ATC asks FERC to review recent competitive transmission solicitation process

PEWAUKEE, Wis. - ATC has filed a request with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission asking the agency to review whether applicable tariff criteria were applied properly, consistently and transparently in a competitive transmission evaluation process administered by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO).

The focus of the complaint is the Wisconsin Southeast Competitive Transmission Project (Project WISE), a Multi-Value Project that is part of MISO's Long Range Transmission Plan, Tranche 2.1, which is part of its Midwest Transmission Expansion Plan 2024.

ATC's filing is focused on MISO's application of its tariff during the Request for Proposal process and the evaluation period. The filing does not challenge MISO's existing tariff, or competitive transmission and does not assert that ATC must be selected for the project.

"Our filing asks the Commission to review MISO's failure to promptly and properly act when it was presented with information that substantially changed the scope of the project. We are also asking FERC to review MISO's application of its evaluation criteria, as we identify several deficiencies and inconsistencies in MISO's review," said Ellen Nowak, Vice President, State and Federal Affairs at ATC. "Competitive transmission processes depend on clear, consistent application of those criteria, supported by the record."

ATC is asking FERC to require MISO to either re-bid the new scope of Project WISE or reevaluate the existing bids consistent with its tariff and established evaluation criteria.

Nowak shared, "Customers benefit when major transmission investments are evaluated using clear criteria that balance cost considerations with execution capability, timing and long-term reliability. Transparency in how those criteria are applied supports confidence in competitive transmission outcomes over time."

ATC is a Wisconsin-based company that moves energy along the regional electric grid in parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois, serving more than 5 million electric consumers. We are experts at what we do: planning, maintaining, operating and protecting the grid. As the electric industry moves toward renewable generation sources, we are transforming our system to continue delivering energy reliably and safely. We proudly support STEM education programs that empower youth with the skills needed to succeed in tomorrow's energy workforce. For more information, visit www.atcllc.com