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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 14, 2005
CONTACT: Patricia Van Gerpen, phone (605) 773-3201

PUC to host public hearing on new Xcel Energy transmission line

The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission will host a public input hearing at 7 p.m. Sept. 22 at Tailgators in Brandon regarding an Xcel Energy proposed transmission line and substation.

Northern States Power, doing business as Xcel Energy, applied to the PUC for a new 345 kilovolt Split Rock-Lakefield Junction transmission line and substation upgrade east of Sioux Falls. Xcel is requesting a permit to construct the new steel single pole 345 kV line from its Split Rock Substation located near the Angus Anson Generating Station east of Sioux Falls.

The project would also upgrade Xcel's existing Split Rock Substation east of Sioux Falls to accommodate the new interconnection. The new line and substation facilities are located in Minnehaha County east of Sioux Falls along I-90 from Exit 402 to the Minnesota line. The line will comprise the western portion of an 86-mile 345 kV transmission line between Split Rock Substation and the Lakefield Junction Substation east of Lakefield, Minn.

PUC Commissioners Gary Hanson, Bob Sahr and Dusty Johnson encourage all interested individuals to attend the hearing: "Xcel Energy will present a brief description of the project. Following this, we encourage those with comments to present their views and ask questions regarding the application."

A copy of the application is on file with the Minnehaha County Auditor and with the PUC in Pierre. It may be accessed on the Web at puc.sd.gov by clicking on Xcel Hearing.  

Following the meeting, the Commission may schedule one or more hearings to consider issues raised by any individuals or groups, as well as by members of the PUC, prior to making a decision on Xcel's application.  

The hearing will be held in the Marquee Room at Tailgators, located at 1013 North Splitrock Boulevard at the I-90 exit in Brandon.

Those with questions should call the PUC at (800) 332-1782 or e-mail pucconsumerinfo@puc.sd.gov.

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