American Transmission Co. (ATC) has received a final written order from Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) authorizing construction of two new 138 kV 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 Rd. and 93rd Str., adjacent to the existing We Energies Milwaukee County power plant and substation.
ATC says 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 project was announced to the public in October 2010. ATC held open houses 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.
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.
