Dykema Secures Major Regulatory Wins for METC’s High-Voltage Transmission Projects

On July 10, 2025, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) approved Michigan Electric Transmission Company’s (METC) applications to construct two major 345 kV transmission lines—Michigan’s first high-voltage approvals under Public Act 30 in more than a decade and the state’s first interstate transmission interconnection in over 50 years.

The Helix to Hiple Project will add approximately 55 miles of new 345 kV lines from northern Indiana to the new Helix Substation southwest of Lansing. The Nelson Road to Oneida Project includes roughly 40 miles of new 345 kV transmission connecting Oneida Charter Township to the Nelson Road Substation in New Haven Township. Together, these projects—representing an $850 million investment—are part of the first tranche of MISO’s Long-Range Transmission Planning (LRTP) portfolio designed to strengthen grid reliability, reduce congestion, and support the integration of renewable energy across the Midwest.

A Dykema team led by Rick Aaron, Courtney Kissel, Olivia Flower, Hannah Buzolits, and Todd Schebor, who worked closely with METC for nearly two years to develop strategy, prepare the filings, and successfully present the cases before the MPSC. These approvals follow a significant Michigan Court of Appeals victory in which Dykema secured a ruling affirming METC’s exclusive rights to own and construct the projects, while enjoining attempts by Michigan Public Power Agency to interfere. With these milestones complete, Dykema’s Environmental and Real Estate team, led by Doug Fryer and Todd Schebor, is now assisting METC with the land acquisition phase.

Looking ahead, Dykema continues to support METC as the company prepares to seek additional approvals for the second tranche of LRTP projects—advancing critical transmission infrastructure for Michigan and the broader Midwest region.