Power Line Plan Threatens Michigan Music Festival
A proposed $1 billion transmission project would eliminate more than 130 campsites at the Wheatland music venue in Mecosta County.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Utilities
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ITC, the nation's largest electric transmission company, plans to seek Michigan Public Service Commission approval for the Copperton Projects, a route stretching more than 250 miles. The proposed path would eliminate upward of 70,000 feet of campground space at Wheatland.
Why it matters
The project is intended to strengthen Michigan's electric grid and improve reliability, according to ITC. For Wheatland, a venue with more than 50 years of community gatherings, the route could remove a significant share of its camping capacity.
The Copperton Projects would span more than 250 miles and cost more than $1 billion, with ITC handling construction. The final route and its effect on Wheatland remain unresolved while the project is still in its listening phase.
The players
ITC
ITC is the nation's largest electric transmission company and would handle construction of the Copperton Projects.
Michigan Public Service Commission
The Michigan Public Service Commission is the state body that must approve the project and has proposed rules for transmission lines spanning 5 miles or more.
MISO
MISO is the regional grid operator that coordinates Tranche 2.1, the group of more than 20 projects that includes Copperton.
The details
Copperton is part of Tranche 2.1, a group of more than 20 projects coordinated by MISO, and would connect a Midland County substation with substations in Ludington, Gratiot County, and Tittabawassee. If negotiations with landowners fail, ITC could pursue eminent domain, and landowner Rick Thelen learned a proposed route could cross his 80-acre field.
Timeline
January: Voluntary application guidelines approved for transmission projects.
Spring 2027: Open houses for landowners scheduled.
2032: Copperton projects scheduled to come online.
Utilities Landscape
The Michigan Public Service Commission has proposed rules for transmission lines spanning 5 miles or more, and the 250-plus-mile Copperton Projects falls squarely within that scope. The project is part of MISO's Tranche 2.1, a coordinated group of more than 20 regional transmission upgrades.
Landowners along the proposed route could face negotiations or eminent domain proceedings that affect their property. Wheatland attendees and campers may lose access to a significant portion of the venue's camping space if the route is approved.
The takeaway
Residents near the proposed Copperton route should track the Michigan Public Service Commission process and attend the spring 2027 landowner open houses to understand how the project could affect their property.
What happens next
Open houses for landowners are scheduled for spring 2027, and the Copperton project is set to come online in 2032.
Further reading
Explore more on utilities coverage across Michigan.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Cool Down.
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