Final Decision Issued
On April 15, 2022, the Commission issued a final decision for this project. At the time of the final decision construction was anticipated to begin in the second quarter of 2024, with completion by 2026. Removal of the existing lines is expected to occur in 2027 and 2028.
Quarterly construction updates and post decision correspondence between the Commission and the Applicant can be found in the corresponding docket reports.
Docket Reports: 4220-CE-183
Ashland and Iron Counties
Docket ID: 4220-CE-183
Application of Northern States Power Company–Wisconsin for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to Construct the Ashland to Ironwood Transmission Line Relocation Project, to be Located in Ashland and Iron Counties, Wisconsin.
View and Download Project Map
Jump to Section:
Interactive Map
Use the interactive map to explore this project.
Tips for using the map
- Enter a location or address in
Find address or place to zoom into specific location.
- Click the information button () under the search bar to view additional guidance and tips for using this mapping application.
Application Summary
Overview: Northern States Power Company–Wisconsin (Xcel Energy) has proposed five route alternatives that could be used to rebuild and relocate the transmission line that would be removed. These have been identified as Route Options A, B, C, D and E. All five route options contemplate relocating and rebuilding the 88 kV W3351 and 115 kV W3316 lines along the 34.5 kV W3606 and 34.5 kV W3607 corridors. Xcel Energy has stated that the W3606 and W3607 lines are in poor condition and would be rebuilt as part of the proposed project. A segment of the W3606 line would also be relocated as part of the project.
A portion of Lines W3316 and W3351 (the lines that would be removed) is currently located within the Bad River Reservation. In addition, regardless of the route selected, a 1.8-mile-long segment of Line W3606 will be removed from the Copper Falls State Park.
Applicant stated need: The project is needed to ensure reliable electric service to the Bayfield, Ashland and Ironwood areas. The reliability concerns are created by three factors: (1) The advanced age and poor condition of the existing facilities; (2) difficult terrain that constrains access to the facilities which are located remote from roads; and (3) limited land rights.
Estimated cost: The applicant has stated that the estimated project cost would be between $131-139 million, depending on the route(s) selected.
Project Location: The project would be located within Ashland and Iron Counties (see maps).
Proposed schedule:
- The application was submitted to the Commission on May 26, 2021.
- The proposed construction for this project is anticipated to begin in Spring of 2024, with an estimated completion date in 2026.
Statutory Review
The Project is categorized as a
Type II action under
Wis. Admin. Code § PSC 4.10(2). The Commission will prepare an EA for this project that will evaluate the location of the project and its potential environmental, community, and private property impacts. There will be a preliminary determination when the Environmental Assessment (EA) is complete that will determine whether the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is necessary.
Key Application Documents
Access Docket 4220-CE-183 in the PSC Case Management System to view additional information.
Utilize the
Staff Involved tab for contact details for PSC staff assigned to the docket, including the case coordinator and the environmental review coordinator.
Click the
Documents tab for a complete list of docket documents categorized by document type.
Access Docket 4220-CE-183
< Highlighted Cases