Epic will construct a $21 million underground power line at its Verona, Wis.-based 1,100-acre campus due to its growing electricity needs, which the EHR vendor expects to double in the next decade, Wisconsin State Journal reports.
The Wisconsin Public Service Commission voted May 23 to approve Epic's construction plans. American Transmission will build the 1.3-mile high voltage line, according to the report. Epic will pay $10.2 million toward the cost of the power line, and the remaining costs will be covered by an estimated five million ratepayers in eastern Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Epic predicts its electricity demand will increase from about 15.5 megawatts to 30 megawatts by 2028. The amount of electricity exceeds the company's current power line's capacity, according to the report.
American Transmission aims to start construction in January 2019 to have the power line completed and in service by May 2021.