No. WETT is an energy transmission service provider, meaning we own and operate transmission lines and substations. We do, however, interconnect with multiple types of energy generators, as well as battery storage. If you’re interested in having wind turbines built on your property we suggest researching wind energy through Energy.gov or the American Clean Power Association.

A TSP is a company that owns, operates and maintains high voltage transmission lines and substations, responsible for moving energy from the generation plants (wind, solar, hydro or fossil fuel) to the distribution centers.

Overall, the state’s electric grid is a network of power generation, transmission lines, switching stations, substations and distribution lines. The transmission lines comprise a majority of what is called the bulk electric system. They function much like the interstate highway system and move large amounts of energy at high voltages from the power generation plants to substations. At certain substations, the energy is converted to lower voltages and from there delivered across lower-voltage distribution lines to customers.

An efficient and reliable bulk electric system is dependent upon an adequate number of transmission lines that can move the necessary amounts of power. These lines allow the electric grid to operate reliably and are vital to ensuring access to cost-effective generation resources located far from where the power is consumed.

Overhead transmission lines often carry 345,000 volts of electricity. Direct exposure to this is capable of electric shock, burns, fires, and explosions.

Initially, it is best to understand some basics about electricity:

• The flow of electricity through materials varies based on the materials resistance to the flow of current. Materials such as metals and water offer little resistance to the flow and are called “conductors”. Substances that slow or stop the flow are called “insulators”, examples of these include glass, plastic, rubber, porcelain, and dry wood. A person’s body is capable of being a good conductor.
• Electricity travels in a path that seeks a ground or earth. A person’s body can mistakenly become part of the path if it comes in contact with electrified parts, causing electrical shock.

The following special care should be taken around transmission lines:

• Touching Power Lines – Do not get close to or touch power lines yourself or with equipment. Even touching the equipment that contacts a line could be tragically harmful.
• Children and Power Lines – Never let children fly kites or motorized airplanes near power lines. While kites almost always use cotton string, wet cotton string can conduct electricity almost as well as metal string. If a kite gets stuck in a tree, check first to make sure no power lines are nearby before retrieving it.
• Trees and Shrubs – When planting trees or shrubs that will grow tall, make sure they will not grow up into nearby power lines. If you have a tree growing into a power line, please contact us immediately, and we will then assess the need to trim or cut the tree. We strongly urge you to consult a professional tree-trimming service.
• Downed Power Lines – Never touch downed power lines or use any object to move lines, including brooms, boards, limbs, or plastic materials. Although wood is non-conductive, if even slightly wet it will conduct electricity, causing electric shock or electrocution. Power lines can also slide down such objects when lifted. Only qualified electric utility workers should attempt to move downed power lines.
• Downed Wire on a Vehicle – Stay in your vehicle and wait for help. Tell others to keep away or they could be electrocuted. If you must get out because of fire or other danger, jump clear of the vehicle without touching it and the ground at the same time.

Substations contain high-voltage equipment which can cause severe or fatal injuries. These areas are potentially more hazardous than transmission lines because the electrified equipment is at ground level. Therefore, you should never enter the fenced area surrounding a substation. If there is any reason you would need to retrieve something from inside the fenced area of a substation contact the WETT hotline posted on the signs at the substation.