NO Grid North Partners – transmission f/k/a CapX 2020

WHEW, some of my computer problems are figured out, only have the laptop to get going again, files are saved and transferred, and so here we go, and just in time for the CapX meetings scheduled around the state.
These are scoping meetings, and what’s important here is that everything be included that you want in the “Environmental Report.”

You can put your comments in either in person, or in writing.  They’ll probably have forms at the meeting to fill out, and be sure to put your name and contact information and ASK IN WRITING TO BE PUT ON THE SERVICE LIST FOR BOTH THE “CERTIFICATE OF NEED” AND “SITING” DOCKETS.

To submit written comments, DUE BY JANUARY 14, 2008, send to:

David Birkholz

Department of Commerce

85 – 7th Place E., Suite 500

St. Paul, MN  55101

david.birkholz@state.mn.us

What should be in the report?  This is the time to enter specifics on alternatives, system and routes, get everything in there, particularly things related to need. Why? Because what’s covered in the Environmental Report will be only what they say should be covered, so you’ve got to push to get it in there.  These concerns have to be raised now, at the outset.  Alternatives have to be out there now, both system alternatives (distributed generation, low voltage options, targeted siting, etc.) or routing alternatives (don’t go through the middle of town, go around this wetland, etc.)  For example, the impact of the 2007 “global warming” legislation and Xcel’s Xcel’s Notice of Changed Circumstances (an alert that they likely “need” less electricity than they did in the last IRP update) filed with the PUC mean that less electricity, particularly coal generated electricity, is needed, so these environmental considerations need to be in the Report. Conservation and efficiency measures that would decrease need should be addressed specifically in the record. And the MISO queue, which shows what’s in line out there waiting to connect, MAYBE, should be entered in the record and compared with what they propose — does what they propose just happen to facilitate all those coal plants in SD and ND? And of course the new line in SD, recently approved, and the 345kV line in MN that’s hanging in the lurch, both of which would facilitate Big Stone II, need to be addressed. There’s a lot more too, when ya get to thinking about it!

Minnesota Department of Commerce Public Meetings

Monday, December 10

12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
Courtyard by Marriot
1080 28th Ave. S.
Moorhead, MN 56560

6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Best Western Bigwood Events Center
921 Western Ave.
Fergus Falls, MN 56537

Tuesday, December 11

12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
Alexandria City Hall, Council Chambers
704 Broadway
Alexandria, MN 56308

6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
American Legion
505 Pine St.
Clearwater, MN 55320

Thursday, December 13

12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
Riverport Inn
900 Bruski Drive
Winona, MN 55987

6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Heritage Suites
2829 43rd St. NW
Rochester, MN 55901

Monday, December 17

12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
Best Western Marshall Inn
1500 East College Drive
Marshall, MN 56258

6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Max’s Grill
1325 West Lincoln Ave.
Olivia, MN 56277

Tuesday, December 18

12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
Arlington Community Center
204 Shamrock Drive
Arlington, MN 55307

6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Grandpa’s Event Center
31846 65th Ave. Way
Cannon Falls, MN 55019