Cardinal-Hickory Creek slogs on

Filed under:Cardinal-Hickory,FERC,RUS EIS — posted by admin on November 17, 2018 @ 1:19 pm

Cardinal-Hickory Creek is the $492-543 million southern part of MPV5, running SW-NE, the line from near Dubuque to Middleton, near Madison, connecting into the 345kV overlay.  The Wisconsin EIS scoping period is happening now.  Scoping is the determination of the “scope” of the EIS and your comments on what should be included can, indeed, influence the scope.

Public “open house” style sessions were held in Dodgeville on November 8,  in Middleton November 12, and in Lancaster on November 14, 2018.  Now, they way to get comments in is to send them to the PSC.

EIS SCOPING COMMENTS ARE DUE JANUARY 4, 2019.

Meanwhile, the USDA’s RUS is working on an EIS, these two are separate… WHY?  That RUS EIS is due to be released December 7 or 14, 2018, though that could change.  For more info:

USDA-RUS Cardinal-Hickory Creek page

Has it occurred to USDA’s RUS that a massive transmission build-out hurts agriculture?  Has it occurred to USDA’s RUS that massive transmission build-out provides incentive and subsidizes generation projects that hurt agriculture?

Here are the PSC’s comment comments:

Note this caveat, where the PSC limits information it will be confronted with:

A comment may consist of the writer’s personal knowledge or personal opinions only. A reference document, newspaper article, professional journal article, white paper, study or any other prepared material not written by the person commenting is not considered a public comment, but may be referenced in a person’s comment.

That policy has been, and remains, infuriating.

To send comments, in order of my biased preference:

  • EIS Coordinator, Cindy Burtley: cindy.burtley@wisconsin.gov
  • Go to PSC site, psc.wi.gov, then click “e-Services” at top, then on left click on “File a Comment” and scroll down to “Cardinal-Hickory Creek” (they’re in alpha order). Another way on PSC home page is to scroll down and click “Comment” on left side of home page.  Either way takes to here, so just click here:  http://apps.psc.wi.gov/vs2015/ERF/comment/filecomment.aspx?util=5&case=CE&num=146

EIS SCOPING COMMENTS ARE DUE JANUARY 4, 2019.

Get it done, write up your comments.

I’m particularly concerned about this high voltage build-out, because the grid is already overbuilt.  This line, together with the others, increases reliance on central station power, and once built, provides a disincentive for distributed and dispersed power.  It’s not needed, it’s wanted. Why? Because utilities make a lot more money through FERC approved return on capital investments for infrastructure than they do selling electricity.  DOH!  Who benefits, who pays?  They benefit, we pay. Thanks, thanks a lot!

My comments from December 2016 to RUS:

 

ITC’s MVP 3 Line is energized

Filed under:ITC MN & IA 345 kV,News coverage — posted by admin on November 2, 2018 @ 10:32 am

The MPV3 line they’re referring to below is the red line above. The MVP projects were, at the time, estimated to cost $5.24 BILLION, to be divided between states.  This MVP project was one where NoCapX was a limited intervenor, and one where the Dept. of Commerce inexplicably did a 180 in its testimony, from saying “no need” to claiming need.  Yeah, right… And then there’s the matter of testimony under oath — the ALJ refused. WHAT?!?!  No excuse for that, it’s a part of the ALJ’s job.  Minn. R. 1400.5500(F).  Here’s a contemporaneous rehash of that mess:

ITC Midwest transmission hearing OVER!!??!!

And today, an announcement that Line 3 has been energized.  It’s in the Albert Lea Tribune, note the byline “By Submitted.”  That means that ITC sent them a press release, right?  This isn’t news, it’s an unpaid advertisement.

ITC Midwest energizes new electric transmission line in southern Minnesota

By Submitted

Published 10:38 pm Thursday, November 1, 2018

Following years of planning and construction, ITC Midwest has completed and energized a major new, high voltage  electric transmission line, according to a press release. As a 103-mile segment of Multi-Value Project 3, the 345,000 volt 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 approved by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator 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 release said.

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.