Michigan Electric Transmission Company to create $850M of new transmission line projects
According to an announcement by the Michigan Electric Transmission Company – a subsidiary of ITC Holdings Corp. – this week, the company will pursue construction, ownership, and operation of new transmission line projects in-state by 2030, capable of providing more than $6 billion in economic benefits.
“I am pleased to celebrate ITC’s transformational and historic investment in Michigan,” Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said. “This investment will enhance energy reliability while supporting thousands of jobs and providing a whopping $6 billion in economic benefit to communities across the state. Investments like this are critical as we transition towards a clean energy and electric vehicle future.”
The lines should span approximately 110 miles from northern Indiana to a new ITC substation about 20 miles southwest of Lansing, Michigan. They will consist of 345 kV lines. In addition to the new installation, 75 miles of existing transmission lines from Jackson County to Wayne County will be upgraded to improve reliability, storm resiliency, and overall system efficiency.
This will likely cost about $850 million, according to a formal notice of intent filed with the Michigan Public Service Commission. The project will operate on the Midcontinent Independent System Operator’s (MISO) Long Range Transmission Planning (LRTP) Tranche 1 Portfolio of projects. It will also be the first new interstate connection to Michigan’s transmission system in nearly 50 years and the first new transmission project since bipartisan legislation passed last year enabled utilities with proven track records to construct such systems.
“This overall portfolio of new high-voltage transmission lines will provide numerous benefits and deliver value to electric consumers throughout Michigan,” Simon Whitelocke, president of ITC Michigan, said. “As the energy landscape continues to change, these lines are critically important to Michigan as the state will greatly benefit from the increased ability to import power to maintain electric reliability. It will also enhance Michigan’s access to regional generation as far west as Iowa and beyond.”
ITC is still evaluating and will propose specific route options for the project as it moves through regulatory processes.
