Wisconsin PSC opens formal review of BECI transmission line developer's utility application

MADISON, Wis. — The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has opened a formal proceeding that includes a hearing to determine whether the developer of a proposed 765-kilovolt transmission line can operate as an electric public utility in the state.

The October 15 notice concerns Midcontinent Grid Solutions Wisconsin, LLC, developer of the proposed Bell Center–Columbia–Sugar Creek–Illinois (BECI) transmission line.

Midcontinent Grid Solutions is seeking permission to operate as an electric utility in Wisconsin and an exemption from certain state laws governing utility holding companies.

The PSC has classified the application as a Class 1 contested case. That allows parties formally involved in the proceeding to present evidence, call witnesses and question testimony before the commission makes its decision.

Residents, landowners, local governments and organizations seeking a direct role in the proceeding have until Thursday, October 29, to submit a written request to intervene.

Members of the public who do not become formal parties will also be able to submit written comments or speak at a public hearing. The PSC has not yet announced a hearing date or details about how to provide public input.

State Representative Tony Kurtz raised concerns about the requested exemptions in an earlier interview with Civic Media.

"The fact of the matter is if they set this new standard by giving them, an outside organization, all these different exemptions, then the point is, others are going to ask for the same thing," Kurtz said.

The PSC's action came two days after 267 residents from 10 Wisconsin counties gathered at the State Capitol to meet with lawmakers and their staff about the proposed BECI and MariBell transmission lines.

After meeting with residents on October 13, State Senator Sarah Keyeski spoke with Civic Media about the concerns they shared.

"I'm hearing fear and worry and anger and frustration," Keyeski said. "I'm hearing people that are talking about the impacts that this potentially will have on their property values, on legacy farmland, on small businesses."

State Senator Brad Pfaff and Representatives Tara Johnson and Travis Tranel also met with residents at the Capitol and submitted letters to the PSC requesting a full public hearing on the utility application. Tranel's letter also questioned how the requested exemptions could affect the state's oversight of future transmission projects.

Midcontinent Grid Solutions says the BECI transmission line is needed to improve electric grid reliability.

"This project is really important for getting reliable energy to homes and businesses here in Wisconsin and across the Upper Midwest," Brian Radday, the company's director of community engagement, told Civic Media in a September interview.

The proposed line is part of a regional transmission expansion planned by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, or MISO, which oversees the regional electric grid.

The current PSC proceeding does not determine whether the BECI transmission line will be built or where it would run. Those decisions require a separate construction approval process, with Midcontinent Grid Solutions expected to submit its application in early 2027.

The proceeding is listed under PSC Docket 2708-NC-100. Residents can review case documents, request intervention and follow updates through the PSC's electronic filing system. Those needing assistance can contact PSC Records Management at (608) 261-8521.