AEP and ITC Transmission complete technical study on benefits of expanding 765-kV
transmission into Michigan In Nov. 2006, AEP signed a memorandum of understanding
(MOU) with ITC Transmission,
a subsidiary of ITC Holdings Corp. (ITC), to perform a technical study to evaluate
the feasibility of extending AEP’s 765-kilovolt (kV) transmission infrastructure
into, and through, the state of Michigan.
The study explores the merits and benefits of building a 765-kV transmission network
in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula that would link to AEP’s 765-kV transmission
system in the Midwest.
The Proposed
765 kV Transmission Infrastructure Expansion study (PDF: 2.06 MB) is being shared with the
Midwest ISO (MISO) and the Michigan Public Service
Commission’s (MPSC) 21st Century Energy Planning team.
The study proposes that the existing 765 kV transmission system that extends into
the southwest corner of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan be extended east across
Michigan and south down to the existing 765 kV infrastructure in Ohio.
The extension would consist of three segments comprising approximately 700 miles
of transmission infrastructure. The study estimates the cost of the project
at approximately $2.6 billion in 2007 dollars. The entire 765 kV project would be
expected to take approximately eight years to build assuming three years to site
and acquire rights-of-way and five years to construct.
The MOU signed with ITC Transmission does not include provisions to build or operate
transmission. Any future activities regarding Michigan transmission will be determined
after the completion of the study.
