Proposed Power Lines Threaten Michigan Campsites
Event venues and rural landowners along the route should review proposed corridor maps before ITC files with state regulators.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Utilities
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A proposed $1 billion-plus transmission project in Michigan would run more than 250 miles and could eliminate more than 130 campsites at the Wheatland music festival venue in Mecosta County. ITC, the nation's largest electric transmission company, plans to seek approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission for the Copperton Projects, which are targeted to come online in 2032.
Why it matters
The project is intended to strengthen Michigan's electric grid and improve reliability, according to ITC. For businesses that depend on land use, event space, or right-of-way access, the route decisions and possible eminent domain proceedings could reshape property value and operating footprints well before the lines are built.
The Copperton Projects would span more than 250 miles at a cost above $1 billion, and the proposed route would take upward of 70,000 feet of campground space from Wheatland, which hosts more than 130 campsites. The project is one of over 20 projects in MISO's Tranche 2.1 group.
The players
ITC
The nation's largest electric transmission company, which builds and operates high-voltage grid infrastructure across multiple states.
Michigan Public Service Commission
The state regulator that reviews utility infrastructure approvals and is developing rules for transmission lines of 5 miles or more.
MISO
The Midcontinent Independent System Operator, which coordinates regional transmission planning across much of the Midwest, including Tranche 2.1.
Wheatland Music Organization
The Mecosta County nonprofit that operates the Wheatland music festival venue, which faces loss of campsites under the proposed route.
The details
ITC would seek approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission and would handle construction, while the lines would connect a Midland County substation with substations in Ludington, Gratiot County, and Tittabawassee. If negotiations with landowners fail, ITC could pursue eminent domain to secure the right-of-way. The Michigan Public Service Commission has also proposed rules covering transmission lines spanning 5 miles or more.
Timeline
January: Voluntary application guidelines approved for transmission projects
Spring 2027: Open houses for landowners scheduled
2032: Copperton projects scheduled to come online
Market Landscape
The Copperton Projects are part of MISO's Tranche 2.1, a group of more than 20 regional transmission projects. Similar disputes over transmission routing have surfaced in Texas, where landowner conflicts have also centered on new high-voltage lines.
Businesses that own land, lease event space, or rely on rural property should watch for proposed route maps and landowner notices tied to the project. Operators whose property could be crossed should consult qualified counsel before responding to any easement or eminent domain proposal.
The takeaway
Utility-scale transmission projects can reshape land use years before construction begins, so operators with exposed property should track route filings and open-house schedules now. Owners who receive landowner notices should involve an attorney early, since negotiated easements and eminent domain proceedings carry different timelines and leverage.
What happens next
Open houses for landowners are scheduled for spring 2027, when affected property owners can review proposed routes before ITC files with the Michigan Public Service Commission.
Further reading
Explore more on Utilities to see how grid expansion projects like this one are planned and approved across the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Cool Down.
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