Transcript core-transmission-2008

The Need for Electric Transmission
Improvements in Dane County
Background
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Dane County has experienced major economic
growth in the last 25 years.
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Three of Wisconsin’s top five fastest growing
communities are in Dane County.
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Verona
Cottage Grove
Sun Prairie
Electric usage in Dane County is expected to
increase each year through 2020.
Background (continued)

American Transmission Company (ATC) is a
regulated public utility with a duty to provide an
adequate and reliable transmission system.
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ATC’s planning analyses and system-reliability
models indicate new transmission lines are
needed in Dane County.
Growth In Dane County
1980 to 2007
Existing transmission system is aging
Only three 345-kV transmission lines:
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Columbia – No. Madison 1
Paddock to Rockdale to Columbia
Columbia – No. Madison 2 upgrade
1975
1978
2006
Only four 138-kV transmission lines:
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Femrite – Sprecher
Rockdale to Fitchburg
No. Madison to West Middleton
No. Madison to Sycamore
2007
1965/1967
1972
1983
Dane County projects:
Recent and planned
Project
Voltage
Status/Inservice
Femrite to Sprecher
138kV
Complete 2007
North Madison to Waunakee
138kV
Approved by PSC 07/07
Proposed In-service Date
2009
Fitchburg to Verona
138kV
Under regulatory review
Proposed In-service Date
2009
Paddock to Rockdale
345kV
Under regulatory review
Proposed In-service Date
2010
Rockdale to West Middleton
345kV
Filed 10/15/07
In-service 2013
Rockdale – West Middleton Need
The upgrade in 2006 of the 138-kilovolt line from the Columbia Plant to
the North Madison substation is the only new 345-kilovolt line to be
built in the County since the 1970s.
A new 345-kV transmission line is needed to:
 reinforce the entire transmission network in Dane County
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solve a critical electrical reliability problem; help to prevent the threat of
system outages
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Increase efficiency of power lines, reducing energy lost in transit
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Eliminate the need for multiple new, less-efficient, lower voltage lines in
the future
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provide the necessary power for continued business growth and to
support a growing population
Rockdale – West Middleton Project:
At a glance
Length of line: 32 - 55 miles
End points: Rockdale Substation
near Christiana, and West
Middleton Substation.
Voltage: 345 kilovolts
Type of pole: Steel single pole,
single circuit
Cost: $213 million to $250 million
In-Service: 2013
Rockdale – West Middleton
Proposed route options
Issues and challenges
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ATC’s forecasts and studies…are they accurate?
Is underground construction an option?
Are there alternatives? Conservation? Upgrades to
existing lines?
Is the Beltline Highway a viable route?
Should additional generation in Dane County be
considered?
All of these issues are addressed in
ATC’s regulatory application and will be
subjected to the PSC’s rigorous review.
Reliability is critical
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The capacity of the transmission system must meet the needs
of a growing population and increased electrical usage.
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Blackouts, brownouts, and even momentary interruptions can
cause substantial financial impacts to businesses.
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Reliable power is essential for Dane County’s energy
consumers/employers and for attracting new businesses.
Improved Access leads to cost
savings
Access to lower cost energy sources:
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The existing transmission system limits access to and
transmission of cost-effective regional sources of energy,
including renewable energy.
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Planned transmission improvements will increase access to
lower-cost sources of power outside of Dane County and
reduce the need for new generation sources in the county.
A strong transmission system
benefits the economy
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Transmission is basic infrastructure
investment.
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As necessary to a growing economy as transportation,
water and sewer, and telecommunications infrastructure.
A reliable and robust transmission system is
fundamental to a growing economy.
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Allows businesses to plan expansions with confidence.
Encourages new business development.
Next steps for
Rockdale-West Middleton Project
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Regulatory application: filed 10/15/07
Regulatory review: Throughout 2008/09
Technical and public hearings: February 2009
PSC decision expected: Summer 2009
Proposed Start of construction: 2010
Proposed In-service Date: 2013