Wisconsin is set to receive a $4.1 billion investment from MISO (Midcontinent Independent System Operator) as part of the largest transmission upgrade portfolio ever approved. The plan includes six key transmission projects aimed at enhancing the state's grid reliability and supporting the transition to renewable energy.

The projects, which are part of a broader $21.8 billion initiative, involve the construction of two new transmission lines from Minnesota and Illinois, the development of new substations, and upgrades to existing infrastructure. These upgrades are expected to support at least 6.6 gigawatts of clean energy, more than doubling Wisconsin's current renewable capacity.

The investment is projected to create between 4,000 and 12,000 jobs, with an economic output ranging from $817 million to $4.5 billion. James Gignac, Midwest senior policy manager at Union of Concerned Scientists, emphasized that the projects will foster additional renewable energy jobs and infrastructure investments.

As part of these developments, American Transmission Co. (ATC) will play a key role, with four of the six projects located entirely within its service area. These projects are expected to come into service between 2032 and 2034.

The initiatives are part of a broader effort to address energy needs and improve grid reliability across the region. Ciaran Gallagher, Energy & Air Manager at Clean Wisconsin, highlighted the importance of modernizing transmission infrastructure to accommodate renewable energy from rural areas to urban centers.