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 28, 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 the MN PUC will provide future opportunities for additional feedback through public hearings and comment periods. We expect the MN PUC to make a final decision 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

+- Certificate of Need Application

Cover Letter Certificate of Need Application Appendix A: Completeness Checklist Appendix B: Applicants' Exemption Request Appendix C: Applicants' Notice Plan Petition Appendix D: Commission Order on Exemption Request and Notice Plan Appendix E: MISO Transmission Studies and Reports Appendix F: Energy Conservation and Efficiency Programs Appendix G: Technical Diagrams of Typical 345 kV Structures Appendix H: Xcel Energy Rate Impact Calculations

Route Permit

In October 2024, we submitted a Route Permit application with the MN PUC with our Proposed Route Options. The MN PUC is currently reviewing the application and will hold public hearings before making a decision, which we expect to occur mid-2026.

Docket Number: 23-160

Key Milestones:

• October 2024: Filed Route Permit application
• December 2024: MN PUC accepted our application as complete
• January 2025: Six Scoping Meetings held
• May 2025: Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) scoping decision released

+- Route Permit Application

Filling Letter Route Permit Application Appendix A: Completeness Checklist Appendix B: 90-Day Pre-Application Letter, Affidavits Appendix C: Route Option Comparison Table

Appendix D: Detailed Route Maps

Appendix D-1: South Segment Appendix D-2: Central Segment Appendix D-3: North Segment Appendix D-4: CREP & RIM Lands

Appendix E: Technical Drawings of Proposed Structures Appendix H: Previously Considered Routes Appendix I: Alternative Segments Appendix J: Draft Vegetation Management Plan Appendix K: Draft Agricultural Impact Mitigation Plan Appendix L: Environmental Justice Maps Appendix M: Air Quality & GHG Emissions Calculations

MN PUC Route Permit Application Process

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• 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

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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?

In January 2025, the MN PUC and the Department of Commerce, Energy Environmental Review and Analysis (EERA) unit held public information and scoping meetings throughout the project area to provide information and seek public comments on the scope of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) that will be prepared for the project. On May 6, 2025, the Department of Commerce issued a Scoping Decision that identifies alternative route options, potential impacts, and ideas for reducing impacts that will be studied in the DEIS.

The DEIS is expected to be completed and published in early fall by the EERA. The public will be provided with another opportunity to offer comments on the DEIS at another round of upcoming public hearings this fall. People may comment on the merits of the proposed route alternatives and suggest possible conditions to be considered for inclusion in a Route Permit.

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.

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

+- Facility Permit Documents

Filing Letter Facility Permit Application Appendix A: Figures Appendix B: Completeness Checklist Appendix C: Agency and Stakeholder Correspondence Appendix D: Aquatic Resource Delineation Report Appendix E: Level III Cultural Resources Survey