Transmission lines bring immediate and direct economic benefits to those who own the land on which they're built, significant economic benefits to the communities through which they pass and essential long-term benefits to the consumers who use the power transmitted on the lines.

Access to reliable and affordable electricity is vital to sustaining and growing not only the state's economy, but also local economies.

Consider the Facts:

• Landowners directly affected by the location and construction of transmission lines are compensated for right-of-way easements based on the appraised value.
• Amenities - like proximity to schools or jobs, lot size, square footage of a house and neighborhood characteristics - may have a greater effect on the sale price of a property than the presence of a power line.

Communities

• Transmission lines improve the ability of local utility companies to access a variety of electricity sources. The ability to buy power where it is least expensive and move it to areas where it is needed, when it is needed, ultimately lowers costs and improves service for both residential and business consumers.
• A dependable supply of energy benefits everyone.
• Residential consumers have the affordable electricity they need.
• Businesses have the energy they need to expand and create new jobs to remain competitive.
• Public health and safety facilities have the electricity they need to remain operational.
• About 80 percent of all new jobs in Wisconsin are created by small businesses. Wisconsin can help protect jobs and encourage small businesses to remain in the state by ensuring a reliable and affordable supply of electricity.
• Access to affordable,reliable electricity is an important benefit for businesses considering relocation or expansion.

The Arrowhead-Weston transmission project to be built from Wausau to Duluth will significantly improve electric reliability in Northwest Wisconsin and throughout the state and the Upper Midwest. The project is required to strengthen the power grid and help reduce the electric system's vulnerability to disturbances. It's not the only project needed, but it's a good start at ensuring reliability.

The total cost of the project will result in an approximate 1 percent increase in residential and business electric bills. Residential consumers with a monthly electric bill of $50 will see a total cost increase of about 50 cents a month. Businesses with a monthly electric bill of $50,000 will see a total increase of about $500 a month.

The full 1 percent increase will take effect on consumers' electric bills in 2008.