Wis. utility scales back plan for Mich. power line
Wis. utility ATC scales back plan for power lines into Mich., citing reduced energy needs
WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) -- A Wisconsin utility is scaling back plans to run power lines into Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
American Transmission Co. of Waukesha had planned to extend power lines 122 miles from the Green Bay area into the U.P. But ATC spokesman Jackie Olson says the project is now planned to go 45 miles.
One reason is that a We Energies coal-fired power plant in Marquette, Mich., will keep running. The utility had considered closing the plant rather than pay for federally mandated pollution controls, but it ultimately decided to install the controls.
Olson says ATC is deferring further work pending a larger review of power needs in the region.
The scaled-back plans mean the project will now cost about $300 million to $400 million, down from the original $900 million estimate.
