In Wisconsin, demand for electricity is growing at a rate of about 3 percent annually. Power usage in homes, businesses, hospitals and emergency services is stressing the aging and insufficient electric infrastructure. As a result, the reliability of the transmission system is weakening. To meet the growing electricity demand, new transmission lines need to be built and existing lines upgraded.

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 line needed, but it’s a good start at ensuring reliability.

The line will be constructed primarily along existing railroad, gas-pipeline and highway and transmission rights-of-way. The 220.2 mile line will traverse 207.7 miles in Wisconsin.

• 95.9 miles (46 percent) of the line in Wisconsin will be along an existing transmission line corridor. The existing line will be rebuilt. (see chart on right)
• 58.6 miles (28 percent) of the line in Wisconsin will be constructed along existing railroad, gas-pipeline and highway rights-of-way. (see chart on right)
• 53.2 miles (26 percent)of the line in Wisconsin will be constructed along new right-of-way. (see chart on right)

In Wisconsin, the line will cross the property of approximately 800 landowners.

The Arrowhead-Weston transmission project will help ensure that Wisconsin has reliable and affordable energy now and in the future.

American Transmission Company will own, operate and maintain the line. ATC works with its customers, local communities and state and federal regulators to plan, build and maintain transmission system that provides safe, reliable and affordable electricity.