Multi-Value Project expands access to clean, renewable energy
Cedar Rapids, Iowa (October 30, 2018) – Following years of planning and construction, ITC Midwest has completed and energized a major new, high voltage electric transmission line. As a 110-mile segment of Multi-Value Project (MVP) 3, the 345,000 volt (345 kV) transmission line connects ITC Midwest’s Lakefield Junction and Huntley substations in southern Minnesota, and the Ledyard switching substation and MidAmerican Energy’s Kossuth County substation, in northern Iowa.
MVP 3 is one of 17 Multi-Value Projects (MVPs) approved by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) to provide access to low-cost electricity generation, improve reliability and efficiency, and expand access to renewable energy resources throughout the Midwest. Specifically, this transmission line will facilitate the integration of clean, renewable and cost-effective energy, including wind energy, from southern Minnesota and northern Iowa for electric consumers across the region.
“Throughout this project, ITC’s ongoing commitment to operational excellence has been evident, as we’ve worked in close cooperation with landowners, communities, neighboring utility partners, contractors and suppliers,” said Krista Tanner, president of ITC Midwest. “The MVP 3 project substantially increases grid capacity and enhances system reliability while providing more efficient transmission of energy. Through the construction of this new transmission line, ITC is pleased to provide greater access to renewable energy and positively contribute to the region’s economy and overall quality of life.”
In addition, this line benefits communities by relieving stress on lower-voltage lines that deliver power to electric customers. Due to the interconnected nature of the grid, communities throughout the region can benefit from this transmission line, even if they are not located in close proximity to the project.
During the construction phase of the transmission line, the project had a significant impact to the southern Minnesota and north-central Iowa economy, including employment of local contractors, vendors and suppliers. The regional economy benefited from the demand for supplies and services such as concrete, hardware, fuel, gravel and trucking, as well as food, lodging and other personal needs for construction crews. The transmission infrastructure provided by the project helps to spur economic development and job growth, as well as accommodate the growing needs of electricity users.
As it has throughout planning and construction, ITC will continue to work closely with landowners, county officials and neighboring utilities, as well as economic development and community leaders.
“We are grateful for the tremendous support received throughout all stages of the project from landowners, township and county officials, and other community leaders who have made this transmission line possible,” said Lori Broghammer, area manager for ITC Midwest.
Although the MVP 3 project is substantially complete, residents in the area will still see crews working to remove construction materials, finish clean-up activities and restore land affected by construction.
Studies by MISO, the regional authority that oversees electric transmission for a multi-state area that includes Minnesota and Iowa, show that the MVPs are anticipated to produce benefits for customers in the broader region of between 2.2 and 3.4 times project costs.
ITC Midwest is involved with other MVP projects, including:
- MVP 4, a 345 kV transmission line which will link the Ledyard, Colby and Killdeer Substations in northern Iowa. This line also extends south to the Hampton area, where it connects to a line built by MidAmerican Energy through the Waterloo area before connecting to the segment of the Black Hawk-Hazleton line built by ITC Midwest. The final 55-mile segment of this project between ITC Midwest’s Ledyard and Colby Substations is scheduled to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2019.
- ITC Midwest is working with American Transmission Co. and Dairyland Power Cooperative on MVP 5. Known as the Cardinal-Hickory Creek project, the proposed transmission line would connect the Hickory Creek Substation just east of New Vienna in Dubuque County to the Cardinal Substation in Dane County. This 345 kV project is currently under regulatory review, with an anticipated completion date of 2023.
- The Ottumwa-Iowa/Missouri Border Transmission Project is part of MVP 7, a new 345 kV transmission line being constructed in Iowa by ITC Midwest and MidAmerican Energy. Construction began in October 2018, with line completion slated for May 2019.
About the MVP 3 project
The ITC segment of the MVP project consists of 110 miles of 345,000 volt (345 kV) transmission lines, with approximately 75% of the line double circuited (two separate transmission lines on the same structures). To facilitate the project, ITC expanded its Lakefield, Minnesota substation, built a new substation at Huntley, Minnesota and constructed a new switching substation at Ledyard, Iowa.
A second segment of MVP 3, from the Kossuth County substation west to the O’Brien County substation, and south to the Webster County substation, was built and previously put into service by MidAmerican Energy Company. The entire MVP 3 project spans more than 200 miles.
Construction began in 2015, and the project was put into service in two phases. The 56-mile Lakefield to Huntley segment was energized on May 18, 2018. The 54-mile Huntley-Ledyard-Kossuth segment was energized on September 27, 2018.
Quick Facts about the ITC MVP 3 project
- Construction began: November 2015
- Length of line: 110 miles
- Total length of conductor used: 928 miles
- Approximately 75% of the line is double circuited
- Number of steel monopole structures: 585
- Distance between poles: 800 – 1,200 feet
- Average number of poles per mile: 5
- Height of poles: 110 – 195 feet
- Amount of concrete for pole and tower foundations: 88,170 cubic yards (equivalent to 9,800 mixer truckloads)
- Range of depth of the foundations: 40 to 102 feet
- Quantity of gravel used for road maintenance: 135,000 tons
- Base diameter of poles used: largest diameter pole is 13.5 feet, most are 6.5 feet in diameter
- Lakefield to Huntley 56-mile segment energized: May 18, 2018
- Huntley-Ledyard-Kossuth 54-mile segment energized: September 27, 2018
- General contractor: M.J. Electric
About ITC Midwest
ITC Midwest LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ITC Holdings Corp., the nation’s largest independent electricity transmission company. ITC Midwest operates more than 6,600 circuit miles of transmission lines in Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois and Missouri, and holds utility status in Wisconsin. ITC Midwest is headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and maintains regional operating facilities in Dubuque, Iowa City and Perry, Iowa; and Albert Lea and Lakefield, Minnesota. For further information visit WWW.ITC-HOLDINGS.COM. ITC is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry. For further information visit WWW.FORTISINC.COM.
Media Contact: Rod Pritchard – 319.350.9255 (RPRITCHARD@ITCTRANSCO.COM)
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