The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has decided to expand the scope of review of the Arrowhead-Weston transmission line to go beyond the limited review requested by the utilities proposing the project.  The expanded review will include consideration of other transmission alternatives, in-state generation alternatives, and energy efficiency and renewable energy alternatives that would better meet the interests of ratepayers in providing economic and reliable electricity and the interests of citizens who live in the vicinity of the proposed transmission line in preventing unnecessary environmental harm to the area. 

Additionally, the Commission decided to retain an independent and impartial expert to review the reasonableness of the Arrowhead-Weston line in light of American Transmission Company’s $232 million cost increase over the amount that the Commission originally approved for the project in October 2001.  The Commission noted in discussion that the utilities now project the cost to be 141% more than originally anticipated.  As a result, the Commissioners expressed doubt about the “cost-benefit” of the proposal relative to other alternatives, such as increased conservation measures, new generation, and an alternative high voltage transmission route from King to Weston.  

Representatives of Save Our Unique Lands (SOUL) expressed support for the Commission’s decision to look at alternatives, especially in light of the additional generation facilities that have been approved for southeastern Wisconsin and those generation facilities that are currently being considered in southeastern Wisconsin.  

“SOUL has been disappointed by the Commission’s past decisions in this case, but is somewhat optimistic by the Commission’s decision that an independent expert is needed to address the cost and engineering issues,” said Tom Kraeger, the groups president.  SOUL, he added, welcomes the Commission’s decision to retain an independent expert to advise it on this matter because SOUL is bothered by serious concerns of bias or the appearance of bias shown in the case by Commissioners Ave Bie and Bert Garvin.  

SOUL supports a comprehensive energy policy for Wisconsin that includes conservation measures, renewable resources, such as wind, and environmentally sound generation facilities near the high demand areas in southeastern Wisconsin.

SOUL's legal counsel, Ed Garvey, said that “SOUL and its members will continue their battle to preserve our state’s natural resources.  We are encouraged by the Commission’s decision.” 

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