RE: NOTICE OF CERTIFICATE OF NEED APPLICATION SOUTH-ALEXANDRIA FOR THE BIG STONE - BIG OAKS ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION PROJECT MPUC Docket No F002 E012 E12, E015, ET1/CN-22-538 This notice is intended to inform you of a proposed transmission line project and 1 Outline general Project location and a description of the need for the Project 2. Describe how you can participate in the regulatory process, and 3. Provide contact information to receive additional information and to sign up for mal and mailing t Northern States Power Company doing business as Xcel Energy Eng along with Great River Energy Minnesota Power, Otter Tal Power Company Omer Tal and Missouri River Energy Services on behalf of Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (Westers Minnesotal collectively the Applicants are proposing to construct a new 345 kV transmission line between Stone City South Dakota and Sherburne County Minnesota, which will be comprised of two segments collectively to the Project The westers segment will run from the existing Big Stone South Subti near Big Stone City South Dakota to the existing Alexandia Substation near Alexandria, Minnesota Weste Segment and The eastern segment will continue on from the existing Alexandria Subotation to a new Big Oaks Substation in Sherburne County Minnesota Segment The majority of the Eastern Segment of the Project will include adding a second et of wire on in the existing asement, exceto fourmille segment of new construction to connect the new 345 transion line to the new Big Osks Subotation Proposed routes for the Western Seget of the Project are currently under evaluation by Otter fail and Miss River Energy Services on behalf of Western Monesta We are publishing this notice to inform those in the Notice Area, including Landowners who own property in the area Residents who live in the are Local government units in the are State elected officials and Government agencies and offices Please see the Notice Area map for detalowhere the Project may be located Why is the Project needed? The Project is a key part of a portfolio of new transion project that is necessary to m o maintain a reliable, safe, and affordable transmission system in the Upper Midwet The existing 230V ansmission system in eastern North Dakota and South Dakota plays a key role in transporting and delivering energy into Mesa The 230 kV system is at its capacity leading to a number of reliability concerns that could affect customers' service. The Project is needed to provide additional transmission capacity to mitigate curent capacity issues, and to improve electric system roblity roughout the region as more resources are added to the electric system in and around the region begy What is the regulatory process for the Project? Before construction can begin on the Project, the Minnesota Publicit Commation the Commissioni muat determine whether the Project is needed in a Certificate of Need proceeding if the Commission determines the Project needed, it will then determine where the Project should be constructed through a Routeeritproceeding The Certificate of Need process is governed by Minnesotaincluding Minnesota States $2168 243 and Minnesota Rules Chapter 7829 and 7849 specifically Rules 7843 0010 to 7849 0400 and 7849.1000 107849.2100 A copy of the Certificate of Need application, once submitted can be obtained by visiting the Commission's website at www.mn.gov/in Docket No. 002, 1017 ETZ, E015, E110/CN-22-538 As part of the Certificate of Need process, the Ment Department of Commerce Energy Eveonmental Review and Anal will prepare an environmental report as required by Minnesota Rule 78491200 As noted, the Commission must also grant a Routs Pormit for the Project before it can be built. The routing of the Minnesota portion of the Project is governed by Minnesota law, including Minnesota Statutes Chapter 216 and Minesota Rules Chapter 7850 The Commission will not make these determinations unit has completed thorough process that encourages public envolvement and analyses the impacts of the rest The table below provides a high-level summary of the major in the Certificate of Need process Major Certificate of Need Process Steps and Summary Schedule Approximate Date Step Pre-Application public meetings and stakeholder outreach Certificate of Need Application submitted to Commission Informational Meetings public meeting and comment Environmental Reported Public Hearing beting and comment period Commission Decision Second Guar 223 date 2023 Fourth Quarter 2023 Fourth Quarter 2023/First Quarter 2024 First Quart 2004/Second Quarter 2004 Second Quarter 2024/Thid Qu2024 MISSOURI ter How will the regulatory process be structured? The Applicants intend to a Certificate of Need Application for the ent Minnesota portion of the Project and two separate Route Permit applications- one for the Western Segment and one for the Easter Segment Although all Applicants will participate in the regulatory process Xcel Energy leading the Certificate of Need application on behalf of the Applicants for the Minnesota portion of the Project and the Route Permit application for the Eastern Segment With the exception of a short one-to four ma 345 VV line near the new Big Ooks Substation, the Eastern Segment of the Project involves adding a second set of wine to the existing structures Otter Talli lading the one emit application for the Western Segment on behalf of self and Westem Minnenota Otter Tail and Miss River Energy Services on behalf of Western Minnesota are assessing route atematives for the Western Segment between the Big Stone South Substation in South Dakota and the Alexandria Subistation in Minnesota by identifying opportunities and contains conducting stakeholder outreach, engaging applicable governmental and regulatory agencies, and developing engineering design and construction information Otter Tal and Western Minnesota will also file a Facility P application in South Dakota, along with any other applicable permits required within South Dakota for the portion of the Western Segment that will be located How will the utilities acquire right-of-way necessary for the Project? Bebeginning construction, the utilities will acques property rights for the right of way typically through an easement that will be negotiated with the landowner for each parcel. The typical right-of-way for a transmis line operated 345 kV s 150 feet wide Except for a short one-to segment, the Etern Segment of the Project primarily includes adding a second set of wires on structures in the existing sement, to new right of way not anticipated to be needed for the majority of the Eastern Segment of the Project How can I obtain additional information about the Project? To subscribe to the Project's Certificate of Need dokt and to receive email notifications when information is filed in that dokt please visit www.edocketsstate.mus, click on the "Subscribe to a Docker button t your email address and select "Docket Number from the Type of Subscription dropdown box then select "22" from the first Docket number drop down box and enter"533"in the second box before clicking on the "Add to List" button You must then click the "Save" button at the bottom of the page to confirm your subscription to the Project's Certificate of Need docket To be placed on the Project Certificate of Need mailing list (Docket No. 002, E012 ET2, E15, ET1/CN-22-538, mail fax or email Robin Benson at Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, 121 7th Place E, Suite 350 St. Paul, MN 55101 2147. Fax 651-237-2013 or eservice admin@state nu you have questions about the state regulatory process, you may contact the Minnesota state regulatory stated below Minnesota Public Utilities Commission 121 7 Place East, Suite 350 St. Paul, Minnes 5101 651-295-0400 800-657-3382 Email service Website www.go Minnesota Department of Commerce EERA Jo Ness 857th Place East, Suite 280 St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 650-296-1500, 800-457-3602 Email jerna ness@state m Website www.m.gocomme www.BigStoneSouthAlexandha.com for the Western Segment and www.Alexandriatgaks.com for the Eastern Segment for more information and to learn more about our upcoming informational meetings for the public Phone numbers and e-mail addresses for the Project are as follows Western Segment of the Project project email address Project Phone Number 1-800-588-5587 connectigstoesouthalexandria.com Eastern Segment of the Project Project Phone Number: 1-888-231-2008 Project e-mail addresses AlexandraBaks@koeEnergy.com How do I learn more about other transmission projects and the transmission planning process in Minnesetaf Minnesota Status 268 2425 require that each electricission owning utility in the state file a biennial transmission planning report with the Commission by November 1st of each odd numbered year. These reports provide information on the transmission planning process used by utilities in the state of Minnesota and information about other transmission line projects. The 2021 Transion Planning Report is available at www.letas.com OTTERTAIL GREAT RIVER CANADE Xcel Energy RE : NOTICE OF CERTIFICATE OF NEED APPLICATION SOUTH - ALEXANDRIA FOR THE BIG STONE - BIG OAKS ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION PROJECT MPUC Docket No F002 E012 E12 , E015 , ET1 / CN - 22-538 This notice is intended to inform you of a proposed transmission line project and 1 Outline general Project location and a description of the need for the Project 2. Describe how you can participate in the regulatory process , and 3. Provide contact information to receive additional information and to sign up for mal and mailing t Northern States Power Company doing business as Xcel Energy Eng along with Great River Energy Minnesota Power , Otter Tal Power Company Omer Tal and Missouri River Energy Services on behalf of Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency ( Westers Minnesotal collectively the Applicants are proposing to construct a new 345 kV transmission line between Stone City South Dakota and Sherburne County Minnesota , which will be comprised of two segments collectively to the Project The westers segment will run from the existing Big Stone South Subti near Big Stone City South Dakota to the existing Alexandia Substation near Alexandria , Minnesota Weste Segment and The eastern segment will continue on from the existing Alexandria Subotation to a new Big Oaks Substation in Sherburne County Minnesota Segment The majority of the Eastern Segment of the Project will include adding a second et of wire on in the existing asement , exceto fourmille segment of new construction to connect the new 345 transion line to the new Big Osks Subotation Proposed routes for the Western Seget of the Project are currently under evaluation by Otter fail and Miss River Energy Services on behalf of Western Monesta We are publishing this notice to inform those in the Notice Area , including Landowners who own property in the area Residents who live in the are Local government units in the are State elected officials and Government agencies and offices Please see the Notice Area map for detalowhere the Project may be located Why is the Project needed ? The Project is a key part of a portfolio of new transion project that is necessary to m o maintain a reliable , safe , and affordable transmission system in the Upper Midwet The existing 230V ansmission system in eastern North Dakota and South Dakota plays a key role in transporting and delivering energy into Mesa The 230 kV system is at its capacity leading to a number of reliability concerns that could affect customers ' service . The Project is needed to provide additional transmission capacity to mitigate curent capacity issues , and to improve electric system roblity roughout the region as more resources are added to the electric system in and around the region begy What is the regulatory process for the Project ? Before construction can begin on the Project , the Minnesota Publicit Commation the Commissioni muat determine whether the Project is needed in a Certificate of Need proceeding if the Commission determines the Project needed , it will then determine where the Project should be constructed through a Routeeritproceeding The Certificate of Need process is governed by Minnesotaincluding Minnesota States $ 2168 243 and Minnesota Rules Chapter 7829 and 7849 specifically Rules 7843 0010 to 7849 0400 and 7849.1000 107849.2100 A copy of the Certificate of Need application , once submitted can be obtained by visiting the Commission's website at www.mn.gov/in Docket No. 002 , 1017 ETZ , E015 , E110 / CN - 22-538 As part of the Certificate of Need process , the Ment Department of Commerce Energy Eveonmental Review and Anal will prepare an environmental report as required by Minnesota Rule 78491200 As noted , the Commission must also grant a Routs Pormit for the Project before it can be built . The routing of the Minnesota portion of the Project is governed by Minnesota law , including Minnesota Statutes Chapter 216 and Minesota Rules Chapter 7850 The Commission will not make these determinations unit has completed thorough process that encourages public envolvement and analyses the impacts of the rest The table below provides a high - level summary of the major in the Certificate of Need process Major Certificate of Need Process Steps and Summary Schedule Approximate Date Step Pre - Application public meetings and stakeholder outreach Certificate of Need Application submitted to Commission Informational Meetings public meeting and comment Environmental Reported Public Hearing beting and comment period Commission Decision Second Guar 223 date 2023 Fourth Quarter 2023 Fourth Quarter 2023 / First Quarter 2024 First Quart 2004 / Second Quarter 2004 Second Quarter 2024 / Thid Qu2024 MISSOURI ter How will the regulatory process be structured ? The Applicants intend to a Certificate of Need Application for the ent Minnesota portion of the Project and two separate Route Permit applications one for the Western Segment and one for the Easter Segment Although all Applicants will participate in the regulatory process Xcel Energy leading the Certificate of Need application on behalf of the Applicants for the Minnesota portion of the Project and the Route Permit application for the Eastern Segment With the exception of a short one - to four ma 345 VV line near the new Big Ooks Substation , the Eastern Segment of the Project involves adding a second set of wine to the existing structures Otter Talli lading the one emit application for the Western Segment on behalf of self and Westem Minnenota Otter Tail and Miss River Energy Services on behalf of Western Minnesota are assessing route atematives for the Western Segment between the Big Stone South Substation in South Dakota and the Alexandria Subistation in Minnesota by identifying opportunities and contains conducting stakeholder outreach , engaging applicable governmental and regulatory agencies , and developing engineering design and construction information Otter Tal and Western Minnesota will also file a Facility P application in South Dakota , along with any other applicable permits required within South Dakota for the portion of the Western Segment that will be located How will the utilities acquire right - of - way necessary for the Project ? Bebeginning construction , the utilities will acques property rights for the right of way typically through an easement that will be negotiated with the landowner for each parcel . The typical right - of - way for a transmis line operated 345 kV s 150 feet wide Except for a short one - to segment , the Etern Segment of the Project primarily includes adding a second set of wires on structures in the existing sement , to new right of way not anticipated to be needed for the majority of the Eastern Segment of the Project How can I obtain additional information about the Project ? To subscribe to the Project's Certificate of Need dokt and to receive email notifications when information is filed in that dokt please visit www.edocketsstate.mus , click on the " Subscribe to a Docker button t your email address and select " Docket Number from the Type of Subscription dropdown box then select " 22 " from the first Docket number drop down box and enter " 533 " in the second box before clicking on the " Add to List " button You must then click the " Save " button at the bottom of the page to confirm your subscription to the Project's Certificate of Need docket To be placed on the Project Certificate of Need mailing list ( Docket No. 002 , E012 ET2 , E15 , ET1 / CN - 22-538 , mail fax or email Robin Benson at Minnesota Public Utilities Commission , 121 7th Place E , Suite 350 St. Paul , MN 55101 2147 . Fax 651-237-2013 or eservice admin @ state nu you have questions about the state regulatory process , you may contact the Minnesota state regulatory stated below Minnesota Public Utilities Commission 121 7 Place East , Suite 350 St. Paul , Minnes 5101 651-295-0400 800-657-3382 Email service Website www.go Minnesota Department of Commerce EERA Jo Ness 857th Place East , Suite 280 St. Paul , Minnesota 55101 650-296-1500 , 800-457-3602 Email jerna ness @ state m Website www.m.gocomme www.BigStoneSouthAlexandha.com for the Western Segment and www.Alexandriatgaks.com for the Eastern Segment for more information and to learn more about our upcoming informational meetings for the public Phone numbers and e - mail addresses for the Project are as follows Western Segment of the Project project email address Project Phone Number 1-800-588-5587 connectigstoesouthalexandria.com Eastern Segment of the Project Project Phone Number : 1-888-231-2008 Project e - mail addresses AlexandraBaks@koeEnergy.com How do I learn more about other transmission projects and the transmission planning process in Minnesetaf Minnesota Status 268 2425 require that each electricission owning utility in the state file a biennial transmission planning report with the Commission by November 1st of each odd numbered year . These reports provide information on the transmission planning process used by utilities in the state of Minnesota and information about other transmission line projects . The 2021 Transion Planning Report is available at www.letas.com OTTERTAIL GREAT RIVER CANADE Xcel Energy