Regulatory Process
The BSSA transmission line is proposed to be constructed in both Minnesota and South Dakota, and the two states have different regulatory processes and timelines. Both state processes follow relevant laws and rules, and consider potential impacts on the environment, residents in the routing area, and orderly development of the region. On January 30, 2025, the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (SD PUC) approved the Facility Permit Application for the South Dakota portion of the project.
We filed the Minnesota Route Permit application with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MN PUC) in October 2024. The MN PUC review of our application is ongoing, and we expect a final decision from the MN PUC in mid-2026.
Minnesota regulatory process
Two major approvals must be obtained from the MN PUC before a high-voltage transmission line can be built: a Certificate of Need (CN) and a Route Permit. The CN proceeding examines whether the proposed facilities are necessary and what the appropriate size, configuration, and timing of the project should be. In a separate Route Permit proceeding, the MN PUC determines the route of the line.
Certificate of Need
Docket Number: 22-538
Key Milestones:
- September 2023: Submitted CN Application
- October 2024: CN Approved
- November 2024: Errata Notice Filed
Route Permit
The MN PUC is currently reviewing our Route Permit application and considering public input from landowners, agencies and other interested stakeholders. We expect a decision by the MN PUC on the Route Permit in mid-2026.
Docket Number: 23-160
Key Milestones:
- October 2024: Filed Route Permit application
- December 2024 / January 2025: MN PUC accepted our application as complete and opened a comment period that included the opportunity to participate in six public hearings to gather oral, written, and electronic comments on the scope of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
- May 2025: MN PUC approved the scope of the EIS
- September / October 2025: MN PUC released the Draft EIS for public comment and opened a comment period that included the opportunity to participate in six public hearings to gather oral, written, and electronic comments on the Draft EIS and route options
MN PUC Route Permit Application Process
- Application submitted
- Comment period on Completeness
- If accepted, public information meeting & comment period
- Commission consideration of alternatives to be studied
- Draft Environmental Impact Statement issued & related public meetings
- Public and evidentiary hearings
- ALJ report submitted to Commission
- Exceptions to ALJ report
- Decision by the PUC
Have questions? Call 800-598-5587 and one of our ROW agents will help walk you through the process.
What comes next in this process?
Now that the comment period is closed, the ALJ will consider the comments, review the information in the Final EIS and create a report with recommendations. This report will be sent to the MN PUC to assist them in making their final decision.
Visit the state’s e-Filing website and sign up for the state’s project email and mailing lists to ensure that you receive the most up-to-date information about the project.
Learn more about how the MN PUC Permitting Process works here.
Stay informed
To view the filings, track this submission, and subscribe to the Project's dockets (Certificate of Need and/or Route Permit), visit the MN PUC's e-Filing page. From there, you can learn more about eDockets and find our docket by clicking "Go to eDockets" and searching for the numbers above.
South Dakota regulatory process
Facility Permit
eDocket Number: EL24-015
Key Milestones:
- April 2024 Submitted Facility Permit Application
- May 2024 SD PUC conducted a public input meeting on the Facility Permit Application
- January 2025 SD PUC approved Facility Permit Application
Stay informed
To view the Facility Permit, track this submission, or subscribe to receive updates, please visit the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission's eDockets site.
Library & FAQs
Download project and permitting documents and find answers in our FAQ section.
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