Responding to the needs of the changing energy landscape, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), the grid planning organization for our region, has devoted several years of intensive, collaborative effort to develop a Long-Range Transmission Plan (LRTP). This plan identified the need to build additional high-voltage transmission infrastructure across the region to maintain the long-term reliability and stability of the electric grid.
ITC has responsibility for building the Michigan portion of LRTP:
- Helix-Hiple: ITC will be making infrastructure improvements by building the Michigan portion of the new Helix-Hiple transmission line, spanning approximately 55 miles from the Michigan/Indiana border in Branch County to the new Helix Substation in Calhoun County.
- Nelson Rd-Oneida: Approximately 40 miles of new 345kV electric transmission lines will be built from ITC’s Nelson Rd substation in Gratiot County to the Oneida substation in Eaton County.
The LRTP projects planned for Michigan include approximately 95 miles of new 345kV transmission lines and a total estimated investment of $850 million in Michigan.
Benefits of the Project
LRTP is an important step in modernizing the electric grid and meeting the challenges of a rapidly changing energy landscape. It aligns with state and federal goals to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources while ensuring a reliable and secure power supply for the residents and businesses of Michigan. LRTP aims to achieve several important outcomes:
- Improve system reliability
- Enhance grid resilience during extreme weather
- Reduce system congestion
- Improve distribution of low-cost, renewable energy
- Reduce carbon emissions to help meet decarbonization goals
- Strategically engineered to support our clean energy transition
ITC’s Role
ITC plays a pivotal role in the MISO LRTP Projects in Michigan. As a leading, independent transmission operator, ITC will be responsible for the planning, development, and construction of the transmission expansion and upgrades across the state. ITC will work closely with regulatory authorities, utilities, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of the projects.
ITC’s expertise in building and operating high-voltage transmission systems will be instrumental in achieving the project’s objectives. ITC aims to contribute to Michigan’s energy future by fostering a robust, reliable, and resilient, power grid to meet Michigan’s energy needs.