Wisconsin

The regulatory review process will begin when Dairyland submits its application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN). The Commission requires an application for a CPCN to include substantial analysis and information about the proposed project and the factors evaluated in developing a preferred and an alternative route, including information about the need, cost, size and location of the proposed project.

We anticipate filing in the 4th quarter of 2026. Once the PSCW’s technical staff determines the application is complete, the PSCW will notify landowners, communities, local officials and the public along proposed routes that its review process has begun.

One of the first steps in the PSCW review process is to identify the scope of the environmental review that staff should conduct on the proposed project. As with other steps in the process, the PSCW seeks public input about the scope with a fairly brief initial comment period (additional comment periods and public input opportunities will be offered throughout the PSCW review process). For more information about the PSCW’s public notification process, please review its Transmission Line Review Process.

Comments may be provided at the public hearing, by mail or on the PSCW’s website.

The PSCW reviews all transmission project applications for environmental impacts, electrical performance, need and cost/benefit. In its review of the MariBell Transmission Project, the PSCW will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). An EIS is a detailed assessment of how the proposed project could significantly affect the natural and human environment. Public comments on scope referenced above will inform the EIS process.

PSCW staff will prepare and publish a Draft EIS, then invite public comments during a 45-day comment period. The Final EIS is prepared considering the comments and concerns raised by the public and the applicant during the Draft EIS comment period.

As part of its review, the PSCW will hold formal hearings on the project. Public hearings are for individuals to testify by sharing their views and concerns about the project. Technical hearings feature sworn expert testimony for parties to the proceeding. All hearings are public and will be announced in a formal notice when scheduled and will be conducted by a PSCW Administrative Law Judge. The Notice of Hearing also specifies the time period for which public comments “for the record” will be accepted.

Public testimony may be provided in person at the hearing or through written comments. Written comments may be submitted to the PSC by mail or electronically through the PSC’s online comment system.

The PSCW is responsible for deciding whether a proposed transmission line should be built and, if so, on what route. If approved, the final route chosen may be the applicant’s preferred route, an alternative route offered by the applicant, a combination of reasonable route segments, or a route variation suggested by the public.

In arriving at its decision, the three PSCW Commissioners independently review the entire record of evidence, including all testimony received, the application, public hearing comments, the environmental review, and applicable Wisconsin laws and administrative rules. The Commissioners then discuss the record and any issues raised and make their decision in an Open Meeting.