American Transmission Co. plans transmission line upgrade in Wisconsin

SUBNET Solutions Inc | Tuesday, June 07, 2011

The American Transmission Co. (ATC) is in the process of alerting more than 40,000 homeowners in Wisconsin about its intention to construct a transmission line that will run near where they live, the La Crosse Tribune reports.

According to the news source, the powerful transmission line is slated to be built over 150 miles of land. It will stretch from just north of La Crosse to Dane County. The organization told residents of its plans and is expecting such push back as the transmission line could run within a half mile of more than 40,000 homes.

ATC contends that the upgrade to the state's power supply network is absolutely essential, affirming that the transmission line will help to improve electric system reliability and efficiency, increase access to wholesale electricity markets and help connect to renewable energy sources in the western part of the state.

What's more, the investment into the critical infrastructure will enable ATC to prepare to adopt additional smart grid technologies. ATC has identified five potential automated substation locations where the transmission line could connect to another planned line upgrade.

ATC plans to apply to the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin in 2013 for the permits needed to construct the system. If approved by 2014, it will begin construction in 2016. It expects to have the project completed by 2018. 

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