As Michigan continues to transition to a cleaner portfolio of power generation resources, additional transmission capacity will be needed to promote the continued reliability of the bulk power system and support the interconnection of these new resources.
The J538 Generator Interconnection Project connects 150 MW of wind generation to ITC’s Michigan Electric Transmission Company, LLC (METC) system. To support the interconnection, ITC constructed a new substation, called Knowles, in Adams Twp. The substation connects to the existing Moore Road – Beecher 138,000 volt (138 kV) transmission line, which was upgraded between the Moore Road and Knowles substations with nine miles of steel monopoles and H-frame structures, and optical ground wire (OPGW). OPGW combines the shielding and communication functions, and provides for improved communication speed and reliability of the line. Construction was completed in Q4 2020.
The J538 project 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 $5 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.

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