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Novi’s ITC Holdings: The Backbone of Our Nation’s Electric Grid

On the outskirts of Novi, Michigan, lies a facility at the heart of a crucial part of the nation’s electric grid. Getting inside is no easy feat, requiring a thorough clearance process, multiple security checkpoints, and a swipe of your employee or guest pass at each door. This vigilance is necessary, as ITC Holdings operates the high-voltage electrical transmission infrastructure for seven states from this highly secured location.

At any given moment, between 34,500 to 345,000 volts of electricity flow through thousands of miles of ITC-owned and operated power lines. This ensures that much of lower Michigan and parts of Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma have reliable electricity. The team of engineers in Novi work tirelessly to maintain this system from inside an incredibly secure building.

Once past the general offices, there’s an unassuming section where you face a single-file revolving door. Beyond this lies a highly restricted conference room. Here, a large shade can be drawn to reveal a full view of the top-secret control room below, a dark and tornado-resistant environment where 54 certified operators monitor the heartbeat of the electric grid. Even ITC Michigan President Simon Whitelocke doesn’t have fingerprint access to this room.

“There are bad people out there who want to take down the grid,” Whitelocke said, underscoring the importance of tight security measures. The room’s centerpiece is an 11.5-foot-tall screen extending nearly half the length of half a football field. Lit by multiple color-coded data points, this gigantic board showcases the electric superhighways across the seven states, connecting to neighboring systems. The engineers, working 12-hour shifts, sit at desks facing this enormous board, ensuring electricity is delivered to where it’s needed most, preventing blackouts across the central part of the nation.

How Electricity Works

Understanding ITC’s importance starts with comprehending the three-step electric power-flow process: generation, transmission, and distribution. Electricity is first generated using various energy sources, then sent to a substation for transmission across high-voltage power lines. These lines send the electricity to substations, where voltages are lowered before being passed to utilities like DTE and Consumers Energy for distribution to homes and businesses.

ITC is responsible for the transmission part, ensuring electricity reaches the utility companies that then deliver it to customers. ITC’s earnings reflect its critical role, with 2023 revenue from transmission and other services hitting $1.6 billion, up from $1.5 billion in 2022. Their net income also saw an increase, reaching $463 million compared to $442 million in 2022.

A Secure Operation

Keeping ITC’s transmission services running smoothly requires constant vigilance. Engineers work around the clock, managing the flow of electricity, whether moving excess power from Michigan to Illinois or shutting down systems during repairs. If Michigan doesn’t use its electricity, ITC ensures it goes where needed. “I use roads as an analogy a lot. If all of a sudden I-275 is shut down, are there other ways that people can get home from work?” Whitelocke explained. “That’s what we do on the transmission system.”

Learning from the Past

The major blackout on August 14, 2003, was a wake-up call for the industry, highlighting the interconnected nature of the grid and the need for strict standards. Since then, ITC has intensified its physical and cybersecurity measures, simulating ransomware attacks several times a year to stay prepared for potential threats. Random drug screenings and background checks for control room engineers are also part of their security protocols.

A Future of Renewable Energy

ITC is poised to play a key role in Michigan’s goal to achieve 100% clean energy by 2040. This means new power generation facilities, like solar and wind, need to connect seamlessly to the grid. ITC’s Michigan Interconnection Group studies these new technologies to ensure the grid can handle the changes without disrupting service. “It’s critical,” said a supervisor from the group, highlighting their importance in the transition to renewable energy.

Without ITC, there would be no electricity flowing to millions of homes and businesses. As the backbone of our nation’s electric grid, ITC Holdings in Novi ensures that the lights stay on, now and in the future.

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