Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Issues Regulatory Update for Western Wisconsin Transmission Connection Project

Strategic Insights -

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has announced a regulatory update regarding the proposed Western Wisconsin Transmission Connection Project. The project, submitted by Northern States Power Company-Wisconsin and American Transmission Company LLC, involves rebuilding existing transmission infrastructure and constructing new infrastructure, including the expansion of the Tremval and Eau Claire Substations, a new Jump River Substation, and a new 345 kV transmission line. The proposed project will connect three existing high-voltage transmission lines coming into the state of Wisconsin from the west and connect new and existing substations via a new 80- to 94-mile 345 kV transmission line.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed Western Wisconsin Transmission Connection Project involves rebuilding existing transmission infrastructure and constructing new infrastructure, including the expansion of the Tremval and Eau Claire Substations, a new Jump River Substation, and a new 345 kV transmission line.
  • The project will connect three existing high-voltage transmission lines coming into the state of Wisconsin from the west and connect new and existing substations via a new 80- to 94-mile 345 kV transmission line.
  • The Commission has released a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for the proposed project, which can be viewed or obtained in the following ways: through the Commission's Electronic Records Filing system, by contacting the EIS coordinator Kyle Feltes at (608) 267-6718 or kyle.feltes@wisconsin.gov, or by visiting the Commission's website at https://psc.wi.gov.
  • Comments on the draft EIS are encouraged and can be submitted electronically at the Commission's website or in writing to Kyle Feltes at the address listed above.
  • The state agency comment period on the draft EIS ends on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
  • The Commission's decision on the proposed project is expected to be made in the fourth quarter of 2025, and will be based on the record of public and technical hearings that will be held about 30 days after the final EIS is issued.
  • The Western Wisconsin Transmission Connection Project will have significant impacts on the environment, including the potential for aesthetic effects and the impact of the project on natural resources.

Statistics:

  • The proposed project will involve the expansion of the Tremval and Eau Claire Substations, a new Jump River Substation, and a new 345 kV transmission line, stretching up to 94 miles.
  • The draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for the proposed project has been prepared jointly by the Commission and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
  • Comments received during the comment period will be used to prepare the final EIS, which will become part of the record used by the Commission to make its final decisions on this project.
  • The Commission's decision on the proposed project is expected in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Sources:

  • Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, Joint Application of Northern States Power Company-Wisconsin and American Transmission Company LLC for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to Rebuild Existing Transmission Infrastructure and Construct and Operate Long Range Transmission Planning Tranche 1 Project 5.
  • Wisconsin Statute Section 1.11 (2) (c).
  • Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter PSC 4.10(1).
  • Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, Environmental Impact Statement, Western Wisconsin Transmission Connection Project, 5-CE-158.