The Public Service Commission voted Oct. 30 to grant American Transmission Company (ATC) a certificate of authority for the Grant County distribution interconnection project, finding the record demonstrates the project satisfies the statutory need for an adequate supply of electric energy and approving a set of conditions to manage construction and environmental risks.

Chair Strand (Chairperson, Public Service Commission) summarized the application and supporting record. The docket describes approximately 10 miles of new 69 kV transmission comprised of 17 segments, roughly 6,162.5 acres of right-of-way impacts, and an estimated total project cost of about $38.3 million. According to the filing, the project responds to two load interconnection request forms from Wisconsin Power and Light (WPNL), including service to a new foundry customer requiring approximately 20 MW with potential future growth.

After reviewing the statutory criteria, the commission found no record evidence that the proposed project would unreasonably impair utility service or provide facilities in excess of probable future requirements. Commissioners noted MISO accepted the project into its regional planning process (MTEP 24). The commission also considered a commenter’s claim that an alternative with shorter, less-expensive lines might exist, but concluded that alternative was not before the commission and the record before it supported approval.

The commission approved a package of order conditions. Key items the commission required include: revised construction-spread permitting language referencing PSC 112.02(1) to ensure required permits are obtained for defined construction spreads; a standard stray-voltage testing condition directing ATC to cooperate with the applicable distribution utility to make stray-voltage testing available to agricultural confined animal operations within one-half mile of project facilities, to report test results to commission staff, and to work with property owners to rectify any identified problems consistent with commission protocol; and a minor-routing-adjustment process that allows limited route changes for environmental protection or landowner requests but preserves notice and review for changes affecting previously unnotified landowners or new resources.

Commissioners Nieto and Hawkins joined the chair in supporting approval with these conditions. Legal staff confirmed the proposed wording for the modified condition and the additional project-specific conditions were sufficient for the final order. A motion to approve the certificate of authority consistent with the discussion was moved, seconded, and approved by voice vote.

The commission’s approval applies only to certification and siting; cost recovery and allocation matters remain regulated by FERC and MISO processes and any later rate proceedings.