When transmission infrastructure improvements or additions require new right-of-way, the job of siting the facilities is a sensitive one. We follow a careful and deliberate process that provides guidance for identifying and analyzing potential options for siting and routing of transmission facilities. Through input received from agencies, the public and other stakeholders, siting criteria are developed that are applicable and appropriate for the location and issues associated with a particular project.
Legislation passed in 2003 (Wisconsin Act 89) outlined priorities for selecting locations for new transmission lines. As outlined in Act 89, Section 1.12 (6), we and the regulatory agencies are required to “evaluate, to the greatest extent feasible consistent with economic and engineering considerations, reliability of the electric system and protection of the environment, the following corridors in the following order of priority:”
1. Primary opportunities
- Existing transmission lines
- Pipelines
2. Secondary opportunities
3. Tertiary opportunities
- Recreational trails where rights-of-way, environmental considerations and engineering/cost feasibility warrant
4. New corridors
- Establish new corridors using section lines and/or property boundaries
A copy of Act 89 is available at the state legislature’s Web site:
http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2003/data/acts/03Act89.pdf
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Planning criteria & tools