EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Aug. 4, 2025) – Xcel Energy today announced the start of construction on the Ashland-Ironwood Transmission Rebuild Project, a major infrastructure upgrade that will improve electric reliability and support long-term growth across northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

The multi-year construction project will rebuild and relocate two older transmission lines—an 88 kilovolt (kV) line originally constructed in the 1950s and a 115 kV line from the 1970s—between the Gingles Substation near Ashland, Wis. and the Ironwood Substation near Ironwood, Mich. The project will also eliminate aging infrastructure crossing the Bad River Indian Reservation and remove a 1.8-mile section of line from Copper Falls State Park, helping reduce environmental impacts and mitigate construction and maintenance challenges posed by the terrain.

Construction will begin in Hurley, Wis. in the next couple weeks, followed by phased activity across the remaining project areas over the next several years. Landowners will be notified in advance of construction activities on their property which are scheduled to occur as follows:

  • Mellen: Tree removal and east-side construction begin in October 2025
  • Upson: Tree removal in November 2025 and construction in June 2026
  • Iron Belt: Tree removal in January 2026 and construction in September 2026
  • Mellen: Construction north and west in June 2027
  • High Bridge: Tree removal in 2026 and construction in August 2027
  • Marengo: Tree removal 2026 or 2027 with construction in March 2028

As the project progresses, community members can expect a sequence of construction activities, including:

· Tree and vegetation removal within the project right-of-way along the transmission route

· Placement of construction mats to limit the impact of moving equipment

· Installing structure foundations

· Installing new poles and transmission wires

· Removal of existing poles and wires

· Removal of construction matting

· Restoration of corridor and access routes

While most work will take place within or near existing rights-of-way, residents may notice temporary traffic controls, construction equipment, and increased activity near work zones. Xcel Energy is committed to working safely and efficiently while minimizing disruptions for local communities.

The Ashland-Ironwood Transmission Rebuild Project received regulatory approval from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in April 2022, when the route was selected and a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity was granted.

The full project is scheduled for completion in 2028. Residents can learn more at xcelenergytransmission.com/Ashland.

About Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider, dedicated to serving millions of customers with excellence. We make energy work better for customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar — delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient and sustainable energy.

We are committed to leading the clean energy transition, meeting our customers’ need for more, cleaner power, while keeping bills as low as possible. Because the people we serve depend on us to power their lives.

With our Wisconsin/Michigan headquarters in Eau Claire, Wis., we work every day to generate and distribute electricity and gas to customers across northwest Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on X, and Facebook.