Skip to Content
Design Element

ITC Midwest
Morgan Valley-Twinkle

345 kV Transmission Line Project

map
Morgan Valley-Twinkle project proposed line route

Project Background

Responding to the needs of the changing energy landscape, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator – MISO – the grid planning organization for our region, has devoted several years of an intensive, collaborative effort to develop a Long-Range Transmission Plan – known as LRTP – to build needed high-voltage transmission infrastructure across the region. ITC was actively involved with this process and advocated for the LRTP projects.

The Morgan Valley-Twinkle project

One segment of the LRTP portfolio is the proposed Morgan Valley-Twinkle project, between the Morgan Valley Substation near Fairfax and the planned Twinkle Substation near Marshalltown. This 345 kV (345,000 volt) electric transmission line will be constructed and operated by ITC Midwest.

The Morgan Valley-Twinkle project will provide numerous benefits and drive value for electric consumers locally and regionally. When completed, this transmission line will:

  • Increase transmission infrastructure to improve system reliability
  • Enhance grid resilience to better withstand extreme weather
  • Expand access to generation resources for electric consumers by reducing transmission system congestion
  • Improve distribution of lower-cost energy resources, including renewables

FAQs

What is ITC Midwest doing to minimize the impact on landowners and current land uses?

ITC Midwest seeks to minimize the impact of the line on existing land uses. The company is committed to protecting the environment and will fully compensate landowners for any damages that occur during the construction process.

Where possible, this new line will be double-circuited with existing transmission lines to mitigate the need for a new transmission corridor across privately owned land. To minimize the footprint of the line, ITC Midwest plans to use steel monopoles.

How will ITC Midwest work with landowners?

Under Iowa law, ITC Midwest cannot negotiate for easements until after the Iowa Utilities Board holds a public information meeting. For this project, public information meetings were held in Marshall and Tama Counties on May 17, 2023, and in Benton and Linn Counties on May 18, 2023.

ITC Midwest representatives are now meeting with affected landowners in the proposed corridor to explain the process and their rights, and ultimately, to begin negotiations to secure voluntary easements. Landowners are compensated for permitting ITC Midwest to secure an easement on their property. ITC Midwest understands and appreciates the impact that new line construction has on landowners and pledges to treat all landowners with the utmost respect during this important process.

Project Schedule

Public Information MeetingsMay 17 & 18, 2023
Easement acquisition completeSecond quarter 2024*
If approved by Iowa Utilities Board, construction will beginThird quarter 2025*
Construction completeThird quarter 2027*

*These time frames are subject to change