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Otter Tail Power outlines Maple River–Cuyuna 345 kV transmission plan; public outreach and permitting ahead
Summary
Otter Tail Power Co. briefed the Cass County commissioners on a planned 345 kV transmission line connecting Maple River substation to a new Cuyuna substation, describing routing, a 2026–2028 permitting window and a planned service date around 2033. The company emphasized landowner engagement and environmental reviews.
Craig Steingard of Otter Tail Power Company presented an overview of the Maple River–Cuyuna 345 kilovolt transmission project and fielded questions from commissioners and staff.
Steingard said the portfolio project approved in MISO’s MTEP 2024 will include approximately 160 miles of new 345 kV line (most of that in Minnesota, with roughly 8–10 miles in North Dakota). The line is described as single‑circuit 345 kV built on double‑circuit‑capable structures; the company plans to string both circuits but operate a single circuit initially. Primary project objectives are enhanced regional reliability, increased capacity and greater resilience to extreme weather. Typical design parameters noted included a minimum 150‑foot right‑of‑way, 5–7 structures per mile and structure heights in the 120–180‑foot range.
Timeline and permitting: Steingard said routing and stakeholder engagement are the focus in 2025; regulatory filings and landwork are planned for 2026–2028 (North Dakota filings aim for early 2026), construction is projected for 2029–2032 and a service date near 2033. For North Dakota the company will pursue a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) and a consolidated route/permit application; Minnesota’s parallel process uses similar filings under its public utilities framework. Steingard emphasized that Minnesota has a strong co‑location preference and that North Dakota’s routing is more driven by early landowner right‑of‑way agreements.
Concerns and next steps: Commissioners asked about the line’s capacity in household equivalents, ice and extreme‑weather performance, landowner resistance, and potential local impacts (tower heights, co‑location, and FAA/airport constraints). Steingard acknowledged those issues and said the company is conducting geotechnical, cultural‑resource, wetland and wildlife surveys and will continue public open houses; the presentation referenced prior and recent open houses (June and October) and signaled additional outreach. He provided contact paths via the project hotline and website for landowners and agencies.
No formal county action was taken at the meeting; company staff said they will continue stakeholder engagement and prepare regulatory filings.
