Northeast Wisconsin
Zone 4
Transmission system limitations in Zone 4
Ongoing analysis of Zone 4 has 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.
Electricity usage growing
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 0.14 percent annually through 2034. Also, locally generated electricity is declining in the area with smaller, coal‑fired generators most likely to be retired. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Marinette SS – Transformer and Breaker Asset Renewal | 1 | 2025 | Condition and Performance |
| Danz Ave. SW STA – University (WPS) 69-kV line (O-15), underground rebuild & OPGW | 2 | 2026 | Condition and Performance |
| Hwy V – Structure 123 69-kV (D-104), Rebuild | 3 | 2026 | Condition and Performance |
| Lakefront SW YD - Revere Dr 69-kV (D-104), Rebuild | 4 | 2028 | Condition and Performance |
| Plymouth Reliability Project | 5 | 2026 | T-D Interconnection |
Zone 4 Proposed Projects
| Project Description | Project # | In-service year | Need driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Krok Transformer Replacement | 6 | 2027 | Reliability, Condition and Performance |
| Valders SS, New 138/69-kV Substation | 7 | 2028 | Economic, Reliability |
| Mullet River Area Reliability Project | 8 | 2028 | Reliability, Condition and Performance |
| North Appleton – Fox River 345-kV (NAPL121), Reconductor [Network Upgrade for J1316] | 9 | 2028 | G-T Interconnection (Network Upgrade) |
Zone 4 Provisional Projects
| Project Description | Project # | In-service year | Need driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riverside (ALTE) - Erdman 69-kV (Y-82/X-64/X-37), Partial Rebuild & OPGW | 10 | 2028 | Condition and Performance |