Midcontinent Grid Solutions’ bid to become a public utility in Wisconsin will be the subject of a public hearing before the Wisconsin Public Service Commission.

Midcontinent, which wants to develop a transmission line in the Driftless Area of southwestern Wisconsin, filed applications in June to become a public utility in the state.

The application to become a public utility in Wisconsin is separate from a construction permit that will be needed for Midcontinent’s proposed 765 kilovolt BECI line, a new line.