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2/26/2011
Huron
Daily Tribune
NOVI — ITCTransmission
on Friday received a siting certificate for its Thumb Loop high-voltage
transmission line project from the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC).
The MPSC order is the final major regulatory approval required for the
project, which consists of approximately 140 miles of double-circuit
345,000 volt (345 kV) lines and four new substations.
The Thumb Loop project will serve as the “backbone” of a system
designed to meet the identified minimum and maximum wind energy potential
of the Thumb region. As an important link in the highvoltage transmission
system in Michigan and the region, it also will contribute to reducing
congestion, improving system reliability and facilitating wholesale market
competition, according to a press release from ITCTransmission.
“ITC appreciates the hard work and commitment from the MPSC
commissioners and staff to review our siting application and approve a
final route for this milestone project,” said Gregory Loanidis,
president of ITC Michigan. “This is an important step in Michigan and
the region toward meeting public policy objectives, facilitating the
interconnection of renewables and lowering energy prices. We will continue
to work cooperatively with the MPSC, local officials, affected landowners
and the public in an open and transparent manner as we begin the
right-of-way acquisition process and work toward finalizing design and
beginning construction.”
The approved route traverses Tuscola, Huron, Sanilac and St. Clair
counties. ITC will analyze the route and begin contacting landowners who
have property along the route to discuss how the line will affect their
property.
About the project
The Thumb Loop Project will be capable of supporting a maximum capacity of
about 5,000 MW. Additional lines and facilities will be needed in the
future as wind generators go into service and connect to the backbone
system. The project will be constructed in stages, with the first segment,
the western side of the loop from Tuscola County to Huron County, expected
to start construction during the first quarter of 2012 and finish in late
2013. The remainder would be targeted for completion by 2015. The MPSC
siting order for the Thumb Loop is pursuant to Michigan’s “Clean,
Renewable and Efficient Energy Act” (Public Act 295) and the MPSC’s
January 27, 2010 order designating the Thumb region, as identified by the
Michigan Wind Energy Resource Zone Board, as the primary wind energy
resource zone in Michigan.
For more information about the Thumb Loop project, please visit
www.itctransco. com.
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