Press Release (9/2/26) - Transmission Line

September 2, 2026

Dear Richland County Residents, Business Owners and Taxpayers,

The BECI 765kV transmission line threatens our community on a scale we may not have experienced previously. Your thoughtful input, including concerns and ideas on how to defend our County are much appreciated. The transmission line has created much angst, yet it is heartwarming to witness neighbors helping neighbors, joining together in opposition of the line.

As you may be aware, MGS is the company that was awarded the BECI project. MGS has released preliminary routes of where the transmission lines may be constructed. These routes are proposals, and no final determinations have been announced. Public listening sessions are essential opportunities for you to learn more, become involved, and help guide community responses and actions.

At the County level, we are evaluating participation as an intervenor in the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) proceedings. As an intervenor, the County would become directly involved in the legal process. This will take legal and financial resources, which must be utilized in a prudent and responsible manner.

Several months ago, the County declined an invitation to join Vernon as an intervenor opposing the MariBell transmission line. MariBell is another transmission project, immediately to the west of BECI, interconnecting near Bell Center. The MariBell segment was awarded to a company other than MGS and is progressing on a separate timeline. Due to the MariBell line being with a different company, and a different project that would not touch Richland County, the county could not be an intervenor with that line.

The County had submitted written resolutions in March and in August for information from MGS. A response was received from the March resolution, but it did not answer the questions posed to them. The deadline for the August resolution is September 14, 2026. The County now has more facts and is evaluating joining with other counties affected by the BECI Line to oppose the transmission lines. Together we may have greater impact.

Additionally, the County has prepared a resolution in opposition to construction of the BECI transmission line. The resolution is moving through the County's approval process. The key aspects of opposition are:

1. The line is not needed
2. The route proposal has disregarded the statutory rules for where lines should be located
3. The line will harm the environment, property values and economy of Richland County

The County does not have direct decision-making authority over construction of the BECI line. The energy that comes from the frustrations can be focused on what can be done. We can join together in making sure all neighbors, friends and family are aware of this immense project. We can offer our individual talents to the citizen groups opposing the line. This fight is not over, and we continue to stand with you for the long hauI.

Sincerely,

Kerry Severson, Supervisor District #16
Richland County, Board Chair

See the attached PDF for the official signed press release.

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