Michigan Electric Transmission Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of ITC Holdings Corp., announced its intent to construct, own and operate new transmission line projects in Michigan which are expected to provide Michigan ratepayers with over US$6 billion in economic benefits while creating approximately 4100 jobs across Michigan by 2030.
The new electric transmission projects are part of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator’s (MISO) Long Range Transmission Planning (LRTP) Tranche 1 Portfolio of projects and is the first new interstate connection to Michigan’s transmission system in nearly 50 years.
“I am pleased to celebrate ITC’s transformational and historic investment in Michigan,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “This investment will enhance energy reliability while supporting thousands of jobs and providing a whopping US$ 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. Throughout my administration, I have had the privilege of working across the aisle and across the public and private sector to rebuild Michigan’s infrastructure and bring Michigan’s economy into the future. Let’s keep getting it done.”
With an estimated investment of US$ 850 million, these projects are strategically engineered to improve grid reliability and resiliency, reduce system congestion, support the state’s economic development efforts and enable an electrified economy as Michigan continues its transition towards a lower carbon and renewable energy future.
“This overall portfolio of new high-voltage transmission lines will provide numerous benefits and deliver value to electric consumers throughout Michigan,” said Simon Whitelocke, president of ITC Michigan.
“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.”
Approximately 110 miles of new 345 kV lines will be constructed from northern Indiana to a new ITC substation located approximately 20 miles southwest of Lansing and will include new 345 kV lines extending west of Lansing to Gratiot County. Additionally, 75 miles of existing transmission lines from Jackson County to Wayne County will be upgraded to help improve reliability, storm resiliency and system efficiency.
The formal notice of intent was filed with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) and in accordance with the Transmission Infrastructure Planning Act (TIPA). The bipartisan legislation passed by the Michigan legislature last year ensures utilities with a proven track record in the state can construct these systems. These will be the first new transmission projects since the legislation took effect.
“Looking around the country and seeing preventable events such as what’s occurring in California or the unfortunate events in Texas with winter storm Uri, Michigan must be proactive to ensure that we have the tools in our toolbox to allow for the needed investments to be made in our energy infrastructure to ensure system reliability and resiliency,” said state senator Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City. “I am proud to have worked in a bipartisan fashion on this legislation, and to see it produce meaningful benefits so quickly is truly remarkable.”
ITC will be evaluating and proposing specific route options and working with state regulators to advance the project through the regulatory processes.
For more information about ITC, click here.
