Review
Power Plant Site Permits & Transmission Line Route Permits
A site permit from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) is required to construct a Large electric power generating plant capable of operating at 50 megawatts (MW) or more. A route permit from the Commission is required to construct many large high voltage transmission lines (HVTL).
Someone interested in developing a HVTL or an electric generating facility must file a route permit or site permit application with the Commission for a proposed project.
The Commission is required to permit these facilities in an orderly manner compatible with environmental preservation and the efficient use of resources by choosing locations that minimize adverse impacts on humans and the environment, while insuring electric power system reliability and integrity.
There are five methods used for the review of applications for site and route permit applications and guidance for allowing for local units of government to make certain siting and routing permit decisions.
No specific form. Application requirements are described in Minn. Rules 7850
Necessary and reasonable costs incurred in acting on the permit application and carrying out the statutory requirements.
Indefinite; the life of the high-voltage line.
Power Plant Site Permits & Transmission Line Route Permits
Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Minnesota