In Wisconsin, the demand for electricity is growing at a rate of about 3 percent annually. The reliability of today’s transmission system that delivers electricity to homes, businesses, hospitals and emergency services is being stressed by this increased demand and by an aging and insufficient infrastructure. New transmission lines must be built and existing lines upgraded to meet the growing demand for electricity.

Consider the Facts:

• At times of peak electricity use, Wisconsin must purchase 15 to 20 percent of the electricity needed to meet the demand and ensure reliability. That electricity is transported through electric transmission lines.
• In Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, large portions of the transmission grid were built to meet the demand that existed more than 60 years ago. Many of the transmission lines must be upgraded to meet today’s electricity demand.
• A report from the U.S. Department of Energy says Wisconsin is one of a handful of states with serious transmission bottlenecks. It says the existing transmission line between Minnesota and Wisconsin is one of the four most overloaded lines in the nation and that unless something is done to relieve that overloading, Wisconsin could face serious shortages during hot summer weather.
• Due to limitations of the current transmission system, there have been several occasions since 1995 when electrical system emergencies were declared and public appeals were issued to reduce demand to avoid blackouts.
• Consumers are best served when utility companies have the ability to buy power from a variety of suppliers and move it over a transmission system that can deliver the electricity needed to meet economic and population growth.
• Electric generating facilities are not a substitute for transmission lines. Rather, as new generating facilities are built, transmission lines are needed to move the electricity from where it’s produced to where it’s needed.
• The ability to call on a variety of sources for electricity helps reduce costs and improve reliability.
• Improved transmission reliability helps ensure a continuation in the quality of important services provided by hospitals, nursing homes and other institutions, which serve the elderly and individuals with special needs.