Portions of the electric transmission grid in northwestern Michigan were built in the 1950’s and 60’s and have experienced minimal investment since that time. The lines and structures on the Keystone-Hodenpyl 138,000 volt (138 kV) line reached their design capacity limits and became difficult to maintain. METC upgraded this 26-mile line in order to improve reliability and to meet current safety, design and construction standards. Work began in the second quarter of 2012 and was completed in November 2013.
The Keystone-Hodenpyl line is approximately 26 miles long and is located in Grand Traverse, Wexford and Manistee counties. The rebuild of the Keystone-Hodenpyl line is an example of ITC’s ongoing commitment to the operational efficiency and reliability of Michigan’s high voltage transmission grid. The company has invested more than $2.3 billion in capital project maintenance and transmission infrastructure improvements in Michigan since 2003. These investments are improving the reliability and safety of the transmission infrastructure while ensuring its ability to meet new energy demands.
WANT TO SEE ALL THE PROJECT DETAILS?
WHERE IS THIS PROJECT LOCATED?
The Keystone-Hodenpyl line is located in Grand Traverse, Wexford and Manistee counties. The line begins in Garfield Township and proceeds south through Blair Township into Mayfield Township, then southwest through Grant Township, Wexford Township and Springfield Township, where it crosses into Marilla Township to the Hodenpyl Junction.
WHY IS THIS PROJECT NECESSARY?
Much of the transmission system serving northwestern Michigan was built in the mid-1950s and needs to be upgraded to meet increasing electrical demand. The lines and structures on the Keystone-Hodenpyl 138,000 volt (138 kV) line have reached their design capacity limits and are difficult to maintain. ITC subsidiary Michigan Electric Transmission Company, LLC (METC) is upgrading this 26-mile line in order to improve reliability and to meet current safety, design and construction standards, including increased lightning protection.
WHAT WILL THE NEW LINES AND TOWERS LOOK LIKE?
The new towers are steel monopoles which are stronger and more reliable than the existing structures. They also have a smaller environmental footprint. ITC will replace the existing lines with new aluminum conductors capable of carrying more electricity safely and reliably. The new structures will allow for the addition of a second circuit to meet additional demand for energy in the future.
WHEN WILL THIS PROJECT START, AND HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
Work began during the second quarter of 2013 and was completed in November 2013.
WHAT EFFORT IS ITC MAKING TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE AREA?
ITC is working with appropriate state and local organizations, including the Michigan DNRE, to review its project plans and obtain appropriate permits to erect towers and lines through this region.
WHAT LOCAL PERMITS, IF ANY, DOES ITC HAVE TO OBTAIN TO RECONSTRUCT THIS TRANSMISSION LINE?
ITC has coordinated with all applicable local and state agencies as well as local municipalities to ensure that all required permits such as road crossings, drain crossings and soil erosion permits are obtained. Local zoning approvals are not necessary because the reconstruction process is taking place entirely within our existing rights of way and easements.
