Trusted Energy Transmission Since 1989
Three decades of operational excellence, delivering reliable power infrastructure across the region with unwavering commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.
About Altongate Energy Transmission
As a critical infrastructure operator, we serve as the backbone of regional energy distribution, ensuring communities and industries have access to reliable, safe, and efficient electrical transmission.
Altongate Energy Transmission was established in 1989 in response to the growing need for a dedicated, independent transmission system operator in the region. What began as a modest operation managing 450 miles of transmission lines has evolved into one of the most reliable and expansive energy transmission networks in the nation, spanning over 2,400 miles of high-voltage infrastructure.
Our role in the regional energy ecosystem is fundamental: we operate the critical transmission infrastructure that moves high-voltage electricity from generation sources to local distribution networks, serving 3.2 million customers across multiple states. We function as a neutral operator, ensuring fair access to transmission capacity while maintaining the highest standards of reliability and operational integrity.
Unlike retail utility companies, Altongate focuses exclusively on the transmission backbone—the high-voltage network that enables power to flow efficiently across long distances. This specialized focus allows us to maintain expertise in large-scale infrastructure management, grid stability, and emergency response coordination. We work closely with generation companies, regional transmission organizations, and local utilities to ensure seamless energy delivery.
Our History
Three decades of steady growth, infrastructure investment, and operational excellence
Company Founded
Altongate Energy Transmission established as an independent transmission system operator, assuming responsibility for 450 miles of transmission lines and 78 substations from legacy utility systems. Initial focus on standardizing operations and establishing reliability protocols.
Grid Operations Center
Commissioned our state-of-the-art Grid Operations Center with SCADA capabilities, enabling real-time monitoring and control of the entire transmission network. This marked a major advancement in operational efficiency and emergency response capabilities.
Network Expansion
Completed major expansion project adding 800 miles of new 345kV transmission lines, significantly increasing regional transfer capacity and grid reliability. Network now served 1.8 million customers across three states.
NERC Compliance Certification
Achieved full compliance with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards, demonstrating commitment to operational excellence and regulatory adherence. Established comprehensive compliance management program.
Advanced Monitoring Systems
Deployed advanced phasor measurement units (PMUs) and wide-area monitoring systems across the network, providing microsecond-level grid visibility and enabling predictive stability analysis. Industry-leading technology adoption.
Infrastructure Modernization
Launched $2.1 billion five-year infrastructure modernization program, replacing aging equipment, upgrading substations with digital automation, and implementing predictive maintenance protocols. Achieved 99.98% system uptime.
Present Day Operations
Now operating 2,400+ miles of transmission lines serving 3.2 million customers. Recognized as one of the most reliable transmission operators in North America, with industry-leading uptime and safety records. Continued investment in grid resilience and cybersecurity.
Leadership Team
Experienced executives with deep expertise in energy infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and operational management
Richard D. Morrison
Richard brings 32 years of utility industry experience, including leadership roles at major transmission operators. He has overseen infrastructure investments exceeding $4 billion and is recognized for operational excellence initiatives.
Patricia Chen-Rodriguez
Patricia leads all transmission operations, maintenance, and emergency response activities. A licensed professional engineer with 28 years in power systems, she has achieved industry-leading reliability metrics and safety performance.
James T. Whitfield
James manages financial planning, regulatory rate cases, and investor relations. His prudent financial management has maintained Altongate's AA credit rating while funding essential infrastructure investments and maintaining stable rates.
Dr. Susan Michaels
Dr. Michaels oversees all regulatory compliance activities, including NERC, FERC, and state utility commission requirements. She has successfully managed over 200 regulatory audits with zero major findings since joining in 2009.
Marcus R. Thompson
Marcus directs long-term infrastructure planning, asset lifecycle management, and capital project execution. Under his leadership, Altongate has maintained optimal asset health while extending equipment service life through strategic reinvestment.
Linda K. Bergstrom
Linda manages the Grid Operations Center and real-time system operations. A veteran system operator with 25 years of experience, she has implemented advanced forecasting and load management systems that optimize network performance.
Our Core Values
The principles that guide our operations and define our organizational culture
Safety First
Safety is non-negotiable. We maintain rigorous safety protocols for our employees, contractors, and the public. Our zero-incident goal drives continuous improvement in safety training and hazard prevention.
Reliability
Communities depend on us 24/7/365. We design, operate, and maintain our infrastructure to deliver industry-leading uptime, minimizing outage frequency and duration through proactive management.
Regulatory Compliance
We exceed all regulatory requirements, maintaining transparent relationships with oversight agencies. Compliance is embedded in our operations, not treated as a separate obligation.
Stakeholder Trust
We earn trust through consistent performance, transparent communication, and fair dealing with customers, regulators, and community partners. Our reputation is our most valuable asset.
Operational Excellence
Continuous improvement is embedded in our culture. We invest in training, technology, and processes that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service quality.
Long-Term Stewardship
Infrastructure built today must serve future generations. We make prudent, long-term investment decisions that balance current needs with sustainable future operations.
Organizational Stability by the Numbers
Metrics that demonstrate our long-term reliability and financial strength
Regulatory Compliance & Oversight
Altongate operates under comprehensive regulatory oversight, ensuring accountability, transparency, and adherence to all applicable standards
Federal Oversight
- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) jurisdiction
- North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) compliance
- Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards
- Annual NERC audits with zero major findings
- Quarterly reporting to FERC on system performance
State Utility Commissions
- Regular rate case proceedings in all service states
- Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity
- State reliability standards compliance
- Environmental permit compliance and reporting
- Annual financial and operational audits
Industry Standards
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards
- National Electric Safety Code (NESC) compliance
- American National Standards Institute (ANSI) protocols
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations
Financial & Corporate Governance
- Independent board of directors with regulatory expertise
- Annual external financial audits by Big Four accounting firm
- Public disclosure of financial results and rate structures
- Investor-owned utility governance standards
- Ethics and compliance officer reporting directly to board
Our Role in the Regional Energy Ecosystem
Altongate serves as a critical link in the regional energy supply chain, operating at the wholesale transmission level. We do not generate electricity nor do we sell directly to end consumers. Instead, we maintain and operate the high-voltage network that connects power generation facilities to local distribution utilities, enabling efficient energy transfer across hundreds of miles.
Our position as an independent transmission operator means we provide open, non-discriminatory access to transmission capacity. Any qualified generator or load-serving entity can request transmission service, ensuring competitive markets and preventing any single entity from controlling access to the grid. This neutral operator role is fundamental to modern electricity market structures.
We coordinate closely with regional transmission organizations (RTOs) and independent system operators (ISOs) to maintain grid stability across interconnected systems. During normal operations, we balance real-time load and generation. During emergencies, we activate mutual assistance agreements with neighboring utilities, dispatch emergency crews, and coordinate restoration efforts across jurisdictional boundaries.
Altongate also plays a vital planning role, forecasting long-term transmission needs based on load growth projections, generation interconnection requests, and renewable energy integration requirements. Our ten-year infrastructure plans undergo regulatory review to ensure we make prudent investments that serve the public interest while managing costs responsibly.
Learn More About Our Operations
Discover how Altongate maintains one of the most reliable transmission networks in the nation, or get in touch with our team for inquiries about our services and infrastructure.