MISO selects Republic Transmission for Indiana project

On Thursday, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. (MISO) announced it had chosen Republic Transmission, LLS to lead the development of a new double-circuit 345 kV transmission line project in Indiana.

The transmission line will ultimately connect NIPSCO’s Hiple substation in LaGrange County, Indiana to the new Duck Lake substation in Michigan, the companies said. It is the first competitively bid project from MISO’s Long Range Transmission Planning (LRTP) Tranche 1 portfolio approved last year.

“Republic Transmission’s proposal reflects an efficient project cost and design,” said Jeremiah Doner, MISO’s director of cost allocation and competitive transmission. “This includes a superior 40-year cost containment commitment, and a well-reasoned project implementation strategy.”

Republic Transmission’s proposal includes a new 23-mile 345 kV line from Hiple to the Indiana/Michigan State Border where a new Michigan transmission line will connect it to the Duck Lake substation. The Michigan transmission line will be constructed by Michigan Electric Transmission Company (METC). Republic Transmission project is estimated to cost $77 million, the company said.

“Republic Transmission moves forward as the developer following a rigorous competitive selection process that included seven proposals from three submitting developers to construct, own, operate and maintain the project,” Doner said. “We look forward to working closely with the developer, regulators and other stakeholders to support a successful and on-time completion of the project.”