Studies and Reports > 2009 MN Biennial Report > TC Planning Zone > Needs: 6.5.3 Chisago – Apple River

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6.5.3 Chisago – Apple River

Tracking Number. 2003-TC-N4

Utility. Xcel Energy and Dairyland Power Cooperative

Inadequacy. The Chisago County – Apple River area includes Chisago County and parts of northwestern Wisconsin. The area is served by a 69 kV line running between Arden Hills and St. Croix Falls, by a 69 kV tap from the Chisago County substation to Scandia, and by the Apple River – St. Croix Falls 69 kV line from the east. Demand in the Chisago County area has increased over the past few years and is expected to continue to grow in the future. The present system cannot serve the existing demand with the loss of the Apple River – St. Croix Falls 69 kV. The loss of the Apple River – St. Croix Falls 69 kV line during times of peak loading can result in low voltage at several substations in western Wisconsin, overloading of surviving lines, and even loss of power for certain areas.

A map of the area is shown on the following page.

Alternatives. Four alternatives were identified in the Chisago Electric Reliability Project – East Central Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin Transmission Load Serving Analysis conducted in 2003. The preferred option is a rebuild of the existing 69 kV line between the Chisago County substation and the new Lawrence Creek substation to 115 kV and to 161 kV (with the majority of the section of line being a 161/69 kV double circuit) from Lawrence Creek to Apple River. This option was identified as Alternative 1 in the 2005 Report.

Schedule. On February 24, 2008, the PUC issued its written Order Granting Certificate of Need, Granting Route Permit, and Deferring Action on Portion of Route Permit Application Pending Negotiations and Further Filings. Construction of the line is presently underway and is expected to be in operation in 2010.

PUC Docket Number. TL-06-1677 (Route Permit) CN-04-1176 (Certificate of Need)

Click here or on map below to download high resolution PDF map.