ITC Midwest LLC, the owner-operator of much of the region’s high-voltage electric transmission lines, has energized a 20-mile line running between two electric substations near Hayward and Kensett, Iowa. The company placed the 161 kilovolt (161 kV) line in service on Oct. 26.

At the same time, ITC Midwest placed in service a new electric substation located southeast of Glenville. The project also included upgrades at two additional substations in the area.

The new electric infrastructure will permit the transmission system to transport more energy, operate more reliably, and enable future growth in the area, said ITC Midwest Executive Director Doug Collins.

“These projects are part of our continued commitment to invest in the electric transmission grid to enhance electric reliability and support economic growth,” Collins said. “At the same time, these transmission upgrades will facilitate integration of wind generation facilities in the area and the economic benefits they bring to our region.

“We are grateful to our neighbors and communities in the area for their support and hospitality to crews throughout the construction process,” Collins said.

M.J. Electric, LLC, with an office in Marion, Iowa, served as the construction contractor for ITC Midwest. The projects began in late April. Crews will continue work in the next few weeks to clean up the work areas. Additional work to connect other utilities to the substation will continue into 2011. ITC Midwest earlier this year completed a second line project in the area between Adams and Bolan, Iowa.

ITC Midwest acquired nearly 6,800 miles of electric transmission lines in Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois and Missouri in December 2007 from Alliant Energy’s Interstate Power and Light Co. subsidiary. ITC Midwest has an operating facility in Albert Lea.