Midcontinent Grid Solutions’ bid to become a public utility in Wisconsin will be the subject of a public hearing before the Wisconsin Public Service Commission, according to a report in the Wisconsin State Journal.
The hearing, at which interested parties will provide evidence in a trial environment, has not yet been scheduled but Wisconsin residents will be able to apply to become a party by Oct. 29.
Registration details have not yet been announced.
Midcontinent, which wants to develop a transmission line in the Driftless Area of southwestern Wisconsin, filed applications in June to become a public utility in the state.
The application to become a public utility in Wisconsin is separate from a construction permit that will be needed for Midcontinent’s proposed 765 kilovolt BECI line, a new line.
MariBell, a complementary 765 kilovolt transmission line that expands an existing line, will also be considered by the PSC.
Proponents of the lines say they are needed to update an aging electrical grid.
Opponents, who held a rally last week at the State Capitol last week, argue the new lines would have negative effects on utility rates and the environment. They have urged lawmakers to enact a more extensive review procedure for new power infrastructure proposals.
