The company’s subsidiary ITCTransmission has energized the third and last phase of the 140-mile 345kV project, which has been designed to meet an estimated 5GW wind energy potential of Michigan’s Thumb region.
The project will also contribute in reducing congestion, enhancing system reliability and facilitating wholesale market competition.
Phase one of the project was completed in September 2013. It features 62 miles of lines and two substations in Tuscola and Huron counties.
The second phase, which was energized in May 2014, consists of 20 miles of lines in St. Clair and Sanilac counties, the Fitz Substation in St. Clair County and upgrades to the Greenwood substation.
Phase three features 56 miles of line in Huron and Sanilac counties and the Banner substation near Sandusky.
ITC Holdings chairman, president and CEO Joseph Welch said: "This project brings an increase in transmission system capacity and reliability while providing more efficient transmission of renewable energy.
"It also created jobs and will have a meaningful near and long-term impact on the economy of the region and the entire state."
ITC, via its regulated operating subsidiaries, owns and operates high-voltage transmission facilities in Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma.
It serves a combined peak load crossing 26,000MW across 15,600 circuit miles of transmission line.
Image: The 140-mile Thumb Loop transmission line project will contribute in reducing congestion and enhancing system reliability. Photo: courtesy of ITC Holdings Corp.
