New transmission lines for state advocated
11:43 PM 10/09/03
Judy Newman Business reporter

WISCONSIN DELLS - If the Madison area wants to continue growing and to hold onto its jobs, the power grid that keeps electricity flowing will need plenty of reinforcement, attendees at a hearing at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center on Thursday seemed to agree. <

Of about 60 people at the informational hearing held by American Transmission Co., or ATC, no one voiced any real opposition to plans for $2.8 billion worth of new and improved high-voltage transmission lines statewide over the next 10 years. <

"Wisconsin needs the transmission; we've needed it for years," said Sue Dietzen, clerk-treasurer of the village of Mazomanie, in an interview. <

In a two-hour presentation, ATC officials said Wisconsin's transmission system - the network of power lines carrying electricity around the state - is badly strained, threatening reliability, and power demand is expected to grow 2.6 percent a year through 2012. <

Carol Mahnke, town of Blooming Grove supervisor, said she's convinced, noting the strong development in the Madison area. "If they don't have other lines going through, there's a great possibility for blackouts in the near future," Mahnke said. <

Mahnke said, though, she expects farmers to be concerned about possible harmful effects on cattle. <

Lines under consideration in south-central Wisconsin include: <