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Multi-Value Project expands access to clean, renewable energy

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (July 16, 2019) – Following years of planning and construction, ITC Midwest has completed a major new, high-voltage electric transmission line. MVP 4 is one of 17 Multi-Value Projects (MVPs) approved by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) to provide access to low-cost electricity generation, improve reliability and efficiency, and expand access to renewable energy resources throughout the Midwest. Specifically, this 345,000 volt (345 kV) 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. 

ITC Midwest owns and operates 108 miles of the MVP 4 transmission line. The last section to be completed – a 55-mile segment of MVP 4 – links ITC Midwest’s substation near Ledyard, Iowa to the Colby substation located northwest of Mason City, Iowa. This line then extends 12 miles south to the Killdeer substation southwest of Mason City and 29 miles farther south to the area of the Hampton Tap, where ownership changes to MidAmerican Energy for 71 miles. MVP 4 then turns east in Franklin County, and ITC Midwest owns the eastern 12-mile segment of the line which ends at the company’s substation near Hazleton, Iowa. To facilitate the MVP 4 project, ITC Midwest constructed the new Colby and Killdeer substations.

“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, senior vice president and chief business unit officer for ITC Holdings Corp. and president of ITC Midwest. “The MVP 4 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 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 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, county officials, economic development leaders and other community leaders who have made this transmission line possible,” said Lori Broghammer, area manager for ITC Midwest.

“ITC Midwest appreciates the support and close coordination with neighboring utility providers along the line route during our construction.  Through double-circuiting we collectively minimize our footprint to landowners.  By adjusting a number of line crossings, they’ve helped greatly to ensure the continued safe, reliable operation of both the distribution and transmission systems,” said Keith Eyler, stakeholder relations representative for ITC Midwest.

Although the MVP 4 project is substantially complete, residents in the Ledyard to Colby 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 the project costs.

With MVP 3 put in service last September, the recent energization of MVP 7, and this month’s completion of MVP 4, approximately 230 miles of 345 kV transmission lines have been added to the ITC Midwest system.

Quick Facts about the ITC MVP 4 project

• Length of line: 108 miles
• Total length of conductor used: 943 miles
• Approximately 91% of the line is double circuited
• Number of steel monopole structures: 590
• Distance between poles: 800 – 1,200 feet
• Average number of poles per mile: 5
• Height of poles: 95 – 195 feet
• Amount of concrete for pole and tower foundations: 71,456 cubic yards (equivalent to 7,940 mixer truckloads)
• Range of depth of the foundations: 13 to 84 feet
• Quantity of gravel used for road maintenance: 145,600 tons
• Base diameter of poles used: largest diameter pole is 15 feet,
  most are 8 feet in diameter
• Black Hawk to Hazleton segment: 12 miles
• Black Hawk to Hazleton segment energized: November 2015
• Killdeer to Hampton Tap segment: 29 miles
• Killdeer to Hampton Tap segment energized: August 2017
• Colby to Killdeer segment: 12 miles
• Colby to Killdeer segment energized: September 2017
• Ledyard to Colby segment: 55 miles
• Ledyard to Colby segment energized: July 2019

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About ITC Midwest
ITC Midwest LLC is a subsidiary of ITC HOLDINGS CORP., the largest independent electricity transmission company in the U.S. ITC Midwest operates more than 6,800 circuit miles of transmission lines in Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois and Missouri, and holds utility status in Wisconsin. ITC Midwest is headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and maintains regional operating facilities in Dubuque, Iowa City and Perry, Iowa; and Albert Lea and Lakefield, Minnesota.  For further information visit WWW.ITC-HOLDINGS.COM. ITC is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry. For further information visit WWW.FORTISINC.COM.

Media Contact:  Rod Pritchard – 319-350-9255 (RPRITCHARD@ITCTRANSCO.COM)