The Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin has verbally approved an addition to Dane County's electric transmission system. American Transmission Co. (ATC) 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.
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.
The PSC has asked ATC for design changes at locations along the route. These design changes add approximately $1.2 million to the cost of the project, which is now at just over $215 million.
Construction on the project is expected to begin in summer 2011, and the line is expected to be in service in 2013.
SOURCE: American Transmission Co.
