Orono_Route_Permit_Application - Docket # W002/TL-11-223

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and pilot relaying, installing fiber optic lines for relaying and transfer trip, installing breakers, reconfiguring line protection, replacing shield wire with fiber optic shield wire, and related modifications; and • revise as needed line designations, terminals, breakers, relays, and line protection as a result of the above changes in connecting the new Orono Substation to 115 kV transmission Line 0831. Specific details to the substation replacement and associated facilities are further described in Section 4.4. While not part of the Route Permit requested by Xcel Energy, the following work will also be completed: • disconnect approximately 385 feet of existing Great River Energy (GRE) 69 kV transmission line (BD) from the existing Orono Substation and re-route approximately 420 feet of this line around the proposed new Orono Substation and associated new 115 kV transmission line facilities (the re-routed GRE 69 kV transmission line would not be connected to the new Orono Substation). The proposed transmission structures are single -pole, galvanized steel or weathering -steel type structures. The height of the new single circuit poles will range from 70 to 90 feet while the double circuit poles will range from 75 to 115 feet, with the spans between poles ranging from 300 to 500 feet. Xcel Energy respectfully requests a route width of up to 200 feet on each side of the Proposed Route alignment (400 feet total width), on either side of Line 0831 to Structure 076 and up to the south side of U.S. Highway 12 (see Figure 2). Following construction, the typical right-of-way width for the new transmission line will be 75 feet. 3.3 Need for Project The Project, which includes increasing the operating voltage of the existing Orono Substation from 69 kV to 115 kV and connecting it to Xcel Energy's existing transmission system, is needed to improve local and system reliability, reduce the risk of overloads, and allow for additional load growth in the future (Hollydale/Meadow Lake Load Serving Study, Xcel Energy Services, Transmission System Planning and Reliability Assessment, June 2011). 3.4 Project Schedule Construction for the Project is expected to begin in the first quarter 2012, and Xcel Energy anticipates a second quarter 2013 in-service date for the proposed facilities. Table 2 provides an estimated permitting and construction schedule summary. Table 2 Estimated Project Schedule Project Task Date File Route Permit Application with the Commission —A 2" d Quarter 2011 Route Permit Review Process Complete 4`h Quarter 2011 Begin Transmission Line and Substation Construction 1S` Quarter 2012 In -Service Date 2°d Quarter 2013 Orono Project June 7, 2011 MPUC Docket No. E002/TL-11-223 10