MPSC OKs Two Major Transmission Lines to Boost Michigan Grid

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) has given the green light for Michigan Electric Transmission Co. (METC) to construct two new electric transmission lines in southern Michigan, approving the certificates of public convenience and necessity required to move forward with the significant grid upgrades.

The projects — part of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator’s (MISO) Long-Range Transmission Planning initiative — aim to strengthen Michigan’s power grid, reduce grid congestion, and support more renewable energy integration.

One of the lines, known as the Nelson Road to Oneida project, will span 39 miles between substations in Gratiot and Eaton counties. The second, the Helix to Hiple project, will stretch 55 miles between substations in Calhoun and Branch counties. The Helix project also includes the construction of a new Helix Substation.

Under Michigan’s Public Act 30 of 1995, the Commission must approve the siting of lines over 5 miles long that carry 345 kV or more. METC submitted both proposed and alternate routes for each line, as required by law.

The MPSC determined the Nelson to Oneida line should follow METC’s alternate route, citing fewer heavy angles and road crossings, fewer wetland impacts, and use of an existing utility right of way, which the Commission noted displays “sounder routing principles.”

For the Helix to Hiple line, the Commission approved METC’s proposed route, stating the alternate option could affect the R&R Ranch Airport, increase archeological site impacts, and add more residences and parcels within the right of way.

The Commission concluded that both lines are necessary for “increased energy reliability, capacity, and renewable energy integration,” and found that environmental impacts are permissible under the Michigan Environmental Protection Act because no feasible, prudent alternatives exist.

To protect residents along the routes, the Commission attached conditions to its approval: METC must consider landowners’ requests for minor route changes, maintain communication channels, investigate every noise complaint, and report monthly on landowner communications.

The Commission has also opened a separate docket (Case No. U-21930) to develop clearer filing guidelines under Act 30 to improve transparency around route alternatives, private benefit calculations, and applicant-landowner interactions

These two lines are part of a broader effort across the Midwest to modernize an aging grid as demand grows and renewable projects expand. MISO’s Long-Range Transmission Planning initiative is seen as critical to connecting new wind and solar installations to the grid efficiently.

Grid operators and state officials say Michigan’s energy infrastructure must evolve to handle increasing renewable generation and electrification trends like EV charging.

By routing the Nelson to Oneida line along an existing right of way, METC will reduce the project’s environmental footprint while improving reliability for thousands of customers across the Lower Peninsula.

Stakeholders also see the Helix to Hiple line as a key link to ensure that rural and semi-rural areas have stable transmission access for decades to come. Local officials are expected to watch closely how METC works with landowners on final alignment tweaks and mitigation steps.

With the MPSC’s separate docket now underway, developers across Michigan could see clearer rules for future large-scale transmission proposals — potentially speeding up approvals and boosting community trust.

Originally reported by T & D World.