[author: Alan Ackerman]

The Michigan Electric Transmission Company, LLC (“METC”), an International Transmission Company subsidiary, has filed two applications for certificates of public convenience and necessity for the construction of major transmission lines with the Michigan Public Service Commission (“MPSC”). The first, MPSC Case U-21471, proposes a 345 KV electric transmission line between the Oneida Substation in Eaton County and Nelson Road Substation in Gratiot County, and the second, MPSC Case U-21472, proposes a major transmission line between the new Helix Substation in Calhoun County and the Michigan–Indiana border at Gilead Township in Branch County.

If the MPSC grants METC a certificate of public convenience and necessity, METC will have the authority to acquire property for its project through eminent domain. Owners of record—meaning property owners who are likely affected by the project—are likely to receive notices. METC will also send all owners of record a notice of hearing, ensuring transparency to ensure that you may exercise your rights in the process.

Property owners affected by this project should visit the article, “Transmission Lines and Eminent Domain: What Property Owners Need to Know.” Within is a guide for what property owners should expect when a utility company decides to place a transmission line on their property, along with potential grounds for challenging the taking and resources available to property owners, such as the reimbursement of certain attorney fees and costs.

Attorney Alan Ackerman, who represents several of the property owners, noted that METC altered the proposed electric line route it submitted on August 14, 2023. The changes were likely intended to avoid residences where possible. Despite those changes, the project will substantially impact many properties.

Property owners who may potentially be affected can find detailed maps of the projects on the following pages of the projects’ Exhibit filings, listed and linked below:

U-21471: See pages 101-126 of METC’s Exhibits III, filed 7/15/2024, Dkt. No. 7.

U-21472: See pages 105-135 of METC’s Exhibits III, filed 7/15/2024, Dkt. No.7.