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Residents urge 2,000‑foot setback for high‑voltage lines during Xcel presentation
Summary
During an Xcel Energy presentation on PowerOn Midwest, multiple residents urged Brookings County to adopt a 2,000‑foot setback for transmission lines above 345 kV, citing existing 345 kV towers and concerns about proximity to residences and the Oak Lake Field Station. No formal county action was taken.
Randy Fordice of Xcel Energy presented the PowerOn Midwest project to the Brookings County Board of County Commissioners on March 3, 2026. After the presentation, several residents told the board they want zoning setbacks to shield homes and community resources from high‑voltage transmission lines.
Deuel County resident Steven January said his land was previously taken for the CapX2020 project and now contains a 345 kV tower. He told the commission the existing tower is “175 feet tall and 150 feet in width” and urged the board to pass a 2,000‑foot setback. Brookings resident Sue Engelmann asked the county to match Deuel County’s zoning that requires a 2,000‑foot setback for transmission lines greater than 345 kV, and Janii White relayed concerns on behalf of a family in the Elkton area who would be directly affected. Charlie Fenster noted the proposed northern route abuts the Oak Lake Field Station, which conducts community outreach.
Commissioners did not adopt a policy or ordinance at the meeting. The public comments drew attention to unanswered questions about long‑term plans for Big Stone Power Plant after its planned 2040 retirement and to residents’ requests for clearer local protections against large transmission projects. The board received the comments and did not vote on setbacks; follow‑up or ordinance drafting would require a future agenda item.
