Jose Delgado to Retire from American Transmission Co.
As the founder and first chief executive of the utility that has become a national leader in building electric transmission infrastructure, José M. Delgado, executive chair of American Transmission Co., has announced his plans to retire on Feb. 28, after 10 years with the company.
John C. Procario was hired in April as president and chief executive officer and will succeed Delgado as board chair.
“The transmission grid is in much better shape than when we started operations in 2001. That was one of the major reasons for our formation. We resolved the limitations affecting electric operations in our region, improving reliability and access, and delivering significant economic and environmental benefits, as well.”
Delgado was named CEO of ATC in late 1999 to form and lead the first multi-state transmission-only utility in the United States with assets in four states: Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois.
Since ATC became operational, the company has grown from $500 million in assets to $2.5 billion. Under Delgado’s leadership, ATC invested more than $2 billion in transmission infrastructure to improve electric system reliability and provide better access to power. The company has built and upgraded more than 1,800 miles of transmission lines including the 220-mile Arrowhead-Weston transmission line from Wausau, Wis., to Duluth, Minn. Overcoming considerable public opposition; ATC completed this project safely, within budget and ahead of schedule. For this project, ATC was recognized with the Edison Electric Institute’s 2009 Edison Award – considered the industry’s highest honor.
Delgado established a strong environmental ethic at ATC. In 2005, the company became the first utility in Wisconsin to receive the Green Tier designation from the Department of Natural Resources for demonstrating superior environmental performance. In 2009, the company’s new corporate headquarters was built with water reclamation, solar power and other sustainable features and aims at a gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) designation from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Delgado said, “On nearly 60 transmission line projects, ATC developed a reputation for communicating openly and treating the public fairly, and for our expertise in planning, siting and building transmission. Our employees have operated the system expertly as well. Now, John Procario and our staff are ready to take ATC to the next level.”
Prior to the formation of ATC, Delgado spent 27 years at Wisconsin Electric Power Co. (d.b.a. We Energies).