It’s all about the power

Holcombe resident Ray Guthman (left) spoke with Randy Fordice, of Xcel Energy, Oct. 12, during an open house listening session at the Lake Holcombe Town Hall, regarding a proposed transmission line project. Guthman had some questions he wanted answered, as the line runs right by his house. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

Fossil fuels will go the way of the dinosaurs in coming years, leaving Xcel Energy and their partners to come up with new options to provide electrical systems to their customers in western Wisconsin. As such, Xcel is proposing a new transmission line project for the state and overall region.

Starting at an existing substation at Blair, and connecting at a new substation in Eau Claire, a new 345 kilovolt transmission line is in the works. What all of that will do, is provide a stronger electric system for western Wisconsin, where the connection system is able to move power around, as needed.

“We plan for decades out,” said Randy Fordice, with Xcel Energy.

Generally, the existing lines will be replaced, with poles standing 120-150 feet tall, depending on terrain, landscape and right-of-way.

Through the proposal, there are two routes that are up for public discussion. Route 1, would run from Eau Claire through Chippewa Falls, to Cornell and end at Sheldon, at a length of 100 miles and a cost of $407 million; or, Route 2, would run from Eau Claire to Thorp, at a length of 82 miles and a cost of $280 million.

Once public input is received and an application for the project is approved, construction would begin in 2026, and be completed by 2028.

The project would try not to “cut into” the landscape anymore than it has to, nor disturb natural areas. Landowners can also use the property in the same way as always, with the exception of not constructing a building in the right-of-way or allowing tall trees to grow into the lines.

An easement will be purchased from the landowners, but Fordice was unsure of the tax impact on the property owners or townships.

“It’s considered industrial property,” he said.

To see what route the public prefers, comments are needed by the end of October, and can be directed to: Xcel Energy, c/o Merjent, 1 Main St., Ste. 300, Minneapolis, MN 55414.

“This will enable us to move the power from where it’s generated, to customers in western Wisconsin, where it’s at its capacity,” said Fordice.