Big Rock – Wheatland
69 kV Transmission Line Project
Project Background
ITC Midwest is planning to rebuild an existing 34.5 kV (34,500 volt) electric transmission line to 69 kV (69,000 volt) standards. The line travels through Clinton and Scott counties from Alliant Energy’s future Big Rock Substation near Dixon to ITC Midwest’s existing 69 kV capable line near Highway 30 in Wheatland. The proposed line is approximately 5 miles long.
Why is this line needed?
The proposed new transmission line is part of ITC Midwest’s continuing efforts to improve system reliability, enhance grid resilience to better withstand extreme weather,
increase capacity of the electric transmission system, and reduce electric system
congestion to improve grid efficiency. The new 69 kV line will be built to new
construction standards and include lightning protection for enhanced system reliability.
This line project is part of a comprehensive plan to upgrade the outdated 34.5 kV
system to a modern 69 kV system across Iowa to meet the growing needs of energy
consumers.
The Big Rock – Wheatland project will provide important benefits and drive value to electric consumers. When completed, this transmission line will:
- Increase transmission infrastructure to improve system reliability
- Enhance grid resilience to better withstand extreme weather
- Better serve current and future needs through increased system capacity
- Improve grid efficiency by reducing electric system congestion
FAQs
ITC Midwest seeks to minimize the impact of the line on existing land uses and is committed to protecting the environment. ITC Midwest will fully compensate landowners for any damages that occur during the construction process.
To minimize the footprint of the line, the company plans to use mostly wood monopoles with a few wood laminate and steel monopoles.
Under Iowa law, ITC Midwest cannot negotiate for easements until after the Iowa
Utilities Commission holds a public information meeting. For this project, public
information meetings were held in Dixon in Scott County and in Wheatland in Clinton
County on September 23, 2026.
ITC Midwest representatives are now meeting with affected landowners in the proposed
corridor to explain the process and their rights, and ultimately, to begin negotiations to
secure voluntary easements. Landowners are compensated for permitting ITC Midwest
to secure an easement on their property. ITC Midwest understands and appreciates the
impact that new line construction has on landowners and pledges to treat all landowners
with the utmost respect during this important process.
Project Schedule:
| Public Information Meetings | September 23, 2026 |
| Easement acquisition complete | Second quarter 2027* |
| If approved by Iowa Utilities Commission, construction begins | First quarter 2030* |
| Construction complete | Third quarter 2030* |
*These time frames are subject to change