PROJECT STATUS: Received final Public Service Commission of Wisconsin approval in September 2026.
Project Description
ATC will connect the existing Elm Road Substation in Oak Creek to the Racine Substation in Racine. This includes constructing approximately 3.7 miles of new power line and reconfiguring approximately nine miles of existing power line to 345 kilovolts.
The key elements of the project include:
- Build a new 3.7-mile, 345-kV line that would generally run south and west out of the Elm Road Substation and into the village of Caledonia.
- About 1.5 miles of the new 345-kV line would run along a route out of the Elm Road Substation.
- Nearly 2.2 miles of the new 345-kV line would run along the approved route. Some adjustments may be required to existing lines in areas where the new lines would cross.
- Upgrade an existing, approximately 9-mile line to 345-kV using the structures and conductor wire that are already in place. Some construction may be required to connect the existing line to the new line on the north end and to the substation on the south end.
The estimated project cost is approximately $64 million. The project was identified and approved by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator. Because it provides regional benefits the cost will be shared with energy consumers from multiple states – not just Wisconsin.
Project Need
The project is needed to reduce constraints on the electric grid, maintain reliability, support increasing demand for energy and provide access to lower-cost energy including renewable generation.
The project received final approval by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.
Additional information about the project can be found on the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin website, under docket number 137-CE-215.
