Big Stone South to Alexandria
Transmission LineThis project will help enhance the transmission grid and continue to provide reliable, cost-effective electricity to customers across the region.
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Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved Route Permit application. Learn more!
Overview
Otter Tail Power and Missouri River Energy Services are constructing a new transmission line to connect Otter Tail Power's Big Stone South Substation near Big Stone City in South Dakota to the Alexandria Substation owned by Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (WMMPA) near Alexandria, Minnesota. We worked closely with landowners, communities, and local officials to identify potential routes and the MPUC determined and approved the final route.
Explore our interactive map
Explore our interactive map
Benefits
Long-range transmission planning is necessary for a reliable and efficient regional and interregional transmission system. MISO has identified the BSSA transmission project to support the region's transmission system now and into the future. Otter Tail Power and Missouri River Energy Services are working together to provide reliable, low-cost energy. The transmission line will benefit the region by helping to:
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Enhance electric reliability
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Increase resiliency to extreme weather events
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Reduce transmission congestion
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Increase access to low-cost energy
Schedule
Developing and constructing a transmission line is a multi-year effort. We'll continue coordinating with landowners, local governments, agencies, and other stakeholders throughout construction and restoration. The new line is tentatively scheduled to be completed and energized by the end of 2030.
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- Step 1: Obtain easements, field surveys and soil borings
- Step 2: Final engineering
- Step 3: Right-of-way staking
- Step 4: Building of construction access, structure laydown yards, and tree clearing
- Step 5: Drilling and pouring of foundations
- Step 6: Hauling, framing, and setting of structures
- Step 7: Conductor stringing
- Step 8: Clean up and restoration
Connect with us
Otter Tail Power and Missouri River Energy Services will continue engaging with residents, business and property owners, agencies, and other stakeholders throughout the duration of the project.
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Stay tuned for mailed and emailed newsletters.
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View past events
View past events and materials.
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Explore our interactive map
View the approved route.
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Library & FAQs
Download project and permitting documents and find answers in our FAQ section.
Learn about the project
Otter Tail Power Company, an electric utility owned by Otter Tail Corporation, provides electricity and energy services for approximately 133,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers across 70,000 square miles in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) is an organization of 61 member municipalities in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota that own and operate their own electric distribution systems. MRES is governed by a 13-member board of directors who are elected by and from the ranks of our member representatives.
Both Otter Tail Power Company and Missouri River Energy Services are members of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, also referred to as MISO. MISO is a non-profit, member-based regional transmission organization that provides reliable, cost-effective electric systems and operations; dependable and transparent prices; open access to markets; and planning for long-term efficiency.