North Central Wisconsin
Zone 1
Transmission system limitations in Zone 1
Zone 1 has a few key system performance issues. High voltages may occur in the northern portion of the zone under system intact and contingent system conditions. Potential overloads and low voltages resulting from multiple contingency planning events will continue to be monitored. The most severe limitations are expected during both peak and off-peak periods.
Electricity usage
Peak electric demand typically occurs during the summer months, with some winter peaks appearing in the northern portion of the zone. Primary electricity users in Zone 1 include several large paper mills and food processing plants.
Electric load is forecasted to grow approximately 0.2 percent annually through 2035.
Transmission projects in Zone 1
The most notable planned, proposed, and provisional network/asset-renewal projects in Zone 1, are listed below – along with their projected year of completion and the factors driving the need for the projects.
Zone 1 includes the counties of:
- Adams , Wis.
- Fond du Lac (NW) , Wis.
- Forest (SW) , Wis.
- Green Lake , Wis.
- Juneau , Wis.
- Langlade , Wis.
- Lincoln , Wis.
- Marathon , Wis.
- Marquette , Wis.
- Monroe (E) , Wis.
- Oneida , Wis.
- Portage , Wis.
- Shawano (W) , Wis.
- Vernon (E) , Wis.
- Vilas (S) , Wis.
- Washara , Wis.
- Waupaca , Wis.
- Winnebago (W) , Wis.
- Wood , Wis.
Zone 1 Planned Projects
| Project Description | Project # | In-service year | Need driver | Regulatory Update |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waupaca Area Energy Storage Project | 1 | 2025 | Operational flexibility | CA Approved in 2024 |
| Groenier – Rosholt (ALTE) Tap 69 kV (Y-71), Partial Rebuild and Rerate | 2 | 2025 | Condition and Performance | N/A |
| Rocky Run SS T2 and T4 Power Transformer Replacement | 3 | 2027 | Reliability, Asset Renewal | CA Filed in 2025 |
| Northern Adams County Area Network Improvement Project | 4 | 2027 | Reliability, T-D Interconnection | CA Filed in 2025 |
| North Central WI Reliability Project | 5 | 2028 | Reliability | CPCN Filed in 2025 |
Zone 1 Proposed Projects
| Project Description | Project # | In-service year | Need driver | Regulatory Update |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsville Area Reliability Project | 6 | 2028 | Reliability, T-D Interconnection | CPCN targeted filing 2026 |
| Birnamwood Area Reliability Project | 7 | 2028 | Reliability | N/A |
| J1502 Emerson Rd SS Network Upgrades and interconnection Facilities | 8 | 2028 | G-T Interconnection | N/A |
| Grid Forward Central Wisconsin (MISO LRTP Tranche 1 Project 6) | 9 | 2030 | Regional reliability | CPCN Filed in 2024 |
Zone 1 Provisional Projects
| Project Description | Project # | In-service year | Need driver | Regulatory Update |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birnamwood – Brookes Corners 69kV (Y-86), Partial Rebuild | 10 | 2031 | Asset Renewal | N/A |