ATC Applies with PSC to Build New Transmission Line in Jefferson County; Application Deemed Complete; Regulatory Review Process Begins.

MADISON, Wis. -- American Transmission Co.'s application for approval to construct a new transmission line from Waterloo to Jefferson was declared complete yesterday by the Public Service Commission. This decision marks the beginning of the regulatory review process, which will include engineering and environmental scrutiny and a public hearing.

ATC is proposing to construct approximately 17 miles of new 138-kilovolt transmission line to connect the Stony Brook Substation located in the town of Waterloo with the Jefferson Substation located outside the city of Jefferson.

ATC proposed the Jefferson County Electric Reliability Project to address growth in area demand for electricity and to maintain electric system reliability for much of Jefferson County. This project is needed to address system instability and would accommodate a possible new electric substation in the City of Lake Mills as well.

Since announcing the project last year, ATC held three open house events attended by approximately 650 people, conducted environmental and engineering analysis, and met with local officials. ATC anticipates a public hearing by early next year and a PSC decision by summer 2006. The estimated cost of the project is $16 million and may vary depending upon which route the PSC selects. The line is expected to be in service in mid-2008.

ATC plans, constructs, operates, maintains and will expand its transmission facilities to provide for adequate and reliable transmission of power. It provides non-discriminatory service to all customers, supporting effective competition in energy markets without favoring any market participant. A member of the Midwest ISO regional transmission organization, ATC owns approximately 8,900 miles of transmission lines with a total investment of more than $1 billion in transmission facilities in portions of Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois.