April 15, 2026

Negaunee Electric builds stronger for the future

Member Utilities

Years ago, Negaunee Electric Department was evaluating its next steps. An item in need of attention was the nearly 60-year-old substation serving the community. It was approaching its capacity and the aging infrastructure raised liability concerns.

In 2023, a new substation was approved. The $7.4 million project was a first for the city. The new, municipally owned substation allowed Negaunee to transition away from paying the Upper Peninsula Power Company for access to transmission lines.

“We took the steps to plan for a new era by embracing more energy independence and ensuring the facility we built would serve our customers well into the future when we decided to construct Irontown Electrical Substation,” said Nate Heffron, city manager of Negaunee. “With a lot of expert support, from our initial study identifying the need for a new substation to the hard work of WPPI staff, we were able to shift away from aging infrastructure and build for the future of our city.”

Officials broke ground on the new substation in 2023 and celebrated its opening in May 2025. Irontown includes two 7.5 MVA transformers that supply four circuits, alleviating strain on infrastructure.

The previous substation at the corner of a highway and city street was decommissioned and removed once Irontown became fully operational. The new electric substation is expected to operate for 60 years or more.

The new electric substation helps the utility manage costs, reduce liability and support future growth.

Electric Department Supervisor Mark Wainio sees the completion of Irontown as a point of pride for their utility and its service to the community. It was one of the successes he remarks on during his tenure as he prepares to retire from the position in June.

“The city owns the substation and that means we have more control over our own power,” Wainio said. “We’re proud to have implemented this new station to keep our energy safe and reliable for both residents and businesses here.”

WPPI Energy Services Manager Brett Niemi was an integral part of the process. From initial planning to the ribbon cutting, Niemi was there to help guide the utility in its work to construct the new station. As an everyday presence at the utility, Niemi was an important part of the process. Resources available through the shared strength of joint action helped ensure the substation was built, creating more energy independence in Negaunee and providing safe, reliable power to everyone the utility serves.

“Teamwork is really what secured this project as a reality,” Heffron said. “Brett worked diligently to keep everything on track. If you look at planning documents, messages or any materials related to getting Irontown in place, his name and, by extension, WPPI Energy, is on it.”