PSC grants CPCN for ATC North Central Wisconsin reliability line with conditions

The Public Service Commission voted June 18 to grant American Transmission Company a certificate of public convenience and necessity to construct the North Central Wisconsin reliability project, a new single‑circuit 115 kV transmission line connecting the Pine substation in Merrill to the Hilltop substation in the town of Stettton.

Commissioner Hawkins, who led the discussion, said commission modeling showed the project resolves thermal limitations identified under the NERC TPL‑001 multiple‑contingency (P3/P6) scenarios and that no less‑risky mitigations were available. "The modeling clearly demonstrated that the project solves the thermal violations," Hawkins said during the meeting.

Why it matters: The commission considers need, engineering, economics, safety, individual hardships and environmental impacts before awarding a CPCN for transmission projects. Commissioners emphasized that the preferred route — about 17.7 miles and an estimated $76.168 million — presented fewer construction and operational risks and had lower residential impacts than the alternate 22.1‑mile alignment.

Hawkins summarized the applicant’s route selection and staff’s independent review, noting the applicant also evaluated a rebuild/double‑circuit option but found the new route carried fewer risks. The preferred route uses about 179 acres of right‑of‑way, contains no residences inside the proposed corridor and leverages an existing Wisconsin Public Service Corporation easement. The alternate route would have required about 207 acres and was estimated at $92.4 million with three homes inside the right‑of‑way and nine within 50 feet of it.

Commission staff and commissioners said the Department of Natural Resources deemed the project permittable with site‑specific mitigation measures and that an environmental assessment (EA) and an Alternatives and Impact Statement helped inform the analysis. Commissioners noted one archaeological site was identified by the State Historic Preservation Officer for the area of potential effect and that a phase‑one survey would be required if the route is authorized.

The commission addressed standard conditions and a clerical error in condition F; Hawkins proposed removing language that incorrectly referred to contingency cost clauses and recommended adopting the remaining conditions as modified. Commissioners also discussed reporting requirements related to contractor hiring practices; Hawkins and Chair Strand said reporting remains a useful tool for oversight.

The motion to grant the CPCN was made by Commissioner Hawkins and seconded. The commission voted to approve the certificate consistent with the discussion and the modified conditions.

The vote and next steps: The commission approved the CPCN and authorized staff to finalize the order reflecting the modifications discussed on the record. No intervening parties opposed the need finding in the docket. The commission did not identify additional contested issues to return to the record; staff will incorporate the modified condition language before issuance of the final order.