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Counties of Buffalo and Trempealeau, Wisconsin
Docket ID: 1515-CE-103
Application of Dairyland Power Cooperative for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to Construct and Operate the Wisconsin Portion of LRTP Tranche 1 Project 4, Consisting of a New 345 kV Transmission Line in the Counties of Buffalo and Trempealeau, Wisconsin, also Known as the Alma to Blair Transmission Line Project.
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Application Summary
Overview
Dairyland Power Company (DPC or applicant) is seeking approval to construct a new 345 kV (kilovolt) high voltage transmission line (HVTL) between Alma and Blair, Wisconsin. The project would start at Dairyland’s existing LQ-34 transmission line structure 3 located on the east side of the Mississippi River near the Alma Substation in the City of Alma, Wisconsin in Buffalo County and will extend to a new 345-kV switching station near the Town of Blair in Trempealeau County. The proposed (southern) project route is approximately 34 miles including a total of 409.3 acres of new Right-of-Way (ROW). The alternative (northern) route is 45 miles including a total of 534.5 acres of new ROW. The major components of the proposed project include the previously listed mileage of 345 kV transmission line, and modifications and connection at the existing Alma Substation. Dairyland Power Company is seeking a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) and all other approvals required to construct the 345 kV HVTL and other necessary project components.
Applicant stated need
The project is one part of the MISO Long-Range Transmission Planning (LRTP) Tranche 1 Portfolio of projects (specifically the Wisconsin portion of LRTP Project 4) recommended to meet transmission system reliability, economic, and policy needs. The project fills a need to add transmission capacity to meet the current demand for energy in the region. The project will also improve reliability and reduce congestion along the grid and allow energy from renewable sources in Minnesota, Iowa, and elsewhere to reach Wisconsin customers.
Estimated cost
The applicant has stated that the estimated project cost would be between $177 – $256 million, depending on the route selected.
Project location
The project would be located within Buffalo and Trempealeau Counties, Wisconsin.
Proposed schedule
- The applicant submitted the application to the Commission in July 2024.
- If approved, the applicant anticipates construction for this project to begin in Q3 2025 with an estimated completion date of Q2 2028.
Key Application Documents
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