Fernald – Prairie View Industrial Center
161 kV Transmission Line Project
Project Background
ITC Midwest is planning to build a new 161 kV (161,000 volt) electric transmission line that travels through Story County connecting ITC Midwest’s Fernald substation northeast of Nevada to the new Alliant Energy Prairie View Industrial Center (PVIC) substation in Ames, both of which serve customers in the local area.
Why is this line needed?
This transmission line is needed to supply electrical power to serve the needs of existing and new customers to serve the growing need for reliable electricity. The configuration of the existing transmission system in the area limits the ability to re-route electricity to customers during planned outages (when a line need to be taken out of service for maintenance) and unplanned outages (such as an outage resulting from a severe storm).
This new 161 kV line is needed to ensure the system can continue to remain reliable during planned and unplanned system outages. Connecting an additional 161 kV line to the transmission grid in this area ensures long-term reliability can be maintained, as well as providing increased system resiliency to better withstand severe weather.
The Fernald – Prairie View Industrial Center project will provide numerous benefits and drive value for electric consumers locally and regionally. When completed, this transmission line will:
- Increase transmission infrastructure to improve system reliability
- Enhance grid resilience to better withstand extreme weather
- Better serve current and future needs through increased system capacity
- Reduce electric system congestion and improve grid efficiency
FAQs
ITC Midwest seeks to minimize the impact of the line on existing land uses. The company is committed to protecting the environment and will fully compensate landowners for any damages that occur during the construction process.
To minimize the footprint of the line, ITC Midwest plans to use steel monopoles.
Under Iowa law, ITC Midwest cannot negotiate for easements until after the Iowa Utilities Board holds a public information meeting. For this project, public information meetings were held in Nevada in Story County on May 14, 2024.
ITC Midwest representatives are now meeting with affected landowners in the proposed corridor to explain the process and their rights, and ultimately, to begin negotiations to secure voluntary easements. Landowners are compensated for permitting ITC Midwest to secure an easement on their property. ITC Midwest understands and appreciates the impact that new line construction has on landowners and pledges to treat all landowners with the utmost respect during this important process.
Project Schedule
| Public Information Meetings | May 14, 2024 |
| Easement acquisition complete | Fourth quarter 2024* |
| If approved by Iowa Utilities Board, construction will begin | Third quarter 2025* |
| Construction complete | 2026* |
* Time frames are subject to change