Orono_Route_Permit_Application - Docket # W002/TL-11-223

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The proposed transmission line will be designed to meet or surpass relevant local and state codes, the National Electric Safety Code ("NESC"), North American Electric Reliability Corporation ("NERC") requirements and Company standards. Appropriate standards will be met for construction and installation, and applicable safety procedures will be followed during and after installation. The 115 kV conductor proposed for the Project will be 795 thousand circular mil ("kcmil") 26/7 Aluminum Core Steel Supported ("ACSS") conductor per phase. 5.1.2 Right -of -Way Width Xcel Energy typically requires a right-of-way of 75 feet wide (37'6" from centerline of structure) for new 115 kV transmission line construction such as that proposed in this Project. See Figures 6 - 8. In locations with existing rights-of-way or other engineering or site considerations, the Project may be designed to fit within a smaller right-of-way. Where the transmission line parallels other existing infrastructure right-of-way (e.g., roads, railroads, other utilities), an easement of lesser width may be sufficient as part of the right-of-way of the existing infrastructure, which can often be combined with the right-of-way needed for the transmission line. With the pole placement proposed for this Project, the transmission line shares the existing right-of-way, thereby reducing the size of the easement required from the private landowner. When the transmission line is parallel to a roadway or railroad, poles will generally be placed 5 feet within the private right-of-way adjacent to the roadway or railroad. Therefore, a little less than half of the line right-of-way will share the existing roadway or railroad right-of-way, resulting in an easement of lesser width being required from the landowner. In general, the structures will be placed as close to the property line as practical. Xcel Energy will work with industry standard practices and applicable roadway authorities and the BNSF railroad to position and manage the right of way. Orono Project June 7, 2011 MPUC Docket No. E002/TL-11-223 23