Public Engagement

“We encourage collaboration between ATC, property owners, communities, public officials, stakeholders and environmental groups.”

We understand electric grid projects have impacts on property owners and communities. When planning for and constructing power lines and related electric grid infrastructure, ATC works to minimize those impacts as much as possible, while also ensuring communities have safe and reliable electrical power.

We aim to be transparent about the process and work with landowners and communities to the extent possible.

We proactively provide information and updates about proposed projects in several ways, often depending upon their size, scope and timing:

  • We notify landowners directly with letters, mailers or postcards
  • We may host a project webpage with a map and a dedicated person to contact for more information
  • We may host a video about the project on the project webpage with details about the project route
  • We may host a live, on-line open house to share information about a proposed project and answer questions
  • Occasionally, we may host an in-person open house to share information about a major proposed project and answer questions

We know you may have questions or comments about a project. ATC responds to all landowner inquiries (e.g., potential line locations, easements, vegetation management, fences, timing, etc.) and takes your feedback into consideration.   If a project requires Public Service Commission of Wisconsin approval, you can also provide comments to the PSCW and participate in the regulatory process after ATC submits an application for the proposed project to the PSCW.

Routing and siting new power lines

We conduct a thorough analysis to identify viable power line routes that balance landowner and environmental impacts, constructability, current and future land use, project cost and specific electric system needs. We consider options that are appropriate for the locations and issues associated with a particular project.

Anyone is welcome to submit feedback to ATC and/or the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. With major projects that require a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, the PSCW will ultimately decide whether the line is needed and where it will be located.

When siting new power lines, we follow the power line routing priorities established by Wisconsin law, which favor colocation with existing facilities and infrastructure — like existing power lines and pipelines, state and federal highways, and railroads — where it is feasible.

Existing power lines and pipeline corridors are considered first, followed by state and federal highways and railroads. Recreational trails are a third option, to the extent they may be constructed underground and do not significantly impact environmentally sensitive areas. When the first three options are not viable, ATC can recommend establishing new corridors using property lines and/or boundaries.

The process typically begins by identifying a broad study area. Then potential corridors are identified that may be suitable for a power line. A final route or routes are developed from the corridors depending on the regulatory requirements for the project.

Developing routes that may be suitable for power lines requires a balanced look at a variety of factors. We look for routes that balance community input with environmental impacts, constructability, current and future land use, project cost and specific electric system needs. Routing power lines may involve trade-offs between a particular set of advantages and disadvantages. We propose routes in our regulatory applications that address electric system needs for all energy consumers and reduce local impacts to the extent possible.

Typically, we begin with a study area that identifies end points (substations – new or existing) for the power line. We gather data on environmental sensitivities, roads, railroads, pipelines, utility corridors and environmental areas, and start building a project map.

We identify many potential corridors after reviewing the study area. These corridors can be several hundred feet wide or more between the end points and may be suitable for line routes but have not yet been thoroughly evaluated. These corridors represent opportunities to rule in or rule out possible power line routes that require further evaluation and input.

The preliminary routes are evaluated more thoroughly and are likely to be considered for the project. As part of the route refinement process, new line segments that were not considered in previous phases may be added to the project map.

In Wisconsin, one or two routes are submitted to the PSCW depending on the regulatory requirements for the project. These are the routes that have been identified as the best solution based on environmental and land use considerations, suitability for construction, community impact, cost and electric system needs. These routes are formally presented in ATC’s regulatory application to the PSCW for authorization to construct the project. These routes are thoroughly characterized with supporting environmental, engineering and construction information, all of which is publicly available during this phase.

Prior to the application filing, ATC contacts local officials, community organizations and landowners to provide the latest developments of the project. After we file an application, the PSCW will evaluate whether the project is needed and decide where to site the line. For CPCN applications, the PSCW holds technical and public hearings about the project before making a final decision.

The public is encouraged to provide input and ask questions about any case before the PSCW. While many of the comments and questions are taken into consideration, the PSCW ultimately decides whether the line is needed, how it will be designed and where it will be located. If the PSCW approves the project, it issues a written order.

Regulatory review process

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin is the regulatory agency that approves certain utility projects in Wisconsin.

Once we have gathered information from various stakeholders and identified power line route options (a process that can take a year or more), we prepare a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity application to submit to the PSCW. A CPCN is an application that authorizes (in the form of a document called an Order) ATC to construct the project on the route that the PSCW deems best.

A different type of authorization, called a Certificate of Authority is required for certain projects that exceed a certain cost threshold.

A CPCN application generally will include two or more route options along with all the documentation required for the PSCW to review the project and render a decision (Order). The PSCW will notify affected landowners when the review process has started and will schedule public hearings so that the public may offer formal comments on the project. This review can take up to a year depending on the type of project.

Learn more about the PSCW’s public participation.