Great River Energy, wholesale electric supplier to East Central Energy (East Central), proposes to build 19 miles of new 69-kilovolt (kV) transmission line in Douglas County that will connect the existing Dairyland and Summit distribution substations owned by East Central.
Overview
The line is proposed to connect to the south side of the Dairyland Substation located in Section 8 of Dairyland Township and primarily follow State Trunk Highway 35 to the Summit Substation in Section 6 of Summit Township. The new line will improve reliability and system voltage of the distribution and transmission system in the area.
The transmission line will primarily consist of wood poles 55 to 80 feet above ground, placed 350 to 450 feet apart. The transmission line generally requires a 100-foot-wide easement, 50 feet on each side of the transmission centerline. To provide a safe construction, operation, and maintenance area, it will be necessary to remove vegetation within the easement area.
Public involvement
A public open house will be held in Fall 2026 to share project information with stakeholders. After the open house, the final location of the transmission line will be decided, and survey of the corridor will begin. Once survey information is obtained, preliminary design of the transmission line will begin.
Click to view project fact sheet and map
Permits and Approvals
- The project will obtain required local approvals once the open house is held and the transmission line route is determined. Once the project has received approval, landowners will be contacted to begin the easement acquisition process. Landowners will be presented with an easement, offer of compensation and additional project information that will comply with Wis. Stat. Ch. 32. The proposed design and information on tree removal, construction access, settlement of damages and restoration practices will also be shared. Great River Energy will work with local, state and federal authorities throughout the project to obtain necessary permits.