ERMUSR MISC 08-14-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Need, routing and permitting processes State need assessment processes • The regulatory process for these lines is underway. The utilities will file a Certificate of Need (CON) application in August with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MN PUC) for the three 345-kV projects. • A separate application that combines need and routing will be filed with the MN PUC for the Bemidji-Grand Rapids, 230-kV transmission line in late 2007. • As part of the Certificate of Need process, the utilities will provide data concerning the projections of electric usage to demonstrate the necessity of the proposed lines. The MN PUC will consider this information in determining the need for the lines as well as their characteristics, such as substations and end-points. • The Certificate of Need will also describe the specific areas in the system that will experience significant reliability concerns and explain how the proposals will meet those needs. • The Certificate of Need approval process generally takes 15 to 18 months and provides many opportunities for public involvement, including open houses, public hearings and other public meetings. Utilities, the MN PUC and the Department of Commerce will host meetings to provide information and gather input. • The utilities also will seek need determinations for each of the proposed transmission line projects from the North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin utility regulatory commissions. We anticipate starting these processes in Spring 2008. The CapX 2020 utilities will closely coordinate the regulatory processes among the states. Project routing • The utilities have identified broad 'notice corridors' that extend between the general areas proposed for the beginning and end-points of each transmission line. Actual routes for the transmission lines and locations for any new substations have not been determined. Prior to the Certificate of Need filing, the CapX 2020 utilities sent letters to landowners in the study corridors notifying them of the proposals and describing how they can participate in the process. • While the MN PUC is assessing the need for the transmission lines, the utilities will work with local governments, landowners, electric cooperatives and other stakeholders to start evaluating potential routes. In addition to determinations by state regulators that the projects are needed, each project requires regulatory approval for the specific routes for the lines. • In Minnesota, a route permit application must be filed with the MN PUC for each project, proposing a recommended route and alternatives. The MN PUC makes the final decision on routes for the lines, taking into account recommendations from all participating parties. • Similar review, permit and approval processes are required for project lines and facilities from the Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota commissions.