Welcome to the Shrine Project Virtual Public Meeting
Meet ITC
ITC is a vital part of the electrical power system. Headquartered in Michigan, ITC builds, operates, and maintains the system of high-voltage power lines and substations that transport electricity from power generation sources to local distribution networks and, ultimately, to consumers. Essentially, ITC moves electricity from where it’s made, to where it’s needed. ITC does not own any powerplants or generation facilities, but constantly responds to changes in our state as demand for power changes. METC and ITCT are wholly owned subsidiaries of ITC.
About the Project
In partnership with DTE Energy, ITC is constructing the Shrine Project (the “Project”) to support DTE’s interconnection request for additional energy needed as a result of recent expansion of Henry Ford Macomb Hospital.
The Project is approximately one-mile of new 120 kilovolt (“kV”) electric transmission line extending the existing Lenox-Stephens 120 kV transmission line in Sterling Heights and looping into the existing Shrine Station in Clinton Township.
Schedule
Public and Community Engagement is a critical part of siting a transmission line. This process is led by ITC’s Local Government and Community Affairs (“LGCA”) team. The goal is to provide information to local officials, community leaders, landowners, and other members of the public about the Project, while also soliciting and receiving feedback from those individuals about the Project’s impacts on their communities.
ITC intends to file an Act 30 application for the Project in late 2026. Public meetings were recently held in the City of Sterling Heights and Clinton Township. An Act 30 certificate grants the transmission owner authority to construct the approved route for a transmission line and certifies that the Project is necessary and in the public interest
Environmental
Environmental responsibility is one of ITC’s core values and it is reflected by our employees, at our facilities and in our operations. Environmental considerations are made at all stages of a transmission line’s lifecycle – from planning and siting processes through construction and maintenance activities, we work to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of power in a responsible way that helps protect the environment.
By considering and addressing potential impacts proactively, an ITC transmission project can lead to a cleaner, more resilient, and environmentally conscious energy landscape.
- Energy Integration: Transmission lines facilitate the integration of diverse energy generation sources, promoting a robust portfolio of energy options and system reliability.
- Enhanced Biodiversity: Through thoughtful planning and habitat restoration efforts, LRTP can lead to the creation of new ecological corridors, fostering the growth of diverse and native plant and animal species.
- Sustainable Land Use: By adhering to environmentally responsible practices and minimizing land disturbance, LRTP can promote sustainable land use and preserve valuable natural resources.
- Erosion Control: The project will include measures to mitigate soil erosion, protecting nearby water bodies, and supporting a healthier ecosystem.
Routing/Design
ITC utilizes independent third party routing consultants to assist with route selection and prepare a route study. The route selection process generally involves comparing potential routing options. There are many factors examined when routing a transmission line. They include engineering, social, and environmental factors. These can include criteria such as length, line angles, nearby residences or public facilities, wetland areas, historical and archaeological sites, and cropland/center pivot irrigation presence.
ITC is committed to identifying and proposing routes that balance the routing factors and project needs with impacts to existing land uses and the environment.
GIS/Mapping
The Shrine Project interactive map is available here.
Construction
Overhead Construction
ITC’s proposed route would be constructed overhead. The majority of ITC’s electric transmission infrastructure is overhead in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Generally, construction stages for overhead include clearing vegetation, installing temporary access mats, installing the foundation, setting the poles, installing conductors, and site restoration.
Underground Construction
ITC’s alternate route would be constructed underground. ITC considers underground when there are constraints in the area limiting overhead construction. Generally, construction stages for underground include preparing the right-of-way, trenching, duct bank and vault installation, backfilling, cable installation, splicing, terminating, and site restoration.
Public Comment Station
Click here to submit a public comment by April 9.