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County staff say ComEd letter flags possible 765 kV transmission line through McHenry County; county to coordinate response
Summary
Staff told the committee a high-level letter from ComEd (and consultant Burns & McDonnell) identified proposed 765 kV transmission corridors that may cross McHenry County; staff said they will work with planning, R1 and MCEDC to provide feedback and evaluate impacts.
County staff told the Administrative Services Committee that ComEd, with consultant Burns & McDonnell, recently sent a high-level letter and map outlining potential 765-kilovolt transmission corridors that could traverse portions of McHenry County.
A staff member summarized the outreach: “Late last week, ComEd sent a letter... about 765 kv lines they’re planning to install in that part of their service area, which may include McHenry County. It was a really high level letter. We’re not sure exactly how much influence we can have. We don't know how far along they are.”
Staff said the letter asked for information (wetlands, siting constraints and similar local data) and that county planners will coordinate responses with regional partners, including R1 and MCEDC; the county also plans to provide input about where such a line would or would not be suitable. The staff presenter noted that McHenry County’s existing transmission infrastructure is at lower voltages (345 kV or 138 kV) and that the county has not previously hosted 765 kV lines.
County officials described this as an early-stage outreach and said they are attempting to convert it into an opportunity to shape potential routing through the county. No formal permits, route approvals or construction plans were presented at the meeting; staff emphasized they do not yet know the project schedule or ComEd’s level of commitment.
Next steps: staff will circulate the letter and map to committee members, coordinate with planning and regional partners, and update the board as more information becomes available.
