A new system of electric power lines in the thumb region of Michigan are going to be built by an Iron Mountain company.
M.J. Electric, LLC, of Iron Mountain, was chosen to build the first part of the Thumb Loop high-voltage transmission line by ITC Transmission, which is building the lines in Tuscola and Huron counties.
All in all, M.J. Electric will build about 62 miles of transmission lines between new substations. The project will support commercial power use in the thumb, with the end goal of building infrastructure for the budding wind energy industry in the area.
M.J. Electric was chosen through a competitive bidding process. The company has a history of quality work for ITC, and other utility companies.
"M.J. Electric and ITC share a vision to increase power reliability through safe execution of transmission initiatives, as well as a strong commitment to support the Michigan economy," says Ed Farrington, senior VP of M.J. Electric. "In addition to creating approximately 50 positions during peak construction, this project will require the support of ancillary businesses in the area. We look forward to building upon our eight-year relationship with ITC, applying our transmission expertise to help strengthen the region's power infrastructure."
The Thumb Loop project consists of about 140 miles of high-voltage lines and four new substations, to be the "backbone" of a new power system that can handle wind energy produced in the thumb region, and transmit it throughout lower Michigan. The loop has potential for future expansion as more wind power is generated. This first stage of the project is projected to finish in 2013, with the whole loop complete by 2015.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Ed Farrington, M.J. Electric
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