Studies and Reports > 2013 MN Biennial Report > Transmission Projects Report 2013
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Transmission Projects Report 2013
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Chapter 6: Needs
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6.0 Needs
6.1 Introduction
Chapter 6 contains information on each of the present and reasonably foreseeable future inadequacies that have been identified in the six transmission zones. For each zone, a table of present inadequacies is first presented, in order of when the inadequacy was first identified, so the older inadequacies are listed first. This table is followed in a separate section with a table of completed projects that have been removed from the open list. These completed projects have been removed because the project was completed over the past two years or because changed circumstances have eliminated the need for the project.
The following describes the information that is reported in the tables for each zone.
6.1.1 Needed Projects
The table for Needed Projects contains the following columns:
MPUC Tracking Number
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MTEP Year/App
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MTEP Project Number
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CON?
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Utility
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Project Description and Timeframe
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MPUC Tracking Number
The first column in the table is labeled "MPUC Tracking Number." Each inadequacy is assigned a Tracking Number. This numbering system was created in 2005 and has been utilized in every report since. The Tracking Number has three parts to it: the year the inadequacy was first reported, the zone in which it occurs, and a chronological number assigned in no particular order. Tracking Number 2013-NE-N1, for example, indicates that this matter is first reported in the 2013 Report and is an inadequacy in the Northeast Zone. An inadequacy with a Tracking Number beginning with 2007, on the other hand, was first identified in the 2007 Report.
This column in the tables also contains in italics a name for each Tracking Number Project.
MTEP Year/App
The second column contains a reference to a MISO Transmission Expansion Plan (MTEP) Report and an Appendix in the report. The MTEP Report is prepared annually by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) and each utility that is a member of MISO must participate in the MTEP process. Each report is referred to by the year it is adopted. Thus, the most recent report is MTEP13. Additional information about the MISO planning process and the MTEP reports is included in section 3.3.1 of this Biennial Report, and an explanation of how to find a particular MTEP Report and an Appendix is provided later in this section
MTEP Project Number
The third column of the table provides a Project Number assigned by MISO for each project. This Project Number is important for finding a particular project in the appropriate MTEP Report.
CON?
The PUC rules (Minn. Rules part 7848.1300, item M) state that the biennial report shall contain an approximate timeframe for filing a certificate of need application for any projects identified that are large enough to require a certificate of need. This column provides a simple "Yes" or "No" indication of whether a CON is required. The timing of the filing for the CON is determined by the fact that either an application has already been filed, in which case a PUC Docket Number is provided in the last column, or the timeframe set forth in the last column for completion of the project will be an indication of when an application for a CON has to be filed. If a PUC Docket Number is given, that docket can be checked to determine whether the CON has already been issued by the Commission.
Utility
This column simply identifies the utility or utilities that are involved in the project.
Description and Timeframe
The last column sets forth a brief explanation of what the project entails. More detailed information is available by consulting the MTEP Report and Appendix that are listed for the project. If a PUC Docket Number for a certificate of need or a route permit has been established, that information will also be found in this column. Finally, a timeframe for completion of the project is indicated.
6.1.2 Completed Projects
The table for Completed Projects is essentially the same as the table for Needed Projects described above. The only difference is that the date the project was completed is provided in the last column. If a certificate of need or a route permit was required from the Public Utilities Commission, or both, the docket numbers are provided in the last column.
MPUC Tracking Number |
MTEP Year/App |
MTEP Project Number |
CON |
Utility |
Description |
Date Completed
PUC Dock |
6.1.3 The MISO Planning Process
As mentioned above most of the transmission planning conducted by Minnesota utilities is done through the Midcontinent Independent System Operator planning process, which results in the development of a Midcontinent Transmission Expansion Plan (MTEP) Report each year.
MISO Members
Not all transmission-owning utilities in Minnesota are members of MISO. The following utilities are members of MISO and will be relying on the MTEP Report to provide the necessary information about the inadequacies they have identified: American Transmission Company (ATC), Central Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (CMMPA), Dairyland Power Cooperative (DPC), Hutchinson Utilities Commission (HUC), Great River Energy (GRE), ITC Midwest (ITCM), Minnesota Power (MP), Missouri River Energy Services (MRES), Northern States Power Company (XEL), Otter Tail Power Company (OTP) and Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMP).
Non-MISO Members
The following utilities are not members of MISO: East River Electric Power Cooperative (EREPC), L&O Power Cooperative (L&O), Marshall Municipal Utilities (MMU), Minnkota Power Cooperative (MPC), Rochester Public Utilities (RPU), and Willmar Municipal Utilities (WMU).
For those utilities that are joining in the submission of this Report who are not members of MISO, complete information about the inadequacy is included in this document. However, there is only one inadequacy to report for a non-MISO member, and that is Tracking Number 2011-NW-N5, a project in the Northwest Zone being undertaken by Minnkota Power Cooperative. Joint projects between MISO and non-MISO utilities are reported by the MISO members and references to the appropriate MTEP Report are provided.
The MTEP Report
The latest MTEP Reports are available on the MISO webpage at:
http://www.misoenergy.org (Click on "Planning.")
Each of the MTEP Reports separates transmission projects into three categories and lists them in Appendices as follows:
Appendix A - Projects recommended for approval,
Appendix B - Projects with documented need and effectiveness, and
Appendix C - Projects in review and conceptual projects.
Generally, when projects are first identified, they are listed in Appendix C, and then they move up to Appendix B and to Appendix A as they are further studied and ultimately brought forth for construction. Some projects never advance to the final stage of actually being approved and constructed.
The MTEP process is ongoing at all times at MISO. Generally utilities submit a list of their newly proposed projects in September. MISO staff evaluates these projects over the next several months, and prepares a draft of the annual MTEP Report around July of the following year. After review by utilities and other interested parties, the MISO board of directors usually approves the report in December. The process continues with another report finalized the following December. The MTEP 13 Report should be approved by the MISO Board of Directors in December of this year.
The MTEP Report is an excellent source of information about ongoing transmission studies and projects in Minnesota and throughout a wide area of the country.
- The MTEP Report is prepared annually so it provides more timely information. The Biennial Report is prepared every other year.
- The MISO planning process is comprehensive. MISO considers all regional transmission issues, not just Minnesota transmission issues.
- MISO conducts an independent analysis of all projects to confirm the benefits stated by the project sponsor. This adds further verification of the benefits of projects.
- MISO holds various planning meetings during the year at which stakeholders can have input into the planning process so there are more frequent opportunities for input (see next paragraph.)
- All completed projects are listed on the MISO webpage.
- Not duplicating the MTEP Report will save ratepayers money. It is costly to require the utilities to redo all the information that is found in the MTEP Report.
Participating in Meetings
Throughout each MTEP cycle, meetings are conducted to help projects progress and to keep stakeholders informed. Importantly, MISO provides numerous opportunities for the utilities, interested persons, and the general public to keep advised of these proceedings and to actually participate in transmission planning discussions. Anyone interested in the annual planning process can contact MISO at clientrelations@misoenergy.org and arrange to get information in the future. Anyone can subscribe to mailing lists for Planning Advisory Committee and Planning Subcommittee meetings.
Subscribing to Mailing Lists
6.2 Finding Information about Specific Projects
Since all but one of the inadequacies identified in this 2013 Biennial Report are by utilities that are MISO members, information about the projects will be found in the MTEP Reports, and it is necessary to describe how to actually find that information. The following discussion provides directions on how to find pertinent information about any one of the projects by Tracking Number.
Project Information
For each zone, a table is included that describes certain information about each project by Tracking Number. The table looks like this (Tracking Number 2003-NE-N2 is used for illustrative purposes):
MPUC Tracking Number |
MTEP Year/App |
MTEP Project Number |
CON? |
Utility |
Description |
2003-NE-N2 |
Cromwell - Wrenshall - Mahtowa - Floodwood Area
2011/A |
2634 |
Yes |
MP/
GRE |
Savanna Project, 115 kV Savanna switching station and Savanna-Cromwell and Savanna-Cedar Valley 115 kV lines, St. Louis Co., MN PUC Docket Nos. CN-10-973 and TL-10-1307 |
Tracking Number 2003-NE-N2 is the Savanna-Cromwell project in the Northeast Zone. Information about this project can be found in Appendix A of the 2011 MTEP Report and is identified as MTEP Project Number 2634. A certificate of need from the Public Utilities Commission is required and this project is being undertaken by Minnesota Power and Great River Energy. The Description column of the table provides a short-hand name for the project, a brief description of the project, a timeframe from completing the project, and a PUC Docket Number if one exists.
Tracking Number 2003-NE-N2 corresponds to MTEP Number 2634. Information about the project can be found in Appendix A of the MTEP11 Report by following these steps:
Step 1. Go to the MISO homepage at: https://www.misoenergy.org
Step 2. Click on "Planning" at the top of the page. Then click on the link on the left side of the page entitled "MISO Transmission Planning Expansion (MTEP)."
Step 3. Click on the link for the annual MTEP report that is sought. In the case of the Savannah - Cromwell Project, it is the MTEP 11 Report that is desired. If the report is older than MTEP 11, you will have to select the Study Repository link for an older report.
Step 4. Click on the "MTEP11 Appendices ABC."
Step 5. Select the "Projects" tab at the bottom of the spreadsheet that was just downloaded. Hold down the "Ctrl" key and press the "F" key to bring up the "Find" dialog box. Enter the MTEP Project Number, which in this case is 2634, in the dialog box and select "Find Next." Information about the project can then be read from the row the MTEP Project was found during this search.
Similar steps can be followed for all other projects identified in chapter 6, including those few that are not Appendix A projects (recommended by MISO for approval).
Project Facilities
Appendices A, B and C also contain information on the specific facilities (such as transmission lines, substations, etc.) that are part of a particular project. The steps below show how to find this information for the example project.
Step 1: To find information on specific facilities (transmission lines, substations etc.) that are part of a project click on the "Facilities" tab located at the bottom of the spreadsheet that was downloaded at Step 5 in the above example.
Step 2: Hold down the "Ctrl" key and hit the "F" key to bring up the "Find" dialog box. Enter the MTEP Project Number, which is "2634" in this example, in the dialog box and then click on "Find Next". The "Find Next" link can be clicked until all rows containing information about Project Number 2634 have been found. There will usually be more than one row since most projects involve more than one transmission line or substation or other facility.
This same procedure can be used to find thiskind of information for other projects and their associated facilities for the projects listed in the tables in Chapter 6 using the MTEP Report and the MTEP Project Number.
Detailed Project Information
Starting in 2008, if the project has been either approved or recommended for approval by the MISO board of directors (i.e, designated an Appendix A project), additional, more detailed information about the project can be found in Appendix D1 in the MTEP Report for the year the project was approved by MISO. For large projects, this information includes a project map, project justification and information about the system inadequacy that the project is intended to correct. For smaller projects, a subset of this information is included. Starting with the MTEP08 Report, projects located in Minnesota are contained in the "West Region Project Justifications" portion of Appendix D1 in the MTEP Report year that the project was approved or recommended for approval. For information on Minnesota projects approved by MISO prior to 2008, see the appropriate year Minnesota Biennial Transmission Projects Report for the appropriate year.
Continuing with our example of the Savannah - Cromwell Project, Tracking Number 2003-NE-N2, which is an approved Appendix A project, this additional information can be found by going to Appendix D1 through the following steps.
Step 1. After following the first three steps described above to get to the appropriate MTEP report, click on the MTEP11 Appendices link.
Step 2. Select MTEP 11 Appendix D1 West.
Step 3. Once the desired Appendix D1 is downloaded, use the pdf search tool to find Project Number 2634 and locate information about this project.
This same procedure can be used to find more detailed information on most projects shown in the tables in Sections 6.3 through 6.8 that have moved to MISO Appendix A since 2008. In addition, if you search for a specific utility's name, you can find information on projects that utility has submitted and have been or are being considered for approval by the MISO board of directors.
Finding Specific Utility Projects in the Appendices
One additional useful tool with the MTEP Reports is the ability to find projects that an individual utility has submitted to MISO. Also, the Appendices can be sorted to show all projects for a particular utility, (or, depending on the version of Excel you are using, a group of utilities.) To do this, from the Appendices ABC page, click on the down arrow located in the column C heading "Geographic Location by TO Member System," and then select the code for the individual utility you are interested in from the drop-down list (NOTE: some versions of Excel will allow you to select multiple utilities).
Utility
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MISO Geographic Code
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American Transmission Company, LLC
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ATC LLC
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Dairyland Power Cooperative
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DPC
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Great River Energy
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GRE
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ITC Midwest LLC
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ITCM
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Minnesota Power
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MP
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Missouri River Energy Services
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MRES
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Otter Tail Power Company
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OTP
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Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency
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SMP
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Xcel Energy
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XEL
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You can also sort other columns in the Appendices in a similar manner. For example, you can sort it to show only projects or facilities in Appendix A by clicking on the arrow in Column A and selecting the desired choice from the drop-down list.
6.3 Northwest Zone
6.3.1 Needed Projects from non-MISO Members
6.3.1.1 Richer - Roseau - Moranville 230 kV Line Uprate
Tracking Number. 2011-NW-N5
Utility. Minnkota Power Cooperative (MPC)
Inadequacy. The Langdon Wind Project is a 200 MW wind farm located approximately 10 miles south of Langdon, ND. The project was built in two stages, Langdon 1 (160 MW) and Langdon 2 (40 MW). The generation is delivered to the Langdon 115 kV Substation via a 10 mile 115 kV line.
As part of the Upper Midwest Wind Initiative, MPC is building an approximately 250 mile 345 kV line from the Center 345 kV substation to the Prairie 345 kV substation. The new line will facilitate the delivery of the output from the Milton R. Young #2 generator over the AC system. The energy produced by Young #2 will also be transferred in increasing shares from Minnesota Power to MPC.
These projects, in conjunction with increasing load in northern Minnesota and a reduction in the schedule of the Square Butte DC line due to Young #2 transitioning to the AC system, are expected to cause additional north to south flows on the 230 kV line connecting the Winnipeg, MB area to the Duluth, MN area. As a result of these increased flows, overloads on the transmission system may occur, namely along the Richer - Roseau - Moranville 230 kV line.
The Richer - Roseau - Moranville 230 kV Line and the substation equipment are owned by Manitoba Hydro, Xcel Energy, and MPC. The current line rating was assigned due to voltage concerns on the line. It was found that at high flow levels, the voltage drop on the line per MW of flow added became increasingly severe.
Alternatives. An investigation has not yet been performed to evaluate mitigation options. The line conductor rating is sufficient to handle the higher flows, so the mitigation will likely be in the form of reactive support. There may also be some work required on the line relays.
Analysis. Firm delivery service for the previously mentioned projects was evaluated in the "Minnkota Power Cooperative Generation Study Report for Service to Native Load", which was performed by MPC. The study showed that a fault on the Forbes - Chisago 500 kV line, along with corresponding cross trip of the Dorsey - Roseau - Forbes 500 kV line and Manitoba DC reductions, caused an overload on the Richer - Roseau - Moranville 230 kV Line, which runs approximately parallel with the 500 kV line. The study demonstrated a final upgrade requirement of 239 MVA.
Schedule. Per "Minnkota Power Cooperative Generation Study Report for Service to Native Load," the line upgrade must be completed by the summer of 2017. A facility study has not yet been performed.
6.3.2 Needed Projects from MISO Members
MPUC Tracking Number
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MTEP Year/App
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MTEP Project Number
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CON?
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Utility
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Project Description and Timeframe
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2003-NW-N3
Otter Tail County Area
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2008/A
2012/A
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1033
585
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No
No
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GRE
OTP
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Add new Silver Lake 230/41.6 kV Substation along Fergus Falls - Henning 230 kV Line in Otter Tail County to support 41.6 kV system in the area. This portion of 2003-NW-N3 is complete.
Convert existing 41.6/12.5 kV Substation in Pelican Rapids (Otter Tail County) to 115/12.5 kV Substation to mitigate 41.6 kV system issues.
Timeframe: end of 2014
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2005-CX-1
Fargo - Monticello 345 kV
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2008/A
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286
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Yes
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CapX
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Add new 345 kV line between Monticello and Fargo to support the Red River Valley and other growing towns along the Interstate 94 corridor during peak load conditions. This project is located in both the Northwest & West Central zones.
Phase 1 - Monticello to St Cloud complete.
Phase 2 - St Cloud to Alexandria Phase 3 - Alexandria - Fargo construction underway.
PUC Docket Nos. CN-06-1115 and TL-09-246 and TL-09-1056.
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2007-NW-N3
Load Expansions in NW Minnesota
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2010/A
2013/B
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2826
4232
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No
Yes
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OTP/MPC
OTP/MPC
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Add capacitor to the 115 kV transmission system in northwest Minnesota at the Karlstad Substation in Kittson County (2 x 10 MVAR), Clearbrook Substation in Clearwater County (2 x 17 MVAR) and the Thief River Falls Substation in Pennington County (1 x 15 MVAR) to support the increasing loads in this area. This portion of 2007-NW-N3 is completed.
This project is a new 230 kV line of approximately 47 miles between Winger and Thief River Falls. Previous biennial reports have identified a need for support in Northwest MN but a project had not been identified until completion of the OTP High Voltage Study described in Chapter 3.
Timeframe: 2016
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2009-NW-N2
Frazee-Perham-Rush Lake Area
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2010/A
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2670
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No
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GRE
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Voltage problems in the Frazee area are planned to be addressed by the addition of a new Schuster Lake 115/41.6 kV Substation near Frazee in Otter Tail County to support the 41.6 kV system in this area.
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2013-NW-N1
Gentilly Interconnection
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2013/A
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4238
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No
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OTP
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MPC has requested interconnection on OTPs 41.6 kV system at Gentilly for additional load support. This project will add a 41.6/12.5 kV delivery at Gentilly.
Timeframe: construction underway
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6.3.3 Completed Projects
Some inadequacies in the Northwest Zone that were identified in the 2011 Biennial Report were alleviated through the construction and completion of specific projects over the last two years or can be moved to the completed category because changed circumstances have eliminated the need for the project. Information about each of the completed projects is summarized briefly in the table below. More information about these projects and inadequacies can be found in the 2011 Report. Also, additional information is available by contacting the designated person for the utility that was responsible for constructing the project.
MPUC Tracking Number
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MTEP Year/
App
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MTEP Project Number
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CON
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Utility
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Description
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Date Completed
PUC Docket
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2003-NW-N2
Northern Valley Area
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2010/B
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2824
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No
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OTP/MPC
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Add capacitor banks
(2 x 15 MVAR) on the 115 kV system at the Hensel Substation in Pembina County, North Dakota, to support voltages in the Northern Valley Area. (Also reference 2007-NW-N3).
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Cancelled due to new load estimates and a refreshed transmission planning study that recommends adding a second Hensel to Drayton 115 kV line.
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2005-NW-N2
Bemidji - Grand Rapids 230 kV Line
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2006/A
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279
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Yes
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CapX/MPC
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Added new 230 kV line between Boswell and Wilton (Bemidji - Grand Rapids 230 kV line) to support the Bemidji area and the Red River Valley during winter peak conditions. This project is located in both the Northwest and Northeast zones.
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November 2012
PUC Docket No. TL-07-1327.
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2009-NW-N3
Brandon - Miltona - Parkers Prairie Area
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2011/A
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2643
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No
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The existing GRE 41.6/12.5 kV Substation at Parkers Prairie in Otter Tail County was converted to 115/12.5 kV by tapping an existing 115 kV line between Miltona and Elmo to alleviate voltage and loading concerns in this area for an outage of the 115/41.6 kV source at Miltona.
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June 2013
PUC Docket No. TL-11-867
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2009-NW-N6
Sheyenne - Audubon 230 kV Line
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2013/A
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3204
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Yes
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OTP
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Sheyenne - Audubon 230 kV transmission line needed due to the interconnection of wind generation at the Maple River Substation
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This project has been cancelled because the CapX2020 Fargo project will mitigate the inadequacy.
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2009-NW-N7
Cass Lake - Nary-Bemidji115 kV Line
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2010/A
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3156
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Yes
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CapX
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As part of the Bemidji - Grand Rapids 230 kV project (see 2005-NW-N2 and 2005-CX-1), additional 230/115 kV delivery was needed at the Cass Lake Substation (Cass County). Along with this new transformer at Cass Lake, the Cass Lake - Nary 115 kV Line needed to be reconductored to accommodate post-contingent flows. Furthermore, a new 115 kV switching station was added at Nary (Hubbard County).
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August 2012 (Cass Lake Substation)
December 2012 (Cass Lake reconductor and Nary Switching Station)
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2011-NW-N1
Doran Tap
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2011/A
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3466
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No
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OTP
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Add a new three-way switch on the Doran - Doran Tap 41.6 kV line to facilitate the interconnection of a new 5 MW wind farm near Doran (Wilkin County, MN).
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Cancelled. Generator is no longer in the MISO queue.
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2011-NW-N2
Wind Farm
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2012/A
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3464
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No
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OTP
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Add a new three-way switch on Donaldson - Donaldson Town 41.6 kV line to facilitate the interconnection of a new 20 MW wind farm near Donaldson (Kittson/Marshall Counties, MN).
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Cancelled. Generator is no longer in the MISO queue.
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2011-NW-N3
Wind Farm
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2012/A
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3465
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No
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OTP
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The existing Donaldson 115/41.6 kV Substation was to have the 115 kV portion of the substation updated in order to accommodate the interconnection of a new 80 MW wind farm near Donaldson (Kittson/Marshall Counties, MN).
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Cancelled. Generator is no longer in the MISO queue.
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2011-NW-N4
Wind Farm
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2011/A
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3462
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No
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OTP
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A new three-breaker 115 kV ring bus was to be established between the existing Karlstad Substation and Viking Substation in order to allow for the interconnection of a 100 MW wind farm near Viking, MN (Marshall County).
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Cancelled. Generator is no longer in the MISO queue.
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6.4 Northeast Zone
6.4.1 Needed Projects
The following table provides a list of transmission needs identified in the Northeast Zone by MISO utilities. There were no projects identified in this zone by non-MISO utilities.
MPUC Tracking Number
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MTEP Year/App
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MTEP Project Number
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CON?
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Utility
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Project Description and Timeframe
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2003-NE-N2
Cromwell - Wrenshall- Mahtowa-Floodwood Area
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2011/A
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2634
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Yes
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MP/GRE
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Savanna Project: 115 kV Savanna switching station and Savanna-Cromwell and Savanna-Cedar Valley 115 kV lines, St. Louis Co.,
PUC Docket Nos. CN-10-973 and TL-10-1307
Timeframe: 2015
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2003-NE-N6
Taconite Harbor - Grand Marais Area
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NA
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NA
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Yes
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GRE
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Taconite Harbor-Grand Marais 69 kV rebuild to 115 kV.
This project has been delayed indefinitely due to drop in load growth.
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2007-NE-N1
Duluth Area
230 kV
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2009/C
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2548
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Yes
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MP
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Duluth 230 kV Project: New 230/115 kV transformer & transmission line upgrade to 230 kV to increase load-serving capability in the Duluth area. Recent study indicates this project is not needed until the 2020 timeframe.
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2007-NE-N2
Essar Steel Project
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2010/A
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2547
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No
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MP
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Essar 230 kV Project: Transmission for Essar Steel, Grand Rapids-Nashwauk areas, Itasca Co. Phase 1 is completed.
PUC Docket No. TL-09-512.
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2007-NE-N6
Onigum Area
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2012/B
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2632
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No
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GRE
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Onigum 115 kV conversion.
Line is currently less than 10 miles, however CON may be required if route is altered. Cass and Hubbard counties.
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2009-NE-N1
Nugget - Hoyt Lakes
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2009/A
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2552
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No
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MP
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Skibo-Hoyt Lakes 138 kV Line: New ~3 mile transmission line needed to provide redundant sources for expansion of an existing industrial customer; Hoyt Lakes Area, St. Louis Co.
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2009-NE-N2
Deer River Tap
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2012/C
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2551
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No
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MP
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28 Line Tap Reconfiguration: Put existing tap on dedicated breaker and rebuild to higher capacity, Cohasset - Deer River, Itasca Co. (This project has been cancelled in favor of MTEP Project #3531.)
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2009-NE-N2
Deer River Area (f/k/a Deer River Tap)
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2012/B
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3531
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No
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MP
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Deer River 230 kV Project: construct Zemple 230/115 kV Substation to increase load-serving capability and improve reliability in Deer River and the surrounding area; Deer River, Itasca Co. Due to line length, a CON was not required.
PUC Docket No. TL-13-68.
Timeframe: 2015
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2009-NE-N4
Brainerd Lakes - Remer-Deer River Area
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NA
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NA
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Yes
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GRE
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Macville-Blind Lake 115 kV line and Macville 230/115 kV substation. This project has been delayed indefinitely due to drop in load growth.
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2009-NE-N5
Ortman Project
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2010/A
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2621
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No
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GRE
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Build a new 230/69 kV transmission substation and build a new 20-mile 69 kV transmission line from the new Ortman Substation to the existing 69 kV transmission line just west of the Bigfork Substation
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2009-NE-N6
Staples-Motley-Long Prairie Area
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NA
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NA
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Maybe
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GRE
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Shamineau Lake 115 kV substation and 115 kV line. This project has been delayed indefinitely due to drop in load growth.
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2009-NE-N7
Park Rapids Area
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2010/A
2012/B
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2566
2566
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No
No
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GRE
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Potato Lake 115 kV distribution sub and 115 kV line. Mantrap 115 kV conversion. This project is projected to be in-service in 2017 or sooner depending on load growth. The 2010/A portion of this project is complete. The 2012/B portion is expected to start in 2015.
PUC Docket No. TL-10-86.
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2009-NE-N8
Barrows Area
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NA
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NA
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No
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GRE
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Barrows distribution substation and 115 kV line. This project has been delayed indefinitely due to drop in load growth.
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2009-NE-N9
Shell Lake Area
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2011/A
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2599
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No
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GRE
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Shell Lake 115 kV distribution substation and 115 kV line.
This line will be built at 69 kV.
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2009-NE-N10
Iron Hub
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NA
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NA
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No
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GRE
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Iron Hub distribution substation and 115 kV line. This project has been delayed indefinitely due to drop in load growth.
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2009-NE-N11
Rush City-Cambridge-Princeton-Milaca Area
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NA
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NA
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Yes
|
GRE
|
Rush City-Milaca 230 kV line and Dalbo 230/69 kV source. This project has been delayed indefinitely due to drop in load growth.
|
2011-NE-N1
9 Line Upgrade
|
2011/A
|
3373
|
No
|
MP
|
Rebuild existing 115 kV line to higher capacity. Blackberry - Meadowlands, St. Louis & Itasca Co. A CON was not required for this project.
|
2011-NE-N2
15 Line Rebuild
|
2011/A
|
2549
|
No
|
MP
|
15 Line Reconfiguration: Rebuild & reconfigure existing 115 kV line to higher capacity, Fond-du-Lac - Hibbard, Duluth area, St. Louis Co.
|
2011-NE-N5
North Met Sub
|
2010/A
|
2761
|
No
|
MP
|
Construct new 138/13.8 kV substation to serve new mine, Hoyt Lakes area, St. Louis Co.
|
2011-NE-N8
18 Line Upgrade
|
2012/A
|
1292
|
No
|
MP
|
Increase capacity of existing 115 kV line, Forbes - United Taconite, Eveleth area, St. Louis Co.
|
2011-NE-N9
Verndale Transformer
|
2012/A
|
3534
|
No
|
MP
|
Increase 115/34.5 kV transformer capacity at existing Verndale Substation, Verndale, Wadena Co.
|
2011-NE-N10
Laskin Transformer
|
2009/A
|
2759
|
No
|
MP
|
Increase 115/46 kV transformer capacity and replace end-of-life equipment at existing Laskin Substation, Hoyt Lakes area, St. Louis Co.
|
2011-NE-N11
Savanna 230 kV Expansion
|
2012/C
|
3533
|
Yes
|
MP
|
Expansion of the Savanna Substation to 230/115 kV. Rebuild of existing 115 kV line (MTEP Project #3373) proved more economical for transmission line loading issue. Project may be required for future voltage support depending on area load growth; Floodwood area, St. Louis Co.
Timeframe: Deferred Indefinitely.
|
2011-NE-N12
Wrenshall Substation
|
2012/C
|
3756
|
No
|
MP
|
Develop new 115/46 kV substation in Thomson - Cromwell 115 kV Line to improve reliability in eastern Carlton Co. The project will eliminate the need for existing distribution circuits that would otherwise need to be rebuilt due to age and condition and is also a lower cost alternative; Wrenshall, Carlton Co.
|
2011-NE-N13
MH-MP 230 kV Line
|
2012/C
|
3562
|
Yes
|
MP
|
230 kV transmission connection to Manitoba needed to deliver 250 MW PPA from Manitoba Hydro to Minnesota Power. Alternative to MTEP Project #3831; located in
St. Louis, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, & Roseau Co. (see Section 3.3.2)
Timeframe:230 kV Alternative Deferred Indefinitely
|
2013-NE-N1
39 Line Reconfiguration
|
2013/A
|
4039
|
No
|
MP
|
Reconfigure Laskin - Virginia 115 kV Line; easement expiration over mine property requires removal & relocation of the line; Eveleth area, St. Louis Co.
PUC Docket No. TL-12-1123
|
2013-NE-N2
North Shore Switching Station
|
2013/A
|
4042
|
No
|
MP
|
New 115 kV switching station needed to improve industrial customer reliability. Silver Bay, Lake Co.
|
2013-NE-N3
Two Harbors Transformer
|
2013/A
|
4043
|
No
|
MP
|
New 115/14 kV transformer at Two Harbors Switching State; age & condition of existing Two Harbors substation. Two Harbors, Lake Co.
|
2013-NE-N4
Mesabi 115 kV Project
|
2012/B
|
3791
|
No
|
MP
|
115 kV switching station, capacitor banks, transmission line upgrades to improve reliability & facilitate industrial load growth in the Keewatin area, Itasca & St. Louis Cos.
|
2013-NE-N5
Canisteo Project
|
2013/A
|
4040
|
No
|
MP
|
New substation in Boswell - Nashwauk 115 kV line to serve new industrial customer near Taconite, Itasca Co.
|
2013-NE-N6
Panasa Project
|
2013/A
|
4041
|
No
|
MP
|
Panasa Project: Tap of Nashwauk - Blackberry 115 kV line to serve new industrial customer near Calumet, Itasca Co.
|
2013-NE-N7
Canosia Road Substation
|
2013/B
|
4044
|
No
|
MP
|
New 115/14 kV substation in Arrowhead - Cloquet 115 kV line to unload feeders at existing Cloquet Substation and retire aging Midway Substation. Esko, Carlton Co.
|
2013-NE-N8
Embarrass Transformer:
|
2013/B
|
4045
|
No
|
MP
|
New 115/23 kV transformer at Embarrass Switching Station; unload Laskin - Virginia 46 kV system; Hoyt Lakes area, St. Louis Co.
|
2013-NE-N9
15th Avenue West Transformer
|
2013/C
|
4047
|
No
|
MP
|
New 115/34.5 kV transformer at 15th Avenue West; reliability, load growth, & unloading existing substations. Duluth, St. Louis Co.
|
2013-NE-N10
Graham Mine Substation
|
2013/C
|
4046
|
No
|
MP
|
New substation in Laskin - Hoyt Lakes 138 kV line to facilitate industrial customer expansion, Hoyt Lakes Area, St. Louis Co.
|
2013-NE-11
Arrowhead 230 kV Cap Bank
|
2012/A
|
3843
|
No
|
MP
|
New 40 MVAR capacitor bank needed for voltage support at HVDC terminal; Hermantown, St. Louis Co.
Timeframe: Completed
|
2013-NE-N12
Bison 230 kV Cap Bank
|
2012/A
|
3842
|
No
|
MP
|
New 40 MVAR capacitor bank needed for voltage support at Bison Wind Energy Center; New Salem, North Dakota. This is a project in North Dakota and is reported here for informational purposes only.
Timeframe: Completed
|
2013-NE-N13
Great Northern Transmission Line
|
2013/B
2012/C
|
3831
3832
|
Yes
|
MP/MH
|
New 500 kV & 345 kV lines from Winnipeg-Iron Range-Duluth to facilitate increased transfer capability from Manitoba - United States, increase regional access to clean, renewable Canadian hydropower, and improve system reliability (MTEP Project #3831 is the 500 kV build and Project #3832 is the 345 kV build). Impacted counties could include Kittson, Roseau, Marshall, Pennington, Red Lake, Polk, Clearwater, Lake of the Woods, Beltrami, Koochiching, Itasca, and St. Louis. (see Section 3.3.2)
PUC Docket No. CN-12-1163
Timeframe: October 2013
|
2013-NE-N14
NERC Facility Ratings Alert Medium Priority
|
2013/A
|
4293
|
No
|
MP
|
Derates and physical mitigation on NERC "medium" priority lines. MP system-wide
|
2013-NE-N15
NERC Facility Ratings Alert Low Priority
|
2013/A
|
4294
|
No
|
MP
|
Derates and physical mitigation on NERC "low" priority lines. MP system-wide
|
2013-NE-N16
HVDC Valve Hall Replacement
|
2013/B
|
4295
|
No
|
MP
|
Modernization of Arrowhead & Square Butte converter stations. Hermantown area, St. Louis Co, MN & Center, ND
|
2013-NE-N17
HVDC 750 MW Upgrade
|
2013/C
|
3856
|
No
|
MP
|
Upgrade capacity of existing HVDC line & terminals to 750 MW. Hermantown area, St. Louis Co.
|
2013-NE-N18
44 Line Upgrade
|
2014/A
|
4425
|
No
|
MP
|
Increase capacity of existing 115 kV line, Forbes - Hibbing, St. Louis Co.
|
2013-NE-N19
Hoyt Lakes Sub Modernization
|
2014/A
|
4426
|
No
|
MP
|
Rebuild and reconfigure aged Hoyt Lakes Substation to serve new industrial customer. Hoyt Lakes area, St. Louis Co.
|
2013-NE-N20
Haines Road Capacitor Bank
|
2014/C
|
4427
|
No
|
MP
|
New 115 kV capacitor bank at Haines Road Substation needed for voltage support in the Duluth area, St. Louis Co.
|
2013-NE-N21
Verndale - Hubbard 115 kV Line
|
2014/B
|
2571
|
Yes
|
GRE/
MP
|
New Hubbard-Cat River 115 kV line that will replace 2007-NE-N3. Due to motor starting at pumping station, it was decided to immediately operate at 115 kV. To do so, Hubbard 115 kV bus would need the removal of a 115/34.5 kV transformer. This transformer would be moved to the new proposed Cat River Substation. The 115 kV line is expected to be over 20 miles in length and will serve 34.5 kV load between Verndale and Hubbard.
|
2013-NE-N22
Osage Area 115 kV Line
|
2014/B
|
4378
|
Yes
|
GRE
|
Due to system intact and contingency voltage concerns in the Osage area and the radial aspect of two GRE radial lines, it was decided to build a Hubbard-Elijah-Potato Lake 115 kV system to provide higher reliability to the loads of concern. To do so, Hubbard 115 kV bus would need the removal of a 115/34.5 kV transformer. This transformer would be moved to the new proposed Elijah Substation. The 115 kV line is expected to be over 17 miles in length and will serve 34.5 kV load between Hubbard and Long Lake largely in the Osage area. The Potato Lake-Mantrap radial is expected to be built to 115 kV prior to this project being in service (2009-NE-N7).
|
2013-NE-N23
39 Line & 16 Line Reconfiguration
|
2013/B
|
4428
|
No
|
MP
|
Reconfigure Laskin - Virginia 115 kV Line and Virginia - ETCO - Arrowhead 115 kV Line; easement expiration over mine property requires removal & relocation of the line; Possible alternative to 39 Line Reconfiguration (2013-NE-N13) due to construction issues. Eveleth area, St. Louis Co.
PUC Docket No. TL-12-1123
|
6.4.2 Completed Projects
Some inadequacies in the Northeast Zone that were identified in the 2011 Biennial Report were alleviated through the construction and completion of specific projects over the last two years or can be moved to the completed category because changed circumstances have eliminated the need for the project. Information about each of the completed projects is summarized briefly in the table below. More information about these projects and inadequacies can be found in the 2011 Biennial Report. Also, additional information is available by contacting the designated person for the utility that was responsible for constructing the project.
MPUC Tracking Number
|
MTEP Year/App
|
MTEP Project Number
|
CON
|
Utility
|
Description
|
Date Completed
PUC Docket
|
2003-NE-N4
Central Lakes Area
|
2005/A
|
600
|
No
|
GRE/MP
|
Southdale-Scearcyville 115 kV line (aka Baxter-Southdale) and Scearcyville Substation
|
July 2012
|
2003-NE-N5
Pierz-Genola Area
|
2010/A
|
1018
|
No
|
GRE/MP
|
MP Little Falls to GRE Little Falls 115 kV line PUC Docket No. TL-11-318
|
April 2013
|
2003-NE-N9
Nashwauk Area
|
2011/B
2012/A
|
2569
|
No
|
GRE
|
Shoal Lake 115 kV distribution
|
October 2013
|
2005-CX-1
Bemidji - Grand Rapids 230 kV Line
|
2006/A
|
279
|
Yes
|
CapX
|
Added new 230 kV line between Boswell and Wilton (Bemidji - Grand Rapids 230 kV line) to support the Bemidji area and the Red River Valley during winter peak conditions. This project is located in both the Northwest and Northeast zones.
PUC Docket No. TL-07-1327.
|
November
2012
|
2005-NE-N2
Mesaba IGCC Generator
|
2007/A
|
1025
|
No
|
Excelsior Energy[1]
|
Mesaba IGCC Generator outlet lines, Grand Rapids area, Itasca Co.
|
2005-NE-N2
|
2007-NE-N3
Hubbard - Menahga Area
|
2011/A
|
2571
|
NA
|
GRE
|
MN Pipeline-Menahga 115 kV line (operated at 34.5 kV). This project is impacted by pipeline pumping station voltage drop issues. Consideration was giving to extending the line to Hubbard or to the RDO-Osage 34.5 kV line.
|
Cancelled, replaced with the Hubbard - Cat River project
2013-NE-N21
|
2007-NE-N5
Pokegama Area
|
2010/A
|
2576
|
No
|
GRE
|
Pokegama 115 kV distribution substation
|
Dec. 2011
|
2009-NE-N3
Line 28 Reroute
|
2010/A
|
3091
|
No
|
MP
|
Relocate line, Nashwauk area, Itasca Co.
|
May 2013
|
2011-NE-N3
Swan Lake
Sub
|
2010/A
|
2762
|
No
|
MP
|
New Swan Lake load serving Substation, Duluth, St. Louis Co.
|
April 2013
|
2011 NE-N4
LSPI 34.5 kV
|
2009/A
|
2763
|
No
|
MP
|
Added LSPI 34.5 kV Transformer, Duluth, St. Louis Co.
|
March 2012
|
2011-NE-N6
|
2011/A
|
3374
|
No
|
MP
|
Re-energized existing Substation, Taconite MN area, Itasca Co.
|
April 2012
|
2011-NE-N7
25 Line Tap
|
2012/A
|
3532
|
No
|
MP
|
25L tap, constructed 115/34.5 kV substation, Hibbing MN area, St. Louis Co.
|
July 2012
|
2013-NE-N11
Arrowhead 230 kV Cap Bank
|
2012/A
|
3843
|
No
|
MP
|
New 40 MVAR capacitor bank needed for voltage support at HVDC terminal; Hermantown, St. Louis Co.
|
December 2012
|
2013-NE-N12
Bison 230 kV Cap Bank
|
2012/A
|
3842
|
No
|
MP
|
New 40 MVAR capacitor bank needed for voltage support at Bison Wind Energy Center; New Salem, North Dakota
|
August 2012
|
[1] Excelsior Energy is an independent energy development company that has proposed to construct and operate the Mesaba Energy Project and is not a MTO member. See Section 6.3.8 of the 2009 Biennial Report for more information.
6.5 West Central Zone
6.5.1 Needed Projects
The following table provides a list of transmission needs identified in the West Central Zone by MISO utilities. There were no projects identified in this zone by non-MISO utilities.
MPUC Tracking Number
|
MTEP Year/App
|
MTEP Project Number
|
CON?
|
Utility
|
Project Description and Timeframe
|
2003-WC-N7
Panther Area
|
NA
|
NA
|
Yes
|
GRE
|
Brownton-McLeod 115 kV line.
This project has been delayed indefinitely due to drop in load growth.
|
2003-WC-N8
Douglas County - Paynesville-Waklefield-West St. Cloud
|
NA
|
NA
|
Yes
|
GRE
|
Alexandria-West St. Cloud 115 kV line. This project has been delayed indefinitely due to drop in load growth. CapX Fargo-Monticello may alter this project significantly.
|
2005-CX-1
Monticello - St. Cloud - Fargo
345 kV Line
|
2008/A
|
286
|
Yes
|
CapX
|
Add new 345 kV Line between Monticello and Fargo to support the Red River Valley and other growing towns along the Interstate 94 corridor during peak load conditions. This project is located in both the Northwest and West Central zones.
Phase 1 - Monticello to St Cloud complete/
Phase 2 - St Cloud to Alexandria Phase 3 - Alexandria - Fargo construction underway
PUC Docket No. CN-06-1115 and TL-09-1056 and TL-08-1474.
|
2005-CX-2
Brookings, S.D. to Hampton 345 kV Line
|
2011/A
|
1203
|
Yes
|
CapX
|
Add new 345 kV line between Brookings, South Dakota, and Southeast corner of Twin Cities. This line is located in the Southwest, West Central, and Twin Cities Zones.
PUC Docket No. CN-06-1115 and TL-08-1474.
Timeframe: construction underway
|
2009-WC-N4
Sartell Distribution Substation
|
2010/A
|
2564
|
No
|
GRE
|
Sartell 115 kV distribution substation and 115 kV line
Timeframe: 2014
|
2009-WC-N5
Paynesville - Wakefield - Maple Lake Area
|
NA
|
NA
|
No
|
GRE
|
Watkins 115/69 kV source
This project has been delayed indefinitely due to drop in load growth.
Timeframe: 2014
|
2009-WC-N6
Elk River - Becker Area
|
2012/C
|
2691
|
No
|
GRE
|
Orrock 345/115 substation and Hwy 10 115 kV lines to Enterprise Park and Liberty. Orrock land is currently being sought. Project will move forward as load grows on HWY 10 corridor between Anoka and Becker. Projects are expected to move within next 5 to 10 years.
Timeframe: 2014
|
2009-WC-N7
Brooten - Lowery
|
NA
|
NA
|
No
|
XEL
|
This project is to reconductor an existing 69 kV line to address low voltage along Westport to Lowrey.
Timeframe: 2014
|
2011-WC-N1
Highway 212 Corridor Project
|
2011/A
|
3310
|
Yes
|
XEL
|
This project is to complete the conversion of 69 kV line between Scott County and West Waconia substation to 115 kV. The scope also involves building new West Creek distribution substation and converting the Victoria and Augusta substations to 115 kV and retiring Chaska downtown substation.
Timeframe: 2014
|
2011-WC-N2
MN Valley - Maynard - Kerkhoven tap rebuild
|
2011/A
|
3312
|
No
|
XEL
|
This project is to upgrade the Minn Valley - Maynard - Kerkhoven tap 115 kV line to 795 ACSS conductor
Timeframe: 2014
|
2011-WC-N3
Brownton -Winthrop
|
2012/A
|
|
No
|
XEL
|
New 1 mile 69 kV line from Brownton to GRE (Winthrop - Hassen) 69 kV line
|
2011-WC-N4
Corridor Upgrade Panther Area
|
C
|
2177
|
Yes
|
XEL
|
Convert Minn Valley - Panther - McLeod - Blue Lake 230 kV line to Double circuit 345 kV from Hazel to McLeod to West Waconia to Blue Lake.
Timeframe: Well beyond 2018. See Section 8.7
|
2011-WC-N5
Rebuild 69 kV Maple Lake - Watkins
|
2009/A
|
2309
|
No
|
XEL
|
This project is to rebuild 20 miles of 69 kV line from Maple Lake to Watkins in West Central Minnesota
Timeframe: 2014
|
2013-WC-N1
Upgrade St. Stephen Substation
|
2014/C (seeking A)
|
4014
|
No
|
GRE-XEL
|
Convert 69 kV St. Stephen substation to 115 kV service. Will include converting approximately 1 mile of existing 69 kV transmission line to 115 kV. This will remove load from West St. Cloud transformer which is overloaded during peak times or during n-1 outages.
|
2013-WC-N2
Rebuild 115 kV Line Quarry - St. Cloud
|
2014/C (seeking A)
|
4379
|
No
|
GRE-XEL
|
Build approximately 2 ½ miles of 115 kV line between Quarry 345/115 kV Substation to West St. Cloud 115/69 substation. This is for a C3 event that would result in significant load shed in area NW of St. Cloud. Potential cascade tripping in a confined area may occur.
|
2013-WC-N3
Priam Substation
|
2014/C (seeking A)
|
4380
|
No
|
WMU/
GRE
|
Build a 115/69 kV substation to be named Priam three miles west of Willmar. Move Willmar 115/69 kV transformer to this new substation. The purpose of this substation is to remove Willmar load from a single delivery location.
|
2013-WC-N4
Replace 41.6 kV line Herman - Nashua
|
2012/A
|
3665
|
No
|
OTP
|
Poor condition of facilities between Herman and Nashua on the OTP 41.6 kV system is leading to the replacement of 16 miles of existing 41.6 kV line.
|
6.5.2 Completed Projects
Some inadequacies in the West Central Zone that were identified in the 2011 Biennial Report were alleviated through the construction and completion of specific projects over the last two years or can be moved to the completed category because changed circumstances have eliminated the need for the project. Information about each of the completed projects is summarized briefly in the table below. More information about these projects and inadequacies can be found in the 2011 Biennial Report. Also, additional information is available by contacting the designated person for the utility that was responsible for constructing the project.
MPUC Tracking Number
|
MTEP Year/
App
|
MTEP Project Number
|
CON
|
Utility
|
Description
|
Date Completed
PUC Docket
|
2003-WC-N5
Willmar - Litchfield - Paynesville Area
|
NA
|
NA
|
No
|
GRE
|
Spicer 230/69 kV source
|
Cancelled and replaced with a 69 kV project that met multiple needs.
|
2007-WC-N2
Morris 230/115 kV Transformer
|
NA
|
NA
|
No
|
Western Area Power Admin.
|
Morris transformer
|
Cancelled due to cancellation of Big Stone II generation project.
|
2007-WC-N3
Morris - Grant County 115 kV Line
|
NA
|
NA
|
No
|
OTP/MRES
|
Morris-Grant County
115 kV line
|
Cancelled due to cancellation of Big Stone II generation project.
|
2007-WC-N4
West Central Minn. Gen Outlet
|
NA
|
NA
|
No
|
Various Minn. Utilities
|
West Central Minnesota Generation Outlet
|
Cancelled due to cancellation of Big Stone II generation project.
|
2009-WC-N1
Osakis - Sauk Center
|
2009/A
|
2158
|
No
|
XEL
|
Upgrade Sauk Center - Osakis 69 kV line to a lower impedance.
|
2013
|
2009-WC-N3
Maynard - Kerkhoven tap
|
NA
|
NA
|
No
|
XEL
|
Rebuild Maynard-Kerkhoven 115 kV line
Timeframe: 2014
|
Duplicate. See 2011-WC-N2
|
2011-WC-N6
Rebuild 69 kV Grove Lake - Glenwood
|
2009/A
|
2308
|
No
|
XEL
|
This project is to rebuild 13 miles of 69 kV line from Grove Lake switching station to Glenwood to 477 ACSR
|
2013
|
2011-WC-N7
St. Cloud - Mayhew Lake 115 kV Line
|
2009/A
|
2307
|
No
|
XEL
|
(1) New 4 mile 115 kV line from St. Cloud tap to Mayhew Lake substation. (2) Convert Benton Co - St. Cloud double circuit to bifurcated line and reterminate into Mayhew Lake substation (3) Convert St. Cloud tap to Granite City into bifurcated line (this results in single 115 kV circuit from St. Cloud to Granite City).
|
Cancelled due to permanent loss of customer load.
|
6.6 Twin Cities Zone
6.6.1 Needed Projects
The following table provides a list of transmission needs identified in the Twin Cities Zone by MISO utilities. There were no projects identified in this zone by non-MISO utilities.
MPUC Tracking Number
|
MTEP Year/App
|
MTEP Project Number
|
CON?
|
Utility
|
Project Description and Timeframe
|
2003-TC-N1
Aldrich to St. Louis Park
|
NA
|
NA
|
No
|
XEL
|
Upgrade not necessary at this time.
|
2003-TC-N10
Twin Cities 345/115 kV Transformer Capacity
|
NA
|
NA
|
NA
|
XEL
|
Twin Cities 345/115 kV transformer capacity approaching emergency loading levels. No specific project identified.
|
2003-TC-N12
Enterprise Park
|
2005/A
|
599
|
No
|
GRE
|
Crooked Lake-Enterprise Park 115 kV line.
PUC Docket No. TL-11-915
|
2005-TC-N7
Twin Cities Fault Current Issue
|
NA
|
NA
|
No
|
XEL
|
No specific needs have been identified at this time.
|
2005-CX-2
Brookings - Hampton 345 kV Line
|
2011/A
|
1203
|
Yes
|
CapX
|
Add new 345 kV line between Brookings, South Dakota, and Southeast corner of Twin Cities. This line is located in the Southwest, West Central, and Twin Cities Zones.
PUC Docket No. CN-06-1115 and TL-08-1474.
Timeframe: construction underway
|
2005-CX-3
Hampton - La Crosse 345 kV Line
|
2008/A
|
1024
|
Yes
|
CapX
|
Add new 345 kV line between Southeast corner of Twin Cities, Rochester, and La Crosse, Wisconsin. This line is located in the Twin Cities and Southeast Zones.
PUC Docket No. CN-06-1115 and TL-09-1448.
Timeframe: construction underway
|
2007-TC-N1
Southwest Metro 115 kV Development
|
2012/A
|
3572-GRE
|
Yes
|
XEL/
GRE
|
Augusta and Victoria conversion. This project is coordinated with the Xcel Scott County-West Waconia project. The permitting process is underway with the final hearing having been held September 2013.
PUC Docket Nos. CN-09-1390 and TL-10-249.
Timeframe: Construction underway
|
2007-TC-N4
Arsenal Development
|
NA
|
NA
|
TBD
|
XEL
|
Load serving infrastructure investments needed to meet growth in area demand.
|
2009-TC-N1
Dakota Electric Dist. Substations
|
2010/A
|
2570
|
No
|
GRE
|
Ravenna 161 kV distribution substation. This project is expected to be in service in early 2015.
|
2009-TC-N2
Elko - New Market & Cleary Lake Areas
|
NA
|
NA
|
Yes
|
GRE
|
Glendale-Lake Marion-Helena 115 kV plan.
PUC Docket No. CN-12-1235 and TL-12-1245
|
2009-TC-N5
Scott County - Carver County - New Prague
|
NA
|
NA
|
Maybe
|
GRE
|
Carver County-Assumption-Belle Plaine 115 kV line. This project has been delayed indefinitely due to drop in load growth. Xcel Energy's Sheas Lake project may delay the need of this project, although portions of the line may need to be rebuilt due to age.
|
2011-TC-N1
Kohlman Lake - Long Lake double circuit
|
2011/A
|
3314
|
No
|
XEL
|
This project is to convert the Kohlman Lake - Long Lake 115 kV bifurcated line to double circuit with separate line terminations at Kohlman Lake and Long Lake
|
2011-TC-N2
Chisago County Transformer
|
2011/A
|
3315
|
No
|
XEL
|
This project is to install a 2nd 345/115 kV transformer at Chisago County
|
2011-TC-N3
Upgrade Riverside - Apache Line
|
2011/A
|
3316
|
No
|
XEL
|
This project is to upgrade Riverside - Apache line to 360 MVA and upgrade Apache switch to 2000A
|
2011-TC-N4
Double circuit Goose Lake - Kohlman Lake
|
2011/A
|
3317
|
No
|
XEL
|
This project is to convert the single circuit line between Goose Lake and Kohlman Lake to double circuit.
PUC Docket No. TL-12-1151
|
2011-TC-N5
Parkers Lake
|
2011/A
|
3318
|
No
|
XEL
|
This project replaces some of the 115 kV breakers at Parkers Lake with 63 kA rated breakers.
|
2011-TC-N8
Rebuild Black Dog - Savage
|
2011/A
|
3326
|
No
|
XEL
|
This line will rebuild the 115 kV line from Black Dog to Savage to 795 ACSS conductor.
|
2011-TC-N9
Medina - Plymouth Upgrade
|
2011/A
|
3454
|
Yes, could be more than 10 miles long
|
XEL/
GRE
|
This project will upgrade the 69 kV line from GRE's Medina to Plymouth substations. A new switching station will be added on GRE's 115 kV line between Parkers Lake and Elm Creek north or south of the Plymouth Substation depending on the permitted location. Joint project with GRE P3394 at Medina.
PUC Docket Nos. CN-12-113 and TL-11-152
|
2011-TC-N10
Kohlman Lake Sub
|
2012/A
|
|
No
|
XEL
|
Install 30 MVAR reactor at Kohlman Lake substation
|
2011-TC-N11
Chisago County Sub
|
2012/A
|
|
No
|
XEL
|
Install 40 MVAR reactor at Chisago County substation
|
2011-TC-N12
Red Rock Sub
|
2012/A
|
|
No
|
XEL
|
Install 30 MVAR reactor at Red Rock substation
|
2011-TC-N13
Upgrade Lake Marion - Burnsville
|
2010/B
|
3121
|
No
|
XEL
|
Upgrade 13 miles of 115 kV line between Lake Marion and Burnsville to higher capacity
|
2011-TC-N14
New Lake - Chicago Sub
|
2009/A
|
2772
|
Yes
|
XEL
|
New 115 kV distribution substation with four terminations tapping the Elliot Park - Southtown line, 1.5 miles of 115 kV underground conductor connecting to a new distribution substation near Lake and Chicago.
Part of Hiawatha Project PUC Docket Nos. CN-10-694 and TL-09-38.
|
2011-TC-N15
|
2008/A
|
675
|
No, project scope has changed
|
XEL
|
Upgrade 14.3 miles from Westgate-Deephaven-Excelsior-Scott County from 69kV to 115 kV, Uprate 2 miles from Westgate-Eden Prairie 115kV #1 and #2 to 400 MVA. Substation work at Westgate, Deephaven, Excelsior and Scott County.
Timeframe: 2014-2015
|
2013-TC-N1
Scott County Sub
|
2013
|
4306
|
No
|
XEL
|
Install 2x 345-115 kV transformers at Scott County substation and build "in-out" tap into the substation from Helena - Blue Lake 345 kV line
|
2013-TC-N2
Wilson Sub
|
NA
|
NA
|
No
|
XEL
|
Convert the Wilson Substation into a Breaker and ½ design for increased reliability
|
2013-TC-N3
Elm Creek Sub
|
NA
|
NA
|
No
|
XEL
|
Interconnect a second distribution transformer at Elm Creek
|
2013-TC-N4
Lawrence Creek Sub
|
NA
|
NA
|
No
|
XEL
|
Install a 25 MVAR reactor at the Lawrence Creek substation
|
6.6.2 Completed Projects
Some inadequacies in the Twin Cities Zone that were identified in the 2011 Biennial Report were alleviated through the construction and completion of specific projects over the last two years or can be moved to the completed category because changed circumstances have eliminated the need for the project. Information about each of the completed projects is summarized briefly in the table below. More information about these projects and inadequacies can be found in the 2011 Biennial Report. Also, additional information is available by contacting the designated person for the utility that was responsible for constructing the project.
MPUC Tracking Number
|
MTEP Year/
App
|
MTEP Project Number
|
CON
|
Utility
|
Description
|
Date Completed
PUC Docket
|
2009-TC-N3
Parkwood - Coon Creek Area
|
NA
|
NA
|
No
|
GRE
|
Parkwood-Coon Creek second 115 kV circuit.
|
Cancelled. Withdrawn in favor of the Orrock development to Enterprise Park to address NERC Cat C3 concerns and to provide load growth opportunities between Elk River and Anoka.
|
2009-TC-N6
Plymouth - Medina 115 kV rebuild
|
NA
|
NA
|
No
|
XEL/
GRE
|
Rebuild 69 kV to 115 kV in cities of Plymouth and Medina.
|
This project is covered under Tracking Number 2011-TC-N9.
PUC Docket No. TL-11-52.
|
2011-TC-N6
Chemolite Project
|
2011/A
|
3321
|
No
|
XEL
|
This project adds two breakers at Chemolite to insure only one line at a time is removed from service during a breaker failure.
|
June 2011
|
2011-TC-N7
Orono Project
|
2011/A
|
3325
|
No
|
XEL
|
This project moved the supply for Orono from its current 69 kV supply to the 115 kV line from Medina to Crow River.
|
November 2013
|
2011-TC-N16
Plato Project
|
2009/A
|
1952
|
No
|
XEL
|
This project is to add a 10 MVAR cap bank at Plato. This project is required to convert the existing 69 kV line from Young America - Glencoe to 115 kV (part of Glencoe - West Waconia 115 kV line project).
|
2013
|
6.7 Southwest Zone
6.7.1 Needed Projects
The following table provides a list of transmission needs identified in the Southwest Zone by MISO utilities. There were no projects identified in this zone by non-MISO utilities.
MPUC Tracking Number
|
MTEP Year/App
|
MTEP Project Number
|
CON?
|
Utility
|
Project Description and Timeframe
|
2005-CX-2
Brookings - Hampton 345 kV Line
|
2011/A
|
1203
|
Yes
|
CapX
|
Add new 345 kV line between Brookings, South Dakota, and Southeast corner of Twin Cities. This line is located in the Southwest, West Central, and Twin Cities Zones.
PUC Docket No. CN-06-1115 and TL-08-1474.
Timeframe: construction underway
|
2005-SW-N1
Worthington Area
|
2012/A
|
3574
|
No
|
GRE/
ITCM
|
Worthington-Elk 69 kV rebuild to 115 kV. In service expected November 2014.
Upgrade Worthington Area Transformer by replacing existing 161/69 kV transformers at Elk. This portion of 2005-SW-N1 was completed October 2011.
|
2007-SW-N1
Storden Wind Generation Interconnect
|
B
|
1741
|
No
|
ITCM
|
MISO project G517 Storden Wind Interconnection - Specific upgrades required for project to be determined by MISO Restudy and pending FERC orders.
|
2009-SW-N1
Fenton 69 kV Interconnect
|
2009
|
NA
|
TBD
|
XEL
|
Fenton 69 kV Interconnection to serve several towns between Pipestone and Marshall.
|
2011-SW-N1
Brookings - Hampton 345 kV Line
|
2011/A
|
1203
|
Yes
|
XEL/ GRE
|
Construct Brookings Cty-Lyon Cty (Single Ckt 345 kV); Lyon Cty-Cedar Mountain-Helena (Double Ckt 345 kV); Helena-Lake Marion-Hampton Corner (Single Ckt 345 kV); Lyon Cty-Hazel (Single Ckt 345 kV); Hazel-Minnesota Valley (Single Ckt 345 kV, initially operate at 230 kV); Cedar Mountain-Franklin (Single Ckt 115 kV). Install 345/115 kV transformers at Lyon County, Cedar Mountain, and Chub Lake. Install two 115/69 kV transformers at Franklin substation. Conductor upgrade on Chub Lake (Lake Marion)-Kenrick-Ritter Park-Dakota Heights-Burnsville 115 kV line. Conductor upgrade on Arlington-Green Isle 69 kV line. Equipment upgrades on Lake Marion-Lake Marion Tap 69 kV line. Chub Lake 115/69 kV Transformer upgrade.
Part of 2005-CX-2
|
2011-SW-N2
Pipestone Upgrade
|
2011/A
|
3309
|
No
|
XEL
|
Upgrade the wave traps and line switches at Buffalo Ridge to 2000 A going to Lake Yankton and Pipestone. Retap the Pipestone CTs to 2000 A going to Buffalo Ridge.
|
2011-SW-N3
Split Rock Breakers
|
2011/A
|
3319
|
No
|
XEL
|
This project replaces some of the 115 kV breakers at Split Rock with 63 kA rated breakers.
|
2011-SW-N4
Split Rock Reactor
|
2011/A
|
3320
|
No
|
XEL
|
This project is needed to replace the failed 50 MVAR Split Rock reactor and associated breaker.
|
2011-SW-N5
Fenton Substation
|
2010/A
|
2767
|
No
|
XEL
|
This project is to install a new 115/69 kV transformer at Fenton substation. Break the existing 69 kV line between Chandler Tap and Lake Wilson to create an in and out to the Fenton substation.
|
2011-SW-N6
G520 Network Upgrades
|
B
See: https://www.misoenergy.org/Library/Repository/Study/Generator%20Interconnection/GI-G491_G520-SIS_Restudy_Report.pdf
|
2107
|
No
|
XEL
|
Install new 3-position 115 kV substations (tapping Lake Yankton - Lyon County 115 kV line) with breakers, switches, buswork, steel, foundations, control house and associated equipment. Install new loop in-and-out tap, 3.5 miles of double circuit, 115 kV transmission line.
|
2011-SW-N8
G349 Upgrades
|
2006/A
|
1458
|
No
|
XEL
|
Located in Southwestern Minnesota around the Buffalo Ridge area. Upgrades to Yankee substation, Brookings Co 345/115 substation, Hazel Creek
53 MVAR capacitor, Brookings-Yankee
115 kV line.
|
2011-SW-N11
Franklin Upgrade
|
2010/B
|
3099
|
No
|
XEL
|
115/69 kV transformers 1 and 2 to 112 MVA as part of the CapX underlying system upgrade.
|
2013-SW-N1
Heron Lake Capacitors
|
2012/A
|
3528
|
No
|
ITCM
|
Heron Lake - Install 150 MVA capacitor bank
|
2013-SW-N2
Heron Lake - Lakefield 161 kV Rebuild
|
2008/A
|
1618
|
No
|
ITCM
|
Rebuild Heron Lake to Lakefield 161 kV line to 446 MVA
|
2013-SW-N3
Freeborn - Glenworth 161 kV Line
|
Future - 2014/A
|
TBD
|
Yes
|
ITCM
|
New Freeborn to Glenworth 161 kV line in Freeborn County. Studies indicate the line will be a required transmission upgrade for project G870, a 200 MW wind-powered generating facility currently connected to the 161 kV transmission system at Freeborn County switching station
CON App: 2014/2015
Inservice Date: 2017/2018
|
2013-SW-N4
MISO MVP Project #3
|
2011/A
|
3205
|
Yes
|
ITCM
|
New 345 kV line from Lakefield Junction through Jackson, Martin, and Faribult Counties, to new 345 kV substation in Kossuth County, IA. MVP #3 also includes 345 kV lines in IA from Kossuth Co. to Obrien Co. and Kossuth Co to Webster Co. MVP #3 lines include 161 kV rebuild as underbuild along portions of the route.
PUC Docket No. CN-12-1053
Inservice Date: 2017
|
2013-SW-N5
Yankee - Fenton Reactors
|
2013
|
4305
|
No
|
XEL
|
Install 25 MVAR reactors at Yankee and Fenton.
|
2013-SW-N6
Veseli Project
|
2013/C
|
4227
|
No
|
XEL
|
Install breaker station at Veseli 4 breakers straight bus interconnect with new double circuit 69kVGRE line from New Market.This project will align with GRE's New Market & Cleary lake projects
|
2013-SW-N7
Jordon Project
|
2013/C
|
4228
|
No
|
XEL
|
Install 3 breakers at Jordan to avoid multi-terminal protection issue as a result of new GRE double circuit line from New Market.This project will align with GRE's Elko New Market & Cleary Lake Areas projects
|
2013-SW-N8
Fort Ridgley Substation
|
2013/seeking A
|
4341
|
No
|
XEL
|
Install a new 20 MVAR capacitor bank at the Fort Ridgley substation and increase the existing capacitor to 20 MVAR.
|
6.7.2 Completed Projects
Some inadequacies in the Southwest Zone that were identified in the 2011 Biennial Report were alleviated through the construction and completion of specific projects over the last two years or can be moved to the completed category because changed circumstances have eliminated the need for the project. Information about each of the completed projects is summarized briefly in the table below. More information about these projects and inadequacies can be found in the 2011 Biennial Report. Also, additional information is available by contacting the designated person for the utility that was responsible for constructing the project.
MPUC Tracking Number
|
MTEP Year/
App
|
MTEP Project Number
|
CON
|
Utility
|
Description
|
Date Completed
PUC Docket
|
2009-SW-N2
Fulda - Magnolia
|
NA
|
NA
|
No
|
GRE
|
Lismore conversion to 115 kV
|
Cancelled. Delayed indefinitely due to drop in load growth and distribution
co-op prefers to be served from 24 kV system.
|
2009-SW-N3
Lakefield - Adams 345 kV Upgrade
|
2011/B
|
3213
|
No
|
ITCM
|
Lakefield Adams
345 kV system upgrade
|
Cancelled. Replaced by MVP projects.
|
2009-SW-N4
Redwood Falls Load Serving Substation
|
2010/A
|
2167
|
No
|
SMP
|
Redwood Falls Area load-serving 115 kV project
|
October 2012
|
2011-SW-N7
G491 Upgrades
|
B
|
2115
|
No
|
XEL
|
One new 120 MVA, 118-36.2 kV transformer, three new 115 kV breakers and associated disconnect switches, one new 34.5 kV transformer low side main breaker and associated disconnect switches, control house expansion, structural steel and foundations associated with this new equipment, control and protection equipment associated with these new installations.
|
Project Cancelled.
|
2011-SW-N9
G358 Winnebago Project
|
2008/A
|
2108
|
No
|
ITCM
|
New 161 kV switching station in Faribault Co. on the Winnebago to Winnco 161 line to provide interconnection facilities for MISO Project G358.
|
June 2012
|
2011-SW-N10
Sheas Lake Project
|
2009/A
|
2156
|
No
|
XEL
|
1) New 345/115/69 kV Sheas Lake substation between Wilmarth and proposed Helena substation.
2) One mile of 69 kV double circuit to connect the existing LeSueur 69 kV lines into proposed Sheas Lake substation
|
April 2013
Same project as 2007-SE-N3
|
6.8 Southeast Zone
6.8.1 Needed Projects
The following table provides a list of transmission needs identified in the Southeast Zone by MISO utilities. There were no projects identified in this zone by non-MISO utilities.
MPUC Tracking Number
|
MTEP Year/App
|
MTEP Project Number
|
CON?
|
Utility
|
Project Description and Timeframe
|
2005-SE-N4
Dodge County Wind
|
NA
|
NA
|
TBD
|
XEL
|
Additional outlet for possible future wind generation
|
2005-CX-3
Hampton - La Crosse 345 kV Line
|
2008/A
|
1024
|
Yes
|
CapX
|
Add new 345 kV line between Southeast corner of Twin Cities, Rochester, and La Crosse Wisconsin. This line is located in the Twin Cities and Southeast Zones.
PUC Docket No. CN-06-1115 and TL-09-1448.
Timeframe: under construction
|
2011-SE-N1
New Prague Substation
|
2011/A
|
3313
|
No
|
XEL
|
This project is to install a 69 kV 1 way switch to provide SMMPA's New Prague substation a new interconnection point. The existing interconnection would require cutting the line jumpers when the New Prague - Veseli line is out of service.
|
2011-SE-N3
Austin Area Load Serving
|
2013/A
|
4007
|
No
|
SMP
|
Murphy Creek 161/69kV Substation. Expected in-service date: December 2013.
|
2011-SE-N5
Arlington - Green Isle Rebuild
|
2012/A
|
|
No
|
XEL
|
Re-build 13 miles of 69 kV line from Arlington - Green Isle. This is an underlying project associated with the MVP Brookings - Hampton 345 kV Line
|
2011-SE-N6
Crystal Foods
|
2012/A
|
|
No
|
XEL
|
New 5.4 MVAR capacitor bank at Crystal Foods in Arlington, MN.
|
2011-SE-N7
Rochester Upgrades for CapX 2020
|
2008/A
|
1024
|
Yes
|
XEL/
SMP/ Non-MISO
|
Add North Rochester - N. Hills
161 kV line. Add North Rochester-Chester 161 kV line. Add 345/161 kV transformers at Hampton Corner, North Rochester, and North Lacrosse.
|
2013-SE-N1
Byron Transformer
|
2013/C
|
4260
|
No
|
SMP
|
Byron TR9 345/161Transformer failed Aug 2012 and is now being replaced by a Non-LTC transformer. Expected in-service date: January 2014.
|
6.9 Completed Projects
Some inadequacies in the Southeast Zone that were identified in the 2011 Biennial Report were alleviated through the construction and completion of specific projects over the last two years or can be moved to the completed category because changed circumstances have eliminated the need for the project. Information about each of the completed projects is summarized briefly in the table below. More information about these projects and inadequacies can be found in the 2011 Biennial Report. Also, additional information is available by contacting the designated person for the utility that was responsible for constructing the project.
MPUC Tracking Number
|
MTEP Year/
App
|
MTEP Project Number
|
CON
|
Utility
|
Description
|
Date Completed
PUC Docket
|
2007-SE-N3
|
2009
|
2156
|
No
|
XEL
|
1) New 345/115/69 kV Sheas Lake substation between Wilmarth and Proposed Helena substation.
2) 1 mile of 69 kV double circuit to connect the existing LeSueur 69 kV lines into proposed Sheas Lake substation.
|
April 2013
Same project as 2011-SW-N10
|
2009-SE-N2
Mankato - Minnesota Lakes Area
|
NA
|
NA
|
Yes
|
GRE
|
St. Clair-Loon Lake
115 kV line
|
Cancelled due to lack of load growth in the area and other alternatives being studied in Loon Lake-Owatonna area
|
2009-SE-N5
St. Peter Area
|
2010/A
|
2166
|
No
|
SMP
|
St Peter Area Load Serving 69 kV Project
|
June 2012
|
2011-SE-N2
Adams Substation
|
2011/A
|
3474
|
No
|
XEL
|
Installed a 50 MVAR reactor at Adams substation on the Pleasant Valley line, along with a breaker and disconnect switch
|
December 2012
|
2011-SE-N4
MISO Project G870
|
B
|
3195
|
No
|
ITCM
|
Upgraded Freeborn to Hayward 161 kV for MISO project G870.
|
April 2012
|
2011-SE-N8
G362 Network upgrade
|
2009/A
|
2178
|
|
XEL
|
New 161 kV line from Pleasant Valley - Byron 161 kV line
|
2013
|
|