Approval of Long-Range Transmission Projects in Michigan promise a stronger, cleaner grid
The Helix-Hiple Line will be the first new interstate connection in Michigan in 50 years, boosting grid reliability and clean energy development
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts
Alex Thompson, Clean Grid Alliance, athompson@cleangridalliance.org
Kaei Li, Michigan EIBC, kaei@miebc.org
LANSING, MI. (July 10, 2025) – Today the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) approved the state's first new interstate transmission line in 50 years, paving the way for improved grid reliability, job creation, and clean energy deployment. Clean Grid Alliance (CGA) and the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council (Michigan EIBC) applauded the decision, which will bring significant benefits to Michiganders.
The MPSC approved the certificates of public convenience and necessity for the Helix-Hiple and the Nelson Road-Oneida transmission line projects, known as "Line 17 and 18" in the Midcontinent Independent System Operators (MISO) Long-Range Transmission Plan (LRTP) Tranche 1 project portfolio. The Helix-Hiple line represents approximately 55 miles of new 345 kilovolts (kV) lines stretching from northern Indiana to Helix, a new substation located southwest of Lansing. The Nelson Road-Oneida line is approximately 40 miles of new 345 kV transmission that will run from Oneida Township to the Nelson Road substation in New Haven Township. Together, these lines will facilitate Michigan's ability to import and export electricity, boosting reliability and clean energy development.
CGA and Michigan EIBC intervened in the MPSC proceedings to support regulatory approval of the lines. Under Michigan law, the MPSC must determine that the transmission projects will bring sufficient public benefits to justify its construction.
"Investing in transmission infrastructure will spur innovation and allow Michigan to continue to realize the economic and jobs benefits that come with being a leader in the clean energy industry," said Natalie Lyijynen, Sustainable Business Associate at Michigan EIBC. "These projects are not just about moving electricity – they're about building the foundation for a generation fleet increasingly powered by lower-cost, renewable energy and supporting Michigan's growing clean energy economy."
"Clean Grid Alliance is very pleased that the Helix-Hiple and Nelson Road-Oneida Projects have received regulatory approval, and utilities can now get to work on these critical infrastructure projects. Regional transmission provides huge benefits for electric grid reliability, resilience, and affordability, and will deliver clean, affordable energy to homes and businesses across Michigan," said Elizabeth Wheeler, Senior Counsel and Director of Regulatory Advocacy at Clean Grid Alliance.
"As the owner and operator of the high-voltage electric transmission grid in the majority of Michigan's lower peninsula, ITC applauds the MPSC's approval of the Act 30 certificate," said Chuck Marshall, President, ITC Michigan. "The LRTP Tranche 1 Michigan projects are strategically engineered to improve grid reliability and resiliency, support the state's economic development efforts and enable the safe and reliable movement of power to our communities."
The lines are expected to bring Michigan $6.2 billion in financial benefits over the next 20 years. Once completed, these lines will have enough capacity to supply power to 1.7 million homes and will create approximately 34,000 jobs over the course of their lifetimes.
The Tranche 1 LRTP portfolio of projects was approved by MISO in July 2022 and will provide $37 billion in regional economic benefits over 20 years and improve grid reliability and integration of new renewable energy resources. The Tranche 1 transmission lines are "least-regrets" projects because they are foundational to solving long-standing reliability and efficiency concerns on the regional grid.
Once constructed, the Helix-Hiple and Nelson Road-Oneida lines will serve as critical components of a stronger, smarter, and cleaner grid – reducing the risk of outages, enabling greater renewable energy integration, and ensuring electricity remains a reliable economic backbone for Michigan.
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About Clean Grid Alliance: Clean Grid Alliance is a nonprofit organization whose 70+ members include wind, solar and storage developers, manufacturers, nonprofit environmental, public interest and clean energy advocacy organizations, and other businesses that support renewable energy. CGA has a long history of success in expanding market opportunities through technical expertise in transmission and regulatory processes, policy work, and public education and outreach to build support.
About Michigan EIBC: The Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council is a trade organization tasked with growing Michigan's advanced energy economy by fostering opportunities for innovation and business growth and offering a unified voice in creating a business-friendly environment for the advanced energy industry in Michigan.
