Orono_Route_Permit_Application - Docket # W002/TL-11-223

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2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 Statement of Ownership Xcel Energy will construct, own, and operate the proposed new 115 kV transmission line and new 115 kV Orono Substation. The new transmission line will connect the expanded Orono Substation to an existing 115 kV transmission line (Line 0831) located approximately 2,600 feet northwest of the Orono Substation site. The address of the Orono Substation is 3960 Sixth Avenue North, City of Orono ("City"), Hennepin County, Minnesota. See Figure 2. Xcel Energy is a Minnesota corporation with its headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Xcel Energy is a wholly owned subsidiary of Xcel Energy Inc., a utility holding company with its headquarters in Minneapolis. Xcel Energy provides electricity services to approximately 1.2 million customers and natural gas services to 435,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Minnesota. Xcel Energy also provides electricity service to more than 83,000 customers in South Dakota and 88,000 customers in North Dakota. Xcel Energy Services Inc. is the service company for Xcel Energy Inc. holding company system and its personnel prepare, submit, and administer regulatory applications to the Commission on behalf of Xcel Energy, including Route Permit applications. 2.2 Requested Action This Application is submitted under the Alternative Permitting Process under Minn. Stat. § 216E.04, subd. 2(3) and Minn. R. 7850.2800 to 7850.3900 (see Minn. R. 7850.2800, Subp. 1(C)). While the rules do not require consideration of alternative routes in the Application (see Minn. Rules Chapter 7850.3100), Xcel Energy's evaluation of four alternative routes, in addition to the "Proposed Route", as herein described for the Project is contained in this Application. See Figure 2. For the reasons presented herein, Xcel Energy prefers the Proposed Route for the new transmission line and substation replacement, and respectfully requests that the Commission approves the Proposed Route and authorize a route width of 200 feet on each side of the route centerline along the Proposed Route (400 feet total width). This Application demonstrates that construction of the Project at the existing Orono Substation and along the Proposed Route will comply with the applicable standards and criteria set out in Minn. Stat. § 216E.03, subd. 7, and Minn. R. 7850.4100. The Project will support the State's goals to conserve resources, minimize environmental and human settlement impacts and land use conflicts, and ensure the State's electric energy security through the construction of efficient, cost-effective transmission infrastructure. 2.3 Permittee The permittee for the proposed Project is: Permittee: Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota Corporation Contact: Joseph G. Sedarski Senior Permitting Analyst, Siting and Land Rights Address: Xcel Energy Services Inc. 414 Nicollet Mall, MP -8 Minneapolis, MN 55401 Phone: 612-330-6435 Email: joseph.g.sedarskikxcelenergy.com Orono Project June 7, 2011 MPUC Docket No. E002/TL-11-223 6