Transmission Cost Estimation Guide for MTEP24

At each converter station, MISO assumes the installation of a ground electrode except in the instance of an
interchangeable transmission line. Historically, HVDC electrodes have been installed to provide a low-
resistance path during both monopolar and bipolar operations, using earth as a conductive medium.
Although this return path option in HVDC is less expensive, there are environmental and regulatory
implications. For the purpose of the cost estimate, MISO assumes that those concerns are permitted by
respective authorities and addressed by the developer.

The ground electrode is a structure with a conductor, or a group of conductors embedded in the soil directly
or surrounded by conductive medium providing an electric path to ground. The electrodes are generally
located relatively close to the converter stations. MISO’s unit cost of a ground electrode includes the
engineering study, permitting, material, labor and land. In addition to the ground electrode, there is also the
ground electrode line, which is an electrical connection between conversions and ground electrode. The
cost of overhead ground electrode line includes supporting structures, foundations, conductor material and
labor. MISO assumes 20 miles of ground electrode line at each of the HVDC transmission line.

LCC stations are composed of thyristor valves and are located indoors to provide a safe, clean and
controlled operating environment. The cost of a bipolar converter station valve hall includes land and land
acquisition, the building, and DC switching station equipment including DC filters, converter transformer,
insulation, control devices and services. LCC stations require AC filters which are included in the converter
station costs. Reactive power compensation is assumed to be a Static Var Compensator, which the costs are
shown in section 3.2.

Table 2.4-1: Converter station line commutated converter (LCC) – one end
Voltage class ± 250 kV ± 400 kV ± 500 kV ± 600 kV ± 640 kV
Power Transfer 500 MW 1,500 MW 2,000 MW 2,400 MW 3,000 MW
Assumed Reactive
167 MVAR 500 MVAR 667 MVAR 800 MVAR 1,000 MVAR
Power Need
Ground electrode
20 miles 20 miles 20 miles 20 miles 20 miles
line length
Valve hall $34.7M $127.4M $173.7M $214.3M $267.9M
AC filters $3.5M $12.7M $17.4M $21.4M $26.8M
Reactive power $19.1M $57.1M $76.2M $91.4M $114.2M
AC Substation $12.4M $18.2M $26.4M $26.4M $35.3M
Ground electrode $3.1M $4.2M $4.3M $4.5M $4.7M
Ground electrode $4.6M $11.6M $13.9M $17.4M $18.8M
line

Voltage source converter (VSC) stations are composed of insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) valves
and are located indoors to provide a safe, clean and controlled operating environment. The cost of a bipolar
converter station valve hall includes land and land acquisition, building, and DC switching station equipment
including DC filters, converter transformer, insulation, control devices and services. It is assumed that VSC
converter stations do not require any additional reactive power support and they can inherently provide
power with a 0.95 leading to a 0.95 lagging power factor.

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 Transmission Cost Estimation Guide for MTEP24

Table 2.4-2: Converter station voltage source converter (VSC) – one end
Voltage class ± 250 kV ± 400 kV ± 500 kV ± 600 kV ± 640 kV
Power Transfer 500 MW 1,500 MW 2,000 MW 2,400 MW 3,000 MW
Ground electrode
20 miles 20 miles 20 miles 20 miles 20 miles
line length
Valve hall $83.4M $266.4M $359.1M $440.2M $535.7M
AC Substation $12.4M $18.2M $26.4M $26.4M $35.3M
Ground electrode $3.1M $4.2M $4.3M $4.5M $4.7M
Ground electrode $4.6M $11.6M $13.9M $17.4M $18.8M
line

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 Transmission Cost Estimation Guide for MTEP24

3. Initial Assumptions
To create a cost estimate, MISO makes initial assumptions about the scopes of work for potential projects.
As more information becomes known, scope of work assumptions is refined. The assumptions are not an
indication of how a potential project should be built, but merely an instrument to provide a cost estimate.

3.1 AC and HVDC Transmission Lines

Line Length

The transmission line length is a consideration for determining its cost estimate for a potential project. For
exploratory and planning cost estimates, the line length is determined by the straight-line distance between
the two substations plus a 30% line length adder. This 30% line length adder accounts for routing
constraints that will be determined upon further development of the potential transmission line project. For
scoping cost estimates, the line length is determined by a MISO-created proxy route based upon a desktop
study. For new potential projects, MISO considers new right-of-way. For retrofit/reconductor projects,
MISO assumes an adequate existing right-of-way. MISO does not share its assumed proxy route information
with stakeholders, as the route could be perceived as a MISO-endorsed or preferred route. MISO’s proxy
route is merely an instrument to support the MISO’s transmission line cost estimate. MISO utilizes Google
Earth to determine route length, land types, and terrain types encountered.

Right-of-Way Width

The right-of-way widths that MISO assumes are intended to be indicative of right-of-way widths for
transmission lines in each voltage class (Table 3.1-1). Different project conditions in different locations may
have a wider or narrower right-of-way width than the indicative value MISO assumes.

Table 3.1-1: Right-of-way width

AC Transmission (single and double circuit)
Voltage
69 kV 115 kV 138 kV 161 kV 230 kV 345 kV 500 kV 765 kV
class
Feet 80 90 95 100 125 175 200 225
HVDC transmission (single circuit)
Voltage
± 250 kV ± 400 kV ± 500 kV ± 600 kV ± 640 kV
class
Feet 130 180 200 215 225

Structures Per Mile

MISO makes indicative assumptions about the quantity of structures per mile required in transmission line
cost estimates (Tables 3.1-2, 3.1-3 and 3.1-4). The indicative assumptions are not connected to any specific
project. For AC transmission, MISO assumes a steel pole structure type for 69 kV – 765 kV. For HVDC,
MISO assumes a steel pole structure type for 250 kV, and a steel tower structure for 400 kV – 600 kV.

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 Transmission Cost Estimation Guide for MTEP24

Table 3.1-2: Structures per mile – AC transmission

steel tower and steel pole (single circuit/double circuit)
Voltage class 69 kV 115 kV 138 kV 161 kV 230 kV 345 kV 500 kV 765 kV
Tangent
9/9.5 8.5/9 8/8.5 7/7.5 5/7 4.5/6 3.0/N/A 3.5/N/A
structures
Running angle
1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/N/A 0.25/N/A
structures
Non-angled
deadend 0.25/0.25 0.25/0.25 0.25/0.25 0.25/0.25 0.25/0.25 0.25/0.25 0.25/N/A 0.125/N/A
structures
Angled
deadend 0.25/0.25 0.25/0.25 0.25/0.25 0.25/0.25 0.25/0.25 0.25/0.25 0.25/N/A 0.125/N/A
structures

Table 3.1-3: Structures per mile – AC transmission

wood pole (single circuit/double circuit)
Voltage class 69 kV 115 kV 138 kV 161 kV 230 kV 345 kV 500 kV 765 kV
Tangent
15.5/18.5 13.5/16.5 13.5/N/A 10.5/N/A 7.5/N/A N/A N/A N/A
structures
Running angle
1/1 1/1 1/N/A 1/N/A 1/N/A N/A N/A N/A
structures
Angled deadend
0.5/0.5 0.5/0.5 0.5/N/A 0.5/N/A 0.5/N/A N/A N/A N/A
structures

Table 3.1-4: Structures per mile – HVDC transmission

steel tower and steel pole (single circuit)
Voltage class ± 250 kV ± 400 kV ± 500 kV ± 600 kV ± 640 kV
Tangent structures 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 3.5
Running angle structures 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.25
Non-angled structures 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.125
Angled structures 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.125

Conductor Selection

Conductor selection for MISO’s exploratory cost estimates are shown in tables 3.1-5 and 3.1-6. The
conductor selected is intended to be typical for a circuit in the voltage class. Specific solution ideas may
necessitate different conductors from those shown.

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 Transmission Cost Estimation Guide for MTEP24

Table 3.1-5: Conductor selection per circuit – AC Transmission

Voltage class 69 kV 115 kV 138 kV 161 kV 230 kV 345 kV 500 kV 765 kV
477 795 795 795 795 795 954 795
Conductor size
kcmil kcmil kcmil kcmil kcmil kcmil kcmil kcmil
Conductor
ACSS ACSS ACSS ACSS ACSS ACSS ACSR ACSR
type
Conductor
1 1 1 1 1 2 3 6
quantity
Amp rating 1,175 1,650 1,650 1,650 1,650 3,000 3,000 5,000
Power rating
140 329 394 460 657 1,792 2,598 6,625
(MVA)

Table 3.1-6: Conductor selection per circuit – HVDC Transmission

Voltage class ± 250 kV ± 400 kV ± 500 kV ± 600 kV ± 640 kV
Conductor size 1,590 kcmil 1,590 kcmil 1,590 kcmil 1,590 kcmil 795 kcmil
Conductor type ACSR ACSR ACSR ACSR ACSR
Conductor quantity per
1 2 2 2 6
pole
Power transfer 500 MW 1,500 MW 2,000 MW 2,400 MW 6,000 MW

Land and Terrain Type

A significant cost driver for transmission line projects is the land and terrain types encountered. MISO’s cost
estimates account for differences between states in MISO’s footprint by using different assumptions for
each state’s unique land and terrain (Table 3.1-7). The indicative assumptions are not tied to any specific
project and are intended for the sole purpose of providing MISO’s exploratory cost estimate.

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 Transmission Cost Estimation Guide for MTEP24

Table 3.1-7: Land and terrain type per state

Land type Terrain type
(pasture, crop, and suburban/urban land (level ground, forested, and wetland
State sum to 100% per state) terrain sum to 100% per state)
Pasture- Suburban/ Level
Cropland Forested Wetland
land Urban ground
Arkansas 25% 65% 10% 40% 55% 5%
Illinois 25% 65% 10% 55% 40% 5%
Indiana 25% 65% 10% 80% 15% 5%
Iowa 10% 80% 10% 80% 15% 5%
Kentucky 25% 65% 10% 65% 25% 10%
Louisiana 25% 65% 10% 55% 25% 20%
Michigan 25% 65% 10% 50% 40% 10%
Minnesota 10% 80% 10% 70% 25% 5%
Mississippi 25% 65% 10% 55% 25% 20%
Missouri 25% 65% 10% 40% 55% 5%
Montana 70% 20% 10% 85% 10% 5%
North Dakota 70% 20% 10% 90% 5% 5%
South Dakota 50% 40% 10% 90% 5% 5%
Texas 65% 25% 10% 50% 30% 20%
Wisconsin 25% 65% 10% 70% 25% 5%

3.2 AC Substations
MISO’s substation exploratory cost estimates use indicative assumptions for the ratings and quantity of
equipment required for substation upgrades and for new substations (Tables 3.2-1 through 3.2-5). The
indicative assumptions for substation equipment are not tied to any specific project and are intended for the
sole purpose of providing MISO’s exploratory cost estimate.

Table 3.2-1: Initial assumptions – bus ratings

Voltage class 69 kV 115 kV 138 kV 161 kV 230 kV 345 kV 500 kV 765 kV
Amp rating 1,200 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 4,000
Power rating
143 598 717 837 1195 1,793 2,598 5,300
(MVA)

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 Transmission Cost Estimation Guide for MTEP24

Table 3.2-2: Substation upgrade – add 1 position

(ring/breaker-and-a-half/double-breaker bus)
Scope of work 69 kV 115 kV 138 kV 161 kV 230 kV 345 kV 500 kV 765 kV
Land required
0.4/0.5/0.6 0.5/0.6/0.7 0.5/0.6/0.8 0.6/0.7/0.8 0.6/0.8/0.9 0.8/0.9/1.1 1.3/1.6/1.9 1.6/2.0/2.3
(acre)
Access road (mile) 0/0/0 0/0/0 0/0/0 0/0/0 0/0/0 0/0/0 0/0/0 0/0/0
Circuit breakers
1/2/2 1/2/2 1/2/2 1/2/2 1/2/2 1/2/2 1/2/2 1/2/2
(each)
Disconnect
2/4/4 2/4/4 2/4/4 2/4/4 2/4/4 2/4/4 2/4/4 2/4/4
switches (each)
Voltage
transformers 1/1/2 1/1/2 1/1/2 1/1/2 1/1/2 1/1/2 1/1/2 1/1/2
(set of 3)
Bus support, bus,
and fittings (3- 4/4/6 4/4/6 4/4/6 4/4/6 4/4/6 6/6/8 8/8/10 12/12/14
phase)
Deadend structure 1/1/1 1/1/1 1/1/1 1/1/1 1/1/1 1/1/1 1/1/1 1/1/1
Control enclosure 0/0/0 0/0/0 0/0/0 0/0/0 0/0/0 0/0/0 0/0/0 0/0/0
Relay panel(s) 1/2/2 1/2/2 1/2/2 1/2/2 1/2/2 1/2/2 1/2/2 1/2/2
Cable trench
(foot), 50 / 50 / 50 / 50 / 60 / 60 / 70 / 88 /
conduit (10 feet), 70 / 70 / 80 / 80 / 80 / 90 / 110 / 131 /
control cable (100 90 100 100 110 110 120 140 175
feet)

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 Transmission Cost Estimation Guide for MTEP24

Table 3.2-3: Substation upgrade – add 2 positions

(ring/breaker-and-a-half/double-breaker bus)
Scope of work 69 kV 115 kV 138 kV 161 kV 230 kV 345 kV 500 kV 765 kV
Land required (acre) 0.8/1.0/1.2 0.9/1.1/1.4 1.0/1.3/1.5 1.1/1.4/1.7 1.2/1.5/1.8 1.5/1.9/2.3 2.5/3.1/3.8 3.1/3.9/4.7
Access road (mile) 0/0/0 0/0/0 0/0/0 0/0/0 0/0/0 0/0/0 0/0/0 0/0/0
Circuit breakers
2/3/4 2/3/4 2/3/4 2/3/4 2/3/4 2/3/4 2/3/4 2/3/4
(each)
Disconnect switches
4/6/8 4/6/8 4/6/8 4/6/8 4/6/8 4/6/8 4/6/8 4/6/8
(each)
Voltage transformers
2/2/2 2/2/2 2/2/2 2/2/2 2/2/2 2/2/2 2/2/2 2/2/2
(set of 3)
Bus support, bus, and
8/8/12 8/8/12 8/8/12 8/8/12 8/8/12 12/12/16 16/16/20 20/20/24
fittings (3-phase)
Deadend structure 2/2/2 2/2/2 2/2/2 2/2/2 2/2/2 2/2/2 2/2/2 2/2/2
Control enclosure 0/0/0 0/0/0 0/0/0 0/0/0 0/0/0 0/0/0 0/0/0 0/0/0
Relay panel(s) 2/3/4 2/3/4 2/3/4 2/3/4 2/3/4 2/3/4 2/3/4 2/3/4
Cable trench (foot),
90 / 95 / 100 / 105 / 110 / 120 / 140 / 175 /
conduit (10 feet),
135 / 143 / 150 / 158 / 165 / 180 / 210 / 263 /
control cable (100
180 190 200 210 220 240 280 350
feet)

Table 3.2-4: New substation – 4 positions

(ring/breaker-and-a-half/double-breaker bus)
Scope of work 69 kV 115 kV 138 kV 161 kV 230 kV 345 kV 500 kV 765 kV
Land required (acre) 1.6/2.0/2.4 1.8/2.3/2.7 2.0/2.5/3.0 2.2/2.8/3.3 2.4/3.0/3.6 3.0/3.8/4.5 5.0/6.3/7.5 6.2/7.8/9.4
Access road (mile) 1/1/1 1/1/1 1/1/1 1/1/1 1/1/1 1/1/1 1/1/1 1/1/1
Circuit breakers (each) 4/6/8 4/6/8 4/6/8 4/6/8 4/6/8 4/6/8 4/6/8 4/6/8
Disconnect switches
8/12/16 8/12/16 8/12/16 8/12/16 8/12/16 8/12/16 8/12/16 8/12/16
(each)
Voltage transformers
4/6/6 4/6/6 4/6/6 4/6/6 4/6/6 4/6/6 4/6/6 4/6/6
(set of 3)
Bus support, bus, and
12/14/16 12/14/16 12/14/16 12/14/16 12/14/16 14/16/20 20/24/32 28/32/48
fittings (3-phase)
Deadend structure 4/4/4 4/4/4 4/4/4 4/4/4 4/4/4 4/4/4 4/4/4 4/4/4
Control enclosure 1/1/1 1/1/1 1/1/1 1/1/1 1/1/1 1/1/1 1/1/1 1/1/1
Relay panel(s) 6/8/10 6/8/10 6/8/10 6/8/10 6/8/10 6/8/10 6/8/10 6/8/10
Cable trench (foot),
180 / 190 / 200 / 210 / 220 / 240 / 280 / 350 /
conduit (10 feet),
270 / 290 / 300 / 320 / 330 / 360 / 420 / 525 /
control cable (100
360 380 400 420 440 480 560 700
feet)

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 Transmission Cost Estimation Guide for MTEP24

Table 3.2-5: New substation – 6 positions

(ring/breaker-and-a-half/double-breaker bus)
Scope of work 69 kV 115 kV 138 kV 161 kV 230 kV 345 kV 500 kV 765 kV
Land required (acre) 2.0/2.5/3.0 2.3/2.8/3.4 2.5/3.1/3.8 2.8/3.4/4.1 3.0/3.8/4.5 3.8/4.7/5.6 6.3/7.8/9.4 7.8/9.8/11.7
Access road (mile) 1/1/1 1/1/1 1/1/1 1/1/1 1/1/1 1/1/1 1/1/1 1/1/1
Circuit breakers 6/9/12 6/9/12 6/9/12 6/9/12 6/9/12 6/9/12 6/9/12 6/9/12
Disconnect switches
12/18/24 12/18/24 12/18/24 12/18/24 12/18/24 12/18/24 12/18/24 12/18/24
(each)
Voltage transformers
6/8/8 6/8/8 6/8/8 6/8/8 6/8/8 6/8/8 6/8/8 6/6/8
(set of 3)
Bus support, bus, and
14/16/20 14/16/20 14/16/20 14/16/20 14/16/20 16/20/24 24/32/40 32/48/60
fittings (3-phase)
Deadend structure 6/6/6 6/6/6 6/6/6 6/6/6 6/6/6 6/6/6 6/6/6 6/6/6
Control enclosure 1/1/1 1/1/1 1/1/1 1/1/1 1/1/1 1/1/1 1/1/1 1/1/1
Relay panel(s) 8/11/14 8/11/14 8/11/14 8/11/14 8/11/14 8/11/14 8/11/14 8/11/14
Cable trench (foot),
270 / 290 / 300 / 320 / 330 / 360 / 420 / 525 /
conduit (10 feet),
410 / 430 / 450 / 470 / 500 / 540 / 630 / 788/
control cable (100
540 570 600 630 600 720 840 1050
feet)

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 Transmission Cost Estimation Guide for MTEP24

4. Exploratory Costs
In the planning process, exploratory cost estimates allow quick assessment of many different project ideas
to check potential viability. MISO provides high-level, exploratory cost estimates for projects with low levels
of scope definition. MISO does not recommend using exploratory cost estimates for any solution idea in the
regular planning cycle due to the breadth of the assumptions used to derive the unit costs and lower level of
granularity regarding specific project components. The exploratory cost estimates provided in sections 4.1,
4.2 and 4.3 are based on the assumptions and cost data shown in this guide. Before a potential project is
recommended for approval to MISO’s Board of Directors, MISO completes a thorough scoping cost
estimate, the details of which are shared with stakeholders for their review and comment. MISO provides its
exploratory cost estimate in a $/mile cost as defined by its voltage class and, in most cases, by the state in
which the potential project would be developed.

4.1 AC and HVDC Transmission Lines

Table 4.1-1: Exploratory cost estimate – AC transmission
new single circuit transmission line $/mile
Location 69 kV 115 kV 138 kV 161 kV 230 kV 345 kV 500 kV 765 kV
Arkansas $1.7M $1.9M $2.0M $2.1M $2.2M $3.5M $4.4M $5.5M
Illinois $1.8M $2.0M $2.0M $2.1M $2.2M $3.6M $4.5M $5.6M
Indiana $1.7M $1.9M $2.0M $2.0M $2.1M $3.4M $4.3M $5.4M
Iowa $1.7M $1.9M $2.0M $2.1M $2.2M $3.5M $4.4M $5.6M
Kentucky $1.8M $2.0M $2.1M $2.2M $2.3M $3.7M $4.6M $5.8M
Louisiana $2.0M $2.2M $2.3M $2.4M $2.6M $4.1M $5.1M $6.3M
Michigan $1.8M $2.0M $2.1M $2.2M $2.3M $3.7M $4.6M $5.8M
Minnesota $1.8M $2.0M $2.1M $2.1M $2.3M $3.6M $4.5M $5.7M
Mississippi $2.0M $2.2M $2.3M $2.4M $2.6M $4.1M $5.0M $6.3M
Missouri $1.7M $1.9M $2.0M $2.0M $2.2M $3.5M $4.4M $5.5M
Montana $1.6M $1.8M $1.9M $1.9M $2.0M $3.2M $4.1M $5.2M
North $1.6M $1.8M $1.9M $1.9M $2.0M $3.3M $4.1M $5.2M
Dakota
South $1.6M $1.8M $1.9M $1.9M $2.0M $3.3M $4.1M $5.2M
Dakota
Texas $1.9M $2.2M $2.3M $2.3M $2.5M $4.0M $4.9M $6.1M
Wisconsin $1.8M $2.0M $2.1M $2.2M $2.3M $3.7M $4.6M $5.8M
Includes contingency (30%) and AFUDC (7.5%)

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 Transmission Cost Estimation Guide for MTEP24

Table 4.1-2: Exploratory cost estimate – AC transmission

new double circuit transmission line $/mile
Location 69 kV 115 kV 138 kV 161 kV 230 kV 345 kV
Arkansas $2.5M $2.8M $2.9M $3.0M $3.6M $5.8M
Illinois $2.5M $2.8M $3.0M $3.0M $3.6M $5.9M
Indiana $2.4M $2.7M $2.9M $3.0M $3.5M $5.8M
Iowa $2.5M $2.8M $2.9M $3.0M $3.6M $5.8M
Kentucky $2.6M $2.9M $3.0M $3.1M $3.7M $6.0M
Louisiana $2.8M $3.1M $3.3M $3.3M $4.0M $6.4M
Michigan $2.6M $2.9M $3.0M $3.1M $3.7M $6.0M
Minnesota $2.5M $2.8M $3.0M $3.1M $3.6M $6.0M
Mississippi $2.7M $3.1M $3.2M $3.3M $4.0M $6.4M
Missouri $2.5M $2.8M $2.9M $3.0M $3.5M $5.8M
Montana $2.3M $2.6M $2.8M $2.8M $3.3M $5.5M
North Dakota $2.4M $2.7M $2.8M $2.9M $3.4M $5.6M
South Dakota $2.4M $2.7M $2.8M $2.9M $3.4M $5.6M
Texas $2.7M $3.0M $3.2M $3.3M $3.9M $6.3M
Wisconsin $2.6M $2.9M $3.0M $3.1M $3.7M $6.0M
Includes contingency (30%) and AFUDC (7.5%)

Table 4.1-3: Exploratory cost estimate – AC transmission

rebuild and reconductor transmission line $/mile
Scope of
69 kV 115 kV 138 kV 161 kV 230 kV 345 kV 500 kV 765 kV
Work
Rebuild –
$1.5M $1.7M $1.8M $1.8M $1.9M N/A N/A N/A
single circuit
Rebuild –
double $2.3M $2.6M N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
circuit
Reconductor
$.33M $.39M $.39M $.39M $.39M $.62M $.83M $1.14M
– per circuit
Includes contingency (30%) and AFUDC (7.5%)

39