FAQs

ITC does not own any power plants or generation facilities, but it must constantly respond to changes in our state as demand for power changes and as old generators retire and new generators are built. Serving these new generators and delivering power to our communities requires ITC to maintain and expand the transmission system. As power producers transition to a new generation fleet, electric transmission is critical to ensuring a reliable flow of power. These projects are strategically engineered to improve Michigan’s grid reliability, enhance grid resilience to better withstand extreme weather, expand access to generation resources for electric consumers by reducing transmission system congestion, and improve the distribution of lower-cost energy resources.

The lines will allow electricity to move both ways – into Michigan and out of Michigan. When Michigan needs additional power, it can draw upon power assets from neighboring states. Conversely, Michigan will have the opportunity to export excess power, when available and needed. As the energy landscape continues to change, Michigan’s ability to import power will improve reliability, and deliver widespread economic benefits as power producers transition to new energy sources.

Landowners play an important role in hosting the electric grid infrastructure on their property, which ensures Michigan residents have the energy they need to live, work and play.

ITC is committed to transparent, honest, and frequent communications with landowners. We work together throughout the design and construction process to minimize impacts to their properties.

There are several factors ITC looks at when routing a transmission line. They include several engineering, social and environmental factors. These can include criteria such as length, nearby residences or public facilities, wetland areas, historical and archaeological sites and cropland / center pivot irrigation presence. ITC analyzed hundreds of route options to determine the proposed and alternate routes per the requirements of the Michigan Electric Transmission Certification Act.

While anyone in the community is welcome to attend, landowners within 500 feet of the proposed centerline were mailed invitations. The final route will require a 200-foot easement, but since the transmission line centerline has not yet been finalized, we extended the invitation to landowners potentially near the route.

The route study process included a review of current developments on the potentially affected properties. If you have information on any planned future developments, please bring them to our attention, and the land agent assigned to your area will discuss with you.

345kV transmission lines can efficiently move large amounts of power into and out of areas to facilitate generation deliverability and overall system reliability.

Additional 345 kV infrastructure serves as the backbone of our grid by improving system resilience and ensuring available generation can serve demand during extreme weather events.

All of us are used to, and in fact should expect a reliable flow of power 24/7. There used to be a time when power sources were close to communities, but energy sources are now widespread. To maintain the way of life we are all accustomed to, we must make sure energy is able to travel from those various locations to our communities. In addition, our infrastructure is aging and needs to be updated to maintain reliability and resiliency.