Northern States Power Company (Xcel Energy) proposes to replace an existing 115 kilovolt (kV) transmission line with a new, double circuit 115 kV line, approximately 2.8 miles in length, in northeast Ramsey County.  The existing line and the proposed new, double circuit line pass through the cities of Maplewood, White Bear Lake, Vadnais Heights, and Gem Lake and through White Bear Township.  

The new double circuit 115 kV line will utilize single pole steel structures, approximately 80 to 90 feet in height.  The span between poles will be 300 to 500 feet.  Xcel Energy proposes to use the right-of-way of the existing 115 kV line to construct the new, double circuit 115 kV line.  If and where new right-of-way is required, the new right-of-way (easement) for the line will be 75 feet (37.5 feet on each side of the transmission line).

Xcel Energy's proposed project requires a route permit from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission).  Department of Commerce, Energy Facility Permitting staff will conduct the environmental review for the project.  An administrative law judge from the Office of Administrative Hearings will hold a public hearing on the project. A decision by the Commission on a route permit is anticipated in September 2013.

Construction on the project is expected to begin after all permits are obtained, with an anticipated in-service date of summer 2015.