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From ITC Transmission Plans 765-Kilovolt Line Through Branch County

How will ITC's proposed transmission line affect Michigan's infrastructure and planning?

Michigan must weigh in on new 765-kilovolt transmission line path ITC Transmission is planning the Horizon Project, a new 765-kilovolt transmission line that will span approximately 68 miles, crossing the Indiana-Michigan border. The project's preliminary area extends through several Michigan counties, including Branch County. As part of the evaluation, local municipalities and agencies in Michigan must provide feedback on potential routing constraints and environmental impacts before the final route is established.

Reported by 1 independent outlet Written Wednesday
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How it reaches Michigan

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The facts so far

As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.

  • The Horizon Project is a new 765-kilovolt electric transmission line.wtvbam.com
  • The line is designed to span approximately 68 miles from the Horizon Substation in Monroe County’s Ida Township to the Indiana-Michigan border.wtvbam.com
  • ITC Transmission partnered with Burns & McDonnell to evaluate potential paths.wtvbam.com
  • The preliminary project area extends through portions of Branch, Hillsdale, Lenawee, and Monroe counties.wtvbam.com
  • Local municipalities and agencies must submit feedback by October 30, 2026.wtvbam.com

Why it matters

The construction of this major transmission line is part of a regional Long-Range Transmission Plan developed by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) to bolster electric grid resilience during extreme weather and accommodate a transitioning energy landscape.

This project is not isolated; a previous ITC line, the Helix-Hiple transmission line, was approved in 2025 to run 55 miles from the Michigan-Indiana border through Branch County, indicating a pattern of large-scale infrastructure development across the border region.

What we don't know yet

  • What specific environmental impacts are anticipated in the Michigan counties?
  • Will the final routing prioritize minimizing impact on local communities or maximizing grid efficiency?

What would change this answer

The Michigan Planning Commission approves a specific route corridorThe project's timeline will accelerate, moving from evaluation to definitive construction planning.
Significant local opposition is raised regarding land use or environmental impactThe project may face delays or require substantial rerouting, increasing costs and complexity.

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Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO)Burns & McDonnellMichiganLocal MunicipalitiesEnvironmental ImpactExtreme WeatherLand UseInfrastructure Development

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