Alcan Cable was recently presented with a recognition award from Wisconsin Public Service Corp. and Minnesota Power for their role in supplying over 2000 miles of aluminum overhead transmission cable for the Arrowhead-Weston 345-kilovolt, 220 mile power line. The award recognizes Alcan Cable for their dedication and support in completing the project prior to the May 2008 deadline.

As a leading supplier to the utility market for over 100 years, Alcan Cable works closely with its customers to provide innovative solutions to their power cable needs.  On large transmission projects like the Arrowhhead – Weston line, Alcan Cable provides a customized offering of Value Added Services that enables Utilities to reduce and eliminate costs throughout the total life cycle of the transmission conductor.  By utilizing Alcan Cable’s investment recovery program, Wisconsin Public Service and Minnesota Power were able to minimize conductor waste by recycling old conductor that was taken down prior to the installation of the new line and scrap remnants left on the new reels of transmission conductor during the stringing process.  Through close coordination with the project’s construction management and stringing contractor, Alcan Cable produced and delivered conductor to meet installation schedules and facilitated the efficient use and reuse of steel reels while returning scrap remnants for recovery.  Alcan established fixed forward aluminum contracts with the two utility companies to prevent fluctuations in the cost of conductor as a result of movement in aluminum market prices over the three year installation period.  

“We are proud to be the cable supplier for the Arrowhead – Weston transmission line and to partner with Wisconsin Public Service and Minnesota Power on such a successful, high profile transmission project,” said Mike Eason, Utility Regional Sales Manager, Alcan Cable.  

“The features and services offered by Alcan Cable contributed significantly to the successful completion of the Arrowhead-Weston transmission line,” said Tim Lieburn, Contract Buyer, Integrys Business Support.   “We were very pleased with Alcan’s ability to communicate and coordinate the details of conductor production and deliveries to meet required stringing schedules and to effectively implement relevant services that delivered significant cost savings to the project.”

In a ceremony held on February 5, in Rothschild, Wisconsin, the Arrowhead-Weston Transmission line was officially energized by the line owner, American Transmission Co.  The interstate tie between Wisconsin and Minnesota will improve reliability of the electrical system across the Midwest and will provide electricity to power 200,000 to 250,000 households. 

Over the next several years, the North American transmission grid will need to be expanded and upgraded to accommodate the increasing demand for electric power.  With extensive experience, proven technical knowledge and innovative solutions, Alcan Cable is positioned to be the supplier of choice on your future transmission line projects.





Alcan Cable personnel from left to right:  Steve Waller, Director of Utility Sales - North America; Mike Eason, Regional Sales Manager; Jacques Fortin, Vice President, Sales; with Arrowhead-Weston Transmission Line Supplier Recognition Award.