Mich. Company's Power Line Would Carry Wind Energy

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has approved incentives that could help a Michigan company build a 3,000-mile transmission "superhighway" to move wind-generated power out of the Midwest.

Novi, Mich.-based ITC Holdings Corp. filed its rate and incentives application in February. FERC recently approved a 12.38 percent return on investment for the project, which is expected to cost $10 billion to $12 billion.

The transmission line would deliver wind-generated power from the Dakotas, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana to Chicago and points east.

The Green Power Express, as the line is called, would deliver wind-generated electricity to 3.6 million homes.

"We're very pleased with the quick action and a very supportive order," said Joe Dudak, vice president, major contracts and special projects for ITC. "There are several obstacles ahead for us, but this is a great first step."

Next steps include cost allocation and recovery for the project, Dudak said. And because of its broad scope, the Green Power Express will need help with permits, payment and planning across several regional transmission organizations.