Northeast Wisconsin
Zone 4
Transmission system limitations in Zone 4
In our analysis of Zone 4, we found impending overloads in Brown County. In addition, other ongoing studies have identified several voltage and overload limitations. The most severe limitations are expected to occur during both peak and off‑peak periods.
Several area projects are related to the underlying condition and performance of assets in Zone 4.
Electric system overview
Increases expected in population, employment –
Population in Zone 4 is projected to grow at 0.3 percent annually between now and 2029. Employment is projected to grow at 0.7 percent annually between now and 2029. Brown County is projected to realize the largest total increase in population and employment. Calumet County is projected to have the highest annual growth rates in population and employment at 0.7% and 1.2%, respectively.
Electricity usage
Peak electric demand typically occurs during the summer months, although the northern portion of Zone 4 typically experiences nearly equal summer and winter peaks. Paper mills and foundries in and around the Green Bay and Appleton metropolitan areas are some of the largest electricity users in the zone.
Electric load is forecasted to grow at approximately 0.2 percent annually through 2029. Also, locally generated electricity is declining in the area with smaller, coal‑fired generators most at risk. This includes generation owned by industries, municipalities and utilities.
Transmission projects in Zone 4
The most notable planned, proposed and provisional network/asset renewal projects in Zone 4 are listed below along with their projected year of completion and the factors driving the need for the projects.
Zone 4 includes the counties of:
- Brown , Wis.
- Calumet , Wis.
- Dodge (NE) , Wis.
- Door , Wis.
- Fond Du Lac (E) , Wis.
- Kewaunee , Wis.
- Manitowoc , Wis.
- Marinette (S) , Wis.
- Menominee (S) , Wis.
- Menominee , Wis.
- Oconto , Wis.
- Outagamie , Wis.
- Shawano (E) , Wis.
- Sheboygan , Wis.
- Winnebago (E) , Wis.
Zone 4 Planned Projects
| Project Description | Project # | In-service year | Need driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bayport–Pioneer 138-kV, rebuild as a double-circuit | 1 | 2022 | Reliability |
| New Holstein–Custer 69-kV line (P-68), rebuild | 2 | 2022 | Asset Renewal |
| Pioneer–Crivitz 138-kV Line (E-83/B-2), Retire 69-kV and Reconfigure Load to 138-kV | 4 | 2022 | Asset Renewal, T-D interconnection |
| Finger Road SW STA–Wesmark- Rapids, 69-kV line (FIRY11/R-44), rebuild | 6 | 2023/2024 | Asset Renewal |
| Butte Des Morts–Sunset Point (40321, 80952, A-79, MCRG21) 138-kV line, rebuild | 7 | 2023 | Asset Renewal |
| J1101 Kewaunee SS Interconnection Facilities and Network Upgrades | 9 | 2023 | G-T interconnection |
| Highway V–Preble 138-kV (X-154), reconductor | 10 | 2023 | Reliability |
| Sunset Point–Bowen Street (E-5), 69-kV, uprate | 11 | 2023 | Reliability |
| Oak St - Hwy V 69-kV line (Z-26), rebuild | 12 | 2025 | Asset renewal |
Zone 4 Proposed Projects
| Project Description | Project # | In-service year | Need driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Howards Grove–Erdman 138-kV line, new | 3 | 2022 | Reliability |
| Danz Ave. SW STA–University (WPS) 69-kV line (O-15), underground rebuild & OPGW | 5 | 2023 | Asset Renewal |
| Wells St. DIC - new West Marinette–Wells St. 69-kV line | 8 | 2023 | Load Interconnection |
Zone 4 Provisional Projects
| Project Description | Project # | In-service year | Need driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| None |