The story of PowerOn Midwest
Where and how we use and generate power is changing.
As large, aging power plants are retired in the coming years, we're shifting to other forms of generation that can be more flexible and scalable for our region's new energy needs.
South Dakota study area
Otter Tail Power Company and Xcel Energy have partnered to develop the proposed PowerOn Midwest - South Dakota project, a 765 kilovolt (kV) transmission line to serve customers in South Dakota and throughout the Upper Midwest. The project is part of a regional effort to modernize the electric grid, ensure continued electric reliability, and meet growing energy needs throughout the region.
Big Stone South-Brookings County-SD/MN Border 765 kV
MISO LRTP #22Otter Tail Power Company, Xcel Energy
Key benefits
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Reliable electricity
Delivers on our commitment to customers that electricity is delivered where and when it's needed—regardless of the weather, electric generation source, or demand.
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Future-ready grid
Addresses rising electricity demand, which is projected to grow significantly over the next two decades.
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Customer and economic benefits
Enables more cost-effective generation while improving reliability, opening doors for future economic growth across the region.
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Access to new electric generation
Supports a range of energy sources added to the grid, providing a balanced and reliable power supply for the future.
Preliminary schedule
The South Dakota segment is expected to be in-service by 2034. View the major milestones below. This schedule is subject to change.
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2025-2027
- Project planning
- Initial stakeholder engagement
- Route development
- Negotiate easement options with landowners
- Facility Permit application
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2027-2029
- Permitting
- Engineering design
- Environmental surveys
- Real estate
- Public engagement
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2030-2034
- Pre-construction activities
- Construction
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2034
- Anticipated in-service
- Clean up
- Restoration
Regulatory process
In South Dakota, the primary approval is a Facility Permit that must be obtained before a transmission line can be built. The SD PUC reviews routing applications for high-voltage transmission lines, and if approved, issues an order granting a Facility Permit that authorizes construction and operation of the facility (transmission line).
- Public open house
- Facility Permit application
- Notice to landowners
- Public input hearing
- County Conditional Use Permits
- SD PUC decision
Step 1: Public open house
Prior to filing the Facility Permit application, we will host public open houses to give landowners the opportunity to learn about the project and provide initial feedback. We'll notify landowners near the project study area when the open houses are scheduled.
Step 2: Facility Permit application
We anticipate submitting a Facility Permit application in 2026. The SD PUC will review the application and may deny, return or amend the application. If the application is denied or returned, changes can be made to the application and resubmitted.
Step 3: Notice to landowners
Within 30 days after the application has been filed, landowners located within one-half mile of the proposed site will be notified by certified mail about the project including the date, time and location of a public input hearing.
Step 4: Public input hearing
The SD PUC will schedule a public input hearing within 30 days after the application is submitted. The SD PUC will publish the hearing date, time, and location three times in at least one newspaper in each county where the project may be located.
Step 5: Conditional Use Permits
We will apply for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in each county where the transmission line may be located. A CUP from each county must be obtained before the transmission line can be constructed.
Step 6: SD PUC decision
The SD PUC will issue its decision on the Facility Permit within 12 months of the application filing.
All high-voltage transmission proposals like PowerOn Midwest - South Dakota must receive county level approvals in addition to the state regulatory review process overseen by the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (SD PUC).
The project will apply for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in each county where the transmission line may be located. A CUP from each county's Board of Adjustment (Board) must be obtained before the transmission line can be constructed.
Some additional permits and approvals may include:
- Road use agreements from the County and affected townships
- Right-of-way (ROW) occupancy approvals
- Haul road/oversized load permits
- Building permits
- Floodplain development permit
Depending on the county, the Board of Adjustment, Board, or Planning Commission will receive the application, and then within 30 days host a public hearing to present findings on the matter. The Planning and Zoning offices will assist with the decision.
The process to obtain a CUP generally takes approximately three months. A CUP expires after one year, though extensions can be requested.
Route development process
Developing and building major new transmission lines is a multi-year process that begins with significant planning which identifies general project areas, includes comprehensive outreach to local landowners and officials to identify potential route options, and a robust regulatory review.
Using routing considerations and stakeholder input, we’ll identify potential corridors for a transmission line.
The preliminary route is a further narrowed area within the route corridor. Similar to the route corridor, we will develop the preliminary route based on input gathered during public open houses, input from community members, local leaders, Tribal representatives, and state and federal agencies. These factors will assist the project team as we develop the proposed route for permit applications.
Finally, the project team will use all of information and public input we have gathered throughout the route development process to develop a proposed route that we will submit the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission in 2026.
The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission will review the Facility Permit application and determine the final route. View the Regulatory process page for more details.
Routing considerations
Routing is a critical early step in developing transmission infrastructure. For PowerOn Midwest - South Dakota, we are identifying potential route corridors that balance landowner input, engineering feasibility, and environmental consideration. When developing a route, we consider:
Opportunities
OpportunitiesFeatures that may help minimize impacts and align with existing infrastructure:
- Existing transmission lines and utility corridors
- Highways and roads
- Section lines
- Property boundaries
- Field line
Sensitivities
SensitivitiesArea resources or conditions that may require additional review and consideration:
- Agricultural uses (organic farms, aerial spraying, etc.)
- Drain tile systems
- Airports and air navigation facilities
- Cemeteries and religious facilities
- Cultural, archaeological, and historic sites
- Wetlands, rivers, lakes, and floodplains
- Residences and schools
- Conservation areas and sensitive habitats
- Parks, trails, and recreational areas.