ITC Transmission receives state approval for its planned 140-mile, 345 kV Thumb Loop transmission line project that will deliver wind power from Michigan; ITC can now apply for expedited siting approval

Rachel Carter

NOVI, Michigan , August 19, 2010 (press release) – ITCTransmission today received approval from the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator (Midwest ISO) for the Thumb Loop high-voltage electric transmission line project. The project will serve as the "backbone" of a transmission system designed to deliver wind power from Michigan's "Thumb" area to locations where it is needed. The proposed system consists of approximately 140 miles of double-circuit, 345,000 volt (345 kV) transmission lines and three new 345 kV substations forming a loop through the Thumb region of Michigan's Lower Peninsula.

"Today's decision by the Midwest ISO board is an important step forward as we plan the necessary transmission infrastructure to incorporate renewables on a more comprehensive basis," said Tom Vitez, vice president of planning at ITC.  "We appreciate the efforts of the Midwest ISO and the stakeholders who reviewed this project and recognized that it is critical to integrating wind resources into the energy mix."

Under the provisions of Michigan's Clean, Renewable and Efficient Energy Act (Public Act 295), ITCTransmission can now apply to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) for expedited siting approval of the project, which by statute is defined as a maximum of six months.  

About ITCTransmission

International Transmission Company dba ITCTransmission is a wholly owned subsidiary of ITC Holdings Corp., the nation's only fully independent electric transmission company. ITCTransmission was acquired from DTE Energy in February 2003. Headquartered in Novi, Michigan, ITCTransmission owns, operates and maintains approximately 2,700 circuit miles of transmission lines, 17,000 transmission towers and poles and 155 stations and substations in southeast Michigan serving a population of 5.1 million. For more information, please visit http://www.itctransco.com.

About ITC Holdings Corp.

ITC Holdings Corp. (NYSE: ITC) invests in the electricity transmission grid to improve electric reliability, expand access to markets, lower the overall cost of delivered energy and allow new generating resources to interconnect to its transmission systems. The largest independent electricity transmission company in the country, ITC operates high-voltage transmission systems in Michigan's Lower Peninsula and portions of Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri and Kansas, serving a combined peak load in excess of 25,000 megawatts through its regulated operating subsidiaries, ITCTransmission, Michigan Electric Transmission Company (METC), ITC Midwest and ITC Great Plains.  ITC also focuses on new areas where significant transmission system improvements are needed through ITC Grid Development and its subsidiaries. For more information, please visit: http://www.itc-holdings.com.

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