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Design Element

Deeds – Ipava

345 kV Transmission Line Project

Deeds – Ipava proposed project 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 Deeds – Ipava project

One segment of the LRTP portfolio is the proposed Deeds – Ipava project, travels through Lee County from the planned ITC Midwest Deeds Substation near southeasterly into Illinois, where the new line will interconnect to a new Ameren-owned 345 kV line which will continue to the Ameren’s Ipava substation. ITC Midwest will have sole responsibility for the construction, operation and maintenance of this project. Altogether, the line is approximately 15 miles. The final route may change and will be determined when easement negotiations with landowners are completed and the Iowa Utilities Commission has approved the project.

The Deeds – Ipava 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 co-located 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 Commission holds a public information meeting. For this project, the public information meeting was held in Fort Madison on May 6, 2025.

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 meetingMay 6, 2025
Easement acquisition completeSecond quarter 2026*
If approved, construction will beginFourth quarter 2028*
Construction completeFourth quarter 2029*

*These time frames are subject to change