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Xcel Energy Orono HVTL Project Draft Scoping Document PUC Docket No.E002/TL-11-223 Page 3 INTRODUCTION This scoping document is intended to advise the public of the scoping process and the process for the preparation of the Environmental Review document. The scoping decision will identify for the public the issues and alternatives that the Department of Commerce (Department) has determined are appropriate for inclusion in the environmental review document. A High Voltage Transmission Line (HVTL) Route Permit from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) is required prior to construction of the Project. Xcel Energy (Applicant) submitted a HVTL Route Permit application to the Commission on June 7, 2011. The route permit application was accepted as complete by the Commission on June 30, 2011. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Xcel Energy proposes to construct the Orono Substation Expansion and new 115 kV Transmission Line Project (Project). As proposed,the Project would replace the existing 69 kV Orono Substation with a new 115 kV substation at the same location, but with a larger footprint. The Project would connect the new substation to the existing Xcel Energy 115 kV transmission line 0831 through a new double circuit 115 kV transmission lines of approximately 2,040 feet. The Project, as proposed, would also remove approximately 1,030 feet of 115 kV transmission line and replace it with approximately 1,100 feet of new single circuit 115 kV transmission line. While not part of the Route Permit requested by Xcel Energy, approximately 400 feet of the existing Great River Energy 69 kV transmission line BD would be rerouted around the new Orono Substation. Xcel Energy proposes to use steel single-pole structures with spans of approximately 300 to 500 feet between poles; structure heights are anticipated to range from 70 to 90 feet for the single-circuit structures to 75 to 115 feet for the double-circuit structures. Xcel Energy is requesting a route width of approximately 400 feet, or 200 feet either side of the proposed alignment shown in the Application maps. The anticipated right-of-way for the new transmission line would be 75 feet. The Project is located entirely within the city of Orono in Hennepin County. Xcel estimates the total Project cost to be approximately $5.3 million dollars. HVTL ROUTE PERMITTING Minnesota Statutes Section 216E.03, subd. 2, provides that no person may construct a HVTL without a route permit from the Commission. An HVTL is defined as a transmission line of 100 kV or more and greater than 1,500 feet in length in Minnesota Statutes Section 216E.01, subd. 4. The proposed transmission lines are HVTLs and therefore a route permit is required prior to construction. The Applicants submitted the HVTL route permit application for the Orono Substation Expansion and new 115 kV Transmission Line pursuant to the provisions of the Alternative Permitting Process outlined in Minnesota Rules 7849.2900. The alternative permitting process includes environmental review and public hearings, and typically takes six months.