Notice of Xcel Energy Filing Permit Appl

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The Project will require modifying Xcel Energy's existing transmission Line 0831 to make this connection. The new double circuit 115 kV transmission line route is proposed to run north from the Orono Substation across Xcel Energy property for approximately '/a mile and then cross an additional 1/4 mile of private property as shown on the attached map. Depending upon the final selected route, the Project may cross over adjacent wetlands or railroad/roads. A portion of the proposed Project may be located within existing easements maintained by Xcel Energy or other road authorities and utilities. However, some new easement acquisition is anticipated. For new construction of structures and transmission line, Xcel Energy typically proposes a 400-foot-wide route corridor, 200 feet on either side of the proposed new line location. If the Commission approves Xcel Energy's proposal, the Company will work with landowners to purchase property rights, known as an easement, in order to construct this segment of transmission line. Xcel Energy typically requires a right-of-way of 75 feet (37'6" from centerline of structure) for new 115 kV transmission line construction. In locations with existing rights-of-way or other engineering or site considerations, the Project may be designed to fit within smaller right-of-way. There may be circumstances where Xcel Energy will be required to exercise the right of eminent domain to acquire easements for the Project in accordance with its authority under state law pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 117. Route Permit Process A Route Permit from the Commission is required before the Project can be constructed. The Power Plant Siting Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 216E) and implementing rules in Minnesota Rules Chapter 7850 establish the requirements for submitting and processing a Route Permit application. The statutes and rules also establish notice requirements for various stages of the process. Xcel Energy has requested the Commission that the Route Permit application be considered under the alternative permitting process in Minnesota Statutes § 216E.04 and Minnesota Rules parts 7850.2900 to 7850.3900. The Commission has up to six months from the time the application is accepted as complete to process and make a decision on the route permit according to Minnesota Statute § 216E.04, subd. 7 and Minnesota Rule 7850.3900, subp. 1. Within 60 days after the Commission accepts the application as complete, the Department of Commerce, Energy Facilities Permitting (EFP) staff, will hold a public meeting to provide information and seek comments from the public. At this meeting, members of the public may propose additional route alternatives for consideration in the Environmental Assessment that the EFP staff will prepare. Notice of the meeting, including information on the date, time, and location of the meeting, and deadline for public comments will be published in the newspaper and sent directly to persons on the Commission's Project contact list maintained for this Project. After the Environmental Assessment has been completed, a public hearing (conducted by an administrative law judge from the Office of Administrative Hearings) will be held on the Project. Any person may speak at the public hearing, present documentary evidence, ask questions of Xcel Energy and EFP staff,and submit comments. 3