The electric grid operator for the upper Midwest has tapped two out-of-state firms to build high-voltage power lines in Wisconsin, bypassing joint proposals that included ATC and Dairyland Power Cooperative.

The decisions came after the Legislature failed to pass legislation that was designed to give utilities with existing infrastructure in Wisconsin the first crack at building the lines. Conservative groups opposed the bill — dubbed right of first refusal — arguing allowing them to be competitively bid would drive down the cost of the work.

MISO selected Ohio-based Viridon Midcontinent LLC for a 106-mile 765 kV line in southeastern Wisconsin. The company’s bid of $349 million for the work was less than the other three proposals submitted for the line.

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator said in the announcement it had concerns that Viridon had understated the capital costs, but “offered cost containment strong enough to likely ensure the lowest cost to the ratepayer even if its estimated costs rose significantly.”