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Public Service Commissioners set RTO update dates; staff to confirm hearing venues for transmission and solar projects
Summary
Commissioners agreed to hold Regional Transmission Organization updates on March 19 and Aug. 28 and discussed scheduling hearings for Flickertail Solar, the Basin East Loop and Thunder Butte while staff works to confirm venues and dates.
Public Service Commissioners agreed to schedule Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) updates for March 19 and Aug. 28 and asked staff to confirm whether those dates work for the RTOs, during a brief scheduling discussion.
The meeting centered on calendar coordination and the timing of public hearings for three energy projects: Flickertail Solar, the Basin East Loop transmission project and Thunder Butte. Staff reported venue constraints and construction conflicts that are delaying final dates for some hearings.
A commissioner opened the discussion by noting the proposed RTO update dates and asking whether the group wanted staff to look for earlier alternatives or keep the proposed dates. A staff member replied, “I I haven't reached out to the RTOs to see if these dates worked for them yet. I I can absolutely do so.” Commissioners said they had no scheduling conflicts with the dates on the master calendar and asked staff to check availability with the RTOs.
On project hearings, the staff member said, “We're we're getting close. We're having a lot of, you know a lot of those are in locations that we don't have hearings very often, and we're having venue issues.” The staff member added that notice has been issued for the Basin East Loop and that “We have 2 hearing dates for for that.”
For Flickertail Solar, staff said a date is being held but that they were finalizing the venue and some travel details and hoped to firm that up within a day or two. The staff member said Thunder Butte remains unscheduled while the office continues to seek available dates and venues.
Commissioners asked whether earlier-identified facilities in Wahpeton could be used; staff said one preferred site is under construction and another likely has classes in session and thus may not be available. Commissioners thanked staff for the work locating dates and venues and said staff should return with confirmed arrangements or alternate dates if the RTOs or venues cannot accommodate the planned schedule.
Staff and commissioners treated the items as scheduling and logistical matters; no formal vote was recorded.
The meeting then adjourned.
