"Complete" Application Signals Start of Formal Review of Proposed Wausau-Duluth Power Line

The 1,400-page application to build a power line from Wausau, Wisconsin to Duluth, Minnesota has been deemed "complete" by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW), the state's utility regulators. Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (NYSE: WPS) and Minnesota Power, Inc. (NYSE: MPL) filed the application in early November after many months of review and modification based on input from fourteen public information meetings held along the Wisconsin route options.

"It took us a little longer than we expected to finalize the application, but it was time well spent," said Larry Borgard, WPS vice president-transmission. "Public input helped us submit a comprehensive document as the first important step in the extensive process the Commission will use to make a sound decision for the people of Wisconsin."

The finding of completeness triggers a formal review process. The PSCW will examine the two-volume document in detail and prepare a draft environmental impact statement for public review and comment. When a final environmental impact statement is ready in the spring or summer of 2000, the Commission will schedule public hearings for interested parties to express their views for the record. After review of the public testimony, technical information and environmental impacts, the Commission is expected to make a decision by the end of 2000.

Wisconsin Public Service and Minnesota Power have proposed the transmission line in order to augment Wisconsin's aging electric grid. The Wausau-Duluth line will improve reliability and electric service to Wisconsin consumers statewide and prevent widespread blackouts.

An electronic version of the application is available via the project's Internet web site. Hard copies of the application have been sent to each of the township, municipal and county clerk's offices and community libraries along the proposed routes.

Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, based in Green Bay, provides electricity and natural gas to 400,000 customers in a 19-county area in northeastern and central Wisconsin, and a portion of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Minnesota Power, Inc., is a diversified services company headquartered in Duluth that provides low-cost electric service in northeastern and central Minnesota. A subsidiary--Superior Water, Light and Power--provides electricity, natural gas and water to customers in Superior and adjacent areas in northwestern Wisconsin.

The Commission has designated the proposed Wausau-Duluth line as Docket No. 05-CE-113.