Fiscal Note
$1,200,000 was budgeted in the 2009 Contingent Reserve and is available for appropriation. There is no impact on the tax levy or State Expenditure Restraint Program eligibility.
Title
Authorizing the City to retain an expert for analysis and testimony of the issue of need for the ATC transmission line and appropriating $5,000 from the contingent reserve for such services.
Body
The City of Madison is participating in the proceeding at the Public Service Commission (PSC) on the proposed 345-kv transmission line across Dane County. The American Transmission Company (ATC) would construct the line. Potential routes include southern Dane County, the Beltline Highway, and across parts of Fitchburg and the Verona area.
The Common Council previously authorized the retention of an expert to analyze and testify on the routes and the impacts of these routes, Dr. Steven French. City staff considered examining the need for the line, but did not believe such an analysis would be fruitful.
The recent economic recession has again raised the question of whether electric load growth will justify the need for the line at this time. Initial examination of some load growth data suggests that it may be much slower for a period of several years. However, an expert with knowledge in examining load and its impact on the need for the line is necessary to make any credible judgments.
The City Attorney has contacted Mr. Mark Hanson, who has previously testified before the PSC on matters of load growth and the need for transmission facilities, has a Ph. D. from UW-Madison in Environmental Studies, and was the executive director of the Energy Center of Wisconsin. Mr. Hanson is available to undertake this work.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City may retain Mr. Mark Hanson to analyze, and if appropriate, present testimony on behalf of the City to the Public Service Commission on the question of the need for the ATC transmission line, and may enter into a c...
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