A new, 5-mi power line is energized and providing support to the electric system serving Walworth County, according to American Transmission Co.

The new line, which runs between the Southwest Delavan Substation and the Bristol Substation on the northeast side of Delavan, represents a portion of a larger, multi-phase, multi-year project that will convert the electric transmission system in Rock and Walworth counties from 69 kV to 138 kV.

“These growing counties require a more robust system to accommodate the increasing usage and population,” said Charlie Gonzales, local relations representative. “The new system, which runs from north of Beloit to the Lake Geneva area, involves constructing new lines and modifying several substations and existing transmission lines to reinforce the network and ensure reliable service.”

According to Gonzales, members of the public suggested the route along Interstate 43 when ATC was considering potential routes. “With input from the community, we arrived at a route that could be supported by its residents and still meet our needs to reinforce the system in the area,” he explained.

Work continues on a segment through the city of Delavan and on a section between Delavan and Elkhorn, along with some work on the west end of the project. “We’re targeting next summer for completion and conversion to the higher voltage,” said Gonzales.

In addition to energizing the Southwest Delavan to Bristol line last week, the following work has been completed:

Turtle to West Darien: Modifications have been completed on this existing 18-mi, 69-kV line to allow for conversion to 138 kV. Aging wood poles and wires between the Turtle Substation near Beloit and the West Darien Substation on the southwest side of Darien were replaced with steel poles and new wires.

West Darien to Southwest Delavan: This line, constructed mostly along new right-of-way, connects the West Darien Substation to a new Alliant Substation southwest of Delavan. Completed in 2007, the line currently operates at 69-kV, but will be converted to 138-kV.