Refer to Table ZS-1 and Figure ZS-5

 Summary of key findings 

• In the 2010 study year, potential constraints were identified occurring broadly across the U.P. All identified issues have either a mitigation plan or project associated with them. Please refer to Table ZS-1 (Project or Mitigation column) for details.

We have completed or are currently constructing a series of significant upgrades across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The most notable projects are:

• The Eastern Upper Peninsula Reliability and Operating Enhancement Phase 1 (EUROPE) projects completed in 2006.
• The Northern Umbrella Projects (NUP) scheduled for completion in 2010.
• Three urgent projects in the Eastern Upper Peninsula completed at the start of the winter of 2007-08.  These projects provided a hedge for the risk of low water availability for hydroelectric generation.

Even with these significant upgrades, operational challenges remain in this region due to the delicate balance among generation, load, market flows and transmission facilities that currently exists. There are also continuing asset renewal needs.

Longer term, more robust solutions, involving upgrades, rebuilds, and/or new construction is possible. These results are presented fully in the ATC Energy Collaborative - Michigan section. This section presents a strategic flexibility approach to the multiple factors emerging across the U.P.