New High Voltage Power Lines in Ingham County - Stay Informed.

Click the image to jump to the informational website and interact with the map.

The electric company ITC has announced the suggested route for a new 50 mile high voltage power line system.

It will run from Eaton County's Oneida substation, through Ingham County, ending in Livingston County near Sabine Lake.

The proposed project's purpose is to improve reliability and enhance the midwest power grid capacity. It is a small part of an overall midwest project totaling 3,631 miles through 24 projects across multiple states. With a 765V "backbone," no doubt this new transmission source will be able to support new data centers across the region as well as other initiatives.

All of this information can be verified on the website for the Oneida-Sabine Lake grid website. It is public information.

All residents that will be directly impacted by this project (i.e. the lines cut through their property) have been notified via mail. Anyone adjacent or nearby though have not been given notice. And...not everyone is happy of course. Power lines can negatively affect your property value. Why?

Well obviously they aren't attractive to look at. Many folks also have concerns about their children and the possibility of them encountering a downed line on their property.

And health studies on long-term exposure to high voltage power lines are somewhat mixed. Would you be concerned for your or your family's health if a large, towering power line system cut through your property? Do your own research and come up with your own opinion.

Also, this project would require the removal of a lot of trees, which in turn cuts down on wildlife habitats and could create possible water issues in wetland areas. It sounds like those who own farmland, particularly in Williamston, are not happy either. The proposed path does in fact cut through farming fields, which you can plainly see when interacting with the map.

On a positive note, there are many many opportunities for residents to voice their concerns and ask questions about the project. They are called Community Listening Sessions, and are scheduled throughout January and February 2026.

To find options and dates for attending the Listening Sessions, follow the button to the RSVP site below and you will get the information you need.

RSVP to Community Listening Sessions

I, for one, will be keeping tabs on this power line transmission proposal. As a licensed Realtor® it is my job to inform my clients about upcoming changes that can potentially affect the value of their current or future property.

It will be interesting to watch this unfold.