ITC Midwest Moves Forward to Support Load Growth
October 1, 2025 | Midwest
ITC Midwest is constructing its largest substation to date – Big Cedar Substation in southwest Cedar Rapids – to support significant electricity load growth. The substation is scheduled to be energized by March 2026 to support the load growth. The additional load growth has the potential to reduce upward network rate pressure for the distribution utilities served by ITC Midwest.
Over the summer, substantial work was completed on above-ground substation infrastructure, with high-capacity busbars installed and large breakers installed on concrete pads. In October, two control enclosures are being installed at the substation site. These will serve as the operational hub of the substation, housing the critical equipment needed to control, monitor and protect the electrical systems within the substation.
Additional projects are underway to further support the increased load. ITC Midwest is double circuiting the existing 345 kV (345,000 volt) transmission line connecting the Morgan Valley Substation near Fairfax and the Beverly Substation in Cedar Rapids. This includes adding arms and conductors to the line. A new line will connect the Morgan Valley-Beverly line to the Big Cedar Substation. Upgrades to the Morgan Valley and Beverly substations are also part of the infrastructure enhancements.
In addition, other projects are being developed to increase system capacity and help ensure system reliability to support the increased demand of energy in the future. These include the previously introduced MISO LRTP Tranche 1 345 kV projects, consisting of the Morgan Valley to Twinkle and Beverly to Sub 92 projects. Two additional projects in process that will also support future energy demand are the Beverly to Hills 345 kV and the Fairfax to Swan Lake 161 kV projects.
ITC Midwest appreciates the partnership with Alliant Energy, the City of Cedar Rapids, the City of Fairfax, local community officials and many others. Their support has been essential to facilitating the economic growth we help drive in the communities we are privileged to serve.
