The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) unanimously approved the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) on Thursday, Feb. 5, for Dairyland’s 345 kV Alma-Blair Transmission Project. The project will relieve congestion along the grid, support growing renewable energy resources and ensure the continued delivery of safe, reliable and cost-effective electricity to homes and businesses in western Wisconsin.  

Dairyland proposed two route options and the PSCW selected the southern route for the project, spanning approximately 33 miles between the Alma Substation near the Mississippi River and the Tremval Substation near Blair, Wis. Commissioners commended Dairyland’s commitment to minimizing environmental and landowner impacts while highlighting the project’s significant benefits to the energy grid.

“Dairyland appreciates the public’s engagement and the thorough process of the Wisconsin Public Service Commission to review and approve this important project,” said Sr. Director, Engineering Services Ron Krizan. “The Alma-Blair Transmission Project will play a critical role in supporting regional reliability and the long-term sustainability of our region by enabling renewable energy and supporting growth in the economy."

The 345 kV transmission line will follow an existing transmission line corridor. It includes installation of new 345 kV conductor, insulators and hardware on replaced double-circuit structures in tandem with Dairyland’s 161 kV transmission line.

Dairyland was selected by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc., (MISO) as the developer, as part of Tranche 1 of their Long Range Transmission Plan (LRTP).