommy Thompson’s 1999-2001 budget, ATC provides high voltage transmission service to utilities and retail electric cooperatives. ATC does not own distribution or generation. Those facilities and functions remain with the participating utility companies, who obtain transmission service from ATC.

The transfer includes land rights covering over 6,000 miles of transmission lines and more than 500 substations, comprised of over 30,000 separate parcels of real estate. The poles, wires, substations and other transmission facilities transferred have a book value in excess of $500 million.

In his new position, Hofbauer will oversee general accounting, property accounting, taxes, financial reporting and financial systems support. He will report to Daniel Doyle, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

“We are pleased that Mike is joining the ATC team. He brings an abundance of competitive, utility and non-utility experience,” said Doyle. “Mike’s experience in the airline industry, as well as other non-utility industries, brings a diverse perspective to our accounting and financial operations.”

Hofbauer is presently a senior manager with Arthur Andersen LLP in Illinois, where he manages multi-million dollar consulting projects for various industries and governmental entities. Prior to joining Arthur Andersen in 1991, Hofbauer was a corporate accounting manager with Midway Airlines.

Hofbauer is a certified public accountant with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Notre Dame. He’ll join the finance team at ATC on Dec. 15.

The American Transmission Company LLC will own, maintain, monitor and operate electric transmission equipment and provide service to customers when it begins formal operation. Visit our Web site at www.atcllc.com for more information on ATC, the energy access company.

MILWAUKEE – American Transmission Company LLC announced today that its temporary headquarters will be in RidgeView Corporate Park in Pewaukee, Wis, awaiting completion of the company’s permanent corporate building in RidgeView Office Center II, also in Pewaukee. Company leadership and staff will occupy their new headquarters beginning Oct. 30.

The new electric transmission company, which is being formed through the efforts of five Wisconsin-based utility companies, has been leasing space from Wisconsin Electric at its downtown Milwaukee location since earlier this year.

“We are looking forward to having our own corporate headquarters in Pewaukee,” said Jose M. Delgado, ATC’s president and CEO. “Both the temporary and permanent sites are easily accessible to people traveling from Madison and Milwaukee. This is another big step toward becoming operational on January 1.”

ATC will temporarily occupy approximately 20,000 square feet at N16 W23217 Stone Ridge Dr. in RidgeView Corporate Park. A new office building, which will also house the company’s system control center, is currently under construction at N19 W23993 Ridgeview Pkwy.

ATC is purchasing an office building that includes a second control center, located in Stoughton, Wis., from Alliant Energy. After initial operations from the existing control centers, ATC will install a single control system tying the two control rooms to operate the combined electric transmission system presently owned by Wisconsin Electric, Wisconsin Public Service, Alliant Energy East and Madison Gas & Electric. All four companies have agreed to transfer their transmission assets to ATC in exchange for ownership in the new company. A fifth company, Wisconsin Public Power Inc., is also investing in ATC by contributing cash rather than transmission assets. WPPI has no transmission assets to transfer.

Formation of ATC was encouraged by electric reliability legislation passed in Wisconsin late last year. ATC was legally organized as a Wisconsin company in June. In July the company filed its Open Access Transmission Tariff under Section 205 of the Federal Power Act and in August with state regulators for approval to transfer ownership of the transmission assets.

The company will be regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for all rate terms and conditions of service. The company is a transmission-owning member of the Midwest Independent System Operator, located in Indianapolis.

“As a significant component of the regional interconnection transmission system, it’s important that ATC maintain active participation in MAIN,” said Jose M. Delgado, ATC’s president and CEO. “Coordination with members of MAIN and MAPP is key to enhancing system reliability in the upper Midwest.”

The purpose of MAIN is to promote the reliable use of the interconnected electric systems with due regard for safety, environmental protection, and economy of service through coordinated planning, construction, operation, maintenance, and use of generation and transmission facilities on a regional basis by MAIN members individually and as members or power pools of subregional groups.

“We’re happy to welcome the first transmission-only utility company to MAIN,” said Richard Bulley, executive director of MAIN. “This membership signifies a new and exciting era in the electric transmission utility industry.”

Delgado has a long history with MAIN, having served as its chairman of MAIN when he was vice president of electric system operations at Wisconsin Electric.

ATC, one of the nation’s first, for-profit electric transmission companies, is being formed by five Wisconsin-based electric companies. Those companies include Alliant Energy, Madison Gas & Electric, Wisconsin Electric, Wisconsin Public Power Inc. and Wisconsin Public Service.

By focusing solely on the provision of transmission service, ATC will provide reliable delivery of electricity and excellent customer service along with a solid return to investors. Formation of the company requires federal and state regulatory approvals, and it will be regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for all rate terms and conditions of service. The company ultimately will be a transmission-owning member of the Midwest Independent System Operator.

Doyle will oversee the development and implementation of financial strategies, policies and governance at ATC. All of the financial functions and staff at the new company will report directly to Doyle, who will report to Delgado.

“As we move rapidly toward full operation on Jan. 1, it’s critical that we have a CFO with a strong financial, operational and regulatory background that’s rooted in the utility industry,” said Delgado. “Dan brings that level of experience with him to ATC.”

Doyle brings nearly 20 years experience in finance, operations and regulatory affairs to ATC, including the past eight years at Alliant Energy in Madison where he most recently served as the company’s vice president – chief accounting and financial planning officer. Prior to that, Doyle was Alliant’s vice president of manufacturing, where he managed approximately 5,000 megawatts of generating facilities as well as the energy trading functions.

A native of Carpentersville, Ill., and a 1976 graduate of Dundee Community High School, Doyle earned his undergraduate degree in accounting from Michigan State University and an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Delgado also announced that John Ebright, currently vice president of finance, is leaving ATC to pursue other opportunities. Ebright will work with Doyle to ensure a smooth transition over the next several months.

“John has been extremely valuable in helping form this new transmission company,” Delgado said. “We’ll miss his full-time involvement, but welcome his expertise during this transition. He’s worked very hard to bring ATC to fruition.”

ATC, the nation’s first, for-profit electric transmission company, is being formed by five Wisconsin-based electric companies. Those companies include Alliant Energy, Madison Gas & Electric, Wisconsin Electric, Wisconsin Public Power Inc. and Wisconsin Public Service.

ATC, by focusing solely on the provision of transmission service, will provide reliable delivery of electricity and excellent customer service along with a solid return to investors. Formation of the company requires federal and state regulatory approvals,
and it will be regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for all rate terms and conditions of service. The company ultimately will be a transmission-owning member of the Midwest Independent System Operator.