EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WCFW) – The Western Wisconsin Transmission Connection project proposed by Xcel Energy has been approved by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.

According to a press release on Monday, the Western Wisconsin Transmission Connection project will cover about 80 miles and connect new and existing substations in the region. The goal is to improve the reliability of Xcel Energy’s electric grid and increase the availability of low-cost renewable energy across the upper Midwest.

Increasing the availability of renewable energy has become a common goal in communities across western Wisconsin. The Dunn Energy Cooperative recently unveiled a new solar array installation that could supply enough energy to power over 600 Dunn County homes. Officials say the new solar array isn’t meant to be a main source of energy for residents but is designed to help diversify energy sources in the area.

Other projects, like Xcel Energy’s proposed 5,000 acre solar farm in St. Croix County, have been met with more community opposition due to the larger scale of the project itself and the increased reliance on solar energy alone for residents.

Xcel Energy proposed two potential routes for the transmission line project with significant differences in the estimated project costs. According to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, the first proposed route would have cost an estimated $669.3 million. The agency elected to approve the second proposed route, which will cost an estimated $483.3 million.

The chosen route will connect substations in Trempealeau, Eau Claire, and Clark Counties. Construction on the project could begin in 2027 and the transmission line could be operational as soon as 2029. Xcel Energy officials also say the project is expected to generate millions of dollars in economic benefits for the region.

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