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Meeker County OKs one-year extension for Darwin solar garden after utility delays
Summary
The Meeker County Board approved a one-year extension for COP 16316 — a proposed ~2,600-panel solar garden in Dassel Township — after Nokomis Energy said Xcel interconnection and equipment timing prevents construction before May 1, 2025.
The Meeker County Board of Commissioners on a unanimous voice vote approved a one-year extension for COP 16316, the conditional-use permit for the Darwin Winter Garden community solar project, after county staff said developer Nokomis Energy cannot meet the original start deadline because of Xcel Energy interconnection and equipment delays.
Greg Schultz, Meeker County’s Land Use Director, told commissioners the company’s letter indicates construction cannot begin “absolute earliest before 05/01/2025” because of equipment ordering and an unresolved interconnection agreement with Xcel Energy. Schultz said a minimal amount of site work — such as moving dirt and erecting a fence — would count as starting the project under the county’s permit rules.
Commissioner Oberg moved to approve the one-year extension for COP 16316; Commissioner Bredesen seconded the motion and the board voted in favor.
Why it matters: the extension preserves the developer’s authorization to build a roughly 1-megawatt solar garden (about 2,600 panels) on a parcel described in the motion as the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 34, Township 119, Range 29 in Dassel Township. Keeping the permit active avoids the need to reapply after a local moratorium previously affected similar projects.
What was said: Schultz highlighted coordination issues with Xcel and the time needed to secure equipment and interconnection agreements. Commissioners asked and staff confirmed that a modest amount of physical work — driveway work, blading or fencing — would satisfy the county’s “start” requirement and preserve the permit without full construction.
Next steps: The extension gives Nokomis Energy up to one additional year to start work on the site; the board did not set additional conditions beyond the normal permit terms.
