Studies and Reports > 2009 MN Biennial Report > SE Planning Zone > Needs: 6.7.14 Byron-Westside Rochester Area

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6.7.14 Byron-Westside Rochester Area

Tracking Number: 2009-SE-N4

Utility: Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency

Inadequacy: The Byron-Westside Rochester area needs additional load serving support to protect against loss of load in contingency situations. In addition, there are current congestion constraints on the Byron to Maple Leaf 161 kV MISO flow gate, resulting in an increase in the Locational Marginal Price for Rochester and People’s Cooperative customers in the Rochester area under most system conditions.

A map of the Byron-Westside-Rochester Area is shown on the following page.

Alternatives: The only alternative is a second 161 kV line between Byron and Maple Leaf.

Analysis: The existing Byron-Maple Leaf-Cascade Creek 161 kV line was constructed in 1985. This line was designed for a second 161 kV circuit (double circuit structure capable). This project will utilize this existing designed double circuit 161 kV line. This new line is approximately seven miles long and is proposed to be strung on the existing poles along an existing route that parallels Highway 14 for the majority of its length.

This project consists of the following components:

• approximately 7 miles of 161 kV line, same as the existing conductor 954 ACSR
• 161 kV breaker addition at the existing Byron Substation
• 161 kV breaker addition at Rochester’s new Westside Substation

The total estimated cost for this project is approximately $3,500,000.

Additional analysis for this line was performed under the RIGO Study.

Schedule: This project is needed by the fall of 2010. This project does not require a Certificate of Need from the Commission because it is less than 200 kV and less than 10 miles in length, but a route permit from the PUC or local government will be required.

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