|
Studies
and Reports > 2009
MN Biennial Report > TC
Planning Zone > Needs: 6.5.7
Minnesota – Wisconsin Export Interface
To inquire about this project, click here.
|
Transmission
Projects Report 2009 |
Section 6.5: Twin Cities
Zone |
| |
p. 194 |
6.5.7 Minnesota – Wisconsin Export Interface
Tracking Number. 2003-TC-N13
Utility. Several
Inadequacy. The Minnesota-Wisconsin Export interface (MWEX) is a measure of the power flowing from or through the Twin Cities area into Wisconsin. Prior to the installation of the Arrowhead – Gardner Park 345 kV line in January 2008, flow between Minnesota and areas south and east was governed by the Minnesota-Wisconsin Stability Interface (MWSI). MWEX is presently a regional constraint that limits the delivery of power in MAPP and MISO and limits the implementation of new wholesale transactions and the construction of new generation within Minnesota. The Minnesota-Wisconsin Export interface (MWEX) is a measure of the power flowing from or through the Twin Cities area into Wisconsin.
Alternatives. A number of projects being considered for various purposes will help increase MWEX and thus alleviate the present constraint. Chief among these is the 345 kV CapX line from the southeast Twin Cities to Rochester and on to LaCrosse (Tracking No. 2005-CX-3). Another line that was studied Minnesota utilities and is also the subject of a separate study by ATC is a line from LaCrosse to Madison. The RES Update Study, completed in March 2009, identified that this line would help facilitate additional generation interconnections in southeast Minnesota and help absorb fluctuations in generation levels.
Analysis. Just as the MWSI constraint was a factor that all utilities considered in regional transmission planning studies, the MWEX constraint continues to be examined as utilities conduct studies and determine appropriate transmission infrastructure to construct.
Schedule. There is no schedule specifically for the MWEX constraint but other projects affect the ability of the transmission grid to transfer power between the Twin Cities and areas to the south and east. Upon completion of the Arrowhead – Gardner Park 345 kV line, the MWSI constraint was replaced by MWEX. Generally speaking, MWEX is a simpler mechanism for measuring regional transmission flows and will be examined going forward for its continued appropriateness.
|
