The 345kV line has been developed to help meet the identified maximum wind energy potential of the Thumb region while contributing to regional system reliability and facilitate wholesale market competition.
ITC president and CEO Joseph Welch said: "It’s a prime example of the effectiveness of ITC’s planning process, which identified the transmission needed to facilitate Michigan’s renewable energy goals while also strengthening the regional transmission grid.
"This project brings an increase in transmission system capacity and reliability while providing more efficient transmission of renewable energy."
Capable of supporting a maximum of 5GW capacity, the project involved phased construction of approximately 140 miles of double-circuit, 345kV transmission lines and four new substations.
Governor Rick Snyder said: "It (Thumb Loop) has allowed us to expand our agricultural processing abilities and allowed us to add low-cost renewable energy to our grid and saved Michigan ratepayers real money.
"It is a good example of why we need to evaluate transmission in our overall planning to ensure an adaptable, affordable, reliable, and environmentally protective energy future."
According to the company, the construction phase of the project had a direct impact of $366m to the Michigan economy, including employment of local contractors, vendors and suppliers.
Image: The Thumb Loop high-voltage transmission project in Michigan, US. Photo: Copyright 2015 ITC Holdings Corp.
