LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) has given the green light for construction of two major transmission lines in southern Michigan — a step officials say will strengthen the state’s electric grid, ease congestion, and help bring more renewable energy onto the system.

Michigan Electric Transmission Co. (METC) received certificates of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) for both projects, which were reviewed under Case No. U-21471.

One line, called the Nelson Road to Oneida project, will span about 39 miles with a 345-kilovolt double circuit stretching between substations in Gratiot and Eaton counties. The second, the Helix to Hiple project, will run 55 miles with a similar 345-kilovolt double circuit line connecting substations in Calhoun and Branch counties. METC will also build a new Helix Substation as part of the plan.

The projects are part of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator’s (MISO) Long-Range Transmission Planning initiative. METC submitted both a proposed and alternate route for each line. After review, the MPSC approved the alternate route for the Nelson to Oneida line because it will have fewer heavy angles and road crossings, fewer impacts on wetlands and hydric soils, and it uses an existing utility right of way. The Helix to Hiple line will follow METC’s proposed route.

State regulators say both projects are necessary to boost grid reliability and capacity, improve renewable energy connections, and avoid unreasonable risks to public health and safety.

As a condition of approval, the MPSC ordered METC to follow several community-focused steps: the company must consider landowners’ specific requests for small route changes, share direct contact information with all property owners along or near the route, and investigate any noise complaints to make sure they’re not signs of bigger system issues.

The two new lines are part of a broader push across the Midwest to modernize aging infrastructure and make it easier for utilities to handle more wind, solar, and other clean energy sources. MISO’s transmission buildout is expected to support economic growth and meet growing energy demand while helping states meet climate and renewable energy goals.

METC and the MPSC both emphasize that they want local residents to stay informed as construction moves ahead. Landowners are encouraged to reach out with questions about easements, property access, and potential route tweaks. METC is required to keep lines of communication open and to address concerns as they arise to limit disruptions during the multi-year buildout.

Construction timelines have not been finalized but are expected to be announced later this year once final permitting and easement negotiations are completed.

Originally reported by Tranformers-Magazine.