PSCW approves plan to upgrade natural gas facilities

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSCW) approved our application to replace natural gas facilities along a corridor that includes Milwaukee, West Allis, West Milwaukee and the eastern edge of New Berlin. The project, called the Lincoln – Arthur Main Replacement Project, is part of our ongoing replacement of older natural gas mains in the service area. The proposed cost of construction is $29.8 million.

The project is the best alternative and most advantageous means to meet our obligation as a utility. The segment identified for replacement is a main artery of the high-pressure gas system supplying customers in Milwaukee County.

Seventy-five percent of the gas mains between South 124th and South 47th streets along West Lincoln and West Arthur avenues were installed more than 60 years ago and vary in size between 18- and 30-inch pipe. These are high-pressure transmission mains operating at 175 pounds per square inch gauge (PSIG).

The Lincoln – Arthur Main Replacement Project will help meet future anticipated gas consumption in the Menomonee Valley area related to business development. It also will provide a possible option for supplying our Valley Power Plant with natural gas, provided we can demonstrate a direct economic benefit to the electric and steam customers served by Valley, and that the PSCW approves the fuel conversion.

Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in March 2013, with completion in September 2014. Construction work would occur from March through September of each year.