Relevant Statutes: Minn. Stat. § 216E/Minn. Rules 7850
What you need to know:
Under the Power Plant Siting Act, a site permit from the Commission is required to construct a Large electric power generating plant designed for or capable of operation at a capacity of 50,000 kilowatts (50MW) or more.
No person may construct a large electric power generating plant in Minnesota without a site permit from the Commission.
Under the Power Plant Siting Act (Minn. Stat. § 216E), a route permit from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) is required to construct a high voltage transmission line (HVTL). Applicants must file a route permit application with the Commission for a proposed transmission line and any related components. A proposed HVTL project will be reviewed under the full permitting process if it is 200 kV or greater and longer than 5 miles.
No person may construct a HVTL without a route permit from the Commission.
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: full permitting review process, the alternative review process, the minor alteration process, permit amendment process, and the permit transfer process. There is also statutory guidance allowing for local units of government to make certain siting and routing permit decisions.
Need More Help?
Email: publicadvisor.puc@state.mn.us
Call the Commission @651-296-0406
